KY EXCEL is a voluntary program open to any individual, business or organization that

wishes to improve and protect Kentucky’s environment in ways that extend beyond

Kentucky’s environmental requirements. KY EXCEL focuses on meaningful and

measurable environmental results that ultimately benefit all Kentuckians.

Program Strategies

• Promote, recognize, and reward superior environmental performance

• Open membership to all who voluntarily commit and contribute to environmental excellence in our state

• Align with other leadership efforts to maximize benefits and resources to the members and the state

• Encourage environmental stewardship as a regular and expected part of daily work

Program Framework

Membership Levels

• There are four membership levels - one level for non-regulated entities and three progressive levels for regulated entities

Advocate – Non-regulated entities

Partner – Regulated entities (Development level)

Leader – Regulated entities (Implementation level)

Master – Regulated entities (Excellence level – NEPT option)

Program Framework

Membership Requirements – Non-regulated Members

• Environmental project and annual report

• Annual renewal

Membership Requirements – Regulated Members

• Environmental management plan• Policy, Plan, Implement/Operate, Check/Correct, Mngt. Commitment

• Assessment (range from self-assess to 3rd party)

• 1- 4 annual environmental projects and report

• 3 Year Renewal

Environmental Projects

• Projects can be diverse and creative– Conservation, Education, Energy, Funding, Mentoring, Performance

Improvement, Public Health, Restoration, Pollution Prevention, others

• Opportunity to align with other leadership programs– Membership/results in other programs is credited in KY EXCEL

• Mentoring/community outreach is expected at highest level• Projects must be beneficial, voluntary, and meaningful• Projects must be measurable• Projects can be multi-year and shared• Projects are the heart of KY EXCEL!

Inaugural Incentives

• Public Recognition– Media announcements of participation/use of logo– Recognition and awards at annual event– Member’s listing and general publicity– Results reporting

• Networking Opportunities/Business Enhancement– Access to local, state, & national networking events– Mentoring and training opportunities – Website and Project Database

• EPPC Enhanced Services– Scheduled events with regulatory officials– Support scope development and coordination of projects– Inclusion in Ky DEP Tempo Database– Accelerated permit review options (priority status)

Our inaugural members will help us define the next round of incentives!

So What’s the Big Deal?

• Participation Goals: 2007 – 300 Members2009 – 3000 Members

• If we are able to meet these goals then by 2010 we anticipate the program will deliver:

• Over 10,000 voluntary environmental projects

• More than 2000 self assessments + 100s of site visits

• 100s of partnerships and alliances

• Inclusion of previously isolated or uninvolved groups & businesses

What Worked

• Must have Support from the Top• Get Clear on What You Want to Accomplish• Use the Power of Diversity in Your Organization• Welcome Ideas and Critique• Align and Partner with Others• Aim for Self-Sufficiency• Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!• Shamelessly Promote – Be Passionate• Make an Offer that Can’t be Refused• Expand your Definition of Environmental Projects• Begin with Incentives you can Deliver now, then Build on them with

Input from Members

The Challenge

• Deliver on commitments & provide superior service (resource limits)

• Results/Project measurement and reporting (normalization factors & format selection)

• Provide return on investment for members and the state (perceived value, service, and continual improvement)

• Establish KY EXCEL as a funding priority (sell the results)• Development of environmental project database

(link resources with needs in a usable, maintainable system)

• Development of useful website with sector specific features (find a model that delights our members)

• Deliver a Top Quality Annual Event (resource limits)

Questions or Comments?

Cheryl Taylor

Cheryl.taylor@ky.gov

Aaron Keatley

Aaron.keatley@ky.gov

KY EXCEL

www.dca.ky.gov