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A Track Record of Sustainability
Cement manufacturers are committed to sustainable development –
building the structures we need today without depleting resources
for the future. Sustainability seeks to balance the economic, social,
and environmental impact of the industry, recognizing that population
growth will continue. In practice, this commitment means finding
new ways to increase energy efficiency, minimize waste, and conserve
natural resources.
Energy Efficiency
U.S. cement companies are working hand-in-hand with EPA’s
Energy Star® program to save energy by improving their energy
management programs. Plants have repeatedly been recognized by the
Energy Star program. One groundbreaking program achieved an energy
savings of more than 138 million Btus in 2004 alone and more than
173 billion Btus since 2003. These reductions in overall energy
usage reduced global warming pollution by more than 27 millions
pounds of emissions.
Recycling
Many cement plants use wastes or by-products from other industries
as fuels or raw materials. Such recycling minimizes waste while
conserving natural resources A good example is mill scale. During
the processing of steel, iron oxides, known as mill scale, form
on the surface of the metal. The scale is removed by water sprays
and often recycled by the steel plant. Mill scale that cannot be
recycled is used by cement plants as a source of iron, a necessary
ingredient for making cement. In 2005, 51 cement plants used mill
scale as an iron source.
Innovation
New technologies and innovations help cement companies meet the
demands of the future: better cements, safer plants, and fewer emissions.
During 2005, for instance, one plant designed and installed a modern
conveyor system that transports limestone and clinker--reducing
the need for 162,000 truck trips per year. Reduced truck trips meant
reduced fuel needs, less highway noise, and fewer emissions.
Land Stewardship
Cement companies are reclaiming former quarries, old plant sites,
and disturbed areas for the betterment of nature. PCA member companies
have partnered with groups including the Wildlife Habitat Council
and Ducks Unlimited to convert these sites into wildlife habitats
with a seed mix that promotes the growth of wildflowers, attracts
pollinating insects, and produces feed for deer, turkey, and other
wildlife.
Environmental Performance/Natural
Resources
Cement plants are implementing technologies that
can measure a variety of emissions, and ongoing research is focused
on ways to reduce those emissions. Compilation of comprehensive
data allows plants to demonstrate their environmental successes.
Specific focus areas include opacity control, stack emission testing,
continuous emission monitor installation, and reduction of carbon
dioxide emissions, all which can lead to dramatic reductions in
water discharge from the plant.
Community Outreach
Cement companies actively engage the communities in which they operate
to address conservation and ecological issues in the region and
provide direct employment and skill acquisition training for community
members. For example, one plant sponsored a “Kids’ Ecological
Vacation Camp” and activities related to World Environment
Day as well as Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness Week.
Health and Safety
The cement industry has a long-standing tradition of honoring exceptional
safety performance at cement facilities. All manufacturing facilities
annually provide safety data. In addition, the industry recognizes
plants using innovative practices to make their workplace and communities
safer places.
For
more information on our track record of sustainability
For additional information on the cement industry, email newsroom@cement.org
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