SEI Initiatives

EMS PERFORMANCE PERMITS – Implementation of EMS will lead to improved environmental management; however, some facilities may need additional incentives for embarking on this path to continuous improvement. SEI has been developing legislative approaches that provide incentives for both public and private regulated entities to adopt the EMS approach.

SEI assisted in drafting the Performance Plus Program (P3). It is a sustainability and performance-based legislation that would reward businesses meeting sustainability and environmental standards. The P3 legislation (SB 763, Steinberg) provides incentives for industry to shrink its environmental footprint while growing profitability.  Furthermore, it promotes improving California’s environmental quality and economic vitality by allowing participating businesses to maximize their return on investment for sustainability initiatives through program incentives.

The legislation passed the Senate’s Environmental Quality committee with a strong 5-0 vote. We are very optimistic about it passing, and would like to demonstrate support from both the sustainability community and the business community.  A letter of support from you would surely strengthen our proposal.

It only takes a few moments. Please click on the downloadable Sample Support Letter and send to:

Senator Darrell Steinberg
Capitol Office
State Capitol
Room 205

For more information on the legislation you can download the SB 763 Amendment and the Factsheet here.

EMS FOR PUBLIC ENTITIES – The Environmental Management System (EMS) is a management tool for more efficient, goal-oriented and integrated environmental management. SEI is the designated Local Resource Center in the EPA PEER program, assisting public entities in implementing EMS. (See PEER Center)

CLEAN FLEETS TOOLKIT - Under a grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, SEI, in partnership with the San Francisco Department of the Environment, developed a “toolkit” to assist commercial fleet managers in greening their fleet operations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The toolkit contains best management practices (BMP’s) to help companies reduce their carbon footprint and save money. The toolkit also contains many practical worksheets and a fleet carbon calculator. You can download the San Francisco Bay Area Clean Fleets Toolkit here. A workshop is being offered in August 2009 and others will be offered as funding becomes available.

SUSTAINABILTY ASSESSMENTS – Many organizations are striving to operate in a sustainable manner and need assistance in maneuvering this path. SEI uses a method called SCORE (Sustainability Competency & Opportunity Rating & Evaluation) to make initial assessments, monitor progress, and map the path toward sustainability. Susan Sakaki is a licensed assessor in SCORE and is able to conduct the assessment and provide benchmarking data.

GREEN PURCHASING COOPERATIVE – Many companies, both large and small, are adopting and implementing Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) policies, purchasing products that are energy and water efficient, made from recycled content material, and less toxic/chemical dependent. Larger companies are able to leverage their buying power in locating and purchasing these products; but the small business owner does not have the resources to access the EPP market efficiently and cost- effectively. SEI is working on establishing a purchasing cooperative to serve the small business community.

TOXIC TRASH – Nonpoint source pollution or stormwater runoff, remains a significant contributor to the impairment of water quality. According to the California Department of Transportation, cigarette butts are the most commonly littered item along the highways. The toxic elements from tobacco (nicotine, formaldehyde, arsenic, chromium, lead) leach out and may have serious effects on the aquatic environment. SEI is examining the toxicological data and exploring ways of reducing this source of pollution. Read our pending bills AB 1612 and SB 942 in the California State Legislature. If you would like to support this bill, please use and fax our model letter, which can be adapted to either bill, to the bill's authors:
Wesley Chesbro (D), (916) 323-6958
Fran Pavley (D), (916)-319-2141

GREEN GO-CUPS – A large proportion of the waste generated at restaurants and other food vendors consists of disposable cups for soft drinks, hot beverages and water. The goal of this project is to eliminate this waste stream and the need to produce and purchase disposable cups. Re-usable “Go-Cups” would be provided by several co-located restaurants; restaurants would share the cost, re-fill “Go-Cups,” perhaps offer discounts to customers using the refillable cups.