How to Become an ESI Member

How to Apply

Member Criteria

All members of the ESI must meet the basic criteria of the program:

  • Have a facility or site with physical location in the state of North Carolina;
  • Not be under any environmental criminal indictment or conviction;
  • Demonstrate commitment to compliance;
  • Set environmental performance goals that include pollution prevention and are appropriate to the nature, scale and environmental impact of the organization; and
  • Agree to report annually on progress toward the organization's environmental performance goals, reductions in environmental emissions or discharges of releases, solid and hazardous waste disposal, use of energy and water and any reportable non-compliance events.

ESI has 3 levels of participation with differing criteria. To see each levels specific criteria and to apply, click the tabs below. 

Application Process 

Environmental Partner Application Process

  1. Submit application.
  2. The DEQ Internal Workgroup conducts compliance reviews and makes initial recommendations each quarter.
  3. Final approval is granted by the DEQ Secretary.
  4. Acceptance letters sent to facility.

Rising Environmental Steward and Environmental Steward Application Process

All ESI applicants undergo the Environmental Partner application review process and enter the program at the Environmental Partner level. After being admitted as a Environmental Partner, Rising Environmental Steward and Environmental Steward applications undergo another review process:

  1. The ESI team will conduct an onsite verification visit.
  2. The ESI Advisory Board will review applications and verification visit report at the biannual meetings.
  3. The ESI Advisory Board will make recommendations, with final approval granted by the DEQ Secretary.

ESI Members Map 

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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.

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