Cement Americas provides comprehensive coverage of the North and South American cement markets from raw material extraction to delivery and tranportation to end user.
Issue link: https://cement.epubxp.com/i/442937
www.cementamericas.com • Winter 2015 • CEMENT AMERICAS FEATURE PCA/CA AWARDS 11 Watershed. In addition, the plant participated in a worldwide initiative to increase its use of biomass fuels. OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE Finalist: Lafarge North America, Alpena, Mich. In addition to being the finalist in the Overall Environmental Excellence cat- egory, the Alpena plant was a runner- up for the Land Stewardship category as well as a finalist in the Outreach and Energy Efficiency categories. The Alpena plant continues to im- prove and expand the wildlife habitat project surrounding the former Pax- ton shale quarry area, which includes about 600 acres in total with a 120- acre lake. Plant personnel, in part- nership with volunteers from various local schools and organizations, per- form numerous projects including the bird nesting box project. The goal is to return this area to its natural state and enhance the living conditions for area wildlife while providing educa- tional opportunities to students, groups and organizations. The plant enhanced its curriculum and included additional grade levels for its "Education That WORKS!" pro- gram and once again took it to all el- ementary schools in Alpena County in 2013. The program is designed to in- form students of Michigan's rock and mineral resources and ultimately, to present the cement manufacturing process to the community's grade school children. In 2013, the Alpena plant produced 85 percent of its own electrical needs. By producing most of its own power in 2013, the plant reduced its potential carbon footprint by approx- imately 100,000 tons of CO2. OUTREACH Winner: Mitsubishi Cement Corp., Lucerne Valley, Calif. The Outreach award recognizes facili- ties that strive to enhance community, employee and government relations through innovative communications and programs. The Lucerne Valley plant participated in and initiated a number of outreach activities over the course of 2013 including a STEM Education tour featuring the importance of science, technology and math education. Em- ployees presented to "at-risk" students from Big Bear High School on how they use basic disciplines to do their jobs and solve problems. The Mitsubishi Cement Corp. (MCC) also contributed more than $60,000 directly to local schools and more than $200,000 to other local charities through fundraisers, events and tours. During 2013 there were 16 tours totaling 226 people – the largest were from local schools. MCC accepted more than 2 million waste tires, which were utilized as alternate fuel. Employees also participated in the Lucerne Valley July 4th parade, Tour de Big Bear bicycle ride, Lucerne Valley Tailgate Trick-or-Treat event and the "Ride in the Rocks" fundraiser for the MCC Educational Foundation. OUTREACH Finalist: Titan America LLC, Pen- nusco Complex, Medley, Fla. Titan America is readily involved with the local community. Titan America's Pennsuco plant turned its environ- mental and social concerns to breast cancer awareness in October 2013 by painting part of its plant in pink (Titan America's Pennsuco Goes 'Pink,' Cement Americas , Winter 2014, p. 2-3). Site tours are offered to high school and college students where they have an opportunity to view the littoral shelf and wading birds area of the Pennsuco campus. Off-site presentations are often con- ducted as well. In November 2013, the plant was recognized for their contributions to conservation education at the Wildlife Outreach winner: Mitsubishi Cement Corp. Runner Ups for the Outreach Award were Titan America's Roanoke Cement Co. Troutville plant (see pg. 10) and Cemex USA's Knoxville plant. Cemex USA's Miami plant and Lafarge North America's Alpena plant were also finalists.