SKOKIE, Ill. – The Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine acknowledged the CEMEX USA cement plant in Brooksville, Fla., as part of the 2014 Cement Industry Energy and Environment Awards. The Brooksville plant was a runner-up in the Environmental Performance category. The Environmental Performance award recognizes a cement facility that take steps beyond those contained in environmental laws, regulations, permits and requirements to minimize their impact on the environment.
In 2013, the Brooksville plant attended monthly Groundwater Guardian meetings hosted by the Hernando County Water Utility along with county representatives, consultants, and the general public. Water use and conservation topics are discussed to educate the public about protecting water resources. The plant also sponsored the "Your water, Your World" event hosted by the Hernando County Utilities Department. Additionally in 2013, CEMEX signed the CEMEX Water Policy, which defines the strategy for responsible water management, and acts as a framework for the development of local water conservation and efficiency strategies across CEMEX operations worldwide.
The CEMEX Brooksville plant replaced 16,078 tons of coal by consuming more than 24,500 tons of alternative fuels. The plant achieved an 18.8% alternative fuel substitution rate, thus reducing the site's CO2 footprint, and conserving natural resources for the future.
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.