About .eco domain
.eco is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Big Room Inc., a certified B Corporation. It was delegated by IANA in August 2016 and became generally available to the public in April 2017. This extension was awarded through ICANN's Community Priority Evaluation process, a rare outcome that recognized a defined community's support. As a product, it is distinguished by a mandatory public pledge and profile system designed to foster transparency among registrants.
Who can register .eco domain
Registration for a .eco domain is open to any business, government, non-profit, or individual. There are no geographic or trademark-based restrictions preventing anyone from registering. However, all registrants must complete a unique activation process after purchase, which involves making a public commitment to environmental principles. This requirement applies universally, regardless of the registrant's specific background or location.
How to register .eco domain
- Search for your desired .eco domain name at any ICANN-accredited registrar to check its availability and see the initial registration price. It's advisable to compare prices and bundled features like WHOIS privacy across different registrars.
- Proceed to checkout with your chosen registrar to complete the purchase, typically for a minimum term of one year. Be prepared to provide accurate contact information, as this will be used for the subsequent activation step.
- After registration, you will receive an activation email from the .eco registry. You must follow the link to create a public profile, select sustainability focus areas, and pledge to support positive change for the planet.
- Once your profile and pledge are submitted and accepted, your domain will be activated and removed from 'hold' status. You can then configure your DNS settings to point the domain to your website or hosting service.
Typical uses of .eco domain
The .eco extension is commonly adopted by organizations and individuals who wish to publicly align their online identity with environmental values. Businesses in the green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable consumer goods sectors frequently use it to signal their commitment. Non-profits, advocacy groups, and educational initiatives focused on conservation, climate action, or ecological research also choose .eco to immediately communicate their purpose and connect with a like-minded audience. It serves as a specific alternative to more generic extensions for those prioritizing an eco-conscious brand.
Tips for registering .eco domain
- After purchasing a .eco domain, you must complete a separate activation process by creating a public profile and making an environmental pledge; the domain remains on 'hold' until this is done.
- The registry maintains a policy to suspend or take down domains that contravene the public pledge made during activation, enforcing its commitment to transparency.
- A selection of .eco domain names is permanently reserved through a grant program for exclusive use by environmental non-profit organizations.
- Standard registration terms apply, such as an annual renewal cycle, and it is advisable to check with your registrar for the specific redemption grace period policy.
Frequently asked questions about .eco domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .eco domain?
As of today, .eco domains start from $47.81/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $150.49/yr across 19 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .eco domains?
NameBeta tracks 19 registrars that support .eco domain registration, with the cheapest option at $47.81/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .eco domain?
The registry for .eco domains is Big Room, administered by Big Room Inc..
Who can register a .eco domain?
Anyone can register a .eco domain, as there are no formal eligibility barriers based on location or organization type. The key requirement is the willingness to complete the post-registration activation, which involves creating a public profile and pledging to support environmental honesty and action. This process is mandatory for all registrants, from multinational corporations to individual activists, ensuring a baseline commitment from every .eco domain holder.
Can I transfer a .eco domain between registrars?
Transferring a .eco domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN transfer policy, which typically requires an unlocked domain and a valid authorization code. It is important to ensure the domain is active and not in a 'hold' status due to an incomplete pledge profile before initiating a transfer. Contact details must be up-to-date to receive transfer confirmation emails, and any existing WHOIS privacy service should be temporarily disabled to facilitate the process.
What happens if I don't complete the .eco activation pledge?
If you do not complete the activation process, your registered .eco domain will remain on a 'hold' status and will not resolve in the DNS or be usable for a website or email. The registry sends activation emails to the contact details provided at registration, so it's crucial to check that inbox. There is no specified time limit in the source material, but the domain cannot be fully utilized until the profile and pledge are submitted and accepted.
Can the registry revoke my .eco domain?
Yes, the registry operator, Big Room Inc., reserves the right to suspend or take down domains that contravene the public pledge made during activation. This policy is designed to minimize disinformation and abuse of the .eco extension. The specific process and grounds for revocation are detailed in the registry's published policies, which focus on enforcing the commitment to environmental honesty and the selected sustainability goals.
Were there special registration periods before the public launch?
Yes, prior to general availability, the .eco launch included a Sunrise period for trademark holders registered with the ICANN Trademark Clearinghouse, followed by an Early Access Program. These phases occurred in early 2017, allowing eligible parties to secure names before the open launch on April 25, 2017. Domains registered during the Early Access Program typically involved an additional fee that decreased over the course of the week.
What is the purpose of the public .eco profile?
The public profile on the .eco registry's website displays the pledge and the sustainable development goals selected by the domain holder. This creates a layer of transparency, allowing anyone to see the environmental commitments associated with a .eco website. Registrants are encouraged to link from their .eco site to this profile to foster trust and demonstrate their alignment with the extension's community-driven values.
