Five cement plants have been recognized for their commitment to improving the environment and their communities at the Fifth Annual Cement Industry Environment and Energy Awards, presented by Portland Cement Association and Cement Americas magazine.

Overall Environmental Excellence
A winner of the Outreach award and runner up in the Energy Efficiency and Environmental Performance categories, the Holcim Apasco plant was chosen as the facility that demonstrates excellence in several aspects of environmental improvements.

The plant has comprehensive environmental and energy programs that take into account coordinated management systems such as ISO 14001. It has a strong land stewardship program, typified by the community of 280 sheep that tend to the grounds and contribute to community outreach activities.

Outreach
The Holcim Apasco plant was recognized for activities that enhance community, employee, and government relations through partnerships and voluntary efforts. Rather than just sharing information, Holcim Apasco sustains the community with strong environmental outreach efforts. Out of a desire to reforest a closed quarry, the plant established a Training Center for Agriculture and Forestry that now reaches beyond the company property to address conservation and ecological issues in the region. Plus, the training center provides direct employment and skill acquisition training for the community.

Environmental Performance Award
The Holcim (US) Inc. plant in Theodore, Ala. won the Environmental Performance Award, which honors facilities that take steps beyond those contained in environmental laws, regulations, permits and requirements to minimize their effect on the environment.

During 2005, the plant compiled comprehensive data to demonstrate its environmental performance and improvements. Specific focus areas included opacity control, stack emission testing, continuous emission monitor installation and reduction of carbon monoxide emissions - all far beyond the legal requirements. Holcim dramatically reduced water discharge from the plant and has nurtured vibrant wetlands on its Alabama property.

Land Stewardship
Lafarge Canada won the Land Stewardship Award, which recognizes efforts to protect and enhance the surrounding land. Working with the Wildlife Habitat Council and Ducks Unlimited, Lafarge transformed its former cement kiln dust (CKD) landfill into a spot that nurtures the area's wildlife with a seed mix that grows wildflowers, attracts pollinating insects, and feeds deer, turkey and other wildlife. An old quarry is being converted into a children's outdoor learning center that includes trails, a pond, and a fossil hunting area.

Innovation
The Essroc plant in Nazareth won the Innovation Award, which recognizes industry leaders in the development and application of innovation technologies and techniques relevant to environmental protection or energy efficiency.

In 2005, the plant devised and installed a high-tech conveyor system that transports limestone 1.7 miles from the quarry to the kilns and clinker 1.5 miles from the kilns to the finish mills. This highly innovative conveyor loops back at each end to carry materials in both directions, includes two tunnels under the town of Nazareth, and a bridge 200 feet above the quarry floor. The conveyor system eliminates the need for as many as 162,000 truck trips per year through the town.

Energy Efficiency
For the second straight year, the California Portland Cement Co. won the Energy Efficiency Award, which evaluates energy planning, applications of efficient technologies and practices, and climate change mitigation efforts. Working closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR program, the facility enhanced its corporate energy management program and the effectiveness of its energy management team.

Specific actions include extensive benchmarking to access performance, set goals, and implement action plans. The plant saved hundreds of thousands of dollars and reduced direct and indirect emissions of greenhouse gases and other compounds.