U.S. Concrete and Its Operating Companies Reduced Potential Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 328,000 Tons in 2006 Through Green Technology Commitment HOUSTON, June 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- U.S. Concrete (NASDAQ:RMIX) , one of the nation's leading producers of ready-mix concrete, announced today its company-wide commitment to environmentally friendly technologies that will reduce potential carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by hundreds of thousands of tons annually. U.S. Concrete is the first national ready-mix concrete company to announce such a company-wide commitment in the United States. The company formalized its position today with the introduction of its EF Technology(TM) through which it substantially replaces traditional Portland cement with reclaimed fly ash and/or slag (left over material from coal-fired industrial plants or iron mills, respectively) and produces an environmentally superior and sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement concrete. The company's use of EF Technology resulted in a reduction of 328,000 tons of potential CO2 emissions in its operations during 2006. "Our commitment to EF Technology is a triple win: for our customers, for product quality and for the environment," said Michael W. Harlan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Houston-based U.S. Concrete. "It is quite gratifying that this idea emanated as a grassroots effort from our professionals in the field. Our people are passionate about the fact that EF Technology produces a higher quality product for our customers, while significantly reducing environmental impact." EF Technology's Environmental Benefits Reduces Greenhouse Gases Portland cement, the component that binds concrete, accounts for 6-8% of human generated CO2 in the environment. Substantial replacement of Portland cement with reclaimed fly ash or slag dramatically reduces the greenhouse gases associated with concrete production. U.S. Concrete and its operating companies reduced potential CO2 emissions in 2006 by over 328,000 tons through use of this technology. Reduces Landfill Space Consumption EF Technology's beneficial reuse of fly ash and slag reduces the impact on landfill space. Over 40 million tons of this material clogs the country's landfills each year .Use of EF Technology not only reduces air emissions, but also reduces the impact of landfill disposal of fly ash. Reduces Raw Material Consumption In addition to other environmental benefits, use of EF Technology reduces the demand for mined natural resources needed to produce traditional Portland cement. EF Technology saves between 100 and 300 pounds of mined natural resources for each cubic yard of concrete produced. EF Technology's Product Quality & Customer Benefits Produces highly durable product EF Technology using high fly ash and or slag produces less bleeding and product shrinkage over traditional concrete mixes. Replacing up to 50% of traditional Portland cement improves concrete strength by increasing the product's chemical resistance and durability. Slower hydration rates and lower heat of hydration improves the integrity of mass concrete structures like large foundations, bridges and other structures. Produces LEED credits for certain construction projects Use of EF Technology concrete products can assist in qualifying for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits. The United States Green Building Council established the LEED program to rate a building or structure's environmental performance. EF Technology product attributes qualify for credits under this program, positively impacting a building's environmental performance rating.
