SKOKIE, Ill. – On April 29, 2008, the Holcim (US) Inc. cement plant in Theodore, Ala., received the Environmental Performance Award from the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine as part of the 2008 Cement Industry Energy and Environment Awards, honoring sustainable manufacturing practices.

The award was presented at PCA’s Spring Meeting in Chicago.

In addition to this honor, which recognizes facilities that take steps beyond those contained in environmental laws, regulations, and permits to minimize their impact on the environment, the plant was a runner-up in the Outreach category for its efforts to enhance community, employee, and government relations.

To reduce its environmental impact, the Holcim Theodore facility developed programs to respond to air, water, and solid waste emissions. It is well below the state air emission limits on particulate matter and other emissions. All cement kiln dust is reused within the manufacturing process, which limits carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, it used approximately 10,000 gallons of site-generated oil for an energy recovery fuel in the kiln. In 2007, no stormwater was released from the cement manufacturing plant or from the plant’s off-site limestone and clay quarries.

Part of the Partners in Education program for the Mobile County Public System for many years, in 2007 Holcim was recognized as an Outstanding Partner in Education. Activities this year included designing and erecting an “outside” classroom and hosting fifth and sixth grade students on a plant tour. In addition, Holcim worked with the community on several “clean-up” days to remove trash and debris from area waterways.

“The awards program recognizes our industry’s ongoing efforts to continuously challenge manufacturing policies and procedures to minimize our environmental footprint,” said Brian McCarthy, PCA president/CEO.  “Cement companies take very seriously their responsibilities to towns where their employees and customers live.  Holcim’s activities show this commitment in action.”

The Cement Industry 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 contributed to making their communities better places to live and work.  Five categories are recognized:  Outreach, Environmental Performance, Land Stewardship, Innovation, and Energy Efficiency.  Additionally a special honor is presented to plants demonstrating excellence in multiple categories.

History of the Awards
The awards program was created in 2000 by the Portland Cement Association as part of its renewed environment and energy strategic plan for the U.S. cement industry.  PCA and Cement Americas magazine presented the first Cement Industry Environmental Awards in 2002 to the winners for 2001.  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 awards represent independent groups such as Cement Americas magazine, the Cement Association of Canada, World Resources Institute, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the World Wildlife Fund.

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.

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