Summary

DENR's Environmental Stewardship Initiative is designed to promote and encourage superior environmental performance by North Carolina's regulated community. This voluntary program provides benefits and technical assistance to stimulate the development and implementation of programs that use pollution prevention and innovative approaches to meet and go beyond regulatory requirements. This program seeks to reduce the impact on the environment beyond measures required by any permit or rule, producing a better environment, conserving natural resources and resulting in long-term economic benefits.

The ESI has three levels of participation. At the entry level is the Environmental Partner, Rising Environmental Steward is the mid level of the program, and the highest level is the Environmental Steward. Each level must meet certain criteria and will earn benefits based on the level of participation.

Eligibility

Any site-specific DENR regulated organization or entity, whose activities impact the environment, is eligible to apply to the program. This includes, but is not limited to, manufacturers, businesses, agribusiness, service providers, government agencies, schools and nonprofit agencies. Multi-site applications are only accepted at the Partner level.

Apply Now!

Partner applications are accepted year-round. Rising Stewards and Stewards applications are accepted from March 1 to April 30. Members are accepted into the ESI for a five-year period. Rising Stewards and Stewards are reviewed after five years to assess if the facilities continue to meet the criteria set for each level and overall program goals. Partners are reviewed annually for continual improvement.

• Partner Application 
• Rising Steward Application 
• Steward Application 

The ESI is continually updating the range of training classes to meet the needs of the membership.

• Video Presentation "Introduction to the N.C. Environmental Stewardship Initiative"

  The "Introduction to ESI" webinar gives an overview of the N.C. Environmental Stewardship Initiative, outlining the structure of the ESI, eligibility requirements, levels of participation and the opportunities available to ESI members. The presentation can be viewed through the link above.

  Greenhouse Gas Webinar Series

  • Part 1: Getting Started with Greenhouse Gases
    Speakers present on how to calculate a carbon footprint at a small industrial facility (Burt's Bees - Durham) and at a large college campus (UNC-Chapel Hill). EPA presents on the Climate Leaders program and how to set your own GHG goals.
  • Part 2: Green Buildings: Retrofitting of Existing Buildings and Performance Contracting
    This webinar discusses how to retrofit existing facilities to become green buildings, including the use of performance contracting to finance improvements.
  • Part 3: GHG Reduction Projects at N.C. Facilities -- Successes and Lessons Learned
    ESI members -- Eaton and EMC Corporation and Novozymes NA -- present on projects implemented at N.C. facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. DEAO staff introduce the new Recycling and Climate Change website.
  • Part 4: Energy Management - A Pathway to GHG Reduction
    Saving energy can help to reduce indirect greenhouse gas emissions. Energy management systems are one important tool to help you manage your energy savings. Not sure how to pay for your energy reduction projects? Performance contracting can help you install now and pay through the resulting savings over time. Also, N.C. utility companies discuss current incentive programs to help facilities implement energy saving projects now.

Benefits of membership in the ESI include:

• Links on the ESI website;
• Participation in the annual ESI members meeting;
• Partners and Rising Stewards are presented with their recognition at the annual ESI members meeting;
• Stewards are presented with their recognition at an onsite ceremony with the DENR Secretary;
• Stewards are invited to a special face-to-face meeting with the DENR Secretary;
• Members have access to a coach that serves as a single point of contact;
• Free assistance with EMS development;
• Access to training; and
• Networking opportunities.

ESI Members in the News

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Wins 2011 Broad Prize for Urban Education
• Public can visit new section of Haw River State Park at Free Festival
• Gov. Perdue Announces 120 Jobs with Eaton as Company Plans Expansion in Person County - February 21, 2011
• FY 2010 CNO Environmental Award Announced (Fleet Readiness Center East) - Feb. 17, 2011
• New enzymes turn waste into fuel - February 16, 2010
• Burt's Bees Decreases Waste to Landfill by 51.5% in 2009 - Environmental Leader - Feb. 5, 2010
• Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Facility Earns Wildlife Habitat Council Re-Certification - Nov. 19, 2009
• Several ESI Companies Make Newsweek's 2009 Green Rankings List
• Acting SECNAV Announces FY08 Environmental Award Winners (Fleet Readiness Center East)- March 30, 2009
• FY08 CNO Environmental Awards Announced (Fleet Readiness Center East) - Feb. 27, 2009
• EMC Recognized for Environmental Stewardship by North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Jan. 21, 2009
• Dumpster Diving: From Garbage to Gold (Bert's Bees)- Jan. 12, 2009
• Corning Cable Systems' Hickory Cable Facility Recognized as Environmental Steward