Durham EnviroStars

Business Recognition Program

"Showing vision for tomorrow by caring today."

Are you a business owner concerned about the environment? If so, you are not alone. To help you show your concern for our environment, the City of Durham has created the EnviroStars program. Whether it's conserving water, recycling or protecting our watershed, the City of Durham's new EnviroStars training and recognition program can work with your business to help protect the world around us.

About EnviroStars

The EnviroStars program:

  • Encourages businesses to reduce and prevent pollution
  • Conserves natural resources
  • Recognizes and promotes businesses that demonstrate environmentally responsible practices

Who Can Participate?

Any business in the City of Durham can take part in the program. If your business generates waste or uses water, you can strive to make environmental improvements.

Program Details

Assessment and Site Visits

EnviroStars staff will schedule an initial site visit to assess the strengths and opportunities for improvement in the environmental practices of your business. Annual site visits will verify EnviroStars participants are implementing best practices and ensure businesses receive the necessary technical assistance. In addition, EnviroStars staff members will answer questions and provide new ideas about ways to improve your environmental practices.

Training and Educational Materials

The City will provide training sessions and educational materials to help your employees learn about environmental topics that impact your business.

  • Participants will work with EnviroStars staff members to develop at least two training sessions per year for your staff.
  • Components will include: Ecological Address, Waste Reduction and Recycling, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

Recognition and Publicity

EnviroStars businesses will receive public recognition of your commitment to the environment:

  • A window decal indicating participation
  • A certificate for each component completed
  • Use of EnviroStars logo in your advertising
  • Free marketing and advertising, including recognition on the City Website, City Newsletter and in city sponsored local newspaper(s)
  • Increased exposure to attract new customers

Benefits at a Glance

As an EnviroStars business, not only will you be doing something good for the environment, but you also will receive many other valuable benefits.

Cut Costs and Improve Your Business

The EnviroStars program will help you reduce costs by identifying ways your business can better manage water use and solid waste. By knowing and doing the right things, your business may also avoid costly fines.

Free Marketing and Advertising

EnviroStars businesses are recognized and promoted through various outlets. Qualifying businesses will be recognized on the internet, and in local newspapers, City publications and other media. Increased exposure will attract new customers.

Display of Good Corporate Citizenship

The EnviroStars window decal, logo and certificates show customers that you are committed to the environment. With growing public concern for the environment, consumers will increasingly choose to do business with environmentally responsible companies.

Ongoing Improvement

Your ongoing relationship with the EnviroStars program will allow you to improve your environmental practices continually. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide new ideas for your business, helping you stay aware of the latest trends in environmentally and cost efficient technologies and practices.

How to Get Started

Fill out the online application, or download, fill out, and print a PDF of the application. Upon receipt of your application, an EnviroStars representative will schedule an initial site visit with you.

Laura Webb Smith
Public Education Coordinator
Stormwater Services
Public Works

(919) 560-4326

James Lim
Conservation Coordinator
Department of Water Management
(919) 560-4381

Reggie Hicks
Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator
Department of Water Management
(919) 560-4386

Brian Haynesworth
Waste Reduction Coordinator
Department of Solid Waste Management
(919) 560-4186