Photo courtesy Lafarge Bath Cement Plant, Ontario

Lafarge's Bath Cement Plant (Bath, Ont.) won the Overall Environmental Excellence Award at the 2010 Cement Industry Environment and Energy Awards.

An Ontario cement plant has won a Portland Cement Association (PCA) award for its commitment to improving the environment and surrounding communities.

Lafarge's cement plant (Bath, Ont.) is the third Canadian plant to win the Overall Environmental Excellence Award in the North American competition.

According to Sylvie Moncion, Cement Association of Canada (CAC) director of communications, the Lafarge plant completed a range of environmental and energy efficiency projects last year.

"As part of its climate change and energy efficiency programs, university researchers have planted hybridized willow species at the facility and other crops as possible renewable biomass sources," she told Construction Canada Online. "The facility also worked with local farmers to raise crops for a future trial biomass burn, and more than 950 bales of plant material have been collected."

The plant improved its kiln operation and increased petroleum coke use by installing a new blower technology. It is also anticipated that sulfur and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, as well as fuel consumption, will lower. With additional kiln operation and quarry changes, the facility has nearly eliminated cement kiln dust (CKD) production. Likewise, the CKD monofills were improved because little to no CKD will be produced in the future. Lastly, with the help of 250 local scouts, leaders, and parents, the facility planted 3,000 trees on the plant property for habitat restoration and climate change education and mitigation.

The award honours individual cement plants exemplifying the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and supporting this with action. In addition to winning this award, the plant was also recognized in the Land Stewardship and Innovation categories.

The awards were presented at the ninth annual Cement Industry Environment and Energy Awards by the PCA and Cement Americas. There were 26 projects entered from Canada and the United States.