The industry recorded a small increase in emissions of sulphur dioxide, which it attributed to natural fluctuations in quarried stone geology.
A new interim sustainable development report includes environmental performance results to the end of 2011.
Following the expiry of the first Sector Plan agreed with the Environment Agency for 2005 to 2010, the cement industry continued to press on with its planned performance improvements while negotiating a revised Sector Plan. This new agreement between the industry and the Environment Agency will take it through to 2020 with key milestones also being set for 2015.
Commenting on the industry’s performance, Mineral Products Association executive director Dr Pal Chana said: “The cement industry has not rested on its laurels during the transition to a new Sector Plan and has continued to drive forward its environmental performance. From a 1998 baseline we have reduced our emissions of oxides of nitrogen by 60%; sulphur dioxide by 84%; and dust by 82%. Carbon dioxide emissions per tonne of cement equivalent are down by 22% over a 1990 baseline. Much of this has been achieved at a time when we have faced the most difficult trading conditions since records began in the 1950s. I pay tribute to the on-going efforts that our members are making”.
The UK Cement Industry’s 2011 sustainable development report can be found at http://cement.mineralproducts.org/
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