Cement, Energy and Environment July-Sep 2002

workability of concrete has reduced with the addition of RHA. Effects ofChemicals on Rice Husk Ash Concrete From the chemical resistance results of normal strength concretes subjected to 5% H 2 S0 4 , it can be seen that RHA concretes are more resistant to all types of acids. lt was observed from the experimentation that RHA has significant resistance to H, SO , where a significant - 4 improvement in resistance can be noted. The reduction in the weight loss report indicate s improved dimensional stability and better integrity of concrete with th e add ition of RHA. Permeability Studies on RHA Concrete The permeability test result of the effect of addition of RHA in normal strength concretes can be clearly see n that the addition of RHA has reduced the permeability ranging from 40% to 60%. The significantly reduced ingression of aggress ive age nts into concrete means less damage which in turn is an improvement in the durability of concrete. Courtesy: ICI Journal, Jul-Sep. 2002, Pp 37-38, Fax: 91-44-4455148, Email: ici 3@vsnl.in Web: wwlv.lpcsadvt.comlici BATTELLE REPORT ON CEMENT INDUSTRY Ballefle News Release, May 13, 02 The World Business Council for Sustainab le Development (WBCSD) hired Battelle to identify and recommend actions that the world cement producers can take to become more sustai nable. WBCSD is a global consortium of over 160 companies united by a shared commitment to susta inable development via the three pillars of economic g rowth , environment protection and social equity. Battelle studied operations involved in the cement production process, ranging from Iimestone quarrying and fuel production to cement plant emissions and safety practices. The study involved detailed exploration of facilities, governance structures, regulatory issues and public interests . Battelle's work includes a· series·of international stakeholder dialogues held in selected locations on four continents. Battelle identified eight issue areas in which industry needs to improve performance , and developed recommendations and action for each. They include: regional development ; community well-being; employee well-being; ecological stewardship; emission reduction; cl imate protection; resource productivity; and shareholder value. In addition , several recommend at ion s were made in three cross-cutting areas, i.e. business integration of susta inable development, innovation and cooperation between cement companies and other organisations. Highlights of the report include : su.ccessful adoption of Sustainable Development (SO) by the cement industry will occur only if there is real synergy between sustainabil ity and profitability. To help make the business case for SD, the Battelle team developed business analysis tools for financial managers, strategic planners, and investment analysis and also documented numerous case studies of companies in cement and other industries that have begun to derive benefits from SO. Other advantages of adopting SO are: ( l) Climate protection is a major issue for the cement industry, which produces 3 per cent of worldwide global warming em ission s. Both technology and operating practices were evaluated to show how the threat of adverse financial impacts could be turned into business advantages by companies comm itted to implementing SO principles; (2) Most ceme nt companies acknowledged that historical ly they had a slow pace of innovation in technologies and practices. The study investigated both the cement manufacturing process and cement prod ucts, seek ing incremental changes as wel l as more radical innovations that cou ld offer substantial progress towards SO; (3) Cement companies have typically not engaged 1n regular communicati on with the ir stakeholders at the local, national and international leve ls, in order to discuss their concerns and identify solutions. The study developed an understanding of the needs fo r stakeholde.rs involvement, and created a guidebook to help cement plant and corporate communications staff in mounting more effective outreach eff01ts; (4) In creased collaboration among cement compani es and their stakeholders is warranted in many aspects of sustainable development. The study rec01nmended specific actions to enhance interactions among government bod ies, suppliers, customers, academia and the local stakeholders; and (5) The concept ofSD, in many ways, unlike any past internal change initiatives that industrial organisation's have undertaken. Therefore, it is essential to have a well-defined process for gaining internal al ignment around SO at all levels of the organisation. According to Batte lle, their goal was to produce a blueprint to illustrate what the industry could do for next 20 years, and to clearly identify the benefits of pursuing vario us elements of sustainable development. Mo re and more companies are realising that the key elements of sustainabi lity - soc ial and environmental responsibility can give them a competitive advantage·.