Os Selos Verdes do Brasil para Padronizar e Certificar Produtos e Serviços Sustentáveis - As ONGs / OSCs Podem Ajudar

In June, Brazil launched a new voluntary Green Seal program to identify sustainable products and services and promote Brazil’s green and circular economy as a foundation for innovation, competitiveness, and global leadership.

Green seals enhance transparency by providing clear and credible information about the environmental impact and sustainability practices associated with products and services, helping consumers make informed choices aligned with their values. It also allows companies to compare their progress, differentiate themselves, and signal their commitment to meeting the criteria. In Brazil’s case, companies will need to meet socio-environmental criteria—such as traceability, carbon footprint, solid waste, and energy efficiency—defined by the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards.

The seal aims to reflect national and international standards to ensure reciprocity, cooperation, and mutual recognition. The first standards are expected to be issued by the first half of 2025, and the program’s Advisory Committee will facilitate dialogue between the public and private sectors for adoption. Participating companies may receive technical assistance and training to adapt to the new criteria.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) can increase credibility, public awareness, and the effectiveness of such programs by developing standards and best practices, engaging and partnering with stakeholders, conducting independent audits and verifications, running educational campaigns, collecting community-based feedback, conducting impact assessments, providing reports, and endorsing programs.

A major example of this is the Green Building Council of Brazil, a CSO that has greatly influenced green construction for large sporting events, raised awareness among millions of people, demonstrated the long-term cost benefits of green buildings, and registered and certified new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) buildings. LEED is the world’s most widely used green building rating system, and Brazil ranked fourth in the world in LEED in 2022.

However, CSOs are better positioned to increase credibility and trust in certification programs when they themselves demonstrate transparency. The Impactodo seal—our equivalent of a green seal but for compliance with transparency of independent sector organizations—can help Brazil and other countries achieve this goal and act as a multiplier of transparency.

The transparency seal for CSOs is an essential tool to build credibility and trust with donors and partners. It demonstrates that the organization operates ethically, with clear accountability and sound resource management. In addition to attracting more supporters, the seal strengthens the CSO's commitment to its mission and enhances its reputation in the sector, which is crucial for expanding its social impact.

Ter um selo de transparência para ONGs é vital para assegurar confiança e legitimidade no setor social. Ele comprova que a organização adota práticas éticas e responsáveis, além de garantir que os recursos captados são usados de forma eficiente. Esse reconhecimento não apenas atrai mais doadores, mas também fortalece parcerias e amplia o impacto das iniciativas.