Companies in Uzbekistan are set to receive green status, granting them exemption from environmental inspections and bonus points in sustainability ratings.
The Development Strategy Center has proposed a presidential decree outlining the state program for 2025. This document includes the introduction of a “green entrepreneur” status to be awarded to companies meeting environmental objectives. Starting September 1, an electronic platform for certifying green businesses is expected to be launched.
Criteria for “Green” Status
Companies can achieve “green” status by fulfilling the following criteria:
- Greening areas, creating green belts, and implementing drip or sprinkler irrigation systems;
- Installing energy-efficient equipment and energy-saving technologies;
- Reducing environmental impact, preventing ecological violations, and enabling online monitoring of atmospheric emissions;
- Adopting circular economy principles (7R).
Benefits for “Green” Companies
Green-standing businesses will earn extra points in sustainability rankings and be exempt from ecological inspections. They will also receive support for international promotion, while green construction companies will be prioritized on the Transparent Construction platform.
Green Financing Program
A national green financing program is set to be launched by December 1. This will include the creation of a Green Economy Fund and initiatives to attract foreign investment for low-carbon development projects.
The program includes:
- A phased allocation of €200 mn from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD);
- €20 mn from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to reduce emissions in nitric acid production;
- $10 mn from the World Bank to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector, and an additional $7.5 mn under the iCRAFT project;
- $6.5 mn from South Korea via the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
Additional Measures
Efforts will also focus on developing guidelines for evaluating national green economy projects and hiring independent firms to verify emission reduction efforts. With EU support, energy efficiency plans will be created for 10 social facilities across Bukhara, Namangan, Nukus, Urgench, and Guzar districts.
Previously, Daryo reported that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) allocated $250 mn to Uzbekistan for its climate transition.
Comments (0)