CEMEX Philippines is first cement company to receive Green Choice Seal

CEMEX Philippines’ Solid Cement Corporation and APO Cement Corporation were recognized for their environmentally preferable products and services, making CEMEX Philippines the first cement company and only the third Filipino company to receive the distinctive Green Choice Seal. The Antipolo-based Solid Cement Corporation received the distinctive Green Choice Seal for products namely Island Portland Cement, CEMEX Palitada King, and Rizal Super, while Cebu-based APO Cement Corporation was

awarded the Green Choice Seal for products APO Premium and APO Pozzolan.  These products have proved to be eco-friendly.

“In order to get the Green Choice seal, we needed to show that our products comply with the applicable Philippine National Standards, as well as all applicable environmental laws and regulations,” CEMEX Philippines President Sergio Menendez said.

That the cement maker reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent through the use of alternative materials  program also was a huge factor in the eco-label seal.  Carbon dioxide is a by-product of the cement manufacturing process.  In CEMEX’s case, it implements environment-efficient programs that bring down emission levels to a minimum.

The eco-label is awarded by the National Eco-labeling Board of the Philippines to companies which have adopted processes and supply products that have less adverse environmental impact.  It is a voluntary eco-labeling initiative sponsored by the government based on ISO 14024 – Type 1 Environmental Labeling.

“The label,” Menendez explained, “is used to empower consumers and complement the government’s environmental policy.  In the end, it’s all about making the right choice.  It means buying less polluting products from the less polluting companies.”

Living green has become not only a mantra, but also a way of life for the CEMEX Philippines Group of Companies.  More than implementing environment friendly operations, it has initiated a host of corporate social responsibility projects that focuses on environmental preservation.

Early last year, the cement maker adopted the threatened butanding (whale shark) under its Adopt-A-Species program.  It also firmly backs the Adopt-A-Species bill which encourages the active participation of the private sector in species conservation by providing a package of incentives.

The Hotspots Revisited book is another project that generates public awareness for biodiversity preservation.  It is one of CEMEX’s many environment-oriented publications that advocates global efforts directed toward conservation.

To promote environmental protection and stewardship through the arts, the cement manufacturer also hosts the CEMEX National Art Competition for Children to foster a strong sense of environment responsibility among the young ones.

Waste management, coastal clean-ups, and tree planting also form part of the company’s environment program.

“Environmental conservation is a core philosophy of CEMEX here and elsewhere in the world.  This is why we participated in the Green Choice Philippines eco-labeling program.  The eco-label in every bag of our cement is a testament of our continued commitment to the environment and the community,” CEMEX Philippines Public Affairs Director Darwin Mariano added.