The alternative fuels we select have a range of environmental benefits to our company and our community, including:

* Reduction in net CO2 emissions * Reduction in fossil fuel use * Reduction in materials being sent to landfill * Energy is recovered from otherwise waste materials * Decreased costs in disposal of otherwise non-recycleable materials

The current national waste strategy with which most of us are familiar encourages us to reduce, reuse or recycle our waste, rather than throw it away. Where none of these options is possible, there is a solution which is far more desirable than landfill - energy recovery.

Put simply, energy recovery is the practice of burning a material to produce heat, either in industrial processes or power generation. Rather than using fossil fuels to create energy, industries such as cement factories or power stations can utilise materials such as SRF or tyre chips instead.

This solves two problems;

* It reduces the amount of material going to landfill * It reduces the amount of fossil fuels being used

The most common alternative fuels being used in the European cement industry are SRF and tyres.

To view Energy Recovery in our Waste Pyramid illustration click the link below..

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Lagan has reduced dependency on non-renewable raw materials by recycling mineral rich materials such as waste gypsum and a mineral rich residue derived from the treatment of drinking water.

All these materials are renewable and non hazardous, and represent a significant opportunity for us to improve our environmental performance.

We have also increased "Green" Cement Production with the introduction of "CEM II Limestone Cement" alongside the present primary cement "CEM I". This effectively reduces the amount of CO2 per tonne of cement produced, given that "CEM II" has 10% - 20% less clinker than "CEM I".

To read more about Green Cement Production click here to download our November 2006 newsletter.

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The temperatures reached in a cement kiln are in excess of 1400 degrees C (with flame temperatures of 2000 degrees C), destroying dioxins and other organic substances and ensuring that these emissions are very low and compliant with emission requirements.

Cement kilns burning alternative fuels such as MBM have been shown to emit even lower levels of dioxin than those burning other fuels such as coal.

Cement kilns ensure complete combustion because of:

* Ultra high flame temperatures exceeding 2000 degrees C * Excess oxygen maintained in kiln system * Very high internal turbulence of rotary kiln and calciner systems

Further benefits include:

* No waste ashes produced requiring landfill disposal * The predominant raw material, lime, provides an excellent neutralising environment * Any residual trace presence of heavy metals is fixated into clinker structure

To view a diagram illustrating kiln temperatures compared to other heat sources click the link below..

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The utilisation of alternative fuels at Lagan Cement makes no significant difference in terms of the content or visual appearance of the emissions at Lagan Cement, other than the reduction in net CO2 and minor reductions in SO2 and NO2.

The very high temperatures used in the cement kiln destroy any harmful materials, therefore preventing harmful emissions.

Dioxins are by-products of both natural processes, such as volcanic eruptions and open fires and industrial processes. However, the ultra-high temperatures reached in a cement kiln destroy dioxins and other organic substances and ensure that these emissions are very low.

Overall emission limits at Lagan Cement are amongst the lowest imposed on any cement plant in Europe and monitoring at the facility has consistently shown dioxin levels to be extremely low.

A key element of SRF production is to ensure that the raw material does not contain materials that could give rise to harmful emissions. This is achieved by only selecting raw materials from reliable sources. This waste is then carefully screened to remove any low levels of materials that may cause problems.

The constitution of tyre chips is such that they produce emissions very similar to coal or oil.

The European cement industry recognises its responsibility to manage the environmental impact associated with the manufacture of its products. Over the past 20 years specific energy consumption has been reduced by about 30%. Dust emissions have been reduced by 90% as the industry has invested heavily in various emission abatement techniques.

Risk assessments carried out by experts working with the EU, notably the Scientific Steering Committee, show that it is safe to burn alternative fuels in cement plants. The reduced emission levels of CO2 – a greenhouse gas – have a positive impact on the environment in the long term.

The cement industry is able to use alternative greener fuels such as MBM, SRF and Tyre Chippings to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance its sustainable development. All of our alternative fuels are already used extensively and safely throughout Europe. This also helps to solve some of Society’s waste problems in a way which puts the waste to a good use and is beneficial to the environment.

Ireland is lagging behind Europe in terms of alternative fuel use in industry. It is essential that Ireland aligns itself with the rest of Europe in this respect to remain economically competitive and environmentally responsible. Industry in Ireland must achieve substantial reductions in emissions, partially achieved through alternative use, to avoid the Irish government risking fines of up to 10 billion EURO by 2015.

The image above helps to illustrate how the cement industry across Europe is integrating use of alternative fuels in sustainable development.

Lagan Cement is committed to an open and transparent introduction of alternative fuels under our Good Neighbour policy. The introduction of significant processes at our facility are typically communicated to our immediate neighbours, wider community and stakeholders through:

* Public open days and visits by appointment to view the facility * Setting up a temporary information centre to explain specific developments * Preparation and distribution of detailed information packs, DVDs, newsletters and press releases

We also issue ongoing updates on planning applications to Meath County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency, adhering to both Irish and EU legislation.