RMC Industrial Minerals, based in Hindlow, Derbyshire, have shown the largest percentage reduction in particulate emissions of any materials company in England and Wales, according to a new report from the Environment Agency.
In its report entitled 'Spotlight on Business Environmental Performance', the EA praises RMC Industrial Minerals as a 'good performer' following a 78% reduction in particulate emissions between 1998 and 1999, compared to an average reduction of 10% across the minerals sector for this period.
Derek Jones, general manager of RMC Industrial Minerals, said: 'We are delighted to have won the praise of the EA for our environmental performance, which demonstrates our commitment and the commitment of the entire RMC Group to environmental protection.'
The RMC Group have set a target of a 12.5% reduction in 'greenhouse gas' emissions by 2010. As part of this initiative, RMC Industrial Minerals have invested over £15 million improving the environmental and operational performance of their lime plant at Hindlow, including the commissioning of two new kilns which use less energy than their predecessors. This has resulted in the sharp fall in the amount of carbon dioxide discharged to the atmosphere.
Other benefits of ongoing investment at Hindlow include a visual impact reduction programme involving the redesign of the plant to reduce its overall height, the construction of embankments, landscaping and tree planting. Noise levels have also been cut through the use of insulated cladding, and state-of-the-art dust-abatement equipment has been installed.
