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Where Every Issue is a Green Issue| Providing Wisdom in Building a Sustainable Future | ||||||||||||||||||||
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 Sustainability Starts at the Cement Plant |
Concrete's Sustainability Starts at the Cement Plant Portland Cement Association Explains How Architects have long recognized concrete as a responsible choice for sustainable development. In a recent survey, design professionals across the board reported that 42% agree that predominately cement/concrete structures provided greater sustainability than other materials such as steel or wood. Concrete has many environmental advantages, such as, buildings with exterior concrete walls utilize less energy to heat and cool than similarly insulated buildings with wood or steel frame walls — as much as 40% less. However, concrete contains cement. Oftentimes coal is burned while making cement, releasing CO2. The U.S. cement industry takes seriously its environmental footprint and continuously makes strides to reduce its impact. In response to self-imposed, industry-wide goals, individual cement plants are using new and innovative solutions. For example: • The California Portland Cement Company's Mojave plant signed a 25-year contract to ensure a large portion of the power consumed at the plant will be from a renewable energy source-making it the largest "behind the meter" wind project in the U.S. • The Lafarge cement plant in Sugar Creek, Mo., commissioned an alternative fuels processing facility that will replace 40% of the required fossil fuels with industrial byproducts such as rubber, plastics, cellulose, and textiles. • For the past two years the Holcim plant in Theodore, Ala., utilized storm water as cooling/conditioning water in its production process, reducing its reliance on city water. Visit Portland Cement Organization and read their 2008 report on their goals, sustainable practices and performance. |
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