The most recent figures from the Cement Industry Federation show that this industry is a leader in reducing energy consumption.
The 2009 fast facts show that the cement industry has reduced the amount of fuel it uses by 35 per cent and has brought down its power use by 15 per cent over the last 20 years while increasing production by millions of tonnes.
"For what has traditionally been an extremely energy intensive industry these are really encouraging results," said the Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP.
"Increased energy efficiency is a priority for all industries - both domestically and internationally - and I applaud the cement industry for the progress they have made in improving their practices.
"The Federation and its members are working smarter - embracing innovative technologies that are good for industry, good for the environment, and good for the economy."
Key projects with the potential to take their technologies to the global market under way across the cement industry include:
- The Devour X and bio-solids projects, supported by Australian Government funding under the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, and notable for their savings in energy expenditure and the processing and re-use of waste materials;
- Adelaide Brighton's work in using alternative fuels such as demolition timber to reduce waste and minimise landfill; and
- Calera's cutting-edge carbon capture and use technology, with joint support from the Australian and Victorian governments.
"These are exciting times for the cement industry - an industry that is finding local solutions to global problems and leading the charge in developing the sustainable business practices of the future," Minister Ferguson said.
In addition to celebrating the excellent results from 2009, Minister Ferguson also took the opportunity to congratulate and thank the Federation's outgoing CEO, Robyn Bain, and welcome the incoming CEO Margie Thompson.
"Robyn is a long-standing friend of the industry. I, and many of my colleagues on both sides of the house, wish her well in the future and thank her for her tremendous efforts on behalf of Australia's cement industry to date and her contribution to public policy over many years."