Friday, November 20, 2009

Efficient use of energy, a pre-requisite for sustainable economic development

NATIONAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN INDIAN CEMENT INDUSTRY PRESENTED

  
Delivering the valedictory address at the concluding session of the 11th NCB International Seminar on Cement & Building Materials, here today, Smt. Renu Sharma, Joint Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, has stated that the current spiraling trend in energy costs has brought home the realization that efficient use of energy is a pre-requisite for sustainable economic development. “The experience of most of the industrialized countries shows that their main focus has been to conserve energy in all areas of development. These efforts are today reflected in their achieving an increasing GNP without commensurately high inputs of energy. This is the goal the Indian cement and construction industries must also continue to pursue more vigorously”, she added.

During the concluding session Smt. Renu Sharma presented the prestigious National Awards for Energy Efficiency, Environmental Excellence and Quality Excellence in Indian Cement Industry for the years 2007-08 and 2008-09. While commending the Council for organizing this Seminar, she stressed on the importance of giving attention towards environmental protection and energy conservation.

The leading cement manufacturers of the country shared the Awards in various categories viz., Best Thermal Energy Performance; Best Electrical Energy Performance; Best Improvement in Thermal Energy Performance; Best Performance in Manufacture of Blended Cement; Best Environmental Excellence in Plant Operation; Best Environmental Excellence in Limestone Mines; and Best Quality Excellence. The Awards, instituted by NCB with the objective of motivating competitive improvement in energy efficiency, environmental excellence and quality standarrds in the Indian cement industry, have come a long way in realizing the ever-low energy consumption levels and improved environmental performance.

Earlier, presenting the Seminar Overview, Shri M Vasudeva, Director General, NCB, said that the seminar provided a comprehensive update on cement and construction technologies including related plant and machinery projecting international endeavours and experiences in these areas with the underlying objective of sustainable development. The need to take initiatives to face future challenges in terms of higher demand for construction materials, depleting energy and natural resources were also highlighted.

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