Smart Steps to Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business. EPA’s Smart Steps to Sustainability digital guide, developed by the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), provides information for busy, small business owners about Federal environmental initiatives, resources and programs to help you “go green”, and tools for creating your own business sustainability plan.

Taking the time to go beyond environmental compliance and incorporating sustainability into your business strategy can help your company boost its bottom line by:

• Increasing operating efficiency
• Decreasing business risks related to climate change
• Reducing energy costs
• Attracting and retaining employees
• Improving your business’ reputation

There are countless ways, big and small, to incorporate sustainability into your business. Some can be as simple as using recycled paper products and energy efficient appliances or switching to renewable energy sources. The nation’s 33 million small businesses that employ over 61.7 million Americans can have a significant impact on our environment by taking steps to be more sustainable as they devise their overall business plans.

• Federal Initiatives
• Resources
• Create Your Own Plan

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Federal Initiatives

As the largest employer in the United States, the Federal government has a unique opportunity to influence environmental sustainability from coast to coast. Over the last several decades federal sustainability initiatives have increased through laws and executive orders such as:

• The Energy Act of 2020 set new requirements for federal facilities to report water and energy consumption. In addition, agencies must report forecasted savings from energy savings performance contracts and utility energy savings contracts and will compare projected savings to previous forecasts using measurement and verification processes.
• In 2021, Executive Order 14008 Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad was signed and requires all agencies to support robust climate action.
  • This executive order required all federal agencies to develop climate action plans and adhere to the Made in America Laws in making clean energy, energy efficiency, and clean energy procurement decisions.
  •  Further, federal purchasers are directed in Executive Order 14057 on Catalyzing American Clean Energy Industries and Jobs through Federal Sustainability to procure products and services meeting EPA recommendations to meet net-zero emissions by 2030 and other procurement goals.

Federal Sustainability Goals

• In 2021 the Biden-Harris Administration established the Federal Sustainability Plan, which sets out a range of ambitious goals to deliver an emissions reduction pathway consistent with President Biden’s goal of reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emission by 50–52 percent from 2005 levels by 2030 and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Read how Agencies are taking action now.
• In an effort to expand national sustainability efforts, in 2023 EPA released the “Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution,” which builds upon EPA’s National Recycling Strategy and focuses on actions to reduce, reuse, collect, and capture plastic waste.
• In 2024, the White House, along with EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released the "National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics." This strategy is part of a series of strategies on building a more circular economy for all.

EPA Leads by Example

EPA works to demonstrate leadership among federal agencies by minimizing its environmental footprint. The agency consistently meets or exceeds federal requirements to reduce its environmental impacts and has scored near the top 25 percent of all federal government agencies in each category on the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Sustainability scorecard, a testament to the agencies mission to protect human health and the environment. To view EPA’s latest OMB Sustainability Scorecard, please visit Sustainability.gov.

Further, EPA promotes and progresses toward sustainability through its:

• FY 2022-FY 2026 Strategic Plan, the agency’s roadmap for accomplishing environmental priorities over the next four years.
• EPA’s Sustainability Plans and internal goals to meet federal sustainability requirements. Executive Order (EO) 13693, Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade (pdf), requires federal facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and practice energy and water efficiency and conservation
• Reducing the environmental impact of EPA facilities across the country.
• Expanding EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines to ensure that green practices are being followed when contractual work is being carried out.

• 

  Engaging in Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP). EPA’s EPP program participates in the development and update of several private sector environmental performance standards for products and services. The EPP program has resulted in a total cost savings of around $7 billion to the federal government by:
  • Coordinating U.S. government technical input into the development of voluntary consensus product sustainability standards
  • Issuing Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing across several key purchase categories
  • Helping federal agencies procure products meeting the recommended specifications, standards, and ecolabels
• Buy and sell more environmentally preferable electronic products.
  • The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) is a global ecolabel for the IT sector that helps purchasers, manufacturers, resellers, and others buy and sell environmentally preferable electronic products. Subpart 23.7 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requires federal agencies to procure environmentally sustainable electronic products.

Resources

As a small business, there are many opportunities to partner or benefit from EPA sustainability programs, tools, and research. The following section includes resources that may be of interest to small businesses such as:

• EPA and other federal agency’s resources, voluntary programs, and partnerships
• Technical assistance programs and funding opportunities

EPA Voluntary Programs

AgSTAR

EPA’s AgSTAR program promotes the use of biogas recovery systems to reduce methane emissions from livestock waste. Biogas recovery from anaerobic digester systems also helps achieve social, environmental, agricultural, and economic benefits. AgSTAR assists those who enable, purchase, or implement anaerobic digesters by identifying project benefits, risks, options, and opportunities. AgSTAR provides training resources and organizes events to create a supporting environment for anaerobic digester implementation.

BurnWise

EPA’s BurnWise is a voluntary partnership program that emphasizes the importance of burning the right wood, the right way, in the right appliance to protect your home, health, and the air we breathe. To learn more view BurnWise resources for businesses.

Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program

Made possible by funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program provides funding to eligible recipients to replace Class 6-7 non-zero-emission vehicles with zero-emission vehicles, including funding for the incremental cost of the zero-emission vehicle itself, funding for associated charging infrastructure, funding for workforce development and training, and funding for planning and technical activities to support the adoption and deployment of the zero-emission vehicles.

EPA will be distributing $1 billion in funding for clean heavy-duty vehicles between now and 2031 and $400 million will be going to communities in nonattainment areas. EPA will be offering grants and/or rebates to eligible recipients to replace existing heavy-duty vehicles with clean, zero-emission vehicles.

Clean School Bus (CBS Program)

With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA’s Clean School Bus (CSB) Program will provide $5 billion from 2022-2026 to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. EPA’s Clean School Bus (CSB) Program subsidizes the replacement of existing school buses with cleaner buses that result in better air quality on the bus, in bus loading areas, and throughout the communities in which they operate.

Clean Ports Program

Established by the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA's Clean Ports Program is a new program to fund zero-emission equipment and infrastructure as well as climate and air quality planning at U.S. ports. Clean Ports aims to reduce emissions in near-ports communities, with a deliberate focus on those communities with environmental justice concerns.

Design for the Environment (DfE)

EPA’s Design for the Environment certification program is administered jointly between EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) and EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) helps consumers and purchasers find antimicrobial products, like disinfectants and sanitizers, that have been reviewed by EPA and found to meet both the pesticide registration requirements and the standard for DfE-certified products. For manufacturing businesses interested in DfE product certification view the Design for the Environment (DfE) Certification: Information for Registrants guidance.

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR® for Small Business provides energy and water efficiency tools, training and tech support for serious bottom line dollar savings to individual small businesses, as well as trade and business associations. Individual businesses and associations can join ENERGY STAR® as partners at no cost or obligation.

ENERGY STAR® Resources for Small Businesses:

• ENERGY STAR® for small business success stories and tools
• ENERGY STAR® Action Workbook, A resource and planning guide for owners, operators, and employees of small businesses. Also avaiaible in Spainish.
• ENERGY STAR® Energy and Water “Treasure Map” Checklists, identify quick and low-cost ways for their facilities to save energy.
• Treasure Hunt case studies conducted in facilities of all sizes and types, share the cost-saving value of energy efficiency
• Join the ENERGY STAR® Treasure Hunt campaign and demonstrate and share the value of energy efficiency and inspire others to take action

GreenChill

GreenChill is an EPA voluntary partnership program that works cooperatively with the food retail industry to reduce refrigerant emissions and decrease their impact on the ozone layer and climate change. Small and large business food retailers (including supermarkets, grocery stores, co-ops, supercenters, and wholesale clubs) can become GreenChill Partners. Read the full GreenChill program eligibility requirements and how to join the program.

Green Power Partnership

EPA’s Green Power Partnership (GPP) is a voluntary partnership program available to organizations that choose green power to reduce emissions and advance the American market for renewable electricity sources. Watch the video Green Power Partnership: Advancing the green power market to learn more about the GPP program.

• Partners include a wide variety of leading organizations who meet certain green power usage benchmarks, including Fortune 500® companies; small and medium-sized businesses; local, state, and federal governments; and colleges and universities.
• The Partnership provides a framework for organizations to exercise their choice in how their power is generated, including market and supply option information, technical assistance, and recognition for green power leadership and use.
• Non-residential organizations seeking partnership with GPP must use at a minimum 100,000 kWh of electricity per year to qualify.

Incorporating Voluntary Mobile Source Emission Reduction Programs in State Implementation Plans (SIPs) 

Incorporating Voluntary Mobile Source Emission Reduction Programs in State Implementation Plans (SIPs) provides guidance to state air quality planning agencies on how to include credit for voluntary mobile source emission reduction programs in state plans to improve air quality and meet Clean Air Act requirements. Learn more by reading EPA’s full implementation guidance (pdf).

Indoor airPLUS

Indoor airPLUS is an EPA partnership and labeling program that helps new home builders improve indoor air quality with construction practices and product specifications that minimize exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants.

• The Indoor airPLUS Partnership is a voluntary program that is free to join for home builders and home energy raters and providers
• ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Partnership is a prerequisite for builder and Verifier Indoor airPLUS partnerships
• Read about the full benefits and program eligibility requirements

Lead Safe Certification Program

EPA’s Lead Safe Certification Program requires that renovations disturbing lead-based paint in homes and childcare facilities built before 1978 be performed by lead-safe certified contractors.

The Lead-based Paint Professional Locator is intended to help find lead-based paint professionals in your area. These professionals are trained and certified in lead-safe work practices and use those work practices to guard against lead contamination. View the Lead-based Paint Professional Locator.

Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) 

EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program is a voluntary partnership program that works with utilities, retailers, manufacturers, state and local government agencies, affiliates, and others to dispose of old refrigerated appliances using the best environmental practices available—going beyond federal requirements to protect Earth’s climate and ozone layer. View RAD resources for consumers and business owners to learn more.  

SmartWay

EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership program helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency.

• To find an environmentally friendly vehicle use EPA’s Find a SmartWay Vehicle Tool. Purchasing the most environmentally friendly vehicle has never been easier. To save fuel, money, and the environment, just look for the SmartWay mark.
• To learn more about SmartWay watch this short video about the program
• To stay up to date on EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide sign up to E-updates

WaterSense

EPA’s WaterSense program provides a simple way for homes and businesses to identify water-efficient plumbing and irrigation products that perform as well or better than their standard counterparts. WaterSense-labeled products and services are certified to use at least 20 percent less water, save energy, and perform as well as or better than regular models.

• Businesses and organizations can become WaterSense partners at no cost, learn more about the partnership and how to join
• View WaterSense resources for commercial buildings and businesses
• Read case studies about how building owners and facility managers are taking action to reduce their water use

Safer Choice

EPA Safer Choice is helping consumers, businesses, and institutional buyers identify cleaning and other products that work well and use safer ingredients for people and the planet. Learn more about the program by watching these Safer Choice videos.

 For manufacturing businesses interested in Safer Choice product certification please view the Steps to Get the Safer Choice Label on Your Product guidance.

Smart Sectors

EPA’s Smart Sectors Program engages at the national and regional levels with industry trade associations, individual companies, and other stakeholders to pursue opportunities for improved environmental performance.

• The Smart Sectors program is led out of EPA’s Office of Policy, which enables collaborative work across EPA’s land, water, air, and chemical program offices, as well as with EPA regional offices, on issues related to specific industry sectors.
• The program complements the work of other EPA offices by providing sector-specific expertise and a holistic, multi-media view of industry sectors and their environmental opportunities and challenges. Explore the sectors and learn more about the program.
• For more information view the Smart Sectors Program Fact Sheet (pdf).

Other Federal Resources:

U.S. Department of the Interior Tribal Small Business Resources

The U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) Bureau of Indian Affairs supports the economic development of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities and businesses by offering access to capital through grant opportunities and loan guarantees, and by providing technical assistance to tribes. For more information view the full list of tribal small business resources and assistance programs.

U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has various resource and funding programs as well as a detailed business guide to help plan, launch, manage, and grow your small business.

SBA Resource Programs:

• SBA’s Small Business Development Centers provide counseling and training to small businesses including working with SBA to develop and provide informational tools to support business start-ups and existing business expansion.
• SCORE Business Mentoring
• Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program offers resources to veterans, service members, and military spouses who are interested in starting or growing a small business.
• Women's Business Centers provide free, to low-cost counseling and training and focus on women who want to start, grow, and expand their small business.

If your business is interested in contracting work with the federal government view SBA’s Federal Contracting Opportunities for more information.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Small and Mid-Sized Farmer Resources

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides small and midsize producers valuable resources and program information about access to capital, land management and conservation practices, managing risk, finding local markets, and other educational resources. The following USDA resources may be of interest to small and mid-farms:

• Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL)
• USDA Microloan Program
• Organic Certification Cost Share Program
• Farm to School Program
• USDA National Farmers Market Directory

The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Technical Assistance Guide

President Biden’s Investing in America agenda unlocks billions of dollars in opportunity for states, territories, Tribes, and local governments to make a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure, clean energy, and climate resilience. The Investing in America Technical Assistance Guide  provides comprehensive information about more than 100 federal technical assistance programs that can support efforts to win Federal funding and deploy it in communities across the nation.

State and Local Government Agency Resources

A comprehensive list of state and local government agency resources for small business sustainability – coming soon!

Technical Assistance Programs & Funding Opportunities

Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA)

EPA is authorized under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) to offer funding assistance to accelerate the upgrade, retrofit, and turnover of legacy diesel fleets. Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles and equipment with EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies. To stay up to date sign up for email updates about funding opportunities, DERA News, and more.

EPA Compliance Assistance Centers

EPA Compliance Assistance Centers help businesses, colleges and universities, local governments, tribes, and federal facilities understand and comply with environmental requirements and save money through pollution prevention techniques. Compliance Assistance Centers offer easy access to plain-language materials and other resources on environmental compliance through:

• Websites targeted to industry and government sectors
• Next Generation Compliance
• State Resource Locators that offer state-specific environmental compliance information for a wide range of topics and more

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Program

The EPA Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Program is part of the Federal Thriving Communities Network Initiative, a holistic government-wide framework for providing technical assistance and capacity building resources those most in need to improve and foster thriving communities throughout the country.

• EPA has established 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) across the country.
• TCTACS provide training, capacity building, help for communities navigating federal grant application systems, and interpretation services for limited English-speaking participants to remove barriers and improving accessibility for communities with environmental justice concerns.
• EJ TCTACs are now accepting technical assistance requests. To submit a request for technical assistance, please identify the EJ TCTAC for your region navigate to their individual website. 

Pollution Prevention (P2)

Pollution Prevention (p2) grants fund state and tribal programs to provide technical assistance to businesses to help them learn about and adopt source reduction practices, also known as pollution prevention.

• Why Should You Care About Preventing Waste? Small Business Guide
• View all P2 Grant Funding opportunities
• Check out the P2 Hub Resources Center for technical assistance, P2 resources, and tools to businesses and other providers

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

EPA is one of 11 federal agencies that participate in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program which funds small businesses to develop and commercialize novel environmental technologies. EPA’s SBIR program focuses on innovations that support EPA’s mission in areas such as clean water, air quality and climate, homeland security, the circular economy, and safer chemicals.

Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs (SBEAP)

Many small businesses utilize processes that generate air emissions, hazardous waste or waste waters that are regulated by the EPA or their state regulatory agency. Businesses such as collision repair, dry cleaners, construction, and metal part manufacturing and coatings, are just a few examples of industry sectors that may require environmental permits and compliance that involve specific record-keeping and reporting. Ensuring environmental compliance is the cornerstone of any sustainability program.

• The Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs provide free and confidential environmental compliance assistance and tools and are available in most states

• Since 1996, the National SBEAP has been funded through an EPA cooperative agreement and partnership with the EPA ASBO Program
• View SBEAP’s sustainability resources and small business case studies

Create Your Own Plan