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Basic Information About the Sustainability Partnership in Region 3
Beginning in January 2009, EPA's Mid-Atlantic office launched a pilot program designed to assist major organizations to become more sustainable through a holistic approach to "going green." Rather than addressing energy or waste issues alone, for example, the sustainability Partnership encourages broad multi media assessment and action to help an organization become more sustainable. The efficiencies gained through implementation of recommended process, design or operational changes can frequently reduce operating costs after a short payback period. The Sustainability Partnership provides an opportunity for collaboration with EPA, state agencies and other entities that are on the cutting edge of innovation in sustainability!
- What is sustainability?
- Why should I join the Sustainability Partnership?
- What benefits can I expect as a partner?
- What are the elements of a successful Sustainability Partnership effort?
- How will my efforts be recognized?
- Who can I contact for more information?
What is sustainability?
The U.S. National Environmental Policy act of 1969 declared as its goal a national policy to "create and maintain conditions under which [humans] and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans." A widely quoted international definition is from the 1987 Report of the World Commission of Environment and Development *(Brundtland) - which describes sustainability as: "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Why should I join the Sustainability Partnership?
Energy consumption in the Mid-Atlantic States exceeded 9,100 trillion BTUs in 2006 (Energy Information Administration 2006) and waste generation exceeds 54 million tons annually. By choosing to join the Sustainability Partnership and working collaboratively with EPA, partners can reduce energy, emissions and waste while improving economic performance through resource conservation and reuse. SP members can receive technical assistance from EPA to help develop sustainability plans, implement various programs, and quantify environmental results. Participants can save money through reduced material and disposal costs and improved operating efficiency. Sustainability makes good business sense today and for our future!
What benefits can I expect as a partner?
In addition to building on other voluntary partnerships and receiving EPA technical assistance, SP participants:
- Are matched with an EPA Account Manager - a single point-of-contact
- Are given tools and educational materials to implement and develop programs
- Receive support in developing sustainability plans and to quantify environmental results
- Receive technical assistance from participating environmental agencies and/or other partners
- Network and share lessons learned with other members
- Receive EPA recognition for significant sustainability accomplishments
What are the elements of a successful Sustainability Partnership effort?
With strong sustainability values to guide actions, a successful partnership includes:
- Forming an internal sustainability team
- Conducting a facility/business operations assessment
- Defining environmental goals
- Evaluating project options
- Setting objectives and developing plans
- Implementing plans and assessing programs
- Measuring successes
How will my efforts be recognized?
As a Sustainability Partner, you and your organization may receive recognition in ways including: EPA Web sites, other publications, case studies, meetings and public events.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you are a major organization located in the Mid-Atlantic Region and are interested in joining or would like information about the Sustainability Partnership, please contact EPA by e-mail (R3_Partnership@epa.gov) or by phone (800-438-2474).
Other contacts include:
David Iacono, P.E.
Program Manager, Mid-Atlantic Sustainability Partnership
Telephone: 215-814-3231
E-mail: iacono.david@epa.gov