Architects of the 21st century must focus on creating sustainable structures which harmonize with the surrounding environment. The choice of materials is increasingly important in this effort. The most widely recognized standard for such structures is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ administered by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

The Ash Grove Cement Company and other leaders in the cement industry believe concrete is an important product in achieving sustainable development because its primary ingredient, cement, is a sustainable product.

While the growth of green building is a relatively new phenomenon, Ash Grove’s commitment to environmental responsibility is not new. A decade ago, Ash Grove’s Board of Directors adopted an Environmental and Health and Safety Policy based on the company’s strategic intent and management priorities.

In 2004, Ash Grove committed itself to sustainable development when it became the only U.S.-based cement company to join the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Cement Sustainability Initiative.

Ash Grove manufacturing practices and products can help architects earn LEED certification for their projects.

Ash Grove’s Duracem F® product is a blended hydraulic portland cement that is inter-ground with Class F fly ash for high performance concrete. Utilizing 25% Class F fly ash in Duracem F® reduces the amount of energy and carbon dioxide emissions required to produce cement and reduces the amount of fly ash that has to be land filled while improving the durability of concrete.

Ash Grove has been using alternative fuels, including scrap tires, to heat its kilns for more than 15 years. These fuels replace coal, a non-renewable energy source. We also use a variety of waste products for raw materials.

Ash Grove Cement is a member of the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), a nonprofit group of corporations, conservation organizations, and individuals dedicated to restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat. The WHC helps large landowners, particularly corporations, manage their unused lands in an ecologically sensitive manner for the benefit of wildlife. Ash Grove’s cement manufacturing facility in Foreman, Arkansas, is a WHC-certified site.