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CEMEX California facility harmonizes with nature
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When it comes to environmentalism, cement factories is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But CEMEX, a cement company first founded in Mexico in 1906, proves that corporate stereotypes don’t paint a complete picture. Along the gorgeous stretch of highway known as Highway 1, a Cemex California facility exists in harmony with the coastal community of Davenport and the Monterrey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. As reported by the industry site ConcreteThinker.com, the CEMEX Davenport plant was awarded a second win in the Land Stewardship category for the Seventh Annual Cement Industry Environment and Energy Awards ceremony.
The awards, hosted by the Portland Cement Association and Cement Americas magazine, honors companies in the industry who have gone far beyond government regulations in energy efficiency, environmental initiatives, and land stewardship. According to Brian McCarthy, PCA President and CEO, “The cement industry is dedicated to producing a superior product while continuously challenging manufacturing policies and procedures to minimize our environmental footprint. The activities at these plants are examples of putting this commitment into practice.”
Treating Davenport With Respect
CEMEX’s Davenport plant operates a limestone and shale quarry near this coastal scenic area of California, just south of Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. But CEMEX is not just producing quality cement; the plant is also an active steward of the surrounding area. This stewardship includes expanding conservation efforts for 20 acres of the forest and grassland environment of the Northern Marine Chaparral habitat. This conversation directly benefits threatened species such as the Coho salmon, Steelhead Trout, California Red-Legged Frog, and the San Francisco Dusky Footted Woodrat.
CEMEX California has also launched a sustainable forest initiative. The intention is to create a buffer zone between the plant and the protected forestland. To this end, CEMEX California has planted 20,000 redwood seedlings, and making sure a number smaller than is harvested. A portion of the proceeds from this harvested redwoods goes directly to local conservation projects. For their sustainable forestry project, CEMEX California earned both Rainforest’s SmartWood and Forest Stewardship Council’s certifications.
Energy Star Award
Every year, the Environmental Protection Agency awards the coveted Energy Star award for companies and products that demonstrate the best in energy efficiency. In 2007 and 2008, CEMEX won the Star for its Davenport plant.
CEMEX California earned the Energy Star through a wide-range of energy conservation initiatives: The plant has upgraded motors, dust collectors, trucks, and loaders. Steel slag is now used, creating significant reductions in NO2 and CO2 emissions. The CEMEX California plant also reduced its water use by 200,000 gallons per month by recycling wastewater for the plant’s cooler.
All these efforts translates into higher profits, greater efficiency, and most importantly, a greener Earth. CEMEX California is leading the pack in land stewardship and sustainable practices. Let’s hope other cement manufacturers follow suit.
Article Source: ConcreteThinker.com
Additional Information on the cement industry:
Official site for the Portland Cement Association.
Official site for Cement Americas Magazine.
List of awards for CEMEX California.
