ECO-LOGICAL BUSINESS PROGRAM
Dawn Hottenroth, Bureau of Environmental ServicesDebra Taevs, Pollution Prevention Resource Center
What is the Eco-Logical Business Program(ELB)?
Recognizes businesses that voluntarily exceed compliance
Utilizes a multi-agency, multi-media approach through P2O Team
P2O Team = 7 local agencies, DEQ and PPRC Focus = small businesses providing services to the
public Landscape /Automotive Services: few regulations,
yet potential significant cumulative impact
Who are the members of the P2O Team? CITY OF PORTLAND CLEAN WATER SERVICES OREGON DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CITY OF GRESHAM CLACKAMAS COUNTY - WATER ENVIRONMENT SERVICE WASHINGTON COUNTY METRO CITY OF TROUTDAL E POLLUTION PREVENTION RESEARC CENTER (PPRC)
Key Features of ELB Program
Participants must meet all legal and program requirements AND 80% of “elective” BMPs
Certified businesses receive a “green sticker” and other marketing materials
Local trade associations are partners in developing and marketing program
P2O first provides T.A., followed by certification visit.
Benefits to Business Participants
Free recognition for your hard work. Can be press, web, paid advertisement, and community event recognition.
Referrals from the Metro information line, Eco-biz web page, Anti-Ivy League and other resources to your business.
Free technical assistance and environmental problem resolution from agency staff there on a strict “help only” mandate.
Benefits for Agencies Pollution control without having to go to a more
regulatory approach – i.e. permitting. Avoidance of negative public perception of
participating businesses. Show that businesses are partners in solving
environmental problems. Secondary focus on role of residential consumer.
What sectors are part of the Eco-Logical Business Program?
Automotive; Auto Body, Repair, Dealerships, Fleets, Car Washes 120 Certified Businesses
Landscaping 18 Certified Businesses
Future Sectors? Dentists? Dry Cleaners? Restaurants? Other??
Typical Best Management Practices for Landscapes
Integrated Pest Management Proper Site Evaluation Water Use and Energy Efficiency Materials Management Control of Wastes Customer and Staff Education
Integrated Pest Management
Right plant right place.
Establishing IPM plans for all sites
Use of activities with least environmental impact.
Site Evaluation Site uses. Slope, soil and drainage
issues. Desired level of
maintenance. Plant establishment and
irrigation zones. Alternative plant, paving
or construction materials.
Water and Energy Use Moving to higher
efficiency systems. Doing audits. Having trained and
certified staff. Redesign for
efficiency.
Naturescaped yard
Materials Management Vehicle Oils or
Fuels and other Chemicals. Contain Materials,
Leaks and Spills Have Spill Kits Cover / Seal
Containers
Control of Wastes
Erosion control Concrete slurries
control Wood wastes Site cleanup Vehicle and
equipments washing controls
Employee and Customer EducationFor Self / Staff:
MSDS Sheets. Recycling procedures. Spill response and
reporting.For Customers
Tolerance levels for pests.
Alternative methods of pest control.
Retrofit possibilities.
Potential EcoBiz Impacts on 737 Listed Chemicals
Pesticides Herbicides Fungicides Chemical fertilizers Solvents Oils
What Can You Do? Check out
www.ecobiz.org certification related materials.
Keep in touch with your trade group for more information.
Questions?