Lafarge's Bath Cement Plant in Ontario has won the prestigious Overall Environmental Excellence Award. This is the third time a Canadian cement plant has been recognized in the history of the awards. The Plant was selected by an independent panel for its commitment to improving the environment and surrounding communities at the 9th Annual Cement Industry Environment and Energy Awards, presented by Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine in Chicago.
There are over 100 cement plants in North America and this is only the fourth time (one has won twice) that a Canadian plant has been awarded the top honour for its overall environmental performance. The award honors individual cement plants that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and support this spirit with action. In addition to winning the top environmental award, the plant was also recognized in the Land Stewardship and Innovation categories.
"The Lafarge Bath Cement Plant has clearly demonstrated excellence by taking steps beyond those contained in environmental laws, regulations and permits to minimize their impact on the environment", said Michael McSweeney, President and CEO of the Cement Association of Canada. "The actions of the plant make the surrounding communities a better place to live and work and, by the same token, demonstrate that the industry is at the forefront of manufacturing technology."
The awards program was created in 2000 by the Portland Cement Association. PCA and Cement Americas magazine presented the first Cement Industry Environmental Awards in 2002; the program is open to cement manufacturing plants in North America. Judges for the 2010 awards represent independent groups such as World Resources Institute, World Wildlife Fund, National Ready Mix Concrete Association, U.S. EPA-ENERGY STAR, U.S. EPA-Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation, Cement Association of Canada, Cement Americas, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
Overall Environmental Excellence
In 2009, the Lafarge Bath plant completed a range of environmental and energy efficiency projects. A number of initiatives were identified including:
As part of its climate change programs, university researchers have planted hybridized poplar species at the facility and other crops as possible renewable biomass energy sources. The facility also worked with local farmers to raise crops for a biomass fuel demonstration, and more than 950 bales of fuel crops are now ready for use.
With kiln operation and quarry changes, the facility has nearly eliminated cement kiln dust (CKD) byproduct production, replacing landfilling with on-site re-use.
The ISO 14001 Certified Bath Cement plant has 8.2% recycled content in its cement, has been certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council for efforts to improve local wildlife habitat, and has also been recognized by the Wild Turkey Federation.
The Bath plant continues to be an active community leader, sponsoring the fireworks for the Bath Canada Day Celebrations for over 25 years straight, among many other community programs, along with a robust community outreach program including a liaison committee, newsletters, University and College tours, and a plant web site.
Lastly with the help of 250 local scouts, leaders, and parents, the facility planted 3,000 trees on the plant property for habitat restoration and climate change education and mitigation.
Cement and Concrete