The Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP) encourages and assists facilities and organizations that have strong environmental records to go above and beyond their legal requirements. The program has over 450 members that are committed to reducing their environmental impacts. 

There are two types of VEEP participation: Environmental Management System (EMS) based, and Sustainability Program (SP) based. 

• VEEP EMS Track: The facility-based track promotes the use of environmental management systems (EMS) to drive pollution prevention for facilities in Virginia. Participants include (but are not limited to) manufacturers, commercial establishments, federal/state/local government agencies, schools, non-governmental organizations, and small businesses. These members reapply to continue VEEP participation every 3 years.
• VEEP SP Track: The Sustainability Partners (SP) track, encourages organizations such as local governments, universities and state agencies across Virginia to make environmental sustainability part of their culture through leadership, innovation, and continual improvement. VEEP SP members reapply every year. For more information on our current SP members or becoming a member, visit the VEEP SP page.

Benefits

VEEP participants are recognized for their accomplishments and achievements. VEEP members are provided opportunities for networking and mentoring with other VEEP members as well as a dedicated point of contact at DEQ. Certain regulatory incentives may become available to VEEP EMS members depending on a facility’s level of participation. DEQ may also grant alternative compliance methods to state regulations for some participants. There are no regulatory benefits associated with participation in VEEP Sustainability Partners. 

Application and Reporting

VEEP EMS Track applications are accepted throughout the year. Applications and supporting information should be submitted electronically to VEEP@DEQ.Virginia.gov. Applicants can request a meeting with DEQ to discuss the requirements for participation in either the E2, E3, or E4 level.

VEEP EMS Track Annual Reports are due April 1 each year. To submit a report, register online as a myDEQ Portal user and request access to the VEEP report that will be updated. Update the report and resubmit to DEQ.

VEEP Sustainability Partner Applications are not accepted on a rolling basis. The application period for 2025 members will be announced in early 2025. VEEP SP members must provide metrics on at least one environmental commitment in the annual application.

VEEP Northern Region Workshop - August 15, 2024

Join us for a FREE workshop about developing and strengthening a successful Environmental Management System (EMS) and pollution prevention program. Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 15, and join DEQ's Office of Pollution Prevention and businesses from around the region for a day of learning and networking.

You'll hear about creating programs that encourage employee buy-in, re-energizing your EMS, DEQ regulatory requirements, and how to find pollution prevention opportunities. The purpose of this workshop is to bring together facilities that want to develop or continuously improve their EMS and pollution prevention programs. The workshop is free, but space is limited. Click here to register.

Check out the DEQ GIS Map with all current VEEP members.