RESOURCE EFFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT AS A COMMON BACKGROUND FOR GREEN TAXONOMIES OF BRICS COUNTRIES

Abstract

This article considers various approaches to developing taxonomies of green projects and focusing on common requirements of countries and regions. The article also analyses the standards of the International Organization for Standardization and evaluates options for applying its key principles, while developing support instruments to catalyse green projects in resource-rich countries, such as BRICS. The research proposes a scientific rationale for systematising incomplete and controversial approaches to evaluation of green projects in industry. The authors consider the main criteria for the international standard, including (1) reduction of greenhouse gases emissions and increase of their absorption; (2) climate change adaptation; (3) sustainable water management; (4) circular economy development; (5) pollution prevention and control (based on Best Available Techniques); and (6) biodiversity protection and restoration. The authors underline that projects aimed at the enhancement of resource efficiency of production processes play pivotal role for the sustainable development of the industry. This article analyses current approaches to developing and implementing green projects using the cement sector as an example. This article identifies that in resource-rich countries, the primary focus is on resource efficiency enhancement and implementation of the Best Available Techniques, which allows preventing pollution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing towards the circular economy formation.