Sustainable Operating Practices
The New England Environmental Finance Center works with businesses, institutions, and communities to identify cost-effective strategies that reduce environmental impact while strengthening long-term sustainability. Our approach combines technical assistance, education, and recognition programs to help organizations implement solutions tailored to their priorities.
Services
- Engaging Student Interns in Service-Learning Opportunities
- Process Mapping & Operational Benchmarking
- Technical Assistance to Improve Efficiency & Utilize Byproducts
- Training on Pollution Prevention & Sustainability Measures
- Recognition for Sustainable Operating Practices
Projects
BetterBev: Green Craft Recognition Program
BetterBev is a sustainability recognition program supporting craft beverage manufacturers – breweries, wineries, kombucheries, and more – to help them improve production efficiency, worker health, and environmental performance. Through BetterBev, facilities can access free assessment of their operating practices, guidance on water, energy, and waste reduction, and recognition of their efforts to showcase their commitment to sustainability.
Maine Environmental Leader Program
Since launching in 2003, over 160 lodging businesses have used Maine’s Environmental Leader self-certification workbook to benchmark and improve performance in operational sustainability.
New England Environmental Finance Center provides resources and tools to lodging businesses in the hospitality industry in partnership with:
- University of Southern Maine (USM)
- University of New England
- Maine Department of Environmental Protection
- Hospitality Maine
Begin the process of being recognized as a community steward by completing the Self-Assessment Workbook linked here.
Systemize sustainability performance at your lodging business by using NEEFC’s sustainability assessment form. NEEFC’s assessment process will help you discover important strategies to increase your business’ bottom line, increase market share, and to help tell your business’ story.
Education & Waste Reduction in Schools
NEEFC works with Maine schools, from preschool through college, to promote sustainable operations and environmental stewardship. Our school-based initiatives focus on food waste reduction, composting and recycling, implementing reusable foodware, and educational outreach.
Alternative Cleaners and Sanitizers
Guidance to craft beverage manufacturers interested in using less harmful cleaners and sanitizers to clean and sanitize production equipment.
Resources
This article provides empirical research about the environmental priorities, drivers,
and barriers in the craft beer sector. It is based on a survey of 43 Massachusetts craft breweries.
Available across New England and beyond, the BetterBev Green Craft Beverage Recognition program strives to help you, as a craft beverage manufacturer, assess your facility operations, identify process improvement opportunities, and reduce business costs through open-source information sharing and providing guidance to save resources. Managed by state and university Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs), BetterBev is funded in part by the Environmental Protection Agency and comes to you at no cost.
Alternative Cleaner Trial: Island Dog Brewery in South Portland, Maine-NEEFC.
The New England Environmental Finance Center partnered with Island Dog Brewery located in South Portland, Maine, to trial an alternative cleaner highlighted in the Assessment of Alternatives to Cleaners and Sanitizers for the Brewing Industry by the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI). Island Dog Brewery expressed interest in an alternative vat cleaner to limit exposure to harmful chemicals and to reduce operational environmental impact.
Find these and other resources on the Resource page.