In general, projects that align with any of the following areas of focus are eligible to apply for participation in the initiative:
Energy, emission reduction, and greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly construction, water management, sustainable transportation, smart and sustainable urban development, circular economy, sustainable tourism, environmentally responsible supply chains, waste management, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, sustainable fashion and apparel, biomaterials, ecosystem restoration, and more.
The First Criteria: The Environmental Element
Sustainable management / Energy Efficiency / Emissions and Pollution Control / Circular Economy Practices
This criteria centers on the extent to which a project minimizes adverse environmental impacts and contributes to sustainability. It encompasses one or more of the following elements:
- Carbon Mitigation Measures: Steps taken to decrease greenhouse gas emissions generated by the project, including the adoption of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient practices, and low-carbon transportation.
- Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives.
- Natural Resource Conservation Efforts: Strategies aimed at preserving natural resources such as water, land, and biodiversity.
- Enhancements in Air and Water Quality: Actions aimed at enhancing air and water quality, including reducing pollutants and improving wastewater management.
- Energy Efficiency Enhancements: Practices designed to optimize energy efficiency, involving the reduction of energy consumption, the utilization of renewable energy resources, and energy storage solutions.
- Innovative Material Usage: Incorporation of cutting-edge materials to enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and improve overall project performance.
The Second Criteria: Innovative Technological Integration
Artificial Intelligence / Remote Sensing / Big Data Processing / Mobile Applications / Web Applications / Internet of Things / Fourth Industrial Revolution Applications / Geographic Information Systems / Others
This criteria centers on the extent to which cutting-edge and inventive technologies are fused into the project to enhance resource efficiency and achieve sustainability objectives. It encompasses one or more of the following elements:
- Utilization of Fourth Industrial Revolution 4.0 applications.
- Deployment of advanced sensors and monitoring systems to optimize energy consumption and minimize wastage.
- Incorporation of artificial intelligence techniques.
- Integration of communication technologies into the project's infrastructure.
- Implementation of cybersecurity measures and robust data management systems.
- and Others....
The Third Criteria: Financial Feasibility and Investment
Financial Feasibility / Costs and Benefits / Capital and Operational costs / Potential Revenue Streams / Return on Investment/ Financial Data / Investment Risks / Mitigation Strategies
This criteria focuses on the financial feasibility of a project, including the costs and benefits associated with its implementation, as well as the financial attractiveness of the project from the perspective of investors and financiers. The evaluation includes:
- Capital and operational costs associated with the project.
- Potential revenue streams associated with the project, including direct revenue and cost savings.
- The expected return on investment over the project's duration.
- Financial project data, including financial metrics relevant to investors and financiers, such as cash flow, payback period, and internal rate of return.
- Investment risks associated with the project and its specific mitigation strategies.
This criteria assesses the project's potential for being scaled up or replicated on a broader scale or in different geographic areas to achieve sustainable objectives. Evaluation considerations include:
- Project design and its adaptability for implementation on a larger scale and in multiple locations.
- The project's scalability without necessitating major modifications and its contribution to addressing large-scale issues.
- Project plans and strategies for upscaling and replicating the project, encompassing partnerships with stakeholders and funders, as well as capacity building for local communities.
The Fifth Criteria: Developmental Impact of the Project
Established Metrics for Project Activities and Steps / Direct Community Benefits / Initiative's Overall Impact / Data-Supported Results
This criteria focuses on the extent of the positive economic, social, and environmental impact the project has on society and the scope in which it operates. Evaluation factors encompass:
- The project's contribution to achieving numerous UN goals and addressing environmental, economic, or social challenges, as well as its alignment with national priorities.
- The number of job opportunities created as a result of the project, including both direct and indirect employment.
- The extent to which the project enhances environmental performance and community education outcomes.
- The presence of robust performance measures and indicators for all project activities and operations, regularly monitored for continuous improvement.
- Community involvement, the level of engagement, and active participation in the project.
- The establishment of specific, measurable sustainability goals that are consistently tracked and reported.
- The use of data collection, analysis, and decision-making processes to ensure the project's sustainable goals and strategies.
- The long-lasting impact of the project, even after its completion.
The project's adaptability to changing circumstances, including shifts in technology, regulations, or market demand.
The Sixth Criteria: Empowerment and Equal Opportunities
Percentage of Female Participation in the Project / Strategies to Empower Women in Transitioning to the Green Economy / Addressing the Needs of Women / Capacity Building for Project Participants
This criteria concentrates on the degree to which women are involved in and benefit from the project, promoting gender equality. Evaluation factors include:
- Representation of women in project teams and leadership positions.
- Consideration of the needs and interests of women in society within the project.
- Opportunities provided for women to acquire knowledge, skills, and resources to actively participate in and benefit from the project.
- Support for the economic empowerment of women through job opportunities, training, and assistance for women-owned businesses.
- Support for the social empowerment of women.
- Impact on the lives and opportunities of women, encompassing improvements in economic and social status, increased access to education and healthcare, and enhanced participation in decision-making processes.
- Establishment of partnerships with local women's associations and organizations to ensure their needs are met.
- Incorporation of long-term sustainability considerations for women's empowerment in project design and implementation.