Grantee Research Project Results
Development of a Model Pollution Prevention Diffusion Partnership for Small Business
EPA Grant Number: R824747Title: Development of a Model Pollution Prevention Diffusion Partnership for Small Business
Investigators: Forsythe, Randall D. , Wickliff, Alisa B.
Institution: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1997
Project Amount: $180,000
RFA: Incentives and Impediments to Pollution Prevention (1995) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Sustainable and Healthy Communities , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development
Description:
The proposed model for pollution prevention technology diffusion is a regional model designed to research the needs of small businesses located in the greater Charlotte region. There are three components to the project. Small businesses throughout the nation currently lag behind large businesses and industries in the implementation and use of pollution prevention management strategies and technologies. Current models of pollution prevention technical assistance involve state pollution prevention offices geared to provide general assistance and one-on-one site waste reduction audits for businesses statewide. These programs successfully provide assistance but are limited in their ability to assist large numbers of businesses, especially, small businesses. The objectives of this project are to research and identify ways to distribute pollution prevention awareness and understanding to regional small businesses, document successful implementation, and strengthen the integration of pollution prevention information and opportunities into existing regional information and assistance networks. For each of the components listed below the approach and anticipated results are provided.
Component A: Regional Partnership-The first and crucial component is to establish a strong partnership to promote pollution prevention among agencies that already provide various types of assistance to small business in the region. We established the Pollution Prevention Advisory Board (PPAB) that meets on a regular basis to discuss project activities. The PPAB consists of broad mix of representatives ranging from a local consulting firm to a representative from the local utility department. Other visits and meetings have taken place with trade associations. The anticipated result is a stronger, more unified network promoting pollution prevention through shared publications, internet linking, and a regional Environmental Excellence Award Program.
Component B: Green Star Business Program-The second component of the project is the "Green Star Business" Program. This program involves small business representatives that are interested in receiving pollution prevention assistance. The goal of the program is to develop small business pollution prevention mentors. Onsite pollution prevention assistance is provided as well as working with trade and business associations to promote pollution prevention. A number of small businesses we have worked with are willing to participate in workshops and provide pollution prevention information for case study compilation. An anticipated result is to develop a forum for the small business mentors to reach other small business representatives.
Component C: Challenge Grant Program-The third component of the project is a $40,000 competitive grant program that addresses the financial constraints typically faced by small business. The grant funds two pollution prevention activities, pollution prevention audit plus and an alternative technology assessment. The first round for the competitive grant program concluded July 15, 1996, with two projects funded. The initial announcement was via the media and direct mailings to regional chambers of commerce, consultants, and environmental attorneys. The second round of competitive grants is due November 15, 1996, and the grant application has been mailed directly to small businesses in the region. The goal is to fund at least 20 projects and to document pollution prevention activities at these facilities.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 7 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Scientific Discipline, Geographic Area, Sustainable Industry/Business, cleaner production/pollution prevention, State, Economics, Social Science, waste reduction audit, small business, advisory board, challenge grant program, pollution prevention technology diffusion partnership, regional partnerships, product labeling, technical assistance, North Carolina (NC), pollution prevention, green star business programRelevant Websites:
http://www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.