Skokie, Ill.-based PCA introduced the Cement Manufacturing Sustainability Program June 11 in Chicago at the American Institute of Architects 2004 National Convention and Design Exposition. The theme of sustainable development permeated the June 10-12 convention, which drew a record 22,159 registrants.

During welcoming remarks, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) announced the city’s adoption of a new set of environmentally sensitive construction standards for public buildings, called the Chicago Standard. The goal, said Daley, is to "ensure healthier indoor environments, reduce operating costs and conserve energy." The standard is based on the LEED Green Building Rating System of the U.S. Green Building Council.

"While these standards only apply to public buildings, I hope the private sector will adopt many of these same strategies," said Daley.

The PCA code "is a formalized attempt to provide the industry with a framework for environmental stewardship," said David D. Shepherd, PCA’s director of sustainable development.

Cement interests have adopted a voluntary target, by 2020, of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 10% per ton of cementitious product produced or sold, from a 1990 baseline. For cement kiln dust, the voluntary target is a 60% reduction in the amount disposed per ton of clinker. There will continue to be an annual survey of members to collect data on these and other issues.

Since the early 1970s, ce-ment makers have reduced average energy consumption per ton of product by 30% and reduced emissions of sulphur dioxide from nearly 600 metric tons in 1970 to about 150 metric tons in 2001, says PCA. Emissions of...