Cement production processes require loads of energy, which not only affects a company’s bottom line, but also its impact on the environment. To save some green and go green at the same time, CEMEX is working to build in sustainable production practices to its cement manufacturing practices. In cooperation with the US Department of Energy, CEMEX is part of the Industrial Technologies Program to increase energy efficiency in industry plants such as those for aluminum, glass, metals, petroleum, and cement. The program combines the research and development efforts of multiple industries.

First, an energy efficiency assessment is conducted to identify outdated manufacturing machines, and processes that are energy-intensive. Then, energy efficiency measures are planned and implemented such as upgrading motors and motor-driven pumps, fans and air systems to motors or parts with increased efficiency. In addition to hardware improvements, CEMEX is using software to measure actual and anticipate future energy efficiency. Other environmentally friendly actions include reclaiming cement dust, and recycling wastewater.

CEMEX is also sharing its industry knowledge about energy efficiency and reduced environmental impacts by forming the Cement Sustainability Initiative. The program was established to “explore what sustainable development means for the cement industry; identify and facilitate actions that companies can take as a group and individually to accelerate the move towards sustainable development; provide a framework through which other cement companies can participate; provide a framework for working with external stakeholders” (Cement Sustainability Initiative).

A major objective of the initiative is to reduce the five percent of global carbon dioxide emissions caused by the cement production industry (according to the US Department of Energy). By collaborating on new research and development practices that improve energy efficiency and reduce the energy needed to power production processes, carbon dioxide emissions are automatically reduced.

Other efforts, such as using alternative energy resources, using recycled materials, and habitat and land restoration are supplemental ways to reduce overall environmental impacts and carbon emissions associated with traditional fossil fuel usage, harvesting raw materials and transporting them to manufacturing areas, and habitat/land destruction that reduces nature’s natural carbon sequesters, vegetation, and wetlands.

CEMEX’s efforts are going a long way to reduce their operating costs and their impact on the Earth. If the cement industry -- traditionally a large contributor to environmental damage -- can reestablish its best practices to focus on sustainable operations, there is much hope for industries that have a more modest environmental impact.