The mission at the Department for Environmental Protection (DEP) is to protect and enhance Kentucky’s environment. In support of this mission, DEP is proud to recognize and encourage environmental excellence in the Commonwealth through its Environmental Excellence Awards program. We know that individuals, businesses and organizations are committed to protecting and improving Kentucky’s environment, and through this program, we would like to recognize those efforts and activities.
The Department for Environmental Protection is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 Environmental Excellence Awards, which were presented at the 2012 Governor’s Conference on Energy and the Environment in Louisville. Photos of the winners can be viewed
here.
The awards recipients are as follows:
KY EXCEL Champion Award: Leggett & Platt-Winchester Spring–Winchester
Leggett & Platt-Winchester Spring has implemented a variety of programs, emphasizing recycling, energy-efficiency, employee input in environmental issues, waste reduction, composting, reusing parts and decreasing water usage.
Community Environmental Luminary Award: The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky–Lexington
The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, programmed over 100 environmental events, offered adult and children’s environmental education programs and provided The Children’s Garden, a 1.85-acre outdoor learning environment designed for children ages 2–10.
Resource Caretaker Award: Matthew Addison–Louisville
Trinity High School student Matthew Addison has spent the past 10 summers picking up and properly disposing trash and tires along a two-mile stretch of the Little Barren River. Matthew has received numerous awards for his efforts, including the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s first Young Environmentalist Award, and been the subject of many newspaper and magazine articles.
Environmental Pacesetter Award for an Individual/Organization: Meg Hancock–Paducah
Three years ago as a sixth-grader, Meg Hancock proposed that Paducah Middle School begin a recycling program. Through her efforts, the school recycles plastic, cardboard, aluminum, glass and paper. She was named Kentucky’s top middle school volunteer of 2012 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.
Environmental Pacesetter Award for a Small Business: The Bread Box–Lexington
The Bread Box is a former brownfield that was cleaned, renovated and now houses companies and nonprofit organizations that share the developers’ commitment to the community, environment and neighborhood. West Sixth Brewing is the anchor of the complex and shares space with the Broke Spoke Community Bike Shop, FoodChain, Cricket Press, artist studios and Roller Girls of Central Kentucky.
Environmental Pacesetter Award for a Medium to Large Business: G & J Pepsi-Cola South Division–Lexington
G & J Pepsi-Cola South Division has implemented an outstanding sustainability program in its Kentucky operations, concentrating on recycling and energy efficiency.