Seeing Stars: The EnviroStars Program Experience

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Seeing Stars The EnviroStars Program Experience

• NAHMMA Conference
• September 22, 2005

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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.

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EnviroStars Program Reach

• Regional program
• Implemented in 5 counties
• King, Kitsap, Pierce, Jefferson Whatcom
• Encompassing 59 different cities

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Whos 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

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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

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Certification Process

• Rated on a 2-star to 5-star scale
• Meeting minimum regulatory requirements to
  demonstrating leadership in the industry and/or
  community
• P2 application/worksheet
• On-site verification visit
• Renewal process

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Marketing Promotional Benefits

• Promo 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

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Business Outreach Strategies

• By Industry Association
• Automotive
• By Community
• Redmond
• By Leadership Status
• Korean Dry Cleaners
• By Issue
• Employee turnover

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Participation by Industry
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EnviroStars by Star Rating
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Comparison of Counties with EnviroStars Programs
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2005 Public survey results

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Public Awareness King County
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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.

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• "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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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EnviroStars Contacts

• Jefferson (Port Townsend) Alanagardner_at_co.jeffer
  son.wa.us
• King (Seattle) Laurel laurel.tomchick_at_metrokc.go
  v
• Kitsap (Bainbridge) Niels nicoln_at_health.co.kitsa
  p.wa.us
• Pierce (Tacoma) Lindsay lspencer_at_tpchd.org
• Whatcom (Bellingham) Penni plempere_at_co.whatcom.w
  a.us
• www.EnviroStars.org
• 1-877-220-STAR(7827)
• Recognition Research Report www.govlink.org/hazwa
  ste/publications/

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Esteemed EnviroStar Panel

• Scott Tveten, Tvetens Auto Clinic
• Nancy Wagner, Malms Summit Drycleaning
  Alterations
• Chris Hogan, In Harmony Organic Landscape
  Services
• Rich Lancaster, Printing Control Graphics
• Sue Joerger, Puget Soundkeeper Alliance