http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability.aspx en-uk editor@worldcement.com webmaster@worldcement.com http://www.worldcement.com/media/logo.gif The latest information on improving environmental performance in our industries. http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Coming_soon_August_Regional_Insight.aspx This month's Regional Insight will focus on the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan. The great Silk Road began life before the birth of Christ and lasted through until about the 14th century. In its time millions would have travelled along the routes as trade between east and west grew and developed through the centuries. 02/08/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Binani_sets_up_captive_plants.aspx Binani Cement is ensuring energy conservation by installing captive power plants and other new generation energy efficient measures. 27/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Cement_production_news_from_India.aspx Birla Group boosts capacity, and Indian companies look for alternative fuel options. 26/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Lafarge_Canada_Inc_goes_green.aspx Lafarge’s Brookfield plant in Nova Scotia will develop a new type of blended cement that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 76 000 t by 2015. 21/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Halyps_Cement_first_Italcementi_plant_to_obtain_EN_16001_certification .aspx Halyps Cement has been certified for compliance with EN 16001: 2009, the new European standard for energy management systems. 20/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Holcim_US_plants_receive_ENERGY_STAR_awards_for_energy_efficiency .aspx Three of Holcim’s plants in the US have earned the EPA’s ENERGY STAR award for environmental efforts. 15/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/New_figures_show_reduction_in_emissions_intensity.aspx New cement industry figures from the WBCSD’s CSI on carbon dioxide and energy performance show a reduction in emissions intensity. 13/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/New_power_plant_generates_electricity_using_hot_waste_gas_from_cement_production.aspx Südbayerische Portland Zementwerk Gebr. Wiesböck & Co. GmbH is constructing the first German power plant to use hot waste gas from cement production to generate electricity. 12/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Europe_makes_progress_with_Industrial_Emissions_Directive.aspx Clearer rules and cleaner air are among the aims of the Industrial Emissions Directive approved by the European Parliament on Wednesday 7th July. The following is taken from the European Parliament website. 09/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Phoenix_Cement_wins_support_for_solar_field_project.aspx Phoenix Cement, Arizona, USA, has won support from the Clarkdale Town Council for a proposed solar field project at the Clarkdale plant. 08/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Sustainable_concrete_strategy_wins_top_environmental_award.aspx The concrete industry’s Sustainable Concrete Strategy has won the prestigious 2010 Trade Association Forum (TAF) Best Practice Awards for Environmental Initiative. 06/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Novacem_wins_support_from_Lafarge.aspx Novacem, the carbon negative cement company, today announced the first closing of its Green Cement Bond, together with the participation of Lafarge, the world leader in building materials, as the first subscriber. 02/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/EIB_provides_€50_million_for_Polish_climate_change_mitigation_projects.aspx The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending €50 million to co-finance projects promoting Poland’s objectives of increased use of renewable energy and improved energy efficiency. 29/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Cemex_honoured_with_another_award_for_CSR_efforts.aspx The Latin American Center for Social Responsibility (known by its Spanish acronym CLARES) recently honored Cemex with their award in the private sector category for its work in advancing the most important social causes in Mexico. 28/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/World_Cement_launches_Facebook_page_and_joins_Twitter.aspx You can now find World Cement on Facebook and Twitter social networking sites. 24/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Holcim_warns_that_EU_emissions_targets_could_force_cement_companies_to_relocate.aspx As the EU considers toughening carbon emissions targets, Holcim has warned that cement producers could be forced to relocate their facilities. 11/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Cemex_wins_awards.aspx Three Cemex plants in the US have been awarded the 2010 ENERGY STAR® for their superior energy performance and the group has been awarded the Big Tick for responsible business practice. 11/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Holcim_presents_latest_Corporate_Sustainable_Development_Report.aspx At a press conference held on 7th June 2010, Holcim presents its Corporate Sustainable Development Report 2009. CEO Markus Akermann is pleased to confirm "that Holcim has met its targets on schedule and in the case of the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions even earlier than planned". 07/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Standard_and_Poor’s_report_suggests_investment_rethink_by_energy_intensive_companies.aspx Tighter EU emissions reduction targets this year could force energy-intensive companies to reconsider investment strategies. 27/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Italgen_strengthens_renewable_energy_business.aspx Italgen, an Italcementi Group company has acquired a 49% stake in Gardawind, a company that is operating two wind farms. 20/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/New_carbon_neutral_initiative_from_HeidelbergCement.aspx HeidelbergCement has introduced a carbon neutral initiative for customers in Benelux. 18/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Producing_greener_concrete_with_metakaolin.aspx A look at how metakaolin’s concrete-improving benefits create a practical path to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. 11/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/cement_plant_to_reduce_emissions.aspx Reports indicate that between 1990 and 2008, industrials was the only sector of the US economy in which greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fell. 10/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/CEMBUREAU_commissioned_study_concludes_NOx_and_SO2_ETS_is_risky.aspx An independent study by Ecofys/Emission Care (commissioned by CEMBUREAU) has been launched on the consequences of an industrial NOx and SO2 emissions trading scheme on the European cement sector. 10/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/European_Development_Finance_Institutions_to_establish_joint_climate_change_fund .aspx Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) will establish a joint climate change fund. 10/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/The_Future_for_Low_Carbon_Cements.aspx As a lower-carbon world approaches – one in which carbon emissions become more tightly regulated and expensive – the cement industry faces a challenge. 07/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Lafarge_Cement_UK_launches_cement_recycling_scheme.aspx Lafarge has launched a scheme to recycle out of date cement this month in a bid to cut landfill waste. 04/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Italcementi_to_set_up_120_MW_wind_farm.aspx Egypt’s first privately owned wind farm is to be built by Italcementi in the Gulf of Suez. 21/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Photocatalytic_Cementitious_Materials.aspx In this paper Gian Luca Guerrini – CTG Italcementi Group, Italy, briefly reviews the situation with photocatalytic cementitious materials and their current applications in the building sector. 20/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Cement_sector_experiences_unnecessary_interference.aspx It is evident that the cement industry is constantly being examined by various authorities. This interference comes in many forms. In Europe, it is the custom to allow the European Commission to ‘attack’ the cement manufacturers always probing alleged anti-competitive behaviour. 20/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Lafarge bets on biomass to reduce CO2 emissions.aspx Lafarge’s cement plant in Ontario, Canada, is implementing a scheme to plant multiple energy crops in a bid to reduce its carbon emissions. 16/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Lafarge_agrees_limestone_quarrying_compensation_in_India.aspx Lafarge is expected to pay Rs.600 million to compensate for environmental damage as a result of limestone quarry operations in India. 13/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Multilateral_banks_set_to_support_global_economic_recovery.aspx Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and the International Monetary Fund met to discuss plans to support a sustainable global recovery. 12/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Call_for_more_ALSF_funds_to_be_allocated_to_local_authorities_in_quarrying_areas.aspx The Mineral Products Association has revealed that local communities are failing to benefit fully from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. 12/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Roanoke_Cement_Company_takes_Earth_Hour_a_step_further.aspx Roanoke Cement Company has switched off lighting on its preheater tower indefinitely to coincide with the fourth annual Earth Hour. 09/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Cemex_launches_carbon_labelled_cement.aspx Cemex has announced that its UK operation is the first cement company in the world to provide certified carbon labels for its cement using the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Reduction Label. 08/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Lafarge_ahead_of_the_game_in_reducing_its_carbon_footprint.aspx Lafarge has exceeded its targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions a year ahead of schedule, and is continuing with the development of sustainable products and solutions. 30/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Cemex_UK_improves_its_sustainable_performance.aspx Cemex UK is working to improve its sustainable performance across its businesses; at Dove Holes Quarry, this goal is being achieved by removing tonnes of dust. 24/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/EPA_seeks_public_comment_on_GhG_inventory.aspx The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on the annual Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990 – 2008 draft report. 12/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Global_attempts_to_restrict_emissions .aspx Plans and programmes to regulate emissions are underway across the globe. This article looks at the latest news from the EU, China and the US. 10/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Cemex_and_RTI_to_explore_CCS_potential .aspx Cemex USA has been awarded US$1.1 million funding to demonstrate carbon capture technology. 08/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Suez_Cement_set_to_relocate_plants_and_increase_total_output.aspx Suez Cement plans to relocate two cement plants and will take steps to boost its total capacity. 05/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Cemex_USA_named_ENERGY_STAR_Partner_of_the_Year.aspx The EPA has named Cemex USA a 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for outstanding energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 05/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/PCA_backs_SMU_study_on_impact_of_NESHAP_on_industry.aspx The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has announced its support for a study conducted by Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) Maguire Energy Institute, which examines the contributions of the cement industry to US economic health. 03/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Cement_industry_set_to_spend_US_3.5_billion_on_air_pollution_control.aspx US-based McIlvaine Company has published new forecasts on air pollution control systems now becoming even more essential to meet stricter standards and regulations. 26/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Indian_coastal_shipping.aspx Coastal shipping has been the focus of recent research in India due to its obvious economic benefits for large bulk handling. 22/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Newsbytes_from_the_US-_Ash_Grove_Cemex_Holcim.aspx Things begin to look up for Ash Grove, Cemex Davenport closes and Holcim invests in clean energy. 16/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Vision_2050_lays_a_pathway_to_sustainable_living_within_planet .aspx The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has launched the Vision 2050 report, a study that lays out a pathway leading to a global population of some 9 billion people living well, within the resource limits of the planet by 2050. 15/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Titan_Group_wins_accolade_in_Accountability_Rating_Greece_2009.aspx For the second year in a row, Titan Cement has placed number one in the annual corporate accountability ratings for Accountability Rating Greece 2009, edging out close competition from Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company and Vodafone. 12/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/From_Wet_to_Dry_in_Latvia.aspx The following is excerpted from Paul Maxwell-Cook’s article in the January issue of WORLD CEMENT describing the progress taking place at Cemex’s Broceni plant in Latvia. 12/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Cement_news_from_China.aspx China Runji Cement cuts electricity costs, Taiwan cement to expand Chinese interests and Japanese companies bid for JV in wastewater treatment. 12/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Hanson_UK_makes_investment_in_new_dryer.aspx A new dryer at Hanson UK’s West Drayton asphalt plant in Hillingdon in Middlesex is furthering the company’s sustainability effort. 10/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Hanson’s_sustainability_effort.aspx Through environmentally-conscious investments, Hanson has become the lowest carbon dioxide-emitting cement company in the UK. 10/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Geocycle_expands_alternative_fuel_facilities.aspx Michigan-based Geocycle is increasing production of AFs for local cement manufacturers. 09/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/USGS_releases_Mineral_Commodity_summary_January_2010.aspx The United States Geological Survey: Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2010, has been released. The cement section has been reproduced here. 07/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Headwaters_Inc._Q1_revenue_down.aspx Headwaters Incorporated, a diversified building products company dedicated to improving sustainability by transforming underutilised resources into valuable products, has announced results for its 31 December 2009 quarter, the first quarter of fiscal 2010. 05/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Colombus_McKinnon.aspx Columbus McKinnon Corporation, a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of material handling products, has announced it is contributing more than US$40 000 worth of products to aid the recovery efforts in Haiti. 04/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/UNFCCC_receives_pledges.aspx Following the conclusion of the climate change talks in Copenhagen, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has received submissions of national pledges to cut and limit greenhouse gases by 2020 from 55 countries. These countries together account for 78% of global emissions from energy use. 03/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Hanson_contracting.aspx Hanson Contracting has recycled 100% of an old worn-out road, making the newly-refurbished A40 in Gloucestershire the most sustainable road in the UK. 01/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Holcim_joins_ICRC.aspx The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Jakob Kellenberger, and the CEO of Holcim Ltd, Markus Akermann, today signed a long-term agreement during the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, Switzerland. 29/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Lafarge_northamerica.aspx Lafarge North America, Inc. is to make improvements totalling US$170 million at 13 plants across the US. The EPA claims the company violated the Clean Air Act, and has hit back with a large fine. 27/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/new_uk_gypsym.aspx A new Gypsum Quality Protocol is set to raise market confidence in recycled gypsum and increase demand for waste plasterboard. 25/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Green_World_Crete_enters_into_Nicaraguan_JV.aspx Accredited Business Consolidators Corp. announced that its subsidiary, Envirocare Corp., secured funding for a proposed joint venture in Nicaragua with Green World Crete, Inc., for an environmentally friendly "green" concrete plant. 21/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Alternative_fuels_JV_announced_in_Germany.aspx Nehlsen International, Bremen, Germany and MVW Lechtenberg & Partner, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, have signed a joint venture agreement to build and operate alternative fuel production plants. 13/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Copenhagen_conference_concludes_with_final_accord.aspx At the conclusion of the Copenhagen Climate Change conference, countries are now committing to new targets concerning CO2 emissions. 23/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Copenhagen_Business_Day_highlights_role_of_business_in_tackling_climate_change.aspx On 17 December, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development led a meeting between business leaders and ministers from developed and developing countries to discuss the contribution of business in the global fight against climate change. 21/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/South_Africa_declares_emissions_targets.aspx Before the start of COP15, the South African Presidency issued a statement declaring its commitment to achieving a successful outcome in Copenhagen. It outlined the country’s emissions targets and emphasised the need for financial and technological aid for developing countries. 15/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/UK_PBR_signals_higher_costs_for_cement_industry.aspx In the UK’s Pre-Budget Report 2009 it was announced that the climate change levy discount rate has been reduced from 80% to 65%. 14/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/EPA_confirms_GhGs_harmful_to_human_health.aspx The EPA issued a statement on Monday (7 December) that confirms the findings of its investigations into greenhouse gases and human health. 11/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Green_concrete_chosen_for_ZEA_project.aspx Geo-Green Crete^TM is to hit the small screen in a US television documentary about energy efficient homes. 10/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/WBCSD_cement.aspx Chinese cement companies have signed up to the Cement Sustainability Initiative; marking an important step towards global recognition of sustainable development within the industry. 09/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Blueprint_for_progress.aspx Throughout 2009, the role that industry plays in climate change mitigation has been discussed at the various UNFCCC-organised meetings, to prepare the ground for the negotiations on a new global climate agreement at the COP15 meeting in Copenhagen in December. As COP15 begins, the CSI outlines its blueprint for progress. 08/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/China_targets_40_45_emissions_cuts_by_2020.aspx China has outlined its emissions reduction targets ahead of COP15, beginning in Copenhagen next week. The government has been firm on its plans and vows to meet its target by 2020. 03/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/The_European_cement_industry_is_vulnerable_to_carbon_leakage_the_decision_and_beyond.aspx This editorial is taken from Eurobrief 181, issued by CEMBUREAU. It reflects the mood of the European cement industry in the run-up to COP15. 03/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Industry_specific_roadmap_from_IEA_for_cement_industry.aspx The first industry-specific technology roadmap produced by the International Energy Agency focuses on the cement industry. It provides an ambitious vision for emissions reductions up to 2050. The report identifies the requirement for increased R&D commitment and investment, particularly in carbon capture and storage technologies, and the need for a clear policy framework. 03/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/CEMEX_announces_completion_of_EURUS_wind_farm_construction.aspx Construction of the EURUS wind farm project was completed on 15 November 2009. The wind farm will supply approximately 25% of Cemex’s energy needs in its Mexican cement plants. 27/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Green_concrete_in_the_news_again.aspx A new player has emerged, claiming development of a cementitious material made from post-industrial waste and producing near-zero carbon emissions. Many such products have made the news recently, but will any or all gain precedence over OPC? 16/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Net_zero_Habitat_for_Humanity_project_introduced_at_2009_Greenbuild.aspx The PCA, Salt River Materials Group and Habitat for Humanity have developed a concrete home that will bring considerable benefits to its future owners. Its sustainable design means it has achieved ‘Net-Zero’ energy designation. 16/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Lafarge_launches_new_range_of_insulating_concretes.aspx Together with Bouygues Construction, Lafarge has developed and tested the first new product of the range: Thermedia 0.6 B. The product has already been used in several social housing sites, with great success. 12/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Spain and Poland agree ET contract.aspx Poland and Spain have signed an emissions trading agreement that will see Poland selling its AAUs in exchange for funding that will support the country’s GhG mitigations schemes. 10/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/India and China stand together on climate change.aspx India and China have agreed to coordinate efforts to combat climate change. Neither country will agree to emissions caps, particularly while the US has not legislated emissions reduction. All three nations will be at the centre of talks at COP15. 10/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/US_DOE_releases_first_phase_of_funding_for_CO2_capture.aspx The US Department of Energy has released the initial phase of funding for industrial carbon capture and storage projects. The successful projects include trials by Cemex, Air Products and Chemicals, ConocoPhillips, Praxair and Shell. 29/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Low_carbon_economy.aspx The world’s population is expected to grow by 40% over the next 50 years, and 80% of people will be living in the developing countries. Some 70% will be living in cities. 28/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Advances_in_Sustainable_Concrete.aspx Several companies in North America have developed ways to create greener, more environmentally friendly concrete. 26/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Ash_Grove_shuts_down_production_at_nine_plants.aspx The impact of the recession is being felt across America this week, as 500 employees of Ash Grove Cement are laid off at nine of its ten plants. The shutdowns are temporary, but no date has been projected for restarting production. 22/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/EPA_to_regulate_greenhouse_gasses.aspx The US Environmental Protection Agency has announced that it will limit greenhouse gas emissions from major new sources of pollution. 22/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/Cemex_Tilbury_plans_opens_in_the_UK.aspx On 22 September 2009, Cemex opened a new cement grinding and blending plant at the port of Tilbury in Essex. 21/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/carbon_leakage_winners_and_losers.aspx Carbon leakage is a hot topic at the moment, with industries and economies both fearful of losing out to countries that are not subject to the same stringent environmental regulations. 20/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/concentrating_solar_power.aspx Statistics indicate that if less than 0.5% of the total area of sunny deserts in the world were covered with CSP plants, they would produce as much electricity as is currently being used by the whole world. 19/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/co_processing_sustainable_cement_production.aspx Co-processing in the cement industry is the optimum way of recovering energy and material from waste. It offers a safe and sound solution for society, the environment and the cement industry. 16/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/emissions_legislation_under_discussion_in_australia.aspx The government is attempting to pass emissions trading legislation to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 20% by 2020. A bill that rules 20% of all power must come from renewable sources by 2020 has already been passed. 12/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/minimising_emissions_in_cement_production.aspx Cement production is responsible for approximately 5% of the global, man-made CO₂ emissions. As urbanisation and industrialisation continues, so the demand for cement is set to more than double by 2030. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/lafarge_cement_uk_achieves_strong_environmental_performance.aspx In Lafarge Cement UK’s latest annual sustainability report, which includes highlights of the group’s performance in 2008, figures show that the company has made considerable achievements in its quest for improved environmental performance. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/iea_prepares_for_next_industrial_revolution_this_time_hold_the_carbon.aspx The International Energy Agency has released two new publications that put forward ideas to ‘decarbonise’ the energy sector and other CO₂ intensive industries. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/new_zealand_government_considers_increasing_mining_activity.aspx The New Zealand government wishes to increase the revenue gained from its minerals industry, given the plentiful resources available. However, much of the land in question is protected by law and as such significant changes will need to be made. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/recycling_alternative_fuels_in_cement_kilns.aspx The recycling of alternative fuels has been utilised in many cement kilns around the world in recent years. Fuel costs have soared and where opportunities have existed, manufacturers have been able to improve their bottom line by implementing various systems to facilitate firing of these alternative fuels, and within environmental limits. Yet is it enough? 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/restoration_planning_for_extractive_industries.aspx Restoration planning and implementation is an integral part of successful quarrying. Increasing emphasis on environmental protection means that, for many, a rehabilitation plan is an essential part of the permitting process. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/the_european_gypsum_industry.aspx Gypsum is a construction mineral eternally recyclable, quarried worldwide and used in an outstanding sustainable way in buildings. Gypsum building materials are used in all construction types (residential, non-residential, new or refurbished). 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/GGBS_the_worlds_most_sustainable_building_material.aspx Concrete is the world’s most versatile and most used industrial product, but it is made with cement, a product with more CO₂ emissions than any other. How then can we produce sustainable concrete? 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/sustainability/articles/long_running_proposal_gains_new_partner.aspx The long running Thorndyke Resource proposal for a pit-to-pier mining project in Washington state has found a new partner in Canada’s Athabasca Minerals. The project is in its seventh year of county approvals and environmental reviews. 01/10/2009