Seeing Stars: The EnviroStars Program Experience

NAHMMA ConferenceSeptember 22, 2005

EnviroStars Program Purpose

Primary: work with businesses to prevent, reduce, recycle, and properly manage hazardous wastes (in that order);

Secondarily: to give the public an objective way to identify environmentally responsible businesses in their community.

EnviroStars Program Reach

• Regional program– Implemented in 5 counties:

King, Kitsap, Pierce, Jefferson & Whatcom

• Encompassing 59 different cities

Who’s Involved

• Local CESQG programs

• WA State Department of Ecology

• CoStar partners– ASA, AAA, NMTA, PSA…

• EnviroStars Recognized Leaders– Starbucks Coffee Company & Fred

Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Leveraging Resources

• Connect work with other local government agencies– Sewer Utilities, Tacoma Water– Clean Air Agency

• Reach larger audience, leverage resources, reinforce messages, build credibility

Certification Process

Rated on a 2-star to 5-star scaleMeeting minimum regulatory requirements to

demonstrating leadership in the industry and/or community

P2 application/worksheetOn-site verification visitRenewal process

Marketing & Promotional BenefitsPromo opportunities increase with star rating

– Use of the EnviroStars logo– Listed in directories & websites– Radio and print advertisements– Success stories, award nominations– Events, exhibits, ceremonies– Special promotions like TV

Business Outreach Strategies

• By Industry Association– Automotive

• By Community– Redmond

• By Leadership Status– Korean Dry Cleaners

• By Issue– Employee turnover

Participation by Industry

25%

2%

2% 14%

27%

30%

Dryclean

Auto

Dental

Landscp

Marine

Other

EnviroStars by Star Rating

177

236

103

36

0

50

100

150

200

250

5-Stars 4-Stars 3-Stars 2-Stars

# by Star Rating

Comparison of Counties with EnviroStars Programs

Year Population FTE Budget #of Estars

King 1995 1,774,3000.7

+field staff $30k 350

Snohomish 1996 628,000 0.4  Discon’t ’03 56

Kitsap 1997 234,000 1.2 $18k 79

Whatcom 1998 172,200 special prj $11k 15

Pierce 1999 725,000 0.5 $5k 113

Jefferson 2001 26,600 0.1 <$1k 7

2005 Public survey results:

Do you think this type of program is a good use of your tax dollars, or not?

Yes 73%

Don't know 10%

No 17%

How important is it to you to purchase products and services from

environmentally minded businesses?

Important 75%

Don't know 3%

Not important 22%

Public Awareness King County

Awareness of EnviroStars

13%

17%

7%

4%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Jun. 2005

Dec. 2002

Jun. 1999

Apr. 1996

2004 Renewal Data: King Co.

86 percent report that they have reduced, recycled or prevented wastes in order to become, or since becoming EnviroStars certified.

Following this, the most frequently identified benefits include (in order): Improved employee retention; Improved policies/procedures; Reinforced repeat customers/customer loyalty; Saved disposal costs; Recognized by peers/industry;And in a three-way tie: Added customers/clients; Improved operational efficiencies; Free advertising/promotions.

"The biggest thing I have gotten out of the program is my mindset. I give more thought to new products, old products, and potential waste streams and long-term issues."

Steve Malland, Car Tender

Impacts & Results…

Data: a small slice

17 ES Dry cleaners in King County reduced over 42,828 pounds, an ave. of 2,524lb/shop;

10 ES Auto shops in King County reduced over 66,934 pounds.

Bottom Line impacts…

• Based on 42 success stories,

–EnviroStars automotive shops have saved over $210,000 annually through a variety of waste reduction, reuse and recycling practices.

More Impacts & Results

Built on behavior change principles;Brings in business requests for services;Creates relationship as on-going resource

between business and staff;Creates consistent expectations for

businesses across counties participating.

EnviroStars Contacts• Jefferson (Port Townsend): Alan=agardner@co.jefferson.wa.us• King (Seattle): Laurel= laurel.tomchick@metrokc.gov• Kitsap (Bainbridge): Niels= nicoln@health.co.kitsap.wa.us• Pierce (Tacoma): Lindsay= lspencer@tpchd.org• Whatcom (Bellingham): Penni= plempere@co.whatcom.wa.us

www.EnviroStars.org1-877-220-STAR(7827)

Recognition Research Report: www.govlink.org/hazwaste/publications/

Esteemed EnviroStar Panel

• Scott Tveten, Tveten’s Auto Clinic

• Nancy Wagner, Malm’s Summit Drycleaning & Alterations

• Chris Hogan, In Harmony Organic Landscape Services

• Rich Lancaster, Printing Control Graphics

• Sue Joerger, Puget Soundkeeper Alliance