6) Sustainability of Cement Industry Sustainable development is most frequently defined as development which meets the needs of the present

without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development implies economic and social growth together with the protection of environmental quality, each reinforcing the other. The essence of this form of development is a balance and stable relationship and integration between human activities and the natural world, which does not diminish the prospect for future generations to enjoy a quality of life at least as good as our own. Mineral-based industries like cement face particular challenges because, in satisfying the needs that we as individuals generate, they use reserves of raw materials. Cementmaking also necessitates the burning of fossil fuels which, with the raw materials themselves, then create emissions to the atmosphere. Reducing waste is another obvious test for all of us. The cement industry is playing an important role in minimising some of the waste disposal problems by processing selected wastes and by-products from other industries into alternative raw materials or fuels for use in the cement kiln. At the same time, cement makes a massive contribution to sustaining the quality of life. Without the concrete and mortar we make from it, we would have no homes, schools or hospitals. There would be no roads for our vehicles, no runways for our aircraft and no reservoirs to store our water. It also sustains people by creating many thousands of jobs. Therefore, to ensure the sustainability of this industry, some innovative and effective measurements should be done. The industry should know how to minimise the negative impacts of the operations on the the local environment, economic and social besides taking actions in improving its sustainaibility. Some of the measurements are: 1) Natural environment Energy Cement producers have faced a significant rise in energy costs with the introduction of dry-process kilns, with a record average consumption of 100200 kWh per ton of cement, according to the 2009 Cement Plant Operations Handbook. This complex challenge, coupled with rising fuel and energy costs, has prompted cement manufacturers to implement energy management programs to help reduce costs while maintaining competitiveness and

increasing profits. Metering, power quality, load shedding, motor management, power factor, and energy optimization all can help cement operations and reduce the energy consumption.

Carbon emission Some producers have switched to alternative fuels such as palm kernel shells and tyres during the manufacturing process to reduce carbon emissions. We also can reduce the carbon footprint of concrete to a low level by using a minimal amount of cement and accelerate the hardening process with alkaline activation. There are already cement-free concrete in the market. The idea of green cement is using waste materials that have properties similar to cement. The Pantheon in Rome was built from volcanic ash. In countries such as Indonesia and China, there is a huge volume of volcanic ash available that can be used to build buildings. Some companies here are importing volcanic ash to make cement. With these technology, we dont need cement to make concrete.

Solid waste To green cement production, some producers replace portions of the limestone with fly ash (byproduct of coal power plant), slag (byproduct of steel industry) and volcanic ash. Recycling these waste further curbs air and land contamination as well as help conserve land currently needed for their disposal.

Water pollution Good construction site practice can help to control and prevent pollution. The first step is to prepare environmental risk assessments for all construction activities and materials likely to cause pollution. Specific measures can then be taken to mitigate these risks: To prevent erosion and run-off, minimise land disturbance and leave maximum vegetation cover. Control dust through fine water sprays used to dampen down the site. Cover skips and trucks loaded with construction materials and continually damp down with low levels of water.

Cover piles of building materials which is cement, regularly inspect for spillages, and locate them where they will not be washed into waterways or drainage areas.

Use non-toxic paints, solvents and other hazardous materials wherever possible. Segregate, tightly cover and monitor toxic substances to prevent spills and possible site contamination. Cover up and protect all drains on site. Collect any wastewater generated from site activities in settlement tanks, screen, discharge the clean water, and dispose of remaining sludge according to environmental regulations.

2) Social Health concerns Although cement is easy to use, it is important to follow the correct safety precautions. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn to ensure people do not suffer allergic dermatitis, irritant dermatitis or burns. The following tips are designed to help you use cement in a safe manner and ensure your health and safety are secured: Avoid eye and skin contact by wearing suitable eye protection, waterproof clothing, waterproof footwear and waterproof gloves Ensure that cement does not enter boots or gloves Do not kneel in wet cement. If kneeling is absolutely necessary then appropriate waterproof personal protective equipment must be used Avoid breathing dust Keep out of the reach of children On contact with eyes or skin, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water. Seek medical advice after eye contact Wash hands and face after working with cement, particularly before eating and drinking Cement should be used and stored as instructed on the delivery ticket or bag and used within the period stated Injuries can be caused by lifting cement sacks, particularly if the overall load exceeds 25kg Plan where you will be able to put down the load Stand close to the load and spread your feet

Partly bend your knees but keep your back straight Hold the load firmly Raise your head as you begin to lift Keep the load close to your body.

3) Economical issues It is fundamental for governments and cement firms alike to recognize the importance of finding a coordinated international approach that can direct the global cement industry towards both economic efficiency and environmental compliance. Policy makers need to realize that there are three specific forces, with corresponding effects, that actually govern this interesting but peculiar market. These are summarized below in Table 4.

Table 4: Critical Forces Governing the International Cement Market Force 1) Absolute Cost advantage 2) Substitutability Effect Prevents new firms from entering because incumbent multinationals control such an advantage Keeps the power of the buyer (consumer) weak relative to cement firms reinforcing the above advantage 3) Industry Concentration Curbs rivalry providing a haven to back handed collusion in the local governance structure of the industry and creates competition compliance concerns

In order to keep the power of cement firms in check and sustain economic and natural resources for future generations, governments and different stakeholder groups must organize themselves into an international regulatory body. This body should be comprised of consumer rights groups, environmentalist groups, independent cement associations, cement businesses, related industries, and policy representatives from different governments. The bottom line of such an organization is to design regulatory frameworks in order to reach a sustainable level of industry development within a global context. In essence, current local asymmetries in governance and structure within the cement industry should be neutralized, or at least coordinated, on a global scale.