EnviroCertified Business Services

Overview

The EnviroCertified Program is a voluntary program offered to local small businesses. The program certifies businesses that put practices and policies in place to properly manage dangerous wastes and conserve resources. The Spokane Regional Health District provides Pollution Prevention Assistance (PPA) visits. Program administration, public recognition activities and certification visits are conducted by the Spokane River Forum. 

On-site Analysis and Evaluation of Waste Management

The Pollution Prevention Assistance specialists visit businesses classified as Small Quantity Generators (SQG) that generate dangerous waste to evaluate their handling practices. Program specialists assess these businesses for regulatory compliance, while offering new and best management practices for improvements.  Visits are offered without charge.

  1. Identify and analyze possible sources of pollution such as:
    • Management of wastewater and wash water
    • Outdoor maintenance practices
    • Outdoor storage practices for products and waste
    • Fueling operations
  2. Provide tips and resources that help reduce operating costs
  3. Discuss ways to safely handle, reduce, reuse, recycle, and dispose of hazardous materials
    • Waste disposal and recycling
    • Spill prevention and spill kits
    • The Spokane River Forum maintains and promotes the Spokane Kootenai Waste Directory, an online resource of disposal options for businesses
  4. Help owners understand the regulations and permits needed to safely handle hazardous materials
    • Check that Material Safety Data sheets are available for all hazardous products
    • Check that Emergency Spill Procedures are posted, and employees are trained

Conservation of Resources and Environmental Best Practices

Following successful completion of the Pollution Prevention Assistance visit, an EnviroCertified Specialist visits the business to review their full application. Applications are industry specific.

Each industry application includes recommendations for energy and water conservation along with environmental best practices which are evaluated during the Certification visit. Examples include:

Energy Conservation

  • Monitor and reduce energy consumption
  • Participate in EPA Green Lights, Energy Star or local rebate and incentive programs.
  • Use motion-sensors, LED or natural lighting
  • Use hybrid, electric, biodiesel, or car-share vehicles
  • LEED Certified – Specify level.
  • Use rechargeable batteries
  • Purchase Energy Star rated products
  • Low Impact Development Building e.g., roof garden, solar panels, white roof, etc.

Water Conservation

  • Repair water leaks as soon as detected
  • Low Impact Development Landscaping e.g., grassy swale, drought resistant plants, pervious surface, etc.
  • EPA Waterwise / Wastewise program member.
  • Install low flow toilets

Environmental Best Practices

  • Use environmentally preferable cleaning products
  • Contracted services specify use of the least toxic products available.
  • Employees observe a “no grease down the drain” policy
  • Stencil storm drains with a message such as “Dump no waste, drains to aquifer & river”
  • Participate in or sponsor neighborhood clean-up, or other projects in our community to encourage environmental stewardship.
  • Repair equipment rather than replace
  • Kitchen supplies are reusable or compostable

Public Recognition

Public Recognition is provided for businesses that complete the EnviroCertified on-site analysis and evaluation of waste management as well as verify conservation of resources and environmental best practices.  Businesses receive:

  • A framed EnviroCertified certificate of recognition
  • Public recognition on the EnviroCertified website
  • Advertising and promotion through use of EnviroCertified provided materials such as: decals, bookmarks, magnets and brochures
  • Permission to use the EnviroCertified logo in business generated advertising materials, website and social media