This article is based on extracts from a recent report published by the World Alliance for Decentralised Energy (WADE) entitled 'Concrete Energy Savings'. The WADE report establishes that significant untapped potential for onsite power in the cement industry remains despite the many benefits it offers, both to society in general and, in many cases, for plant managers. July-Sep 2007

The use of alternative fuels is beneficial to the cement industry as well as to our environment. Firing alternative fuels reduces primary fuel consumption, typically coal, and lowers operating costs for the cement plant. July-Sep 2007

Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) is a solid fuel prepared from non hazardous waste, meeting the classification and old fuel and specification requirements of CEN-TS15359. SRF is processed, homogenized and upgraded to a quality that can be traded amongst producers and users. (July-Sep 2007)

In India, Grasim (an Aditya Birla Group Company) has taken the initiative to burn waste as fuel in its kilns. The company has established waste handling facilities at two units, Grasim South Cement and Vikram Cement. The company has also installed a municipal solid waste processing plant. July-Sep 2007

ACC has extended financial support to the construction of what is expected to turn out to be the most exemplary sustainable building on the Indian subcontinent. The building based in New Delhi, will house the headquarters of Development Alternatives, a reputed non government organization.

Scientists of Annamali University, Tamil Nadu, have developed flyash based herbal pesticide with turmeric, neem, eucalyptus, pepper and chilli dust and found them effective against several pests of rice and vegetables. (Courtesy : Down to Earth) July-Sep 2007

What would waste management do without waste incineration? For without incineration, nothing would actually work in waste disposal today. Waste incineration forms the backbone of waste management in Germany and its importance will grow in a sustained material management oriented to resource efficiency. July-Sep 2007

the cement industry has been using blast furnace slag for long. It maintained its eco-friendly reputation when a deal was struck between Steel Authority of India Ltd (sail) and Jaiprakash Associates

People in Rajasthan's Churu district have to make do with an annual rainfall of 350 mm. The area's high evaporation rate

Cement production is not water-intensive. On average, Indian plants use half a tonne of water to produce a tonne of cement. This is low compared to the pulp and paper industry, which consumes 200-250 tonnes of water to produce a tonne of paper.

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