The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has announced the winners of the 2019 Energy and Environment (E&E) Awards, recognizing 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 2018.
“The awards highlight how America’s cement manufacturers are focused on sustainably producing the highest quality product with minimal environmental footprint,” says PCA President and CEO Michael Ireland. “The companies selected for these environmental accolades demonstrate a strong culture of innovation that result in energy efficiency and sustainable manufacturing practices.”
Presented at the third annual Cement and Concrete Fly-In, the following plants were named 2019 E&E Award winners:
Energy Efficiency
CalPortland—Mojave, Calif.
The CalPortland Mojave cement plant installed a new classifier system for its vertical roller mill that increased energy efficiency by reducing fan power requirements. The plant also installed an expert control system for the finish mill that will maximize performance and help reduce wear on equipment. The classifier installation reduced the finish mill energy intensity by 1.5 to 2.0 kwh/ton, and the expert control system reduced energy intensity by 13 percent. In 2018 22 percent of the electricity consumed by the plant came from on-site renewable wind energy generation. CalPortland has implemented significant energy efficiency measures, and its energy management program has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency ENERGY STAR® program as the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for 15 years in a row.
Environmental Performance
Roanoke Cement Company/Titan America—Troutville, Va.
The Roanoke Cement Company/Titan America Troutville cement plant was the first cement manufacturing plant in the U.S. to receive certification under ISO 50001 for energy management of all aspects of energy procurement, design and use. The plant reduced its total electrical consumption by 10 percent and fossil fuels use by more than 12 percent.The plant has also implemented a robust alternative fuels program as part of its certification for the True Zero Waste Program, administered by Green Business Certification Inc., and has received silver status achieving a 96 percent rate of waste divergence from landfills.
Innovation
Lehigh Hanson Inc., Permanente Plant—Cupertino, Calif.
The Lehigh Hanson Inc. Permanente cement plant installed an innovative water treatment system reducing concentrations of metals, including selenium, to meet stringent permit limits. Lehigh Hanson developed a treatment system that combined ultrafiltration/reverse osmosis (UF/RO) technology in conjunction with biological treatment technology to remove metals, including selenium, and dissolve solids. This ensured applicable effluent limits were met while optimizing treatment capacity and efficiency. This treatment system is the first of its kind in the cement industry ensuring that effluent limits are met while, at the same time, limiting the quantity of waste needed to be managed.
Land Stewardship
Buzzi Unicem USA—Greencastle, Ind.
The Buzzi Unicem USA Greencastle cement plant and the not-for-profit People Pathways organization officially opened the 2.6-mile smooth packed stone trail as Phase 2 of the Putnam Nature Trail. Buzzi Unicem USA staff and People Pathways used heavy equipment for rough clearing and grading of the overgrown former railroad bed and improved and expanded the physical trail. These areas were then landscaped with trees, numerous native prairie vegetation plugs, interpretive signage, benches, birdhouses and other features. Additional nature trail enhancements include placement of wildlife monitoring cameras along the trail, installation of nesting boxes and interpretive signage, and maintenance of the recently completed restoration of native flora installed in 2017 and 2018.
Outreach
CEMEX Construction Materials South—Lyons, Colo.
The CEMEX Construction Materials South Lyons cement plant’s staff volunteered at the Rocky Mountain National Park in Boulder, Colo., performing campground improvement activities at Glacier Basin Campground by moving rocks and fallen timber and clearing existing fire pits of ash deposits. The plant then introduced a new community outreach initiative by hosting a manufacturing day event, providing local students tours of the quarry and plant to increase youth interest in pursuing a vocation in skilled trades. Additionally, the plant teamed up with the Celestial Seasonings B Strong Ride for cancer care and research for an event aimed at increasing safety awareness while fundraising for two local organizations and their efforts to fight cancer.
