March 2, 2010

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named CEMEX USA a 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for outstanding energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. CEMEX’s accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony later this month in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2010.

CEMEX USA, an ENERGY STAR partner since 2004, will be honored for strategic energy management and a commitment to save energy across its entire operation that resulted in significant energy and financial savings. This is the second year in a row that CEMEX USA has been named Partner of the Year. In 2009, CEMEX reduced its overall energy intensity by 2.2 percent as a result of its Energy Management Program using ENERGY STAR guidelines. Over 1.1 million MMBTUs were saved through such measures as commissioning two new cement lines using state-of-the-art vertical roller mills for finish grinding, replacing and repairing compressed air systems, and upgrading plant lighting. This energy savings resulted in cutting 107,500 metric tons of CO₂ emissions and is equal to providing electricity to 14,900 American homes for one year, or avoiding emissions from about 19,700 passenger vehicles.

"Our work through the ENERGY STAR program is a part of our commitment to sustainability. And, it’s achieving real results: for two years in a row, we have smartly managed our energy, reducing our usage and thereby cutting our CO₂ footprint," said Gilberto Perez, President of CEMEX USA. "We are honored that our achievements have caught the EPA’s eye and that we will continue to be industry leaders pushing the bar for sustainability."

Besides serving as an active ENERGY STAR Partner, CEMEX also has an Energy Management Program in place, employs a Corporate Energy Management Team and a Site Energy Team at each plant, has received numerous local and national energy and environmental awards, and is a strong advocate for energy conservation and sustainable manufacturing practices. Over the years, these CEMEX cement plants received ENERGY STAR certifications for their work to protect the environment through energy efficiency: Clinchfield, Ga.; Davenport, Calif.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Louisville, Ky.; and Wampum, Pa.

The 2010 Partner of the Year Awards recognize efforts to use energy efficiently in facility operations and to integrate superior energy management into overall organizational strategy. Award winners are selected from more than 17,000 organizations.

"CEMEX USA is leading the fight against climate change through greater energy efficiency," said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. "CEMEX’s robust energy management program is a model for others and affirms that energy efficiency is our most cost-effective climate strategy."

Last year alone Americans with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $17 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles.

CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The company has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through its efforts to pursue innovative industry solutions and efficiency advancements and to promote a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.cemexusa.com.

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 17,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).

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