CalPortland’s Rillito cement plant in Arizona earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Energy Star certification for the 13th year, reflecting a legacy of continued energy savings.
“CalPortland is proud that the Rillito cement plant has earned the Energy Star certification,” said William Jerald, director of energy and sustainability. “It is a testament to our ongoing commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, and to keeping the plant performing among the top 25% of cement plants in the United States.”
CalPortland improved its energy performance by managing energy strategically across the entire organization and by making cost-effective improvements to its plant. These included:
- Installed energy metering at all process areas.
- Replaced decades decades-old reciprocating compressor with a new, more efficient screw compressor.
- Replaced high-pressure sodium lamps with LED lights.
- Upgraded housing around kiln ID fan to a more efficient design.
- Replaced kiln baghouse with new efficient design, saving over 1 million kWh annually.
- Increased alternative fuel consumption, which reduced CO2 emissions by 15,000 tons.
Energy Star certified plants use less energy than similar plants, result in fewer emissions, and are less expensive to operate than their peers on an energy basis; they also have met strict requirements regarding environmental compliance at the time of the certification, according to the EPA.
