An exclusive focus this year on ready mixed concrete under the Environmental Protection Agency-aligned Energy Star program will provide producers with resources to enhance energy efficiency, cut costs and strengthen sustainability metrics. The effort mirrors an established cement industry template, where producers and program officials set annual power and fuel consumption reduction targets as plant operations maintain or increase year-over-year output.
The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association is assisting the launch and informing producers how the program can be leveraged to boost their companies’ reputation; improve sustainability data point collection; and, reduce production costs by streamlining energy consumption. Subsequently, Energy Star program participants will be introduced to a new ready mixed concrete plant-specific energy performance indicator tool, connect with strategic energy advisors and, through an industry forum, engage energy managers to discuss proven efficiency and resource conservation strategies.
Energy Star is public-private endeavor. The focus on ready mixed production builds on the work of NRMCA and allied partners enlisted thus far, including Arizona Rock Products Association, CalPortland Co., Cemex USA, Holcim North America, Knife River Corp., Kuhlman Corp., Stoneway Concrete, S.T. Wooten Corp. and Titan America. Additional background on interaction with EPA and other sustainability-minded policymakers can be obtained from NRMCA Director, Sustainability Codes and Standards Tiffany Reed-Villarreal, P.E., [email protected].