Presentation of the NGO “Living Planet”

All-Ukrainian Non-Governmental Organization “Living Planet” (hereinafter – NGO “Living Planet”) cares about the future today, so that future generations have the opportunity to grow up in a legal, ecological state and have a healthy and quality life and environment, and therefore NGO “Living Planet” actively participates in the promotion of the sustainable development and improvement of the environment and quality of life in Ukraine.

NGO “Living Planet” was established and registered in 2003 by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine (registration certificate № 2144) in order to coordinate and unite efforts to address pressing issues in the field of environmental protection, education, culture, formation of ecological worldview, conscious and caring attitude to personal health and environment.

NGO “Living Planet” has regional branches in 19 regions of Ukraine.

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PIC: 869167434

NGO “Living Planet” accepts the importance of the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). NGO ”Living Planet” mission is to contribute to the achievement of the following SDG:

To achieve NGO “Living Planet” conducts activities in the following areas:

• Improving legislation, research, public control and supporting local environmental initiatives
• Promoting sustainable consumption and production
• Promoting the development of markets for environmental goods, services and technologies
• Supporting reforms and forming a system of state support for green modernization
• Implementing a national eco-labeling program
• Supporting public procurement customers in applying energy efficiency and environmental requirements, non-price criteria and the life cycle costing method
• Expert support in developing programs for communities in the field of environmental protection, climate, and waste management
• Development of projects, methodological and didactic materials, training, competitions
• Eco-design, energy and environmental labeling of energy-consuming products
• Promoting green construction
• Popularizing the benefits of the green transition, developing and promoting the implementation of support tools
• Participating in the development of strategies, plans and legal acts, working as part of public councils and other platforms of civil society institutions

Our services related to the main areas of statutory activity:

• Standardization in the areas of environmental protection, environmental management, EGS, circular economy, sustainable construction and construction products
• Support for declaration and environmental certification of construction products
• Hazard classification, development of safety data sheets and labeling of chemical products implementation of green construction projects, including major repairs and reconstruction
• Integrated systems and environmental management systems
• Environmental expertise and assessment of environmental risks
• Ecolabel: environmental certification of goods and services
• EPD: environmental product declarations based on the results of its life cycle study.

NGO "Living Planet" is a powerful organization that successfully implements approaches of the EU Green Deal, particularly, the development of new political, economic, social, environmental, educational, and cultural programs, improving Ukrainian legislation towards EU accession, promoting sustainable production and consumption, building up public opinion on the activities of authorities, government agencies, political parties, state, and politicians to develop and mainstream policies and specific mechanisms for the implementation of the EU Green Deal approaches and EU approximation together with democracy building, particularly, the mentioned covers practical implementation of the circular economy, the development of civil society and the rule of law, the implementation of research in the field of environmental protection, energy conservation, environmental management, cleaner and resource-efficient production technologies, environmental standardization and conformity assessment, green economy: technologies for cleaner production, sustainable procurement in the private and public sectors, etc., the implementation of public control (supervision) over compliance with environmental legislation, promotion products with improved environmental performance, environmentally friendly technologies and technologies for the rational use of natural resources.

NGO "Living Planet" has powerful and proven experience in conducting activities in the sphere of capacity building and raising awareness of relevant stakeholders of such groups as professionals from the public sector (national and regional authorities), educational institutions (universities, schools, etc.) as well as the promotion of environmental knowledge and education of citizens of Ukraine environmental awareness.

NGO “Living Planet” is a member of the Global Ecolabeling Network and UNEP One Planet platform.

The products are marked with the "Green Crane" ecolabel. The NGO "Living Planet" is the operator of the national ecolabeling program according to ISO 14024, which is internationally recognized

Since establishing the NGO “Living Planet” in 2003, Ms. Svitlana Berzina has been the President of the NGO “Living Planet”.

The President of the NGO “Living Planet” Ms. Svitlana Berzina carries a membership in such professional bodies:

• From 2022, a Member of the Interdepartmental Working group on Developing the policy of Eco-Industrial Parks in Ukraine, under the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, created with the support of the GEIPP-Ukraine under the project entitled: “Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme”.
• From 2018 to the present, Member of the EU-Ukraine Domestic Advisory Group (DAG UA) and Chairman of the DAG UA (from 2018 to present). The Advisory Group was created to fulfill the requirements of Article 299 of the Association Agreement between Ukraine, on the one hand, and the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community, and their member states, on the other hand (hereinafter - the Association Agreement) in order to facilitate the implementation of the provisions of Chapter 13 “Trade and Sustainable Development” Association Agreement.
• From 2016 to the present, Member of the platform UNEP One Planet platform. One Planet expert’s platform (UN Environment) consolidates knowledge on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), a far-reaching topic whose importance for a sustainable future is highlighted by its long history and centrality to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
• From 2005 to the present, Member of National Technical Standardization Committee TC 82 “Environment Protection” and Deputy Chairman of the ?? (from 2005 to the present).
• From 2003 to the present, Member of the Public Council of the Ministry of the Environment and Chairman (since 2016 and until the liquidation of the Ministry in July 2026).

Since 2003, the NGO “Living Planet” implemented more than 60+ environmental awareness and education projects. Training webinars are held systematically and the videos are posted on the NGO “Living Planet” YouTube channel NGO “Living Planet” YouTube channel.

NGO “Living Planet” drives the green transition, promotes green and circular economy models, and decarbonization in all economic sectors. In addition to Ministries, NGO “Living Planet” cooperates with experts, research organizations, and business associations, particularly, UA ICC, Ukrainian National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce, European Business Association, Confederation of Builders of Ukraine and others.

Participation of the NGO “Living Planet” in the EU-Ukraine Domestic Advisory Group

NGO “Living Planet” is a member of the EU-Ukraine Domestic Advisory Group on sustainable development. The NGO “Living Planet” President, Ms. Svitlana Berzina heads the Group (elected by ranking vote by representatives of group members). The EU-Ukraine Domestic Advisory Group on sustainable development was created to fulfill the requirements of Article 299 of the EU – Ukraine Association Agreement to facilitate the implementation of the provisions of Chapter 13 - Trade and sustainable development.

Advisory Group consists of independent representative organizations, in which employers' and employees' organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other interested parties are objectively represented, which are included in its composition as members (with the right to vote) and observers (with the right to consultative vote). The composition of the Advisory Group is formed on the basis of the principle of a balanced representation of interested parties, taking into account economic, social and environmental factors.

To this end, the Advisory Group stakeholder dialogue, conduct research, express their position, and provide recommendations on issues related to the implementation of Chapter 13 of the EU – Ukraine Association Agreement - Trade and Sustainable Development.

Recommendations are provided by members’ initiative or at the request of the EU – Ukraine Subcommittee on Trade and Sustainable Development, the Council on Trade and Sustainable Development, a group of experts, or other stakeholders.

Cooperation of the NGO “Living Planet” with the Government of Ukraine (the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine)

NGO “Living Planet” represented in the National Council for the Recovery of Ukraine from the War created by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine according to the President of Ukraine Decree.

The main functions of the Council are:

• development of the Post-War Recovery and Development Plan for Ukraine;
• identification and preparation of proposals for priority reforms, the implementation of which is necessary in the war and postwar periods;
• preparation of strategic initiatives, and draft regulations, and the adoption and implementation of which are necessary for the effective operation and recovery of Ukraine in the war and postwar periods.

During developing the proposals, the Council involves state bodies, local self-government bodies, representatives of civil society institutions, as well as international organizations.

NGO “Living Planet” participates in developing the Plan of measures for the post-war recovery and development of Ukraine, a list of proposals for priority reforms and strategic initiatives, drafts of legal acts , the adoption and implementation of which are necessary for the effective work and recovery of Ukraine during war and post-war periods. In this regard, NGO “Living Planet” promotes inclusion approaches to reducing harmful emissions, energy efficiency and energy transition within the framework of the EU Green Deal.

During a meeting at the Club of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine - 2024

Cooperation of the NGO "Living Planet" with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine

NGO "Living Planet" is among the five most influential expert non-governmental organizations in the field of environment and sustainable development.

NGO "Living Planet" is a member of working groups and projects on the development of legislation and standards in this area.

With the support of the Ministry and projects of international organizations (UNEP, UNDP, UNIDO and GIZ), "Living Planet" implements activities related to supporting state policy in such areas as: greening the economy, promoting energy efficiency, green public procurement, circular economy, eco-industrial parks, waste management, environmental monitoring.

The NGO "Living Planet" participates in the organization of joint conferences, forums and seminars.In collaboration with the Mineconomy, NGO “Living Planet” works on developing of the Plan of measures for the post-war recovery and development of Ukraine in the National Council for the Recovery of Ukraine from the War, particularly, within the Working Group “Economic Recovery and Development” created by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine according to the President of Ukraine Decree.

NGO "Living Planet" is at the forefront of supporting reforms in chemical safety and chemical product management, the circular economy and green industrial transformation, green job creation, and veteran reintegration into the green labor market.

GREEN JOBS: for Ukraine’s Recovery and European Integration (key massages)

Cooperation of the NGO “Living Planet” with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Ukraine (Ministry of Recovery)

The result of a partnership consists of the development and implementation of policies in fields of energy-efficient public procurement, green construction, energy efficiency of buildings, and energy saving. Participation and organization of common conferences, forums, and seminars.

Thus, the Law of Ukraine on Energy Efficiency developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine in cooperation with the NGO “Living Planet” mainstreams energy efficiency and ecological principles to public procurement (Article 7 of the Law).

Having a consequence of the military conflict in Ukraine, particularly, thousands of destroyed educational and pre-educational institutions (schools and kindergartens) in central, southern, and western regions of Ukraine (at least 10% of them are not subject to reconstruction), the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine intends to provide re-building on a “Build Back Better” principle. To support the Mininfrustructure, communities, regional administrations, and municipalities to implement construction projects quickly and efficiently, within the project “Promotion of Energy Efficiency and Implementation of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive in Ukraine” funded by the BMZ and SECO via GIZ, the NGO “Living Planet” has developed standard projects for the distribution of modern energy-efficient public buildings with improved environmental characteristics in the regions of Ukraine:

• kindergarten,
• school,
• administrative building with expanded public space.

All projects have undergone public discussion and expert assessment in accordance with the legislation and are provided free of charge to communities to accelerate reconstruction.

All projects have a calculated energy efficiency class A.

The design solutions provide for

• Increasing the thermal insulation properties of building envelopes.
• Improving the system of accounting and regulating energy consumption.
• Implementing automated resource consumption monitoring systems.
• Increasing the energy efficiency of lighting systems and building engineering systems.
• Using alternative energy sources (with integration of heat pumps into building engineering systems).
• Using the heat-accumulating properties of reinforced concrete elements of the building frame (especially shelter structures), as well as wall structures.
• Minimizing the number of cold bridges by optimizing the shape of the building envelopes and reducing the number of heat-conducting inclusions on the facades.
• Using energy-efficient and environmentally certified building materials.
• Using solar protection systems, which allows reducing energy consumption for cooling and air conditioning needs in the warm season.
• Life cycle cost assessment.

Cooperation of the NGO “Living Planet” with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine

Since 2004, the NGO “Living Planet” has been cooperating with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine in the field of energy conservation and promoting the development of renewable energy.

In the period of 2014-2015, at the request of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, NGO “Living Planet” in partnership with the State Ecological Academy and the National Technical Standardization Committee TC 82 “Environmental Protection” developed the national standard DSTU 8339:2015 Wind Energy. Wind power plants. Evaluation impact of wind power plants on the environment (harmonized with international and European regulatory documents).

In 2016-2020, at the request of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, NGO “Living Planet” conducted a scientific and technical study: “Analysis of regulatory documents of the national, interstate, international and regional level for LED lamps for various conditions of use in the coal industry.”

Also to ensure the implementation of EU Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, at the request of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, the NGO “Living Planet” developed a draft Technical Regulation on Requirements for Liquefied Gases as an Alternative to Automobile Fuel. This technical regulation was developed in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Alternative Fuels” and the Work program for the development of technical regulations for the period until 2020, approved by the order of the State Consumer Standard of Ukraine dated December 14, 2010 No. 567, and EU Directive 2003/30/EC on the promotion of the use of biofuels and other renewable types of fuels for transport.

The NGO “Living Planet” provided support for the technical regulation regarding the requirements for liquefied gases as an alternative to automobile fuel, which involved the participation of the organization's experts in the discussion process with state authorities, market operators, and other stakeholders, to work on making changes. In 2020, the Technical Regulation was adopted by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

Experts of the NGO “Living Planet” have taken part in developing the Energy Security Strategy (approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in 2021).

The NGO “Living Planet” promotes the development of renewable energy in partnership with the Ukrainian Renewable Energy Association, the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association, and DTEK Company. Since 2022, the NGO “Living Planet” is the Official partner of the International Exhibition K.EY - The Energy Transition Expo.

Cooperation of the NGO "Living Planet" with the State Agency for Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine

The cooperation resulted in the development and implementation of standardization in fields of energy efficiency, sustainable public procurement, eco-labeling, and eco-design.

Energy efficiency and energy saving are one of the priority areas of the NGO “Living Planet” activity. The organization's experts participated in the development of the draft Law of Ukraine "On Energy Efficiency" (adopted in 2021).

Energy efficiency in companies. In 2014-2020, at the request of the Agency, the NGO “Living Planet” in partnership with the State Ecological Academy and the National Technical Standardization Committee of TC 82 "Environmental Protection" developed 12 national standards that determined the method of assessing the energy intensity of the technological process of production of products of various categories (vegetable oil, butter oil, copper wire, steel, manganese ore, and others). The development of standards was preceded by research aimed at identifying advanced technologies that allow to achieve a better indicator. The standards are adopted and applied to determine the maximum energy intensity index, taking into account all the costs of energy resources with the given index per unit of production.

Ecodesign. The NGO “Living Planet” has been a member of the Working Group on Technical Regulations on Ecodesign Requirements since its creation in 2016, which developed, in accordance with the requirements of the EU, Ecodesign Regulations for various categories of energy-consuming products.

Cooperation of the NGO "Living Planet" with the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine

Since 2005, the NGO “Living Planet” has been cooperating with the Ministry in the field of technical regulation and implementation of organic production standards. During the period from 2006 till 2009, by order of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, NGO “Living Planet”, in partnership with the National Technical Standardization Committee TC 82 “Environmental Protection”, developed 7 technical regulations and 15 national standards in the field of organic production.

Since 2007, the NGO “Living Planet” has been a partner of the Federation of the Organic Movement of Ukraine and a contract partner of ICEA certifies for the implementation of organic agricultural production in accordance with EU Council Resolution № 834/2007 and EU Commission Resolution № 889/2008. In partnership and with the support of the Ministry, joint training events, and analysis of the market for organic products in Ukraine were conducted.

Qualified employees in the field of organic production who have undergone training according to a program approved by the Ministry work in the staff of the NGO “Living Planet”.

For example, the Analysis of the Market Readiness of Organic Products for the Purchase of Organic Products for the Needs of Kindergartens and Schools.

Also, before the start of the war (2022), the Annual Exhibition Fair on Organic Production was held together with partners and under the patronage of the Ministry.

Olha Trofimtseva, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine for European Integration (center); from the right: Yevhen Milovanov, head of the Federation of the Organic Movement of Ukraine; Svitlana Berzina, President of NGO "Living Planet", together with other participants of the event

The NGO “Living Planet” took an active part in lobbying the interests of producers of organic products in order to ensure their support through the system of budget subsidies, and the developed recommendations were adopted in the Law of Ukraine "On State Support of Agriculture of Ukraine".

Cooperation of the NGO “Living Planet” with the State Enterprise “Prozorro” (SE “Prozorro”)

The cooperation resulted in the introduction and implementation of energy-efficient and green public procurement through the main platform for public procurement. Information dissemination and trainings on materials of seminars, conferences, and publications on public procurement.

The information, modules, and instruments for public procurement specialists will be integrated into electronic public procurement marketplaces that are the recipients of Prozorro and Prozorro Market and these specialists will be trained to use it to enhance and further improve public procurement.

Cooperation of the NGO “Living Planet” with the National Body of Standardization and the National Technical Standardization Committee TC 82 “Environmental Protection”

According to the order of the State Committee of Ukraine for Technical Regulation and Consumer Policy of 16.12.2005 № 362, the NGO “Living Planet” is a member of TC 82 and serves as the secretariat of the subcommittee of TC 82 “Life Cycle Assessment”.

Since 2005, the NGO “Living Planet” has coordinated and participated in the development, revision, and updating of 21 technical regulations, 8 international and 124 national standards, of which 13 technical regulations on eco-design and 17 national standards in the field of energy efficiency.

Development and support of adoption of the State Standard of Ukraine on life-cycle costs in construction, renovation, and repair to further implement sustainable, ecological, and energy-efficient public procurement.

Participation of the NGO “Living Planet” in the development and implementation of the national state policies and legislation towards the EU Green Deal, EU approximation, and the EU – Ukraine Association Agreement, mainstreaming resource-efficient and cleaner production

The NGO “Living Planet” has proven experience in developing national legislation according to the EU approaches in the context of the EU Green Deal, particularly, climate mitigation, adaptation to climate change, circular economy, zero pollution, and biodiversity.

The practical contribution of the NGO “Living Planet” to the promotion of the green transition is as follows:

• research, development of recommendations, and lobbying for environmental finance reform (partially implemented through the creation of the Decarbonization Fund);
• implementation of the use of slag materials in road construction (development of standards and support for the adoption of the relevant order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine);
• lobbying for the reform of the management of chemical substances in accordance with the GHS and EU Regulations, participation in the development of legislation, and, together with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, support for the adoption of the Basic Law (adopted on December 1, 2022);
• development of green construction standards and typical projects of infrastructure facilities for the reconstruction of Ukraine (start of the project in 2023);
• participation in meetings of the Committee of the Parliament of Ukraine on environmental policy and nature management, forums, conferences, and other public events as well as the Committee of the Parliament of Ukraine on finance, tax, and customs policy;
• participation in meetings and hearings of Committees of the Verkhovna Rada: Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management;
• participation in the development of national legislation towards implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, EU approximation, and implementation approaches of the EU Green Deal:
  • Participation in the development of amendments to the Law “On Public Procurement” (adopted in 2019) and the Law On Energy Efficiency (adopted in 2021) in the part related to the strengthening of the use of energy-efficient and green public procurement, in particular, the development of various tools for customers (recommendations, manuals), criteria, calculators, etc.;
  • Law of Ukraine “On Waste Management” (developing of proposals, conclusions, analytical materials);
  • NC 005:2021 “Waste Classifier” (developing of proposals);
  • The decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine dated March 23, 2021 “On challenges and threats to the national security of Ukraine in the environmental sphere and priority measures for their neutralization” was implemented by the Decree of the President of Ukraine dated March 23, 2021 № 111/2021 (preparation of a draft application to the National Security Council. Providing a recommendation to the National Security Council (considered in the decision);
  • Industrial waste and slag materials (preparation of proposals, conclusions, analytical materials on the implementation of measures aimed at increasing the use of slag materials (fly ash, metallurgical slag, etc.) as a material for construction or production of building materials;
  • Draft Laws of Ukraine № 3091 “On State Environmental Control”, No. 4167 “On prevention, reduction and control of pollution arising as a result of industrial activity”, № 6004 “On integrated prevention and control of industrial pollution”, № 6004-1 “On prevention, reduction and control of pollution”, № 6004-2 “On ensuring the constitutional rights of citizens to an environment safe for life and health” (public expert assessment, preparation of proposals and comments);
  • Draft Law № 6018 “On Environmental Insurance” (public assessment of new draft laws in the field of industrial pollution control);
  • Participation in the working groups for the development of the Environmental tax reform and support for green modernization (conducting a discussion at the Governmental meeting; conclusions and approved recommendations are submitted to the Ministry of Environment and relevant Committees of the Parliament of Ukraine);
  • Consideration of legislative initiatives regarding changes in environmental tax rates. Conveying and supporting the position that currently the environmental tax is not spent effectively and does not fulfill its main function - to systematically solve environmental problems and reduce environmental pollution, including at the source of pollution;
  • Law of Ukraine “On ensuring chemical safety and management of chemical products” (developing the draft as a group of experts of the OSCE project; participation in official discussions and providing support for adoption, particularly, via communications with stakeholders and decision-makers);
  • Draft order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine “On approval of the Strategy for Environmental Security and Adaptation to Climate Change by 2030” (participation in the official discussion, expert assessment, and developing recommendations);
  • Draft Law “On the National Register of Emissions and Transfer of Pollutants” (participation in the official discussion, providing recommendations);
  • Methodological recommendations on the content and procedure of drawing up environmental impact assessment reports (expert assessment, preparation of proposals for draft documents prepared by the Ministry of Environment with the participation of Reform Support Team experts. Conducting work consultations. Consideration at the Governmental meeting; developing recommendations);
  • Draft order of the Ministry of Environment of Ukraine “On ensuring the participation of experts in environmental impact assessment” (participation in the official discussions, developing recommendations, providing consultations to decision-makers; participation in the Governmental meetings for consideration the recommendations);
  • Amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Environmental Impact Assessment (developing improvements, proposals, conclusions, and analytical materials for the draft developed by the Ministry of Environment of Ukraine; providing consultations with stakeholders).

Scientific research and standardization with direct participation of the NGO “Living Planet”

Since 2004, the NGO “Living Planet” closely collaborates with the State Ecological Academy of Postgraduate Education and Management of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine (SEA). Together with SEA and with the involvement of other partner organizations, NGO “Living Planet” implemented dozens of projects, and developed unique training programs for professional development for:

• Environmental auditors;
• State environmental inspectors;
• Public environmental protection inspectors;
• Customers in the field of public procurement (energy-efficient, green, and sustainable public procurement).

In 2021, in partnership with the highest-level national institutions, such as SEA, Ministry of Environment and Nature Resources of Ukraine, the NGO “Living Planet” developed unique training courses and implemented them to improve competencies in the sphere of environmental policy and the benefits of the green transition, particularly:

• Ecological knowledge for 7 politics in the field of environmental protection);
• Advantages of sustainable consumption of production (a cycle of 6 modules for citizens, communities, businesses and civil servants).

In partnership with SEA, the Institute of Environmental Management and Balanced Nature Management, the NGO “Living Planet” participates in the publication of the Library of Ecological Knowledge which represents publications in the sphere of green transition developed with the participation of experts the NGO “Living Planet”, particularly:

• Guide “On the path of green modernization of the economy: a model of sustainable consumption and production”;
• Educational publication “Environmental management systems: modern trends and international standards”;
• Educational publication “Ecological Basics of Water Resources Management”;
• “Criteria for energy efficient procurement: Recommendations on energy efficiency requirements for the procurement of products by state bodies”;
• “Methodological recommendations: Fundamentals of designing and reconstructing energy-efficient buildings of general secondary education institutions with improved environmental characteristics”.

Since 2017, the NGO “Living Planet” has been involved in the development of the annual National Report on the State of the Natural Environment of Ukraine.

Since 2005, the NGO “Living Planet” has been a member of the National Technical Standardization Committee TC 82 “Environmental Protection” as part of the National Standardization Body (State Enterprise “Ukrainian Scientific Research and Training Center for Standardization, Certification and Quality Problems”). NGO “Living Planet” heads the subcommittee TC 82 “Life Cycle Assessment”. An authorized representative from the National Standardization Body represents Ukraine in the mirror subcommittee ISO/TC 207 Environmental Management. NGO “Living Planet” experts constantly participate in reviewing, updating, and developing new international standards.

The research activities include:

• Assessment of the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to EU law in the area of environmental protection, chemical safety, and formation of the green market (for example, support for green modernization, and development of organic production);
• Assessment of the impact on the environment, in particular, the life cycle of products of various categories;
• Determination of the methodology and assessment of the energy and resource intensity of the technological process of production of products of a certain category; Market analysis, etc.

Organizational capability: management structure of the NGO “Living Planet”

Management system of the NGO “Living Planet”

The NGO “Living Planet” has implemented, functioning and effective systems of quality management (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001 + Green Office standard) and information security (ISO/IEC 27001).

Checking the effectiveness of the system that meets the requirements of the international standards ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 27001 is a condition for the organization's accreditation as a body for assessing product compliance with environmental labeling standards (EN ISO/IEC 17065). The effectiveness of the system is checked by annual audits of the National Accreditation Agency of Ukraine.

The NGO “Living Planet” has an implemented environmental policy that is integrated into the policy of procurement of goods, works and services.

Experienced staff

The NGO “Living Planet” is one of the few Ukrainian NGOs that has full-time staff, in addition to experts who join on a contractual basis/contract to perform individual project tasks. Administrative staff and top managers in areas/heads of structural divisions have been working in the organization for more than 10 years on average, undergo systematic training and constantly develop communications with authorities, NGOs, scientific and expert organizations within the scope of the organization and project management.

Experts

Since 2003, the project activities of the NGO “Living Planet” allowed to create a base of the best experts in all branches of the economy and specific competencies (marketing, energy efficiency, environmental audit and expertise, political science, legislation, etc.).

The activities and conditions of accreditation in the field of conformity assessment and eco-labeling provide for the systematic improvement of the qualifications of the involved experts in various branches of production.

NGO "Living Planet" core team

Organizational capability of the NGO “Living Planet”: financial stability and project financing capacity

The NGO “Living Planet” provides independent activities to ensure systematic income, particularly, consultations, expertise, and environmental certification. Financial stability is ensured by the NGO “Living Planet” own stable income from membership fees and work performed by the organization's expert groups within the framework of implementing projects and programs. Therefore, the financial management system provides the possibility of operating expenses for project activities without receiving advance payments.

The war conditions affected the income of the NGO “Living Planet” slightly (88 % of systematic income remains stable). Besides, the financial audit of the NGO “Living Planet” has proved its financial stability and the fulfillment of all obligations for the implementation of projects and the organization's own initiatives.

Since the beginning of the war, NGO “Living Planet” has been supporting the Ukrainian army, carrying out educational activities, and implementing educational projects for children adapted to the conditions of martial law.

Financial reports and activity reports are publicly disclosed.

Since its registration, NGO “Living Planet” has had no obligations by loans, as well as criminal cases and court decisions on violations of legislation, in particular regarding financial management and the use of budget funds (when performing contracts with public sector customers that are subject to state monitoring and control).

Organizational capability of the NGO “Living Planet”: project management controls

The Audit Commission (control body) of the NGO “Living Planet” executes control and consultative functions on financial activities and targeted use of the NGO “Living Planet” assets. The Regulations of the Audit Commission are approved by the Coordination Council of the NGO “Living Planet”. The Audit Commission is elected by the Congress of the NGO “Living Planet” for a term of five years from among the members of the NGO “Living Planet”. The Chairman or member of the Audit Commission cannot be the President, a member of the Coordination Council, or an accountant of the NGO “Living Planet”.

The Audit Commission has the following powers:

• to make proposals regarding the financial activities and use of the Organization's assets;
• to draw up conclusions about the financial activity and use of assets of NGO “Living Planet”;
• to conduct periodic and special audits of the financial activities and use of NGO “Living Planet” assets, involve independent experts in audits;
• to control the use of funds and property and the implementation of the budget of NGO “Living Planet”.

The Audit Commission convenes at least once a year and makes decisions in the presence of the majority of its members.

An external audit is conducted at least once every 2 years unless otherwise provided by the specific project conditions. According to the terms of the projects, an audit of project activities can be carried out.

Tax and other state control is carried out in accordance with the laws of Ukraine.

The NGO “Living Planet” provides officially registered labor relations with full-time employees; therefore, taxation of labor relations is carried out officially and in a transparent manner. Contracts can be concluded with external experts (if they provide services as individual entrepreneurs).

Considering the status and activities of the organization, NGO “Living Planet” is not a taxpayer of value-added and income taxes. Sign of non-profitability: 0032 according to the decision of the State Tax Inspection of the Darnytsky district of Kyiv city dated 12.19.2016 № 1626514601081.

Communication channels of the NGO “Living Planet” relevant for introduction services related to Promotion of the GEIPP-Ukraine under the project entitled: “Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme”

Websites operated by the NGO “Living Planet”:

• the NGO “Living Planet” website;
• GREEN MIND an online platform for sustainable business development created in 2012 at the request and with the financial support of the Ministry of Environment of Ukraine (as well as the Facebook page “Green Mind”);
• Educators on the implementation of the cross-cutting content line "Environmental Security and Sustainable Development” (online portal, created by order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine with financial support from GIZ);
• Website of the Center for Environmental Certification and Labeling (a structural division of the NGO "Living Planet").

The NGO “Living Planet” systematically works with the communication divisions of the Ministries, Regional State Administrations, the Union of Journalists of Ukraine, and leading publications, in particular of the relevant profile (management, environment, economy, etc.).

The NGO “Living Planet”'s own database is constantly updated with managers and contact persons of government bodies, regional state administrations and communities, businesses, NGOs, scientific institutions, and experts.

In 2023, the NGO “Living Planet” joined the conducting of the European Green Week.

The NGO “Living Planet” in partnership with the Green Building Council of Italy held a discussion with the participation of mayors and representatives of cities destroyed and liberated from the russian occupiers and experts. The event aimed to discuss the practical aspects of reconstruction in the context of energy efficiency, green building standards and circular economy principles.

The office and technical Base of the NGO “Living Planet”

Since 2019, the Head office of the NGO “Living Planet” is located at the ATHouse office center under a lease agreement. The ATHouse office center is a modern reconstructed building that corresponds to energy efficiency class A at the address:

1B, lane Khersonskyi, Kyiv, 02094.

The Head office of the NGO “Living Planet” is equipped with all the necessary technical equipment and accessories (computers, laptops, printers, scanners, server, etc.) and office furniture to ensure the work of 10 employees. The quality management system has also been implemented and is in operation, as well as an electronic document management system has been set up to attract the necessary additional experts online.

The NGO “Living Planet” has its own necessary technical base and equipment to ensure the functioning of the project office: office space, training canter, equipped workplaces, and the necessary office equipment to ensure their functioning.

During martial law, staff are working in a hybrid mode – both in and out of the office, as is convenient. The organization uses online project management platforms, Zoom, MS Teams, and others to ensure proper internal and external communication.

Laptops and EcoFlow charging stations were purchased for the remote work of employees (for periods of air alerts, business trips, etc.).

To ensure the energy independence of the Head office, having blackouts in 2022, an electricity generator was purchased and installed according to the developed project, which fully provides all the needs of the office.

In the office, there are well-equipped workplaces with stable Internet and telephone connections, incl. computers, and reliable office equipment, and a common server with ensured protection (information is backed up and kept confidential and secure on a weekly basis).