Cement Sector Information
Overview
The Cement sector (NAICS 3273190) is comprised of companies operating plants that process limestone into clicker, the bonding agent in Portland cements. Cement plants are typically co-located with limestone quarries. Extracted limestone is heated in cement kilns at extremely high temperatures (2550 °F) to form clicker which is blended with different materials to produce cements used in concrete. In 2023, there were 91 cement plants operating in the U.S.
Cement manufacturing is very energy intensive and the industry looks for ways to use clean and alternative fuels as well as improve energy efficiency. The Smart Sectors program worked with the cement industry to clarify EPA guidance on the use of of clean cellulosic biomass as a fuel. See:
- Fact Sheet on Clean Cellulosic Biomass and Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials Determinations
- Smart Sectors Forum on Using Clean Cellulosic Biomass as Fuel in Cement Manufacturing
Basic EPA Regulatory Information
EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are the federal agencies primarily responsible for regulating the Cement sector. The following links are intended to help Smart Sectors partners and the public learn more about how EPA works with the Cement sector.
- Regulatory information for the non-metallic mineral processing sectors (includes cement)
- National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the cement manufacturing industry
- Cement Plant New Source Review Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) requirements
- Cement Manufacturing Effluent Guidelines
- AirKnowledge Cement Plant Air Pollution Control Training Materials
- Procurement guidelines for sustainable materials management
EPA Resources
- ENERGY STAR Cement Focus — The ENERGY STAR Cement Focus is a voluntary partnership between the EPA and U.S. cement producers to improve energy efficiency and and money.
- SmartWay Transport — EPA’s SmartWay Transport program helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking and improving freight transportation efficiency. Any company or organization that ships, manages or hauls freight in its operations can become an EPA SmartWay Partner.
- Sustainable Materials Management Prioritization Tools — Free, life cycle-based tools that offer a starting place to establish priorities for environmental improvement, focus limited financial and human resources where action could offer greater holistic benefit, and consider key industries for collaboration.