SKOKIE, Ill. – The Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine acknowledged the Buzzi Unicem USA cement plant in Maryneal, Texas, as part of the 2014 Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards, which honor sustainable manufacturing practices.

The plant was a finalist in the Innovation category, which recognizes cement industry leaders in the development of innovation technologies and techniques relevant to environmental protection or energy efficiency.

In 2013, the Maryneal plant commissioned the first Horomill® grinding system in the United States, replacing a decades-old, inefficient, cement grinding system.  The energy savings have been significant.  From January 2009 through June 2013, the power consumption rate of the plant’s grinding system was 78.3 kWh per short ton of cement produced. Between July and December 2013, Horomill  power consumption averaged 47.7 kWh per short ton of cement produced, representing a 40% reduction in power consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions.  Additional benefits from this new system include reduced noise levels and less off-spec cement.  The plant has also seen a reduction in water consumption rates.  

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 PCA 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 2014 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.