Let’s Talk Full Environmental Program Pricing. You Want to Know, Right?
Full environmental program pricing varies because organizations use this level of support in very different ways. Some are filling a gap where there is no internal environmental role. Others are simplifying how compliance, EHS, and sustainability are managed across multiple sites. Below are the primary factors we consider when scoping and pricing a full environmental program.
Some of the Factors We Use to Price Full Environmental Programs
Level of Responsibility We Take On
The biggest pricing factor is how much ownership...
Let’s Talk Full Environmental Program Pricing. You Want to Know, Right?
Full environmental program pricing varies because organizations use this level of support in very different ways. Some are filling a gap where there is no internal environmental role. Others are simplifying how compliance, EHS, and sustainability are managed across multiple sites. Below are the primary factors we consider when scoping and pricing a full environmental program.
Some of the Factors We Use to Price Full Environmental Programs
Level of Responsibility We Take On
The biggest pricing factor is how much ownership you want RMA to assume. Some clients want advisory support and oversight. Others want us to actively manage programs, deadlines, vendors, and internal coordination. The more responsibility we take on, the more involved the program becomes.
Complexity of Your Operations
Facilities with straightforward operations and limited regulatory exposure require less ongoing support than complex, regulated, or high-risk operations. More complexity means more monitoring, coordination, and professional judgment.
Number of Facilities or Locations
Single-site programs are typically simpler to manage. Multi-site organizations require additional coordination, standardization, and communication, which increases scope but can also create efficiencies over time.
Current State of Your Environmental Program
Organizations with well-documented programs and established processes generally require less upfront work. When programs are fragmented, undocumented, or reactive, more initial effort is needed to stabilize and organize things.
Range of Services Included
Some full environmental programs focus primarily on regulatory compliance. Others include EHS support, sustainability initiatives, internal audits, training, and continuous improvement. The broader the service mix, the more time and coordination is required.
Internal Resources and Bandwidth
Companies with strong internal teams may use RMA to supplement capacity or provide expertise. Organizations with limited internal resources often rely on us more heavily for execution and decision-making support.
Regulatory and Inspection Pressure
Facilities with active inspections, enforcement history, or heightened scrutiny typically require more proactive involvement, preparation, and follow-up.
Desired Level of Ongoing Support
Some clients want steady, predictable monthly support. Others need more intensive involvement during growth, transition, or high-risk periods. Programs are structured to match how involved you want us to be over time.
How Can You Control Full Environmental Program Costs?
While this is a comprehensive service, there are practical ways to manage scope and investment.
Right-Size the Program
A full environmental program does not need to include everything on day one. Starting with the most critical needs helps avoid overbuilding and keeps costs aligned with value.
Bundle and Centralize Oversight
Managing compliance, EHS, and sustainability under one coordinated program reduces duplicated effort and vendor overlap compared to sourcing services separately.
Standardize Across Facilities
For multi-site organizations, standardizing procedures, documentation, and reporting reduces long-term effort and makes the program easier to manage.
Address Issues Proactively
Preventing problems through consistent oversight is almost always less expensive than reacting to inspections, violations, or missed requirements.
What Are Some Example Full Environmental Program Costs?
Every organization is different, but the examples below help illustrate how scope influences pricing.
Advisory-Level Environmental Program Support
For organizations needing oversight, guidance, and coordination without full execution responsibility.
Typical Range: $25,000 to $50,000 per year
Integrated Environmental Program Management
For organizations that want RMA actively managing compliance, coordination, and ongoing program execution.
Typical Range: $50,000 to $100,000 per year
Comprehensive Outsourced Environmental Program
For organizations relying on RMA as their primary environmental function across multiple sites or programs.
Typical Range: $100,000 to $150,000+ per year
How Does a Full Environmental Program Compare to Hiring Internally?
This is a question we hear all the time, and it’s a fair one. Many organizations look at a full environmental program and think, “Shouldn’t we just hire someone?”
In theory, hiring internally sounds simple. In reality, it often isn’t.
First, you have to figure out who to hire. Do you need an environmental manager, an EHS manager, a sustainability lead, or some hybrid role? Many companies are not sure, and hiring the wrong profile can leave big gaps in coverage.
Then there’s cost. A qualified environmental professional with real experience is not inexpensive. Competitive salaries often start around $90,000 to $120,000 per year, and that’s before benefits, bonuses, onboarding time, and the risk of turnover.
There’s also the question of depth. One person rarely has deep expertise in every area. They may be strong in compliance but weaker in sustainability. Or good at day-to-day management but less experienced with audits, inspections, or multi-site programs. When that happens, companies often end up hiring consultants anyway to fill the gaps.
With a full environmental program from RMA, you’re not relying on a single individual. You’re getting access to a team of experienced professionals who collectively cover compliance, EHS, sustainability, audits, reporting, and program management. That support is scalable, continuous, and does not disappear if one person leaves.
For many organizations, a full environmental program provides broader expertise, more consistent coverage, and more predictable costs than building an internal role from scratch. It’s not the right fit for everyone, but for companies that want accountability without the risk and overhead of hiring internally, it’s often a smarter long-term move.
Is a Full Environmental Program Worth It?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Full environmental programs make the most sense for organizations that want simplicity, accountability, and consistent oversight without building or expanding an internal environmental team. For others, targeted or project-based support may be a better fit.
Our role is to help you decide whether this level of support makes sense for your organization, and if it does, to structure it in a way that delivers real value without unnecessary complexity.
