What is the GENICES audit (GEN Internationally Criteria and Evaluation Standard)?
The GENICES audit is a detailed assessment that ensures that ecolabels like the Blue Angel meet the requirements of DIN EN ISO 14024 – the international standard for environmental declarations and programmes for products – environmental labelling. This standard makes certain that environmental labels are based on objective, comprehensible and reliable criteria and are characterised by other key features:
Independent awarding, often with government involvement
Environmental labels in accordance with ISO 14024 are usually awarded by independent organisations or government entities. Irrespective of the manufacturer, compliance with the requirements must be verified and the label awarded accordingly. This independence guarantees an objective and unbiased evaluation of products and services.
Labelling of the best products and services
These environmental labels identify only those products or services that are particularly environmentally friendly compared to other products in the same category. The entire life cycle of a product is taken into account in this – from obtaining the raw materials and production to disposal or recycling.
Clear, publicly accessible criteria and verification rules
The criteria and verification procedures are clearly defined and accessible to the public. This ensures transparency and trust among consumers.
Transparent and participative criteria development
The criteria are developed in a transparent process involving the relevant stakeholders. This process makes sure that the criteria are balanced and broadly supported.
Regular revision of the requirements
The requirements are reviewed and revised on a regular basis to ensure that they are always in line with the latest scientific findings and technical developments. In this way, the environmental standards always remain up to date and adapt to the constantly changing challenges.
What is the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN)?
The Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) is an international network of ecolabels that work in accordance with ISO 14024. A key element of GEN’s work is the GENICES Standard (GEN International Criteria and Evaluation Standard). This comprehensive evaluation process verifies that ecolabels meet the international requirements for credible and transparent environmental labelling in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14024. GEN is committed to establishing clear, comprehensible and reliable environmental criteria that help consumers make sustainable purchasing decisions.
