(FRANKFORT, Ky. Sept. 22, 2016) – The Energy and Environment Cabinet is pleased to announce the individuals and organizations that were honored at the 40th Governor’s Conference on Energy and the Environment for making positive contributions to Kentucky’s environment.
Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton joined Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Charles Snavely to present the annual Environmental Excellence Awards, Energy Leadership Awards and a new award this year, the Secretary’s Award, which honored the outstanding people, businesses or entities across Kentucky that have demonstrated a lifetime or sustained commitment to improving the Commonwealth’s environment.
Award winners were:
The Secretary’s Award for an Individual – Lloyd Cress
Whether legal counsel, regulator, advisor or author, Lloyd Cress has been a key participant in the development and implementation of Kentucky’s environmental policy for decades.
The Secretary’s Award for an Entity – The Kentucky Natural Lands Trust
For more than two decades, The Kentucky Natural Lands Trust has been committed to preserving Kentucky’s diminishing natural places and protecting its rich biodiversity.
KY EXCEL Champion Award – Leggett & Platt Inc. – Winchester Spring
Leggett & Platt Inc., in Winchester Spring, was named an EXCEL champion for its use of recycled materials within its manufacturing processes to reduce landfill pickups.
Community Environmental Luminary Award – City of Radcliff, Parking Complex
The city of Radcliff was presented the award for its eco-friendly transformation of the City Hall parking complex.
Resource Caretaker Award – Nucor Steel Gallatin
Nucor Steel, in Gallatin County, was recognized for investing in a waste-minimization project that allowed it to redirect 880 tons of waste material from a landfill to a recycling facility.
Environmental Pacesetter Award (Individual/Organization) – Rick Palmer
Rick Palmer, plant environmental manager at Johnson Controls, in Georgetown, was honored for his leadership in energy management.
Environmental Pacesetter Award (Small Business) – Klausing Group
The Klausing Group, of Lexington, was recognized as a leader in developing green spaces.
Environmental Pacesetter Award (Medium to Large Business) – Smithfield Middlesboro
Smithfield Foods, in Middlesboro, was honored for reducing packaging waste and saving energy and landfill space.
Leadership in Energy Management – The City of Covington
Covington was honored for being one of the first local governments in the state to use energy savings performance contracting with a $2.25 million project to modernize and enhance its city hall, police headquarters, public works, fire station, and parking garages, plus several traffic signals.
Leadership in Energy Innovation – Perdue Farms, Inc.
Perdue Farms Inc. was recognized for successfully implementing energy conservation measures such as lighting reduction strategies, waste heat recovery projects, boiler efficiency improvements, and building automation at its locations.
Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund Stewardship Award – Shelby County Fiscal Court
Shelby County Fiscal Court was recognized for its efforts in managing the Shelby Trails Park addition.