Turning green into gold: eco-labeled companies show the way

Makati City, Philippines – “Going green” is not so much a burden on companies as it is an effective way of increasing sales. In a forum organized by the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI), the consensus among business leaders is that green can be turned to gold.

PCEPSDI Chair and former Environment Secretary Elisea Gozun and DTI Director Victor Mario Dimagiba, in their opening remarks chronicled the development of the “Green Choice” label – a seal of approval that can help consumers identify environment-friendly products. This, in turn, allows eco-labeled companies to capitalize on goodwill generated by the labeling to increase sales.

Sergio Menendez, CEO of CEMEX Philippines says, “our (eco-labeled) Rizal Green cement, for example, saves 30 trees per house built and reduces carbon emissions by up to 32% per our computations,” adding that the environment-friendly features help in sales.

But simply marketing products as a “green choice” is not enough. Environmental advocate and former congressman Dr. Neric Acosta – author of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Solid Waste Management Acts – in his executive briefer said that market-based incentives, such as striving for eco-labels, should be incorporated into companies’ business models.

Menendez, whose company manufactures several “Green Choice” products, assures the public they are committed to the eco-labeling effort. He adds, “Since the label signifies that we make our products in a manner that avoids detrimental effects on the environment, our company ensures that every step in the process complies with the standards set by PCEPSDI.”

The “Green Choice” label achieves this by using a third party to verify claims and check adherence to the set criteria, according to PCEPSDI executive director June Alvarez, adding that the labeling program seeks to change behavioral patterns in consumption and production.