NSTEP members are recognized as entities that inspire and challenge other organizations to maintain higher levels of sustainable operations. The voluntary and substantial commitments that members make with respect to sustainability and the protection of natural resources are recognized and valued commitments to the state of Arkansas. In exchange, E&E provides a number of benefits for NSTEP members as set forth in the NSTEP Handbook.
NSTEP Membership Info
There are three membership levels: Diamond, Turquoise, and Quartz. The requirements for each level are as follows:
Diamond — Lead
Achieve top-level recognition as a sustainability leader in Arkansas.
- Meet all requirements of the Quartz membership.
- Have in place a fully functioning facility-specific environmental management system if they are permitted by E&E.
- Provide a description of future goals to improve and promote the conservation of Arkansas' natural resources.
- Commit to completing at least two (2) stewardship projects within a three-year (3) period, one (1) of which must be a community-based project.
- Submit an annual report by January 1 of every year following the member's induction into NSTEP.
Turquoise — Take Action
Implement measurable improvements and track results.
- Meet all requirements of the Quartz membership.
- Commit to completing at least one (1) stewardship project within a three-year (3) period (the development of an environmental management system may qualify as a stewardship project).
- Submit an annual report by January 1 of every year following the member's induction into NSTEP.
Quartz — Get Started
Build a foundation for sustainability and identify opportunities.
- Demonstrate improvement in the organization's performance, conservation of natural resources, and/or be active stewards of the community.
- Provide sustainability and/or stewardship goals to further these efforts.
- Submit an annual report by January 1 of every year following the member's induction into NSTEP.
Membership Benefits
Incentives for Members
Incentives
Description
Framed program certificate
Participants may display the framed program certificate in a prominent location at their facility.
Provide press release and other asistance for public/community outreach purposes
E&E will recognize participation publicly through a press release and/or in-person photo opportunity.
Promotion of members on E&E's NSTEP webpage
Participants will be listed on E&E's NSTEP webpage.
Annual Secretary's Stewardship Awards Ceremony
An annual awards ceremony will be held for NSTEP members to network and the Secretary's Awards recipients will be announced.
Input into future incentives
Members will be invited to participate in discussions about incentives, to provide feedback, and offer suggestions to future incentives.
Incentives for Permitted Members
Incentives
Description
Permit technical assistance and follow-up regulatory compliance assistance
E&E will expedite program members' request(s) for technical assistance for permit renewals and/or major modifications when practicable. Once a permit is issued, E&E will follow up with program members to ensure they understand the permit requirements and answer questions.
Advanced inspection notice
E&E will consider providing advanced notice of on-site, non-compliant-based inspections for program members on a case-by-case basis.
Reduced inspection frequency
E&E will consider reducing inspection frequency for members on a case-by-case basis.
Reduced reporting requirements
E&E will consider reducing the reporting requirements for members on a case-by-case basis.