North Carolina-specific: Environmental Stewardship Initiative

Introduction

An environmental management system (EMS) is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. The most used framework for an EMS is the one developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the ISO 14001 standard. It was established in 1996. Carrying out the stages of an EMS can be a challenge for businesses. North Carolina is an example of a state that has a program in place to help organizations with their EMS. North Carolina’s program is called the Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI). This Fact File explains ESI benefits and the three different participation levels of North Carolina’s program.

Background

The Environmental Stewardship Initiative started in 2002. The program is funded by a Pollution Prevention (P2) grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that is matched 100 percent by the state. It was created to promote and encourage greater environmental performance in North Carolina. The program is optional and free for all members. Any facility or organization looking to improve their environmental performance can apply to the program. All members must set environmental goals and report on their progress each year.

The ESI program consists of three levels of participation. The first level is Environmental Partner. It is meant for adoption by a large range of organizations interested in crafting a systematic approach to enhancing their environmental performance or strengthening current programs. The second level is Rising Environmental Steward. It is meant for facilities with a mature environmental management program. The third level is Environmental Steward. It is for facilities with a history of superior environmental performance above and beyond what is necessary by law and for those that have proved strong leadership.

ESI Benefits

Benefits of membership in the ESI include:

• Networking prospects;
• Access to free training and webinars;
• Participation in the annual ESI Conference;
• Partners and Rising Stewards are presented with their recognition at the annual ESI Conference;
• Stewards are presented with their recognition at an onsite ceremony with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Secretary;
• Bi-monthly electronic newsletter;
• Stewards are invited to a special face-to-face meeting with the DEQ Secretary;
• Members are appointed to a coach that serves as a single point of contact within DEQ;
• Free assistance with EMS development and;
• Links to your organization on the ESI website.

Level One: Environmental Partner

To become an Environmental Partner, an organization must meet the following criteria:

• Not be under environmental criminal indictment or conviction. DEQ upholds the right to turn away an applicant following a compliance review;
• Prove commitment to compliance;
• Establish environmental performance goals that involve pollution prevention and are suitable to the nature, scale, and environmental impact of the organization and/or commit to forming, executing, and upholding an environmental management system based on ISO 14001 or an equivalent model; and
• Agree to report progress each year toward the organization’s environmental performance goals and any reportable non-compliance events.

Starting at the first level and including all the other subsequent level, members receive assistance with technical services like: compliance, waste, water, energy, personalized onsite EMS help, EMS gap analysis, internal audits, waste sorting, and facilitation help.

Level Two: Rising Environmental Steward

To become a Rising Environmental Steward, an organization must meet the Partner level criteria and the following additional criteria:

• Display a mature EMS based on ISO 14001 or an equivalent model. The EMS for the site must be ISO 14001 third-party certified or be reviewed onsite by DEQ staff;
• Show commitment to meet and exceed compliance. Applicants will submit information about any environmental violations or reportable noncompliance for review on a case-by-case basis by the Advisory Board; and
• Have regulatory oversight or have formally been subject to regulatory oversight but can show proof of decreasing possible emissions/discharges to the point of having all permits canceled or have taken steps to avoid an otherwise applicable permit and/or regulations or display impeccable business and environmental practices usually expected of Rising Stewards.

Level Three: Environmental Steward

To become an Environmental Steward, an organization must meet the Partner level criteria and Rising Environmental Steward level criteria and the following additional criteria:

• Set site-specific aggressive environmental performance goals that must be adopted within the framework of the EMS, incorporate pollution prevention and/or process efficiency advancements;
• Agree to mentor other ESI participants;
• Have an interactive process for communicating with the local community about program activities and progress toward performance goals; and
• Show how the EMS is blended into main business functions.

Applicable laws & regulations

ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use

Related definitions

“Gap Analysis” means a process used to assess the current state of a facility’s EMS. It helps identify gaps between a facility’s current management systems and the EMS standard.

“P2” means reducing or eliminating pollutants from entering any waste stream or otherwise released into the environment before recycling, treatment, or disposal.

Key to remember

Keep in mind that for members at any level which are unable to submit a report due to changes in management, resources, or other business reasons, the member may request the ESI staff to place them on hold for one year. At the end of this year, an annual report for only the current reporting year will be required to remain a member in good standing. If this report is not received by the deadline, the site will be terminated. On-hold members can still participate in training and other benefits but may be considered on a slightly lower priority if there are space limitations.

Real world example

The hundreds of current North Carolina ESI members have made a big difference. Between 2004 and 2019, ESI members achieved the following:

• 1,090,317 tons of recycled material gathered
• 14 billion gallons of water saved
• 4.2 million tons of landfilled waste lowered
• 78.5 million mmBtus (million British thermal units) of electricity saved
• 95.6 million dollars saved on projects
• 3,252 tons of hazardous waste lowered

Consider becoming a member if you reside in North Carolina and are looking for EMS help. You could be part of the positive change. After all, it won’t cost you a dime.