Frequent Questions
Q. What is Partners for the Environment?
A. Partners for the Environment
is the name given to a collection of more than 80 programs at the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. These programs meet a variety of environmental
needs but share certain elements such as: voluntary participation; non-regulatory
drivers; engendering mutual gains for the participant and for the environment;
and may offer recognition for outstanding performance.
Q. How can I benefit from
participating in EPA's partnership programs?
A. Partnerships with the EPA improve access
to technical advice, provide industries a framework and strategy for
increasing their environmental performance, create an informal network
of businesses and industries interested in becoming better environmental
stewards, help meet reporting requirements and offer public recognition
to outstanding performers in many programs.
Other programs provide opportunities to learn about and perhaps demonstrate
cutting edge approaches for environmental
management and cutting costs through concepts like lean
manufacturing. Learn more about the benefits of participating in partnership programs.
Q. How does participating
affect my compliance status?
A. Participating does not decrease your company's responsibility to
be in compliance with the environmental laws. However, your participation
may improve compliance by adopting technology improvements, or your
company may be able to go beyond compliance through special efforts
to voluntarily improve business practices.
Q. What will it cost me to join?
A. There is no "membership" cost associated with joining a voluntary program. In fact, many organizations find their bottom lines improve
significantly when they participate.
Q. After joining, what must I do?
A. Each program is uniquely designed around
a specific environmental goal. Some require certain documented actions
on the part of the partners, such as identifying cost-effective actions
for waste reduction or for decreasing water usage. Under such programs,
annual reports may be required, but software and/or personal assistance
is usually available to help meet reporting requirements. Other programs
provide opportunities to learn about and perhaps demonstrate cutting
edge. You are encouraged to consider the new technologies, share your
experience with them, and in some cases, perhaps participate in a test
demonstration.
Q. If I join a voluntary program can I use EPA's name and official
seal to advertise or otherwise promote my products and services?
A. No. The Agency cannot legally endorse particular products or services. However, you are free to advise the public of your participation in an EPA voluntary program in a manner that does not explicitly or implicitly indicate that the Agency endorses your company.
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