What Is .eco

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Last updated: April 10, 2026

Quick Answer: .eco is a specialized top-level domain (TLD) launched on April 25, 2017, designed for environmentally conscious organizations, businesses, and individuals committed to sustainability. Endorsed by over 50 environmental non-profits including Greenpeace and WWF, registrants must pledge public commitment to environmental action. As of 2025, there are 9,850+ registered .eco domains worldwide.

Key Facts

Launched April 25, 2017, with a 60-day sunrise period followed by general public availability
Endorsed by 50+ environmental organizations including Greenpeace, WWF, and The Nature Conservancy
Requires two-stage activation: registration + public sustainability pledge confirming environmental commitment
9,850 .eco domains registered globally (representing 0.02% of all domains), with 6,701 in active zonefile
Community grew by 450+ members in 2024; registry granted 4 free .eco domains to eligible non-profits in developing nations

Overview

.eco is a specialized top-level domain (TLD) created specifically for individuals, organizations, and businesses committed to environmental sustainability and positive planetary change. Unlike generic domains such as .com or .org, the .eco extension signals a credible environmental commitment and creates a dedicated digital space for the sustainability community.

The domain was officially delegated to ICANN in 2016 and became available to the general public on April 25, 2017, following a 60-day sunrise period. Big Room Inc. manages the .eco registry and maintains strict governance standards to ensure that registrants demonstrate genuine environmental commitments. The TLD received endorsement from over 50 environmental non-profits, including Greenpeace, WWF, and The Nature Conservancy, establishing it as a credible and authentic environmental domain extension.

How It Works

.eco operates on a unique dual-commitment model that distinguishes it from standard domain extensions:

Public Sustainability Pledge: All registrants must agree to support positive environmental change and sign a public pledge visible on their .eco profile, creating accountability and transparency.
Two-Stage Activation Process: After registering a .eco domain, the domain enters a hold status while registrants receive an activation email requiring them to complete their environmental commitment pledge before full activation.
Environmental Profile System: Registrants create a dedicated profile detailing their specific environmental initiatives, sustainability goals, and concrete actions, which must be updated regularly.
Community Verification: The .eco registry reviews pledges and profiles to ensure registrants genuinely represent environmental values rather than using the domain as mere marketing.
Ongoing Compliance: Domain holders must maintain transparency about their environmental actions and demonstrate continuous commitment to sustainability principles throughout their registration.

Key Comparisons

Feature	.eco Domain	.com Domain	.org Domain
Purpose	Exclusively for environmental/sustainable organizations	Generic commercial use	Non-profit and community organizations
Pledge Required	Yes, mandatory public sustainability pledge	No requirements	No requirements
Activation Process	Two-stage with pledge verification	Immediate activation	Immediate activation
Global Recognition	Endorsed by 50+ major environmental non-profits	Universal commercial standard	Recognized for non-profits only
Registrations (2025)	9,850+ domains registered	160+ million domains	10+ million domains

Why It Matters

Environmental Credibility: A .eco domain immediately identifies an organization as genuinely committed to sustainability, helping consumers, investors, and partners distinguish authentic environmental initiatives from greenwashing attempts.
Community Building: The .eco registry creates a curated global community of verified environmental leaders, facilitating networking, collaboration, and shared knowledge among sustainability-focused organizations across different sectors.
Brand Differentiation: Organizations using .eco stand out in search results and marketing materials, signaling values-driven branding that resonates with environmentally conscious consumers increasingly demanding sustainable options.
Accountability and Transparency: The mandatory pledge system and public profile requirements ensure registrants maintain visible environmental commitments, reducing corporate greenwashing and promoting genuine sustainability practices.
Global Environmental Impact: The registry actively supports non-profit organizations in developing nations, having granted free .eco domains to eligible groups in Uganda, Algeria, Jamaica, and Bangladesh in 2024 alone.

The .eco domain represents a fundamental shift in how environmental organizations present themselves online, combining digital infrastructure with verified commitment. As businesses face increasing pressure to demonstrate sustainability credentials and consumers demand transparency, .eco provides a technical and ethical solution. The domain's steady growth—with 450+ new members joining in 2024 and plans for net-zero certification through the Science Based Targets initiative in 2025—reflects growing recognition that environmental responsibility requires visible, verifiable commitment beyond corporate statements.