Criteria and point system
This page summarises the Green Product Award criteria and point system. The binding rules for eligibility, assessment, seal use, monitoring, renewal, suspension and withdrawal are set out in the Full Scheme Rules. >>Access here
How submissions are assessed
The international specialist jury assesses eligible submissions against the published criteria and the information and evidence provided by participants. The assessment is based on seven criteria, each scored from 0 to 8 base points. The scoring system combines sustainability-related requirements with design, innovation, market and impact perspectives.
The seven assessment criteria
|
Criterion |
Focus |
|
Overall Approach |
Clarity, originality, credibility and relevance of the submitted solution. |
|
Elaboration |
Research, development quality, feasibility, documentation and evidence. |
|
Impact |
Environmental, social, user-related or systemic benefit, including the clarity of the impact boundary. |
|
Market |
Target market, user need, demand, differentiation and adoption potential. |
|
Design |
Aesthetic quality, usability, functionality, packaging logic and responsible communication. |
|
Innovation |
Meaningful novelty, improvement or new application. |
|
Sustainability |
Specific, lifecycle-aware and evidence-backed sustainability benefits. |
|
Score |
General meaning |
|
0 |
Not addressed or not assessable based on the submitted information. |
|
1-2 |
Very weak, barely substantiated, marginally relevant or only generally claimed. |
|
3-4 |
Solid; understandable, assessable and provides a clear basis for the criterion. |
|
5-6 |
Good; easy to understand supported by proportionate evidence. |
|
7 |
Very strong; well evidenced, relevant and convincingly implemented. |
|
8 |
Outstanding; exceptionally clear, well evidenced and exemplary for the criterion. |
|
Criterion |
Weighting |
|
Sustainability |
2.0 |
|
Innovation |
0.5 |
|
Market |
0.5 |
|
All other criteria |
1.0 |
Sustainability threshold
Sustainability is a mandatory qualification requirement for the Green Product Award Seal. The Finalist Seal requires at least 3 out of 8 base points, and Winner status at least 5 out of 8 base points, in the Sustainability criterion.
These point thresholds are complemented by the published evidence requirements and a separate positive certification decision. Seal use is therefore demonstrably linked to the performance of the awarded product.
Evidence and documentation
The assessment is based on the information and evidence submitted by the participant. Relevant evidence for products and services on the market must include, for example:
• material data and supplier declarations
• technical documentation and test reports
• certificates, LCA, EPD or audit reports
• repairability information, recycled-content proof or comparable documentation
Claims must be specific, scoped and supported by proportionate evidence. Vague or unsupported sustainability claims receive little or no weight.
Award types
The Green Product Award system distinguishes between seals and additional award recognitions.
A: Seals
Green Product Award
The Green Product Award Seal combines expert recognition, transparent requirements and independent certification. Following a positive certification decision, it may be used in product communications, sales and marketing for the specifically certified product or service.
The entitlement is valid for twelve months unless the certificate specifies a different period. The publicly verifiable certificate records the certified subject, scope, issuing body, status and validity. Renewal and monitoring are governed by the Full Scheme Rules and the Seal and Badge Usage Guidelines.
Green Concept Award
The Green Concept Award badge recognises an awarded concept at the stage of development assessed by the jury. It gives teams a visible reference for presentations, communications and partnerships related to their innovation. If the concept later enters the market, participation in the Green Product Award is the route to separate product-specific recognition and certification.
B: Award Recognitions
Audience Award and Editor’s Choice are additional award recognitions, not seals. They do not replace the jury assessment and do not change the jury score. They may be communicated as the specific recognition received, for example in award announcements, press, social media, company news, presentations and winner communications. In consumer-facing product marketing, they must not be used in a way that suggests product sustainability proof, legal compliance approval, whole-company certification, approval of other products or services, or equivalent product certification.
Award Audience Award Winner
The Audience Award is based on public voting among eligible finalists. The most voted product and concept is selected.
Editor's Choice Winner
The Editor's Choice is selected by the award editorial team among eligible finalists.