Emissions from cement production at lowest level ever
Once again, the report shows that the UK cement industry has not only met, but exceeded its targets in 11 out of 15 areas, including emissions of CO2, oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and dust.
Against 2010 targets of 0.13kg/tonne for dust emissions to air, 2.20kg/tonne NOx emissions to air, and 1.10kg/tonne SO2 emissions to air, the industry achieved actual emissions of 0.10kg/tonne for dust, 1.63kg/tonne for NOx and 0.64kg/tonne for SO2.
Taken together with the industry’s performance on CO2 of 776.8kg/tonne against the 2010 target of 800.0kg/tonne, the Mineral Products Association (MPA) says the overall environmental burden to air from the cement manufacturing process in the UK is now at its lowest level ever.
Commenting on the results, Dr Pal Chana, executive director of MPA Cement, said: ‘I am delighted that MPA Cement members CEMEX UK, Hanson Cement, Lafarge Cement UK and Tarmac Buxton Lime and Cement have once again risen to the environmental challenge and beaten many of their 2010 targets two years early. This is testament to the commitment our members have to minimizing the impact their operations have on local communities and the environment as a whole.
‘Even in these recession-burdened times when production is down, our members are looking to the future and ensuring that their essential products continue to be produced to the benefit of the economy and society in general. We need a financially healthy domestic cement industry in this country, but we also need an environmentally healthy one too. Our members are working on the first part during this recession and delivering on the second part now.’
