| Ontario cement plant certified as energy-efficient |
Photo courtesy St Marys Cement St Marys Cement is being recognized for another type of 'green' concrete—the facility has achieved its Certification in Energy Excellence (CEE). A Bowmanville, Ont., cement plant is the first industrial organization to be awarded the Silver Certification in Energy Excellence (CEE). Established in 1968 on the shores of Lake Ontario, the St Marys Cement facility had to undergo an in-depth, third-party energy assessment that took 12 months to complete.
A Canadian firm, 360 Energy Inc., developed the CEE program to demonstrate organizations' commitment to long-term improvements in energy management. To be certified, applicants must reach certain parameters in four main areas: The facility's plant manager, Fabio Garcia, said the CEE process was rigorous, but yielded benefits beyond environmental altruism. "Completing the certification program is not about filling in forms. It's about demonstrating real results and measurable performance improvements. It's a valuable approach not only for companies in an industrial sector like ours, but any organization that aspires to long-term sustainability while maximizing cost control," he explained. "By engaging in the CEE program, St Marys Cement was able to save $550,000 annually." 
Photo courtesy Laura Stanley Fabio Garcia and Jim Storey of the Bowmanville, Ont., St Marys Cement plant are flanked by David Arkell (president of 360 Energy) and Phil McNeeley (parliamentary assistant to the Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure).
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