SKOKIE, Ill. – The Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine acknowledged the Lafarge North America Inc., cement plant in Sugar Creek, Mo., as part of the 2006 Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards. The plant was a runner-up in the Overall Environmental Excellence category that recognizes a facility’s dedication to sustainable manufacturing through land stewardship, community out reach, energy efficiency and innovation.

In 2006, the Sugar Creek plant demonstrated in several ways its commitment to reduce its environmental footprint. The plant replaced seven percent of its monthly coal requirements with methane generated from a nearby landfill, offsetting more than 10,200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The plant was one of only six cement plants in the nation to earn a 2006 EPA Energy Star Award. As part of its land stewardship efforts, the Sugar Creek facility obtains its limestone from a geologic layer 700 feet below the surface, eliminating air emissions due to hauling and drilling and preserving the surface ecosystem.

“The cement industry is dedicated to producing a superior product while continuously challenging manufacturing policies and procedures to minimize our environmental footprint,” said Charlie T. Sunderland, PCA chair and CEO of Ash Grove Cement Company. “The awards program recognizes these ongoing efforts.”

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, plants demonstrating excellence in multiple categories receive an Overall Environmental Excellence award.

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 PCA, 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.