SKOKIE, IL - Five cement plants received special recognition for their commitment to improving the environment and their communities at the Seventh Annual Cement Industry Environment and Energy Awards, presented by Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine, at the PCA's Spring Meeting in Chicago, April 29, 2008.

The awards honor individual cement facilities that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and support this spirit with action. These plants went beyond government regulations and local laws to ensure that their processes and policies contributed to making their communities better places to live and work.

Six categories recognized plants throughout the United State (listed by category, company, and plant location):

> Overall Environmental Excellence: CEMEX, Davenport, Calif. > Outreach: Lafarge North America, Sugar Creek, Mo. > Environmental Performance: Holcim (US) Inc., Theodore, Ala. > Land Stewardship: CEMEX, Davenport, Calif. > Innovation: Lafarge North America, Sugar Creek, Mo. > Energy Efficiency: California Portland Cement Company, Colton, Calif.

Overall Environmental Excellence CEMEX -- Davenport, Calif. Honored as the winner of the Land Stewardship category and finalist in the Environmental Performance and Energy Efficiency categories, the CEMEX Davenport plant demonstrates excellence in several aspects of environmental responsibility. In 2007, the facility completed improved dust management, site paving, and stormwater controls, and made site aesthetic improvements. The plant beneficially uses all produced kiln dust and reclaims more than 26,000 tons annually from an existing dust landfill. To conserve resources, the facility collects and uses byproducts from other industries and wastewater. The plant received the 2007 U.S. EPA Energy Star award for energy efficiency. The facility routinely involves the local community in plant activities.