Rock Products Environmental Recognition Award:
A Call for Entries

When it comes to sustainable development, the aggregates industry is second to none. Even after fully utilizing the land’s mineral resources, it must be restored to yet another usable state. Old mines often are transformed into recreational areas for nature lovers or handed over to municipalities to help with flood control. Other times the property creates a whole new market as real-estate developers are drawn in by the unique aesthetics created by the expiring quarry or gravel pond. Unlike many businesses that often leave behind brown fields or abandoned buildings, the mining industry promises an exit strategy that both the community and environment will benefit from.

But despite this promise, work remains to make this industry and its daily operations even more environmentally efficient. And every day another operation raises its environmental standards to pave the way for other operations to follow. Just take a look at the past issues of Rock Products, and you will find no shortage of environmental leaders in the industry. Their methods could be high-tech ways to reduce energy and resource consumption or something as simple as donating property for a wildlife refuge. But there is no doubt that the aggregates industry is and has been a solid-green enterprise.

Now that the rest of the world is finally catching on, Rock Products is celebrating by extending its August issue with an environmental section. We also are on the hunt for the most environmentally friendly operations in the field. Those selected will receive the prestigious Rock Products’ Environmental Recognition Award. Winners will be chosen by the staffs of Rock Products, Cement Americas and Concrete Products. There is no fee to enter, but submissions must be completed by June 1, 2008.

Rock Products will consider any operation taking legitimate efforts to minimize impact on the environment or enhance the environment through mitigation. Examples may include operations with dedicated wildlife refuge, site reclamation or something as simple as reducing resource consumption with technology. Submissions also may yield additional editorial coverage at the discretion of Rock Products staff. Entries will be judged on innovation, energy efficiency, waste reduction as well as benefits to the community, the environment and most importantly the company’s bottom line. Operations featured in past issues of Rock Products also will be considered.

Tell us about your environmental efforts by e-mailing Rock Products Associate Editor, Adam Madison, (312) 840-8433.