Green Innovation
Definition
Green Innovation refers to the development of solutions that minimize environmental impact while creating business value. It includes designing products, services, and systems that reduce emissions, enable circularity, and promote sustainable behavior. Green innovation addresses both regulatory pressures and shifting consumer expectations while opening new opportunities for growth.
This approach often overlaps with Environmental Innovation, but focuses specifically on integrating sustainability into the core of new ideas and value propositions. It is frequently driven by cross-functional collaboration and supported through initiatives like Innovation Challenges aimed at tackling climate-related or resource-based challenges.
Green innovation is most effective when embedded early — during ideation, development, and Scaling. Doing so ensures that solutions are not only sustainable in intention but also in execution. Organizations that invest in green innovation improve their ability to future-proof their offerings and align with long-term environmental goals.
Key enablers include lifecycle thinking, user-centered design, and the use of sustainable materials and technologies. Teams must also consider business model innovation — rethinking how products are used, shared, or reused to minimize waste and maximize long-term impact.
Relevant links and use cases
- Nosco Consultancy – supporting organizations in embedding sustainability into innovation strategy and execution
- Husqvarna Use Case – example of green innovation driving sustainable product development in the outdoor equipment industry
Download our Innovation Glossary!
To set you off for a good start and ensure smooth communication, we have compiled a list of the most important innovation terms and definitions. Download the PDF presentation and share it with your organisation.
Related concepts
Ideation
Ideation is the creative process of conceiving and shaping new ideas. It includes everything from the first thought or inspiration to the formulation of an idea. In the context of an innovation challenge, it refers to the initial phase in which ideas are submitted online and…
Idea management
Idea management is the structured process of managing ideas from ideation through evaluation and refinement to selection. Many companies use an idea management platform to support this process (the Nosco platform is an example of this).
Call for ideas
A call for ideas is an announcement used when an organization or person looks for ideas on a specific topic or project. In the field of innovation, it is used to describe the types of ideas welcome to an innovation challenge…
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