The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy have awarded the 2010 Energy Star to Cemex USA cement plants in Clinchfield, Ga.; Louisville, Ky.; and Demopolis, Ala. Over the last year, the plants conducted compressed air system surveys to identify leaks; installed more efficient motors; completed staff energy-training programs; upgraded lighting systems with motion sensors; increased the use of permitted and authorized alternative fuels; reduced equipment idle times; and, performed process inspections and conducted audits to reduce unnecessary power usage. All three plants implemented measures to optimize energy consumption.
A joint EPA/DOE initiative, the Energy Star program focuses on strategic energy management, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating environmental leadership for future generations. To date, 2010 Energy Star awards have been presented to only five U.S. cement facilities, including the three Cemex operations. Moreover, at an early-Spring ceremony in Washington, D.C., Cemex USA received EPA’s Energy Star 2010 Partner of the Year Award for its work in managing energy and cutting greenhouse gases companywide—its second consecutive Partner of the Year award.
Cemex’s Clinchfield, Louisville, Demopolis, and Wampum (Pa.) plants received the 2009 Energy Star. In 2008, its Clinchfield, Louisville, Wampum, Davenport (Calif.), and Knoxville cement facilities likewise were honored, comprising the greatest number of cement plants selected within a single U.S. company. Clinchfield, Davenport and Louisville plants were awarded the 2007 Energy Star.
