Six cement plants received special recognition for their commitment to improving the environment and their communities at the Eighth Annual Cement Industry Environment and Energy Awards, presented by Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine at PCA’s Spring Meeting in Chicago, April 28, 2009.

The awards honour individual cement facilities that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and support this spirit with action. These plants went beyond government regulations and local laws to ensure that their processes and policies contributed to making their communities better places to live and work.

Twenty-five cement plants in the United States and Canada were nominated and the following were achieved the awards:

Outreach: Holcim (US) Inc. - Theodore, Ala.

Environmental Performance Award: Holcim (US) Inc. - Holly Hill, S.C.

Land Stewardship: Cemex - Knoxville, Tenn.

Innovation: Buzzi Unicem USA - Greencastle, Ind.

Energy Efficiency: California Portland Cement Company - Mojave, Calif.