Holcim US - Holcim (US) Cement Plant Wins Award for Environmental Performance

WALTHAM, Mass., April 30, 2008 – The Holcim (US) Inc. cement plant in Theodore, Ala., today received the Environmental Performance Award from the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine as part of the 2008 Cement Industry Energy and Environment Awards. The award was presented at PCA’s Spring Meeting in Chicago.

The Environmental Performance Award recognizes facilities that take steps beyond those required by environmental laws, regulations, and permits to minimize their impact on the environment. To reduce its environmental impact, the Holcim Theodore facility developed programs to respond to air, water, and solid waste emissions.

The plant’s emissions are well below state limits for particulate matter and other emissions. All cement kiln dust is reused in the manufacturing process, which limits carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, the plant used approximately 10,000 gallons of site-generated oil for an energy recovery fuel in the kiln. In 2007, no storm water was released from the cement manufacturing plant or from the plant’s off-site limestone and clay quarries.

The plant also was a runner-up in the Outreach category for its efforts to enhance community, employee and government relations. Another Holcim plant in Holly Hill, S.C., was a finalist in the Outreach category.

“We are delighted that our Theodore plant won PCA’s and Cement America’s Environmental Performance Award and did so well in the outreach category,” said Patrick Dolberg, President and CEO of Holcim (US). “Our employees are committed to protecting the environment and have worked hard to achieve these honors. We congratulate and thank them for their good work.”

The Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards honor individual cement facilities that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and support this spirit with action. These plants go beyond government regulations and local laws to ensure that their processes contributed to making their communities better places to live and work. Five categories are recognized: Outreach, Environmental Performance, Land Stewardship, Innovation, and Energy Efficiency. Additionally a special honor is presented to plants demonstrating excellence in multiple categories.

Judges for the awards represent independent groups such as Cement Americas magazine, the Cement Association of Canada, World Resources Institute, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the World Wildlife Fund.

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.

About Holcim (US)
Holcim (US) Inc. is a subsidiary of Holcim Ltd, and one of the nation’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of cement and mineral components. Holcim (US) has approximately 2,900 employees and operates 16 manufacturing plants and over 76 distribution facilities in the United States.