Ash Grove Cement Co.’s Seattle plant earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Energy Star certification in 2015, recognizing the plant’s performance in the top 25 percent of cement manufacturing facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meeting the strict energy-efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.
“Ash Grove Cement Seattle is pleased to earn EPA’s Energy Star certification in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts,” said Plant Manager Carey Austell. “Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship while also lowering our energy costs by nearly $300,000.”
“All our plants and employees have worked very hard when it comes to efficiency and conservation of resources,” added Andy Lippert, corporate energy director for Ash Grove Cement Co. “The Seattle plant once again regaining Energy Star certification is the result of our employees’ significant efforts.”
To earn Energy Star certification, the plant took the following actions: Automated the plant compressed air system, saving 1 million kilowatt hours in one year; upgraded plant lighting, saving 540,000 kWh; and adjusted the raw material blend to improve mill efficiency, saving 3.5 million kWh.
“Improving the energy efficiency of our nation’s industrial facilities is critical to protecting our environment,” said Jean Lupinacci, chief of the Energy Star commercial and industrial branch. “From the plant floor to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their facilities more efficient and earning EPA’s Energy Star certification.”
