SKOKIE, Ill. – The Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine acknowledged the GCC of Americas cement plant in Tijeras, N.M. as part of the 2008 Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards, honoring sustainable manufacturing practices.

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

GCC is committed to performing simultaneous reclamation at its mine in Tijeras.  In 2007, the plant took its process into the future by using “Natural Regrade” to reclaim nearly 31 acres of land.  Natural Regrade employs state-of-the-art computer software to design a post-mining topography and watershed reconstruction that mimics natural landscape features.  The resulting landscape is more stable, diverse and resistant to damage from flash flooding than traditional reclaimed land, returning the landform to a configuration that would take the natural processes more than 1,000 years to produce.

 “The cement industry is dedicated to producing a superior product while continuously challenging policies and procedures to minimize our environmental footprint.  This includes exploring innovative ways to protect and enhance the land surrounding our plants,” said Brian McCarthy, PCA president/CEO.

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, PCA presents a special honor to a plant 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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