1, Christine Bratrich

Setting up the internal structure of the project
This analysis led to the definition of the following project
goals: 
–
A certification procedure for hydropower plants
should be developed which should be applicable in
Switzerland and internationally.
–
A broadly-based constituency should be built up to
decide about the highly value-laden questions in-
volved in the development of such a standard and for
supporting the eco-label scheme. 
–
Social and natural scientific research projects should
be carried out in an interdisciplinary way. 
The Green Hydropower project, which was officially
launched in April 1998, encompassed about 30 individual
104
B. Truffer et al.
Green Hydropower
H
Positioning Hydro products will be opposed by 
consumers and NGOs in the market. Negative image
will be reinforced 
(–)
E
Application of water protection law will be con-
fronted with strong resistance. Hydropower would
have to be fought in the public arena despite its posi-
tive environmental characteristics. 
(–)
H
Image of hydropower would be improved after long
years of criticism 
(+ +)
E
Give up the advocacy position as a protector of nat-
ural ecosystems and landscapes 
(– –)
H
Pressure on production cost would increase as a 
consequence of increasing environmental demands
from NGOs
(– –)
E
Application of Water Protection Law would be eased.
Even higher standards would be feasible for protect-
ing the environment 
(+ +)
H
Positioning Hydro products as Green Electricity.
Credibility and image import from NGOs 
(+)
E
Explicit definition of environmental quality standards
for electricity. Accepting utilities as partners 
(+)
En