United States
             Environmental Protection
             Agency
EPA24Q-F-00-001
June 2000
www.epa.gov/performancetrack
             Office of Policy. Economics and Innovation (2129)
              National Environmental
              Performance Track
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                                    National
                                    Environmental
                                    PerformanceTrack

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...laying the groundwork
for greater environmental
excellence"
             —Carol M, Browner
                 Administrator

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Nationa
Environmenta
Performance  Track
      The National Environmental Performance Track is
      designed to motivate and reward top environmental
      performance. Many companies today are achieving
      high levels of environmental performance. Through
a systematic approach to managing environmental responsi-
bilities, taking extra steps to reduce and prevent pollution,
and being good corporate neighbors, these companies are
leading by example and modeling the way to environmental
excellence. At the same time, they are saving money and
improving productivity. The Performance Track defines what
it means to be a top environmental performer and provides
incentives to motivate further improvements.

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Builds  on   Success
                    The Performance Track builds
                    on EPA's Common Sense
                    Initiative, Environmental
                    Leadership Program, Star
             Track, Partnership Programs and
             many state performance programs.
             Through these programs and other
             experiences, many companies have
             witnessed the business value of con-
             tinuous environmental improvement
             and of communicating progress to
             their stakeholders. The National
             Environmental Performance Track
             takes the next step in laying the
             groundwork for greater environmen-
             tal excellence.

                                        irman





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           As top environmental perform-
           ers, participants earn  access
           to  a unique package of
           incentives that reward and
support continued environmental
improvement. These include:
• recognition
* better information
• administrative streamlining
National recognition distinguishes a com-
pany as an environmental leader.  Access
to better information can help lower costs
and support further improvements. More
flexible, streamlined procedures save time
and money, a benefit that goes straight
to the bottom  line.

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 National   Environmen
       The first level of the National Environmental
       Performance Track—the National Environmental
       Achievement Track—is open to facilities of all types,
       sizes, and complexity, public or private, manufacturing
or service-oriented. Multi-facility corporations are encouraged
to develop companywide policies supporting participation.
The Achievement Track is designed for facilities with a solid
environmental record and firm commitment to do even more.
By doing more, they can earn valuable benefits including:
• Recognition
  —Use of the Performance Track logo
  —Visibility in EPA publications, Web sites, and events
  —Special recognition for Charter Participants
• Access to "State-of-the-Art" Information
  —Best practices database
  —Peer exchange networking opportunities
  —Informational briefings with senior EPA officials
• Regulatory and Administrative Flexibility
  —Streamlined  reporting requirements
  —Reduced monitoring
  —More flexible procedures

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tal Achievement Track
    Companies like Lockheed Martin Corporation see value
    in the Achievement Track program and the benefits
    it provides.
       e ERA Pei


    cooperation
    ment an<
       ' Dotn art
           utu
lance Track
      ind
 ?en gove
 '. We bel'-
 I I LIOI \*\J vv v_J 1
     James O'Brien, Vice President,
     Corporate Energy, Environment,
     Safety & Health, Lockheed Martin
     Corporation

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Requirements for Participation
To qualify for participation, facilities must have a systematic
approach to managing environmental responsibilities. They
must have a strong record of environmental compliance,
demonstrate a high level of achievement, and publicly report
their progress.
Specifically, facilities must:
• Have an Environmental Management System that has
  completed at least one full cycle and includes:
  —Policies and Planning
  —Implementation and Operation
  —Checking and Corrective Action
  —Management Review
• Commit to continuous  improvement by:
  —Selecting specific areas for performance improvement
    (such as energy, water, and waste)
  —Demonstrating results through participation in EPA
    Partnership Programs
• Commit to public outreach and performance reporting
  that is:
  —Tailored to the size, scale, and setting of operations
  —Designed to meet community concerns
• Achieve a record of sustained compliance with environmental
  regulations.

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How To Apply for the National
Environmental Achievement Track
Obtain an application by contacting us or visiting our Web
site. Applications can be submitted electronically or in hard
copy. All applications will be reviewed by an EPA panel, and
qualifying facilities will be notified of the results of the
review. The initial application and review process will occur
in the phases outlined below. Thereafter,  EPA will review
applications semiannually; check the Web site for further
details. Facilities that apply by September  1 and meet pro-
gram requirements for selection will be considered Charter
Participants and receive additional  recognition benefits.
Applications Received By     EPA Notification By
September 1 *                 November 2000
                             (*Charter Participants)
September 30                 December 2000

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Nationa
Environmenta
Stewardship  Track
      The National Environmental Performance Track's second
      level—The National Environmental Stewardship Track-
      is for companies that are helping to define best prac-
      tices within their industries and leading the way in
the protection of the environment. Because it focuses on
exemplary performance, it will offer greater recognition and
more valuable incentives than the Achievement Track.
Moreover, it will allow for more tailored incentives that reflect
participants' specific interests. Some of the qualifying criteria
might include specific environmental performance goals and
targets; a focus on environmental management and perform-
ance among customers, suppliers and transporters; greater
responsibility for product performance; and a higher level of
community engagement. Still in the early stages of develop-
ment, EPA expects to launch the Stewardship Track in 2001.


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Contact  Us

For more Information, contact us via:
Web: www.epa.gov/performancetrack
E-mail: ptrack@indecon.com
Phone: 888 339-PTRK

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