About ESI

The Environmental Stewardship Initiative started in 2002 at the direction of the DENR (now 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.  

The ESI program consists of three levels of participation. 

Environmental Partner - designed for adoption by a broad range of organizations interested in developing a systematic approach to improving their environmental performance or strengthening existing programs. 

Rising Environmental Steward - designed for facilities with a mature environmental management system and measurable goals.

Environmental Steward - designed for facilities with a history of commitment to exemplary environmental performance beyond what is required by law and that have demonstrated leadership. Requires aggressive goals, community involvement, integration of the EMS into core business functions, and demonstration of going beyond compliance. 

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.

Benefits of membership in the ESI include:

• Networking opportunities
• 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 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.

Services Provided to ESI Members: 

• Personalized on-site EMS assistance

• EMS gap analysis

• Internal audit assistance

• Root cause determination assistance

• 5S events

• Value stream mapping events

• Dumpster dive (waste sort) assistance

• Technical and compliance assistance

• Waste, water, and energy reduction assistance

• Facilitation assistance

• SMART goal setting assistance

An external Advisory Board, appointed by the DEQ Secretary that does not exceed 15 members oversees program development and implementation. The DEQ Secretary or designee chairs the board. Membership consists of a balanced group of manufacturers, industries, industry trade groups, environmental and citizen non-governmental organizations, agribusiness, small businesses, local and state/federal government representatives, DEQ representatives, and/or others deemed appropriate. Whenever possible, ESI Environmental Stewards are given priority for membership. The Advisory Board will:

• Establish ground rules for discussions including addressing potential conflict of interest issues;
• Review program materials;
• Review applications meeting minimum requirements and recommend Rising Environmental Stewards and Environmental Stewards;
• Make recommendations for additional incentives to the DEQ Secretary as identified;
• Review program effectiveness and make any recommended changes to the DEQ Secretary. 
• Undertake any other duties assigned to them by the DEQ Secretary.

The DEQ Internal Workgroup provides technical support and coordination for the Advisory Board and the overall initiative. The Workgroup is comprised of representatives from all DEQ regulatory divisions.  The DEQ Internal Workgroup will:

• Review all applicants to ESI for compliance;
• Perform compliance checks on five-year renewals;
• Provide technical guidance on regulatory issues; and
• Review applications for Partner and make recommendations to the DEQ Secretary about participation.

ESI members work hard to reduce their environmental impact by conserving water, decreasing energy consumption, and curtailing waste. Each year, they report on their progress towards their environmental goals, and ESI program staff compile the data into an Annual Report. Learn about the excellent work ESI members are doing by reading the program's a​​​​​nnual reports.

Marcia Allocco, Environmental Assistance Section Chief with oversight of the ESI program. To contact Marcia, call 919-707-8206 or email marcia.allocco@ncdenr.gov.