KY EXCEL created multiple membership levels to allow a variety of entities to participate in the program. To become a KY EXCEL member, you will need to complete and submit the KY EXCEL membership application and the appropriate membership checklist with its attachments to the Division of Compliance Assistance (DCA). The division can help potential applicants prepare these forms if needed.
Details about each of these levels are as follows:
Advocate Level
The advocate level was specifically established to allow individuals and entities that are not typically regulated by the Department for Environmental Protection (DEP) the ability to participate in the program. Examples of entities that can participate at the advocate level include individuals, communities, commercial establishments, environmental professionals, schools, civic groups and professional associations. Because the universe of entities that are not regulated by the department is extensive, the department anticipates that a large number of entities will participate in KY EXCEL at the advocate level.
To become advocate members, applicants must:
- Complete the advocate application.
- Commit to and implement at least one voluntary environmental project each year.
- Submit an annual project report that describes the efforts and successes associated with the completion of the voluntary environmental project at the end of the year. Advocate memberships are good for one year from the date of acceptance and membership may be renewed.
Advocate Application
Word Version PDF Version
Voluntary Project Proposal Form
Word Version PDF Version
Project Report Form
Word Version PDF Version
Partner Level
The partner level was established for entities regulated by the department interested in taking the beginning steps of performing voluntary projects and enhancing their organization’s environmental performance. The partner level gives regulated entities an excellent opportunity to try out KY EXCEL and see how it can benefit their organization.
To become a KY EXCEL partner member, applicants must:
- Complete the partner application.
- Commit to and complete at least one voluntary environmental project during each year that they are members.
- Either have or commit to develop or produce an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for their organization within the first year of their membership.
- Conduct a performance assessment (the results of this assessment do not need to be provided to the Division of Compliance Assistance).
- Submit an annual project report that describes the organization’s efforts and successes associated with the completion of each voluntary environmental project.
Partner memberships are good for three years from the date of acceptance and may be renewed at the end of the membership by completing the application.
Partner Application
Word Version PDF Version
Voluntary Project Proposal Form
Word Version PDF Version
Project Report Form
Word Version PDF Version
Leader Level
Entities regulated by the department that are interested in performing multiple environmental projects and making a significant positive impact on Kentucky’s environment will be interested in becoming a leader member. Leader members have taken the initial steps to implement progressive EMPs within their organization and are seeking to further refine their accomplishments.
To become KY EXCEL leader members, applicants must:
- Complete the leader application.
- Commit to and complete at least three voluntary environmental projects during each year that they are members.
- Demonstrate implementation of the organization’s Environmental Management Plan.
- Conduct a performance assessment.
- If areas of concern were identified in the self-assessment, commit to working with the Division of Compliance Assistance to correct those concerns in a timely manner.
- Submit an annual project report that describes the organization’s efforts and successes associated with the completion of their voluntary environmental projects.
Leader memberships are good for three years from the date of acceptance and may be renewed at the end of the membership by completing the application.
Leader Application
Word Version PDF Version
Voluntary Project Proposal Form
Word Version PDF Version
Project Report Form
Word Version PDF Version
Master Level
The department encourages any regulated entity that is willing to make a larger commitment to become a master member. Master members are Kentucky’s role models in that they have made significant voluntary efforts to ensure that their activities are a benefit to Kentucky’s environment. Master members will meet the eligibility criteria for National Environmental Performance Track (NEPT), an environmental leadership program implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and will be able to apply for joint membership into both programs if they choose.
To become KY EXCEL master members, applicants must:
- Complete the master application.
- Demonstrate a history of sustained environmental compliance (no recent, significant violations).
- Commit to and complete at least five voluntary environmental projects, with at least one of them being an outreach or educational activity, during each year that they a member.
- Demonstrate implementation of the organization's environmental management plan.
- Have a KY EXCEL-approved third party conduct a performance assessment and provide a summary for the assessment results to the Division of Compliance Assistance.
- If areas of concern were identified in the self-assessment, commit to working with the Division of Compliance Assistance to correct those concerns in a timely manner.
- Agree to mentor another member.
- Submit an annual project report that describes the organization's efforts and successes associated with the completion of their voluntary environmental projects.
Master memberships are good for three years from the date of acceptance and may be renewed at the end of the membership by completing the application.
Master Application
Word Version PDF Version
Voluntary Project Proposal Form
Word Version PDF Version
Project Report Form
Word Version PDF Version
