Authors :
Sachin Gupte; Dr. Tejashree Deshmukh
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 7 - July
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/4mudvbfr
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/2s3wcew4
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jul1236
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.
Abstract :
Eco-labels have become pivotal in promoting sustainable development and driving the green building movement,
particularly in emerging economies like India. As indicators of a product's environmental performance, eco-labels guide
consumers, businesses, and policymakers towards more sustainable choices, aligning with broader global sustainability
goals. This paper delves into the multifaceted role of eco-labels, highlighting their impact on consumer behavior,
environmental sustainability, and market transformation and lessons learned during the marketing of ecolabels.
Through a comprehensive review of literature, including case studies of successful eco-label implementations such as
GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment), nd IGBC GREENPRO, this study contrasts these efforts with
established international frameworks like the EU Ecolabel and ENERGY STAR. The analysis reveals that eco-labels not
only encourage sustainable consumption patterns but also foster innovation in product development and corporate social
responsibility (CSR).
However, challenges such as consumer confusion, greenwashing, and high certification costs pose significant barriers
to widespread adoption. By proposing strategies to enhance the clarity, credibility, and accessibility of eco-labels, this paper
argues that these tools are essential in catalyzing the green building movement in India.
With targeted policy support and increased consumer education, eco-labels have the potential to significantly
contribute to the achievement of national and global sustainability objectives, including the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (UNSDGs). The findings underscore the importance of eco-labels as catalysts in the green movement,
offering a viable pathway to harmonizing economic growth with environmental stewardship in India's rapidly expanding
construction sector.
Keywords :
Eco-labels, Green Movement, Sustainable Development, Green Building, India, Consumer Behavior, Environmental Sustainability, GRIHA, Ecomark, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
References :
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- Choi, S., et al. (2014). A Framework for the Strategic Management of Environmental Labels. Journal of Business Strategy, 35(2), 39-45.
- Delmas, M. A., & Montiel, I. (2009). Greening the Supply Chain: When Is Customer Pressure Effective?. Journal of Economics & Management Strategy, 18(1), 171-201.
- Earth Day Network. (2023). Earth Day History. Retrieved from [https://www.earthday.org](https://www.earthday.org)
- EPA. (2022). ENERGY STAR and Green Building. Retrieved from [https://www.epa.gov](https://www.epa.gov)
- EU Ecolabel. (2023). About EU Ecolabel. Retrieved from [https://www.ecolabel.eu](https://www.ecolabel.eu)
- Fair Trade International. (2023). Fair Trade Principles and Practices. Retrieved from [https://www.fairtrade.net](https://www.fairtrade.net)
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- GRIHA. (2023). GRIHA: India’s Green Building Rating System. Retrieved from [https://www.grihaindia.org](https://www.grihaindia.org)
- ISO. (2022). ISO 14020: Environmental Labels and Declarations - General Principles. Retrieved from [https://www.iso.org](https://www.iso.org)
- Krajnc, D., & Glavic, P. (2005). A Model for Integrated Assessment of Sustainable Development. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 43(2), 189-205.
- Lyon, T. P., & Montgomery, A. W. (2015). The Means and Ends of Greenwash. Organization & Environment, 28(2), 223-249.
- MoEFCC. (2023). Eco-mark Scheme: India’s Environmental Labeling Program. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Retrieved from [https://www.moefcc.gov.in](https://www.moefcc.gov.in)
- Montiel, I., & Delgado-Ceballos, J. (2014). Defining and Measuring Corporate Sustainability: Are We There Yet?. Organization & Environment, 27(2), 113-139.
- MSC. (2023). Marine Stewardship Council: Sustainable Fishing Standards. Retrieved from [https://www.msc.org](https://www.msc.org)
- Nimon, W., & Beghin, J. (1999). Are Eco-labels Valuable? Evidence from the Apparel Industry. Review of Economics and Statistics, 81(4), 516-527.
- UNEP. (2022). Global Environmental Outlook 6. United Nations Environment Programme. Retrieved from [https://www.unep.org](https://www.unep.org)
- UNSDG. (2022). United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from [https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment](https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment)
- USGBC. (2023). LEED Certification: Promoting Sustainable Building Practices. U.S. Green Building Council. Retrieved from [https://www.usgbc.org](https://www.usgbc.org)
- Anderson, J. (2011). The limitations of eco-labels in construction: A review of BRE Global Green Guide. Journal of Environmental Management, 92(11), 2704-2711. Link:[Journal of Environmental Management https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479711003016)
- Wargocki, P., & Wyon, D. P. (2013). The effects of indoor air quality on performance and productivity. Building and Environment, 43(4), 542-553. Link: [Building and Environment](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132312000915)
- Daly, J., & Pickernell, D. (2014). Evaluating the performance of green building certifications: The case of Green Star in Australia. Sustainable Cities and Society, 10, 64-74. Link: Sustainable Cities and Society https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210670714000075)
Eco-labels have become pivotal in promoting sustainable development and driving the green building movement,
particularly in emerging economies like India. As indicators of a product's environmental performance, eco-labels guide
consumers, businesses, and policymakers towards more sustainable choices, aligning with broader global sustainability
goals. This paper delves into the multifaceted role of eco-labels, highlighting their impact on consumer behavior,
environmental sustainability, and market transformation and lessons learned during the marketing of ecolabels.
Through a comprehensive review of literature, including case studies of successful eco-label implementations such as
GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment), nd IGBC GREENPRO, this study contrasts these efforts with
established international frameworks like the EU Ecolabel and ENERGY STAR. The analysis reveals that eco-labels not
only encourage sustainable consumption patterns but also foster innovation in product development and corporate social
responsibility (CSR).
However, challenges such as consumer confusion, greenwashing, and high certification costs pose significant barriers
to widespread adoption. By proposing strategies to enhance the clarity, credibility, and accessibility of eco-labels, this paper
argues that these tools are essential in catalyzing the green building movement in India.
With targeted policy support and increased consumer education, eco-labels have the potential to significantly
contribute to the achievement of national and global sustainability objectives, including the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (UNSDGs). The findings underscore the importance of eco-labels as catalysts in the green movement,
offering a viable pathway to harmonizing economic growth with environmental stewardship in India's rapidly expanding
construction sector.
Keywords :
Eco-labels, Green Movement, Sustainable Development, Green Building, India, Consumer Behavior, Environmental Sustainability, GRIHA, Ecomark, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).