Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations and Environmental Management Systems:
North Carolina Groups Share Their Views

Kathleen Gray

A report of the UNC-CH Environmental Resource Program
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

July 2000

This project was funded by the Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance (DPPEA), NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources with support from the Office of Water, US Environmental Protection Agency.

For copies of this report, contact: NC DPPEA, 1639 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1639
(800) 763-0136, (919) 715-6500, www.p2pays.org


Acknowledgements

The Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance (DPPEA) of the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Office of Water of the US Environmental Protection Agency funded this report, and their support is gratefully acknowledged. This report depended on the willing participation of some of North Carolina's busiest environmental leaders and activists and the facilitation skills of Diane Bloom, and I thank them for their time and input. Similar gratitude goes to DPPEA staff members Beth Graves and Sharon Johnson, who provided valuable insight, guidance and feedback. Finally, thanks to the following ERP staff, who were instrumental in the preparation of this report:

© Copyright 2000

by the UNC-CH Environmental Resource Program

All Rights Reserved

Environmental Resource Program
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
CB#1105, Miller Hall
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1105
http://www.sph.unc.edu/erp/
(919) 966-7754
(919) 966-9920 fax

Printed on recycled paper.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary

I. Introduction

A. NC DENR's Pilot Program
B. Project Objectives
C. Methods

II. Focus Group and Interview Findings

A. Experience with Partnerships

1. Trust
2. Resources
3. Motivations
4. Aspects of Successful Partnerships

B. Perceptions of Voluntary Programs and EMS

1. Voluntary Programs
2. Voluntary EMS
3. Incentive-Based EMS
C. General Role of DENR in Reducing Negative Environmental Impacts

III. Conclusion

A. Themes
B. Recommendations

1. Define what DPPEA and ENGOs gain
2. Respect and address ENGO concerns
3. Focus on DPPEA's message
4. Establish credibility for EMS

Appendices

Appendix A: List of Participants and Observers
Appendix B: Documents Used in Focus Group and Interviews

1. Environmental Management Systems, A Primer
2. Paragraph Defining Environmental Management Systems

Appendix C: Is Something Standing Between Your Message and Your Audience?