CEMEX invest US$280 million to improve air quality

Company achieves significant reductions in emissions that impact air quality around the world

FOLLOWING up on the celebration of the United Nations’ ‘International Day of Clean Air for blue skies’, CEMEX have reaffirmed their commitment to the goal of improving air quality in cities and surrounding areas.

The company has invested more than US$280 million since 2013 in technology to measure, control and mitigate gas and particle emissions from its operations. Through this continuous investment, CEMEX have introduced international standards consistent with the world’s strictest emissions regulations throughout their operations.

As a result, by the end of 2019, CEMEX achieved significant emissions reductions when measured against their 2005 baseline, the year when the company initiated its investments to improve its air quality.

As of 31 December 2019, CEMEX had reduced dust emissions by approximately 90%, sulphur emissions (SOx) by almost 60%, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by close to 50%.

‘Currently, 95% of our cement plants have an ISO 14001 certification, which confirms our commitment to the most rigorous environmental standards, while 97% of our production facilities have already implemented a continuous monitoring system for the principal air pollutants,’ said Fernando A. Gonzalez, chief executive officer of CEMEX.

‘These systems are designed to allow us to adjust in real time, seeking to ensure that we always comply with the limits established under the world’s strictest regulations.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic reminds us once again of the importance of clean air and blue skies to our health and well-being. This explains our commitment to continue investing in mitigating our emissions in every one of our operations in the world.’

He added: ‘Commemorations such as ‘International Clean Air Day for blue skies’ remind us all, especially global leaders, of the enormous responsibility we have to safeguard natural resources and protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations.’