Concern for the Environment:

Air Quality in the Cement and Construction Industry

Construction Companies "Leaning Green" for the Environment and Air Quality

Industrial plant smokestacks from cement and construction companies are some of the biggest contributors to poor air quality, especially in urban developments. Concrete is the second most used product on the planet (second to water), but since the chemical process of producing cement also produces carbon dioxide, cement-makers have their work cut out of them to do business "greener." Cement plant smokestacks rise hundreds of feet into the air, carrying off carbon dioxide-heavy exhaust in billowing gray plumes. As of 2007, the cement industry alone was reported to produce 5% of total greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.

However, there are ways for cement and construction companies to be more environmental and maintain better air quality. By federal and state law, cement and construction companies are required to abide by air-emission limits that include controlling the amount of dust generated from the preliminary stages of cement production as well as what kinds of materials are used for burning and what ends up in the exhaust. In addition, cement and construction companies can contribute to air quality and environment through a number of environmental policies.

In celebration of initiatives toward developing healthier, more earth-happy cement construction, this website recognizes cement companies taking steps in the direction of environmental industrialism. These cement companies include, among others, Holcim, Inc, California Portland Cement Co, Lafarge, Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua (GCC), Ash Grove, Giant Cement Holding (GCH), and Cemex. In addition to practice benefitting the environment, these companies also follow guidelines for proper air quality control. Many of these companies have received awards from recognized environment activist groups and governing bodies (such as the EPA) for their policies benefiting the environment and air quality.