Spring '09 P2 Program Acivities in Maine

-Implementing a state environmental certification program for the hospitality sector targeting hotels, motels, and inns. Launched in November of 2005, there are 96 certified businesses in Maine. The P2 program has performed over 40 site visits for this self certification program, making an average of 10 P2 recommendations at each facility. Verification audits of point totals occur annually at 12 random businesses. Staff presented on the program at several tourism conferences and half-day workshops.

-Implementing a state environmental certification program for restaurants. Launched in June of 2007, there are 25 certified businesses in Maine. The P2 program has performed 10 site visits for this program making an average of 10 P2 recommendations at each facility. Staff presented on the program at several tourism conferences and workshops.

-Assisting businesses and organizations with calculating GHG emissions inventories as part of the Governor's Carbon Challenge.

-Managing the Clean Government Initiative to encourage toxics reduction, energy efficiency, and environmentally preferable procurement within Maine state government. Providing assistance to Maine's Division of Purchases on selection of Green Seal-certified cleaning chemicals, low mercury lighting, and Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)-rated equipment.

-Assisting indoor swimming pools with appropriate chemical purchasing and use.

-Assisting six companies and institutions with the implementation of their environmental management systems (EMS).

-Conducting onsite compliance assistance utilizing Maine's Small Business Compliance Incentive Policy (SBCIP).

-Continuing to provide assistance to the Green Campus Consortium in their efforts to move towards sustainability.

-Continuing to provide assistance to a number of industry sectors.

-Revitalizing the Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP) as an effective tool to weigh in on OIA activities.