Laurel Steel of Burlington earned a first place award in the National Precast Concrete Association’s (NPCA) annual Sustainability Awards competition on March 2 in Nashville, Tennessee, during The Precast Show 2016. The company implemented a reduce/reuse culture in the plant which has led to a waste diversion rate of 98 per cent.
The company recycles or reuses paper and cardboard products, cans and bottles, wood, electronics, batteries, fluorescent lamps, compost, metals, steel, dust, scale, aerosol cans and gloves.
“In spite of challenging market conditions, the company continues to focus on continuous improvement in all aspects of our business,” said Laurel Steel’s vice-president and general manager John Supple. “We are proud on the accomplishments we have been able to make over the years as a result of our team focusing on the things that are important to all of us.”
In addition, Laurel Steel has replaced metal halide lamps with fluorescent lamps, reducing electrical consumption by 50 per cent and saving more than one million kw. h. per year. Propane lift trucks have been converted to compressed natural gas, reducing carbon emissions by up to 95% and carbon dioxide by as much as 11 per cent. These actions have won Laurel Steel several environmental awards over the years.
“The precast concrete industry continues to evolve to ensure high-quality, durable products are produced in a safe and environmentally conscious manner,” said NPCA president Ty Gable. “NPCA is committed to helping our members adopt sustainable practices and highlighting the efforts of companies like Laurel Steel is an important part of that effort.”
