CEMEX Received 2002 World Environment Center Gold Medal for International Corporate Environmental Achievement.
Business Editors/Environmental Writers
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 2002
The World Environment Center's Eighteenth Annual WEC Gold Medal for International Corporate Environmental Achievement was awarded to CEMEX at a formal gala last Friday, May 17, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Lorenzo H. Zambrano, Chairman of the Board and CEO of CEMEX, accepted the award on behalf of 25,500 employees in 33 countries and in recognition of the company's global leadership in sustainable development.
Philip Watts, Chairman of the Committee of Managing Directors of The Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies, chaired the presentation ceremony, while actor and conservationist Harrison Ford presented the Gold Medal Award.
An independent Jury of distinguished international environmental experts awards the WEC Gold Medal to a corporation that demonstrates preeminent industry leadership and contributes to worldwide environmental quality.
"At CEMEX, we are building a better future by using the most advanced technologies and eco-efficient processes. As a global company, we are fully committed to the protection of the environment, and we will continue to join forces with governments, renowned NGO's and communities to safeguard nature and promote a deeper ecological culture around the world," expressed Zambrano.
The Jury cited CEMEX for developing a formal strategy for environmental policy and sustainable growth. This Environmental Management System (EMS) policy, established in 1993, and updated in 1997 and 2000, defines clear corporate guidelines to make all of its employees, suppliers, customers and shareholders aware of the importance and value of protecting natural resources, and is endorsed by the Board of Directors and the CEO/chairman to ensure implementation throughout the company and its worldwide operations.
CEMEX has made a commitment to employing cutting-edge technology in its operational processes in order to assure energy and materials-efficiency, to promote an environmental culture with all constituencies, and to use the most effective equipment and systems to protect its employees, neighboring communities, facilities and the environment. As a result, CEMEX plants not only comply with but also exceed all environmental regulations.
Harrison Ford stated, "CEMEX is a true leader in corporate citizenship. It has demonstrated how a major business can effectively cooperate with the conservation community, and is a model for Latin America and the world."
