Cement industry recognized for sustainable practices

MANILA, Philippines - This year, in their recognition awards for outstanding practices in sustainable development, the Federation of Philippine Industries, (FPI), recognized more than just outstanding corporations. FPI also recognized exemplary industries as well as local government units (LGUs) which partnered with FPI members in sustainable development initiatives.

Outstanding practices in sustainable development were recognized in the areas of waste management, optimum use of resources, health and safety and corporate social responsibility (CSR). 

Comprising the board of Judges were DENR Secretary Ramon Paje as chairman, ABS CBN Foundation managing director Gina Lopez, former DENR Secretary and current Presidential Adviser on Environment Elisea Gozun, former DOH Secretary Jaime Galvez Tan and Miss Earth Foundation executive director Cathy Untalan.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP), as an industry, won two of these awards this year, one for waste management and the other for CSR.   CeMAP president Ernesto Ordonez stressed that CeMAP, through its sustainable development committee, fosters among its members ‘more than’ compliance with regulations stipulated in the Clean Air Act and Solid Waste Management Act of the Philippines. He said they use continuous emission monitoring systems to ensure minimal release of carbon dioxide emissions.  

CeMAP is promoting with its members the adoption of best practices in reforestation and in health and safety. It is also promoting the eradication of dumpsites and landfills in LGUS.   It is conducting research on best practices in solid waste management of LGUs. The association will share with the LGUs the findings of research to campaign for the attainment of zero waste.

LaFarge won the 2011 award for waste management. LaFarge’s Teresa plant is equipped with a waste head recovery system, the first of its kind in the Philippines. This system reduced the plant’s carbon dioxide emission by 11,800 metric tons per year and reduced the use of electricity from the Luzon power grid by a massive 30 percent.

Meanwhile, CEMEX, through its cement plant in Cebu, helped Naga City win the waste management award for LGUs. Instead of using a dumpsite, which poses significant risks to health and the environment, the city now uses a resource recovery facility where waste can be recovered, treated, and reused. CEMEX assists the LGU in the disposal of its waste that can be co-processed in its cement kiln.

 “All the members of CeMAP have taken concrete steps towards sustainable development, and will continue to do so in the years to come,” Ordonez said.