Energy Performance Indicator Now Available for Cement Industry
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced last week that an Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) is now available for cement manufacturers.

The EPI scores the energy efficiency of a single cement plant and allows the plant to compare its performance to that of the entire industry. The EPI is an outgrowth of the EPA’s Energy Star Industrial Focus program. The tool is intended to help cement plant operators identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve conventional energy supplies, and reduce production costs.

The cement industry EPI was developed by the EPA in cooperation with PCA, technical support from Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, and validated at several cement plants. The tool scores a plant from 1 to 100. A score of 75 or higher deems the plant as energy efficient.

"This program reflects the cement industry’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and to working with the EPA to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions,” Andy O’Hare, PCA vice president of regulatory affairs, said. “Although a voluntary program, nearly half of U.S. cement companies are participating in the Energy Star Industrial Focus program.”
Contact Andy O'Hare

July PPI: Steel, Asphalt Continue Climb
According to the July Producer Price Index (PPI), steel prices gained 3.7% and asphalt prices rose 3.1% for the month. Concrete was up 1.4%; lumber declined 1.8%.

July marks the thirteenth straight monthly increase for asphalt. Asphalt prices now are 37% higher than one year ago and are up 23.1% in the last six months. Steel prices rose 18.2% in the last year and 10.4% in the last six months. Concrete prices have risen 10.8% and 3.7%, respectively, over the same time periods. Lumber prices are 4.6% less than a year ago.

Source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The information is provided by PCA to aid in the promotion of concrete and cement-based products.
Contact Craig Schulz

TXI Celebrates Riverside Cement Centennial
TXI announced the 100 year anniversary of Riverside Cement. Incorporated August 23, 1906, as the Southern California Cement Company, the company changed its name to Riverside Cement Company in the late 1920s. After years of various owners, Riverside Cement was most recently purchased by TXI in 1998.

TXI Riverside Cement will begin its next hundred years with completion of its 2.2-million-ton plant expansion and modernization at Oro Grande, Calif.

Results From Last Week:
PCA Name Change? No Thanks.
Question: With the advent of blended cements and supplementary cementing materials, the industry has made the transition from cement to cementitious. Moreover, the term “portland” is archaic and confusing. Should PCA change its name to better reflect the make-up of the industry and project a more modern image?
Responses (percent):

No, don't change it. PCA's reputation and legacy are too important: 111 (60.66%)

Yes, change PCA's name to something that better describes the association and the industry: 72 (39.34%)

Among the many comments sparked by this question:

"I feel the industry needs to remain consistent. Slag, fly ash, and pozzolans have their own organizations and do not share the extreme capital requirements and regulatory hurdles as manufacturers of clinker. Portland cement is the overwhelming percentage volume and dollar value of cements or cementitious products."

"The PCA has an excellent reputation and presence in the industry. A change would erase its image as the leader in cement and concrete technology. 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it1'"

"One might consider reverting to a acronym-based name that is not spelled out—like ASTM International.
PCA is mentioned by reference in many industry standards and specifications which will be hard to change."

"Change to Cement Association of North America...current name hinders progress and effectiveness of association efforts in lobbying and media efforts. "

"The industry as a whole needs a brand new lift. The rationale of a reputable body such as PCA (openly) adopting changes (for the betterment of the cement industry) will send a positive message to the other players."

"You have brand value in the PCA name. Just broaden your scope."

"NO! The PCA has lost most of its influence already when they removed the field engineers. Don't put the last nail in the coffin!"

Take the current PCA Poll.