Irish Cement achieves certification to BES 6001 standard

Irish Cement Limited has become the first company in the Republic of Ireland to gain certification to the Building Research Establishment BES 6001 Environmental & Sustainability standard for its Eco-Efficient CEM II range of products.

The BES 6001 standard has been prepared by BRE to provide a framework for the assessment of responsible sourcing and to give a route to certification and rating of the sustainability of construction products.

The standard requires that verifiable measurement, monitoring, and reporting of sustainability performance across a wide range of parameters is addressed. The scope of the standard ensures that balanced sustainable development is pursued by addressing all three of the pillars of sustainability (Environmental, Societal and Economic) rather than just focusing on any single aspect to the potential detriment of any other.

Eco-efficient CEM II products were originally introduced into the Irish marketplace in late 2006 following substantial R&D and field trials. They have been specifically formulated and produced in accordance with the European Harmonised cement standard to deliver the same performance as their CEM I predecessors whilst simultaneously addressing the need for a more sustainable product portfolio.

Irish Cement Eco-Efficient CEM II sales have grown steadily over the last 5 years and now account for over 80% of the Irish Cement sales in Ireland.

The introduction of Eco-efficient CEM II products is a key element in the award winning “Investing in Our Future” sustainability strategy initiated by Irish Cement in 2006. In addition to the change in product portfolio to CEM II, this strategy has realised significant improvements in energy efficiency and the successful introduction of specially prepared alternative fuels earlier this year.

The successful certification to the BES 6001 standard realises a significant milestone for Irish Cement and provides an external endorsement of the initiatives, which will continue to improve the sustainability of Irish Cement for many years to come.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/15082011/irish_cement_achieves_certification_to_bes_6001_standard/