SKOKIE, Ill. – The Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine acknowledged the Salt River Materials Group’s Phoenix Cement Plant in Clarkdale, Ariz., as part of the 2009 Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards, honoring sustainable manufacturing practices.

The plant was a finalist in the Award’s Energy Efficiency category that recognizes energy planning, applications of efficiency technologies and practices, and climate change mitigation efforts. 

In 2007, the company appointed an energy manager and initiated a formal energy program that educated all employees on the importance of good sound energy management at work and at home.  Additionally, the Phoenix Cement plant conducted a series of audits to identify areas where energy could be reduced. Several areas were identified and energy efficiency equipment was installed where appropriate. As a result of these efforts, the plant has been awarded the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR® label two years consecutively with scores of 97 percent in 2007 and 100 percent in 2008.

“Finding ways to reduce both energy needs and reliance on fossil fuels is a top priority for cement companies,” said Brian McCarthy, PCA president/CEO. “Practices like those at the Phoenix Cement plant put this commitment into 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, PCA presents a special honor to a plant demonstrating excellence in multiple categories.

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 2009 awards represent independent groups such as Cement Americas magazine, the Cement Association of Canada, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Cement Sector Program, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program.

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. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.