THE PROGRAM

The Eco-Logical Business Program recognizes businesses and shops that reach the highest standards in minimizing their environmental impact. The goal of the program is to prevent and minimize pollution generated by small businesses in Oregon. Currently, there are two multi-media (air, water, and solid waste) certification programs: the AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM and the LANDSCAPE SERVICES PROGRAM.

THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Certified businesses go beyond compliance with local environmental requirements and implement pollution prevention efforts in their work sites. Businesses are certified through an intensive application and evaluation process. During the certification process, businesses are evaluated in the areas of:

• Hazardous waste management
• Air quality and pollution
• Spill prevention and response
• Product and waste storage
• Cleaning procedures
• Purchasing/inventory management
• Recycling procedures
• Employee involvement and training
• Drainage Systems
• Energy And Water Use

Technical assistance is provided to businesses for help in meeting and exceeding environmental standards and earning program certification.

This free recognition program uses a certification checklist to evaluate and highlight those firms making the greatest strides toward sustainability. To be certified, the business must be doing all legally required checklist items and 80% of those electives that apply to their business operation. Most businesses ask for a technical assistance visit prior to the certification site visit. The certification lasts three years, and subsequent certification lasts five years.

Certified facility owners shall be responsible for notifying the P2O group through this web site or through an individual P2O member if there is to be a change of ownership at the certified facility. New owners shall either enter into some sort of agreement to carry on certified practices or shall reapply for certification themselves to retain certification.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Currently the Eco-Logical Business Program is for Automobile Service and Repair Shops through the Automotive Services Program and for Landscape Contractors through the Landscape Services Program.

For Clackamas, Multnomah and Clackamas counties, Contact Eco Biz or call (503) 823-7807 to request an application packet.

For Oregon areas outside of the Portland Metropolitan Region DEQ Small Business Technical Assistance Contact the DEQ Small Business Representative or call (503) 378-8240 ext.230 1-800-349-7677