About ESI
Learn more about ESI
Mission
ESI's mission is to assist organizations in reducing their environmental impacts beyond regulatory requirements and recognize those that achieve and maintain this commitment.
History
The Environmental Stewardship Initiative started in 2002 at the direction of the DEQ Secretary. The Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance (now DEACS) was charged with administering the program. The program is funded by a P2 grant from EPA that is matched 100% by the State. There are two full-time DEACS employees that primarily manage this program with support from many other DEACS employees that serve as ESI coaches and provide support and assistance to the ESI members. The program is free and voluntary for all members.
Program Structure
The ESI program consists of three levels of participation.
Environmental Partner - designed for adoption by a broad range of organizations that are interested in beginning the process of developing a systematic approach to improving their environmental performance.
Rising Environmental Steward - designed for those organizations that have a mature environmental management program.
Environmental Steward - designed for those organizations that display a commitment to exemplary environmental performance beyond what is required by law.
All applicants are required to not be under environmental criminal indictment or conviction. DEQ retains the right to reject an applicant following a compliance review. Multi-site organizations are allowed at the Partner level, however only individual facilities are allowed to apply at the Rising Steward and Steward levels of the ESI program.
To remain in the program, each participant must:
- Set and make progress toward environmental performance goals and/or show progress on implementing and maintaining an EMS,
- Demonstrate continued commitment to meet and go beyond compliance, and
- Submit the required annual report in a timely fashion.
ESI membership does not imply that an organization is certified by DEQ as a "green" company, or that its operations do not have impacts on the environment. The ESI program seeks to assist facilities in reducing their environmental impacts, conserving natural resources and realizing long term economic benefits.