Lafarge Cement UK, has recently announced significant investment plans to cut emissions from its Dunbar works in Scotland by installing a UK£20m gas scrubbing system. The new system will cut the works’ emissions of both sulphur dioxide and dust by more than half, ensuring the factory will comfortably comply with new stringent local air quality standards and meet the exacting requirements of the EU Waste Incineration Directive.
Speaking after the announcement, Mike Gilbert, Chief Executive of the BCA said: “The new investment shows the cement industry’s continuing contribution and commitment to sustainable development and sustainable construction. Throughout the industry, companies have invested heavily in new, efficient and cleaner plants to progress its sustainability objectives.”
Cemex, owners of the Rugby cement works, is planning to invest UK£6.5m in installing bag filters on the plant, subject to planning permission and Environment Agency approval. The filters which will place a physical barrier between the gases in the process and the atmosphere, could achieve a reduction of up to 40 per cent in emissions of particulates. Installation could be complete by the end of 2006.
Buxton Lime Industries’ new UK£110m plant at Tunstead Quarry have reduced particulate emissions by 90 per cent and improved energy efficiency by 40 per cent, while Castle Cement’s new UK£62m Padeswood kiln should come into operation later this month.
