The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized NRMCA member CalPortland with a 2017 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award for its energy efficiency achievements. The Glendora, CA-based company's accomplishments will be recognized by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, DC, on April 26.

"CalPortland takes great pride in our partnership with ENERGY STAR. Being named Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence is a tremendous honor," said Allen Hamblen, President/CEO CalPortland.  "Earning that honor for the thirteenth consecutive year is a tribute to the dedication of our employees who are proud to participate in programs that improve our energy efficiency, reduce emissions and contribute to protecting our environment."

CalPortland was cited for 2016 accomplishments which included:

• Reduction of its energy intensity by 1.1% in 2016 which resulted in over $682,000 in savings and a reduction of 14,234 mtons of CO2.  CalPortland has improved its energy intensity by 15.6% since 2003, amounting to a cumulative savings of over $96 million.

• The company initiated a new "CalPortland Energy Cup" competition that compares and quantifies energy practices and performance of its three cement plants.

• All three CalPortland cement plants scored in the top quartile of the EPI benchmarking tool. The Rillito plant has been certified for the past five years in a row.

• CalPortland completed several large energy saving projects, including the installation of a new $9 million clinker cooler at the Rillito cement plant, a $14 million Anchorage terminal storage dome and a $2 million preheater duct replacement at the Mojave cement plant.