Twelve Texas ready-mix plants were recognized for achieving the EPA Energy Star Challenge for Industry at an awards presentation at the CEMEX Texas/New Mexico Regional Office on Wednesday, April 4, 2016. More than 50 CEMEX team members, local leaders, customers and friends were on hand for the event, which was hosted by Regional President [TX/NM Region] Scott Ducoff.

The 12 plants that met the challenge are: Arcola, Cutten, Tomball, Webster, Baytown, LaPorte, Rosenberg, Hockley, Section 10, Edinburg, Harlingen and Mission. Plant and/or regional managers from each of the facilities were there to accept special plaques commemorating their achievement. The Maintenance Team was also recognized for their role in helping the 12 plants meet the goal.

“This is the type of initiative that fits perfectly with the CEMEX sustainability agenda. With this initiative, we are creating value for our shareholders by reducing our energy bills, but at the same time, we are contributing to the betterment of our communities and society through reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using fewer resources,” CEMEX USA President, Ignacio Madridejos said.

EPA LEED Green Associate Karen Butler made the trip from Washington, D.C., for the event and addressed the crowd, praising CEMEX’s commitment to sustainability and leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the industry.

“I want to congratulate the CEMEX plants on their outstanding achievement meeting the Energy Star challenge. These 12 plants reduced their energy intensity by more than 21 percent,” Butler said. “I want to thank all of these plants for the work they’ve done to reduce greenhouse gas and protect our planet.”

In order to meet the challenge, the plants had to reduce their energy intensity by at least 10 percent in five years or less.

“This program is a wonderful example of how CEMEX invests in the future of energy conservation and how we go about conducting our business in our communities. The Texas/New Mexico Region actually leads the United States in the number of plants that have been certified. Now we have a total of 12, so this is a challenge to my peers and colleagues around the United States and our ready-mix networks to get on board,” Ducoff said.

CEMEX is a corporate partner of the ENERGY STAR® program and is an active proponent of the importance of energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR® is an EPA program that delivers environmental benefits and financial value through superior energy efficiency and focuses on strategic energy management and the importance of demonstrating environmental leadership for future generations.