Environmental Stewardship Initiative Announces Call for Applications
March 3, 2021
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service (DEACS) has announced a call for applications to membership in the DEQ's Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI). The Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI) is a voluntary program that facilitates superior environmental performance in North Carolina. The ESI provides technical assistance and networking opportunities to stimulate the development and recognize the implementation of programs that use pollution prevention and innovative approaches to meet and go beyond regulatory requirements.
Network Opportunities with Like-Minded Professionals
ESI members have a variety of networking opportunities available. Due to COVID-19 Guidelines, many of these opportunities have been transitioned into online events; including:
- The annual ESI Conference, an event filled with environmentally-related content, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- A series of networking events and webinars to assist interested parties to improve energy management as many organizations are looking to cut costs, reduce impacts on climate change and improve operational resilience.
- A series of networking events and webinars to assist interested parties in reducing hazardous waste generation and hazardous material reductions through roundtable discussions with staff from the DEQ Division of Waste Management, N.C. Department of Public Safety, and other agencies.
- The Environmental Benchmarking Series, in which ESI members are invited to other members' facilities to learn about their environmental projects and programs related to pollution prevention and sustainability.
Free Training and Assistance
Whether you need assistance with setting environmental goals, establishing an environmental management system or resources for your sustainability initiatives, the ESI staff is here to help! ESI member have full access to training courses and on-site assistance at no cost. A list of upcoming training opportunities and an overview of the wide range of services available to ESI members are on the ESI website.
Recognition for Your Organization
When you become an ESI member, you join an elite group of organizations who have committed to setting environmental goals and continuous improvement. Partners and Rising Stewards are presented with their recognition at the annual ESI Conference. Join at the highest level, Environmental Steward, and the DEQ Secretary will present your organization with a plaque during an on-site ceremony.
Apply Today
Learn more at the ESI website or call 1-877-623-6748. DEQ staff will connect you with an ESI representative for a conversation.
Ready to become an ESI member? Download and complete the application for the level you wish to apply. Mail it to: esi@ncdenr.gov.
Unsure which level is best for your organization? Go to the ESI levels webpage to help decide.
If you know other organizations who might be interested in joining the ESI, please forward this information.