Measuring carbon footprint/emission
Greenhouse gases have negative impact on our environment. That is why we’re committed to implementing company-wide carbon emission measuring and verification practices. This is very essential in order to make our plants more sustainable, and establish a baseline for future reduction goals. Since 2008, we have been measuring our carbon footprint on annual basis at our ready-mixed and precast plants in California. This has been done by a certified 3rd party in compliance with WRI protocol standards. Increasingly, more USC regional plants are evaluating and supporting the process. Monitoring and controlling air emission
Controlling air quality helps maintain good relationships with our local communities and protects the environment. That is why we ensure that we operate in compliance with air quality standards and have plans in place to reduce and control emissions to air. We utilize high efficiency filtration systems for sandblasting, apply moisture barriers to non-paved storage yards annually, and monitor cement/fly ash emissions via air pressure differential devices.
Renewable energy
USC companies are increasingly adopting practices that take environmental aspects into account. Our plants and delivery trucks in California and Washington D.C are now powered by B20 biofuels, which offer the environmental benefits of renewable energy, thus contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouse gase, to the atmosphere.
Return concrete recycling
Our ready mixed facilities utilize the best practices to recycle all unused concrete returned to the plants. In many cases, the returned concrete can be reused into the production of fresh concrete, depends on the quality and end-use. Additionally, many of our plants have multiple block forms to capture the leftovers which then can be sold as blocks (precast). Any blocking surplus is sent to our recycling facilities for processing and resale.
Washout systems
We utilize washout systems (settlement type) that capture and contain waste water and concrete washout materials, allowing us to recycle the water and surplus concrete. The using of concrete washout systems protect the environment from chemicals that are present in the waste-water, which if not improperly contained, can percolate into the ground and contaminate groundwater.
Water management
Water is an integral part of our concrete production process. From mixing and aggregates washing, to the cleaning of our trucks and equipment. Consequently, from an environmental and business aspect, we strive to optimize the use of our water resources. Throughout our facilities, we collect process water in total retention ponds which is then recycled into our manufacturing process leaving zero process water discharge. Storm water is segregated from process water and leaves our properties at designated out flow sites.
Monitoring and reporting of our environmental practices
In addition to the required environmental reports, which vary by state, many of our facilities are recognized for continual improvement of environmental best management practices, earning the NRMCA Greenstar Certification.
Training employees and integrating a sustainability mind-set
Sustainability is not an individual program embraced by the top management; rather, it’s a company wide mind-set that should be integrated into day-to-day activities. Sustainability and waste reduction are constantly communicated to our employees across the board. Additionally, we encourage our employees to pursue related education and training, including NRMCA Concrete Sustainability Professional Certification.
Reducing and recycling waste
We constantly encourage recycling (plastics, paper, aluminum cans) throughout our facilities.
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