SKOKIE, Ill. – The Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine acknowledged the Holcim (US) Inc., cement plant in Holly Hill, S.C., as part of the 2008 Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards, honoring sustainable manufacturing practices.

The plant was a finalist in the Outreach category that recognizes facilities that strive to enhance community, employee, and government relations through innovative communications and programs.

A hallmark of the plant’s long history of engaging the community is the annual Kid’s Day celebration that takes place each spring at Rouser Lake in the Four Hole Swamp, located on plant property.  Plant employees work with local and state community groups to plan activities that promote environmental awareness and education.  Last year, more than 125 children and their parents attended the event which was co-hosted for the South Carolina Waterfowl Association and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Other plant community outreach includes a Community Advisory Committee consisting of plant management and community representatives that allows the plant to become aware of community needs and concerns and inform its neighbors of the plant’s environmental stewardship efforts.  Additionally, Holcim’s Holly Hill plant has supported local education and community groups by fulfilling financial and material requests.

“Cement companies take very seriously their responsibilities to towns where their employees and customers live,” said Brian McCarthy, PCA president/CEO. “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 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.