SKOKIE, Ill. – The Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine acknowledged the CEMEX USA cement plant in Lyons, Colo., as part of the 2013 Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards honoring sustainable manufacturing practices.
The plant was a runner-up for the Land Stewardship and Outreach categories. Land Stewardship recognizes efforts to protect and enhance the surrounding land. In addition, it was a runner-up in the community outreach category. Outreach honors facilities that strive to enhance community, employee and government relations through innovative communications programs.
Several CEMEX outreach initiatives in 2012 involved partnerships with the community in biodiversity conservation efforts. These included an Earth Day celebration at the Lyons plant and working with the local Audubon Society for an annual bird count. Other community relations efforts included hosting community emergency response training drills and supporting several community activities, including the Redstone Museum Repair Project and the Annual Lyons River Run.
In 2012, the CEMEX facility initiated and continued several rehabilitation projects that brought positive results. One such project was the introduction of the shrub island concept – separate areas with only native shrubs and forbs to reduce competition of native grass planting. The facility also continued its integrated weed management efforts, which include the use of goats gazing to control weeds on the property.
“Minimizing the environmental footprint of their plants and making their local communities better places are top priorities for cement manufacturers,” said Greg Scott, PCA president and CEO. “CEMEX went even further by giving back to a community that has supported it for decades.”
The Energy & Environmental Awards honor individual cement facilities that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and support this spirit with action. These plants go beyond government regulations and local laws to ensure that their processes contribute to making their communities better places to live and work. Five categories are recognized: Outreach, Environmental Performance, Land Stewardship, Innovation and Energy Efficiency. Additionally, PCA presents a special honor to a plant demonstrating excellence in multiple categories.
The award program was created in 2000 by the Portland Cement Association as part of its environment and energy strategic plan for the U.S. cement industry. The awards honor activities conducted during the previous calendar year, and the program is open to any cement manufacturing plant in North America. Judges for the 2013 awards Program included representatives from U.S. EPA-ENERGY STAR, Wildlife Habitat Council, U.S. Geological Survey, World Wildlife Fund, and Cement Americas.
About PCA
Based in Washington, D.C., with offices in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.
About CEMEX
CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries throughout the world. CEMEX’s U.S. network includes 13 cement plants, 47 active cement distribution terminals, approximately 100 aggregate quarries and more than 420 ready-mix concrete plants. For more information, visit www.cemexusa.com.