2021 Energy & Environment Award Winners
The 2021 Energy and Environment Awards recognize outstanding environmental and community relations efforts that go above and beyond what is required. Submissions from plants across the
U.S. were evaluated and recognized for environmental efforts completed in 2021.
St. Marys Cement’s Charlevoix Plant eliminated bottlenecks as well as causes of lower performance allowing the plant to maximize productivity and efficiency. They conducted a benchmark study and took steps to improve energy efficiency and held a “Power Treasure Hunt,” which led to a 7.4% reduction in power consumption. The plant also commissioned a new alternative fuels injection system, which is expected to result in a 10% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the next three years.
In 2021, Giant Cement Company constructed a new 6-inch pipe to carry natural gas to an
existing calciner burner and started firing natural gas in their calciner combustion chamber located within their preheater tower in addition to using natural gas in their main burner. Giant replaced approximately 25,000 metric tons of coal with natural gas in its kiln system and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 26,000 metric tons. Giant estimates that the addition of natural gas to the calciner burner system in the kiln system will help the facility achieve around 87% of its 2030 carbon dioxide goals by 2025.
Buzzi Unicem USA’s Chattanooga Plant reclaimed an inactive clay mine, turning it into a 23-acre
lake known as the Clayfield Lake. In 2021, the plant finished implementing a fish management
plan designed to improve species diversity and overall fish health. The plant worked with an American Fisheries Society Certified Fisheries Professional. The fish management plan was followed to improve the habitat for the various fish species found in the lake by the introduction of structure, improved spawning habitat, and improvements in the food sources available.
CEMEX Balcones Operations contributed more than $90,000 in community donations and sponsorships, logged more than 200 hours volunteering at over 30 external community events, and hosted two in-person events at the facility. The Balcones Operations hosted over 115 attendees from all over the world as part of “Quarry Academy,” showcasing industry best practices and providing essential learning opportunities that will improve workforce capabilities for the entire industry. For the third consecutive year, CEMEX was named to the Texan by Nature 20, for its conservation efforts in Texas.
CalPortland’s Oro Grande Cement Plant is within the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD). In 2017, CalPortland commissioned 118 new “Near-Zero Emission” Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)/Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) concrete mixer trucks and replaced and increased their cement bulk hauler truck fleet for a total of 24 new “Near-Zero Emission” CNG/RNG powered trucks. The fleet is fueled at the RNG fueling hub at CalPortland’s Oro Grande Cement Plant, which was completed in 2021. CalPortland’s “Near-Zero” vehicles are fueled with Redeem by Clean Energy® at the new fueling hub.