DEQ’s Office of Pollution Prevention (OPP) hosts a number of programs and initiatives that support the Pollution Prevention Act and serve as a conduit for non-regulatory assistance to businesses, institutions and communities. These programs encourage the minimization of environmental footprints through actions that often exceed regulatory requirements while enhancing bottom lines. OPP coordinates incentive programs and assistance, as well as internal programs that allow DEQ to lead by example.

A few of the program’s accomplishments from 2020 are:

• Developed success stories on topics including methods for identifying energy saving opportunities, improving environmental programs, developing organization based green teams, engaging employees and increasing energy efficiency

• Launched an updated annual reporting system for Virginia Environmental Excellence Program members to efficiently collect and effectively review environmental results data

• Reviewed the Virginia Green application to streamline and include new pollution prevention action items, while identifying opportunities to develop branded resources to encourage implementation of green practices

The programs coordinated by OPP serve Virginia organizations by providing tools to implement environmental programs that reduce risk and environmental footprints, recognize innovative programs and leverage what has been successfully implemented and duplicated.