Four familiar names in construction materials are among 210 U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency 2022 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award recipients. CalPortland Co., Cemex USA and Ozinga Bros. Inc. earned awards in the Energy Management category, Portland Cement Association in Energy Management Program Delivery. The 2022 Partner naming marks 18 consecutive years of such recognition for CalPortland, four for Cemex and three for Ozinga and PCA.
“This award confirms our commitment to reducing cement sector carbon dioxide emissions through long-term efforts to improve energy efficiency,” observes PCA CEO Michael Ireland. “It shows once again that the cement and concrete industries are leading the way toward a more sustainable future, even as demand for our products grows.” The Energy Star Partner of the Year Award follows the October 2021 launch of PCA’s Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality, outlining cement-concrete-construction value chain deliverables through 2050.
The Partner program recognizes businesses and organizations’ superior management of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts, plus their promotion or sharing of best environmental protection practices with peer operators. Award recipients lead in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, services, and strategies. “Energy Star partners are demonstrating what it takes to build a more sustainable future,” affirms EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “These companies are showing once again that taking action in support of a clean energy economy can be good not only for the environment, but also for business and customers.”
“[We are] dedicated to making a lasting positive impact on individuals, their families, and the community for generations,” notes Ozinga Vice President of Fleet Jeff Bonnema. “Improving on energy efficiency, while building sustainability in our operations, plays a key role in that.”
“Sustainability is deeply-rooted at Cemex, and it’s key to our business strategy as we work to build a better and more sustainable future,” adds Cemex USA President Jaime Muguiro. “In addition to offering sustainable products and solutions, we are dedicated to making a positive impact at our operations. We are honored to be recognized by the Energy Star program and are proud of our teams for making a difference.”
Along with 2018-2021 Partner Awards tied to cement operations, he notes, Cemex USA terminals and ready mixed concrete plants have earned more than 60 Energy Star certifications since 2007. On top of energy management and conservation, the producer is working toward ambitious climate and sustainability targets. The Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. Future in Action program implemented last year sets a goal of reducing CO2 emissions enterprise wide by 40 percent per ton of cementitious product through 2030, using 1990 baseline levels. By the end of the decade, the company aims to have 55 percent of electricity consumption in global cement operations derived from renewable sources.