VBEP Programs

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What can you do to protect the environment, save money, save energy, and attract customers that are looking for green businesses? The Vermont Business Environmental Partnership Program with its new Vermont Clean Marinas program has an answer to this question. (Click here for current partners)

The Vermont Clean Marinas Program is a sector program of the Vermont Business Environmental Partnership (VBEP).   All VBEP programs are FREE, voluntary, environmental assistance and business recognition programs offered by the Environmental Assistance Office (EAO) of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VTSBDC). The goals of the Partnership are to improve environmental and economic performance and to promote public recognition of environmental excellence for businesses. The Program has three sector specific programs: Green Hotel in the Green Mountain State, Green Restaurants in the Green Mountain State, and Vermont Clean Marinas. The Vermont Clean Marina designation will recognize the environmental leaders in the marina business.

Continuing in the VBEP model, the Vermont Clean Marina program is two tiered.  Marinas are first given the designation of an Environmental Partner when they achieve a set of eight environmental standards. Once Environmental Partner status is attained, Partners can satisfy additional environmental commitments to achieve status as a Vermont Clean Marina. Where new initiatives are yet to be implemented your marina will still be recognized as an Environmental Partner provided the business makes a commitment to complete the requirements within a reasonable timeframe.

The program sponsors will visit your facility and assess your site for new opportunities to reduce environmental impacts and be a resource as you complete the VBEP Achievement Form
(Call or email for a copy of the form).  When this form is approved and the Environmental Partner status achieved, technical assistance is also available to complete the Leadership Achievement Plan, including the Environmental Management Plan (EMP or action plan), for the Vermont Clean Marina designation. You will receive a certificate, materials necessary to order a flag for your marina, and an electronic version of program logo to use in your marketing materials, as well as a listing on on the home page of the VBEP as a new partner, and permanent listing on a Vermont Clean Marina web page. If you do not achieve Green Marina status, as a partner, you will get the same materials as other VBEP partners with the VBEP logo.

If you are interested, review the "How to Join" basics for the VBEP program.  You will follow this procedure to be approved for the first tier, the Partner level.  There are some marina specific Best Management Practices. On that page you will also find links to other pages for the general VBEP program.

Resources:

For excellent resources, click here (www.eaovt.org/sbcap/marinas.htm) to go directly the marinas page provided by the DEC Small Business Compliance Assistance in the Environmental Assistance Office.