The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has introduced the Voluntary Green Rating of Industries (VGRI)—a transparent, performance-based environmental rating system designed to recognize industries that go beyond regulatory compliance by adopting clean technologies, improving resource efficiency, and demonstrating responsible environmental practices.
VGRI provides a structured, third-party evaluated framework that encourages industries to significantly improve their sustainability performance while earning formal recognition from the state.
Eligibility Criteria
Industries applying for the VGRI must meet the following conditions:
- Valid Consent/Authorization for the last 3 years
- No Show Cause Notice, violation direction, or closure order issued in the previous year
These baseline filters ensure only compliant industries enter the rating process.
About the Voluntary Rating System
VGRI is a voluntary environmental certification mechanism.
It recognizes organizations demonstrating sustainable manufacturing, pollution prevention, and responsible operations. The certification acts as a public signal of an industry’s commitment to reducing environmental impacts and advancing sustainable development.
Application & Evaluation Process
The certification process involves multiple levels of verification by TNPCB and accredited evaluators:
- Industry Onboarding & Eligibility Submission
- Preliminary Verification by TNPCB
- Application Scoring by Third-Party Evaluators (TPEs)
- Fees Payment & Green Rating Form Submission
- Final Verification by TNPCB
- Approval by Government
- Issuance of VGRI Certificate
Accredited Third-Party Evaluators
Evaluation will be carried out by well-recognized institutions, including:
- Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, Chennai
- CSIR–Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai
- National Productivity Council (NPC), Chennai
- National Institute of Technology (NIT), Trichy
- CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Chennai
- Centre for Climate Change & Disaster Management, Anna University, Chennai
These agencies ensure independent, scientific, and credible assessment.
Fee Structure (Assessment & Certification Only – Excluding GST & Field Visit Charges)
| Annual Turnover (₹ Crore) | Fee (₹) |
| < 25 Cr | 1,00,000 |
| 25–50 Cr | 2,00,000 |
| 51–100 Cr | 2,50,000 |
| 101–250 Cr | 4,00,000 |
| 251–500 Cr | 5,00,000 |
| 501–1000 Cr | 6,00,000 |
| > 1000 Cr | 8,00,000 |
Rating Scale
| Score | Rating |
| 81–100 | Platinum |
| 61–80 | Gold |
| 41–60 | Silver |
| 21–40 | Bronze |
| 15–20 | Certified+ |
| 0–14 | No Rating |
Key Benefits for Industries
- ✔ Encourages Green Innovation
- ✔ Strengthens Environmental Image
- ✔ Builds Stakeholder Trust
- ✔ Demonstrates Leadership Beyond Compliance
- ✔ Supports Data-Driven Governance & Performance Monitoring
- ✔ Serves as a Self-Evaluation and Improvement Tool
The rating also enables market recognition and showcases industries adopting sustainability best practices.
Registration
Industries can apply online at:
🔗 https://tnpcb.gov.in/greenrating/
TNPCB calls on industries to lead by example through voluntary, responsible environmental stewardship.