Sustainable Performance & Growth CSR Report 2006 - CRH

3332Environment Policy Systems PerformanceEnvironmental ExpenditureAs part of our continuous management of theenvironmental impacts of our activities, we regularlyinvest in processes which improve our performance orthat offer innovation opportunities.In 2006, we invested €55m in a wide range of relatedprojects that encompassed all the Group’s activitiesand countries of operation. This figure includes bothenvironmental operational expenditure and a portion ofcapital expenditure with environmental benefits.Significant areas of expenditure in 2006 included:#######Process optimisation.Energy reduction.Increased recycling of alternative materials.Increased use of alternative fuels.Reduction of noise and waste.Reduction in air and dust emissions.Reduction of water usage and discharges.This level of expenditure has been sustained over recentyears and will continue in the future, to keep ahead ofincreasingly challenging legislative requirements and tomaintain industry best practice. Within this section, wehave supplied case studies as examples of some of ournumerous projects in this area during 2006.Environmental expenditure€ millions6050403020100‘02 ‘03 ‘04 ‘05 ‘06Masfalt in Poland has invested extensively in modern, energyefficient asphalt plants that produce less emissions.During 2006, a new coal mill at Podilsky Cement Plant inUkraine was commissioned providing greater flexibility asregards fuel selection.Following the commissioning of a new plant Ibstock has reduced the energy consumed at its Throckley BrickFactory in North East England by a third, and achieved a comparable reduction in carbon emissions to theatmosphere.Ciments deGabes in Tunisiahas investedextensively inenvironmentalimprovements,including this kilndust filter.Sustainable Performance & Growth - The CRH Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2006www.crh.com