The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association recently announced the winners of the 2014 Commitment to Environmental Excellence Awards at it’s ConcreteWorks Conference & Expo in Indianapolis. Cosponsored by Concrete Products, it offers producers national recognition for outstanding contributions to protecting the environment and maintaining sound environmental management practices.
“These plants have demonstrated that they are the ‘best of the best’ when it comes to being good stewards of the environment,” affirms NRMCA Senior Vice President of Operations and Compliance Gary Mullings.
“This is another example of the ready mixed concrete industry’s move to environmental excellence,” adds NRMCA President Robert Garbini. “These plants clearly demonstrate the incorporation of environmental management systems.”
The NRMCA Operations, Environmental and Safety Committee and its Environmental Task Group underscore how award candidates have not only met, but surpassed governmental compliance requirements and demonstrated commitments through plant and staff investment. Eligible plants include those sites under NRMCA producer members located in the U.S., its territories, or Canada. Environmental Excellence Award entries are divided into categories based on 2013 production volumes: A for plants producing less than 25,000 yd.; B, 25,001 to 50,000 yd.; C, 50,001 to 100,000 yd.; D, 100,001 to 200,000 yd.; and, E, 200,000-plus yd.
Entries consist of a written narrative and images covering 11 evaluation criteria, including site aesthetics, documented plant procedures, training and employee involvement, air- and water-pollution control methods, noise-abatement measures, community relations, operating challenges, and overall management commitment. A panel of regulatory officials, industry and environmental consultants judge the entries.
Any NRMCA member company in good standing, owning a fixed U.S. or Canadian plant that has operated in full compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations for a minimum of two years is eligible to enter the Environmental Excellence Awards program. Since contestants’ participation is vital to sustaining the competition, producers are encouraged to enter their plants for the 2015 program. Entry forms will be posted next year at www.nrmca.org.