OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTIVENESS OF GREEN PROJECTS

Abstract

This article examines the opportunities for improving the environmental effectiveness of green projects and emphasizes the importance of precise, multi-stage, and context-specific evaluation criteria. The study analyzes the current indicators used in Uzbekistan—such as waste volume, energy and water consumption, and the share of green areas—and highlights their limitations in capturing deeper impacts related to ecosystem services, climate resilience, and biodiversity. As a solution, the paper proposes the introduction of a comprehensive indicator system measured across the entire project life cycle, including ex-ante, in itinere, and ex-post stages. Particular attention is given to the integration of digital technologies such as IoT, GIS, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence, which enhance the objectivity, transparency, and real-time monitoring capacity of environmental assessments. The study also argues for sector-specific differentiation of evaluation criteria to better address the unique characteristics of agriculture, energy, industry, transport, and housing sectors. The article concludes that digital integration, regulatory improvement, targeted planning, and broader participation of local communities and the private sector are ключ factors for ensuring long-term sustainability and higher ecological impact of green projects.