All E2 applications must include a comprehensive list of facility aspects (activities/ processes) and a process for evaluating and ranking these aspects. Environmental impacts are the way(s) the aspects affect the environment. At a minimum, each application should include a list of the facility’s most significant environmental impacts.
Ideally, the most significant aspects will be assigned an Objective or goal. Tasks can then be identified to meet the Objective.
A description of what DEQ staff will look for when reviewing applications can be found on the application page.
Below are examples of common facility aspects with related Impacts, Objectives and Tasks to meet Objectives:
Note: Objectives and tasks for an Aspect are typically only determined once that Aspect has been deemed to be Significant. Objectives and Tasks have only been included here to help explain the relationship of an Objective and Tasks to an Aspect.
1. Aspect: Transportation and vehicle use (including agency employee commuting methods and patterns, agency employee travel).
Impacts:
- Resource depletion
- Air emissions
Objective: Reduce fuel consumption by 5% in 2 years.
Tasks:
- Obtain information on current fuel consumption and establish baseline data and system for tracking progress
- Carpooling
- Public transportation
- Telecommuting
- Alternative fuels
- Walking or biking to work
- Fuel efficient vehicles
2. Aspect: Use of paper and paper products, printer supplies, and other items.
Impacts:
- Resource depletion
- Landfill space
Objective: Reduce amount of paper used by 10% in 2 years
Tasks:
- Establish baseline on amount of paper purchased.
- Increase electronic correspondence
- Develop/ encourage electronic forms
- Double-sided copying
3. Aspect: Energy consumption (use of office lights, computers, printers, copiers, other electronic devices and other equipment).
Impacts:
- Resource depletion
- Air emissions
Objective: Reduce energy consumption by 5% in 2 years.
Tasks:
- Establish baseline data on energy consumption
- Use of Energy Star equipment
- Efficient lighting retrofit
- Policies for turning off lights, computers and other electronics that are not in use.
- Purchase electricity from renewable sources
4. Aspect: Water use (in restrooms, showers, water fountains and other facilities).
Impacts:
- Resource depletion
- Water quality
Objective: Reduce water consumption by 5% in 2 years
Tasks:
- Establish baseline for water consumption
- Use non-potable water where applicable
- Capture rain water for landscaping needs
- Install low flow fixtures and faucets
- Raise awareness of water conservation efforts
5. Aspect: Procurement (types and quantities of materials purchased by the agency).
Impacts:
- Solid waste
- Hazardous waste
- Landfill space
Objective: Establish a ‘Green Purchasing’ policy
Tasks:
- Establish process to determine and implement process for purchasing environmentally preferable products.
- Considerations:
- Toxicity
- Longevity
- Reduced packaging
- Ability to be recycled
- Ability to be maintained
- Energy efficiency
- Recycled content
- Materials from renewable resources
6. Aspect: Construction/renovation of buildings and offices.
Impacts:
- Resource depletion
- Air quality
Objective: Develop and implement a policy for ‘Green Building’
Tasks:
- Water use
- Energy consumption
7. Aspect: Storm water runoff
Impacts:
- Resource depletion
- Water quality
Objective: Research and implement projects to reduce storm water runoff
Tasks:
- Roof top garden
- Rain garden
- Reduce paved surfaces
- Capture water for landscape use
- Keep paved areas clean