March 2010

The Lime sector continually strives to improve energy efficiency through investment in both developing technology as well as training courses for staff.  All BLA companies have worked with the Carbon Trust to ensure all staff are trained to a high level in the importance of energy management and all opportunities for energy saving have been identified. All companies have energy efficiency measures planned into new activities and existing plants are regularly reviewed to take into account any technological advances.  Defra acknowledged during the 2004 review that the BLA and participating Climate Change Agreement companies had taken a positive and active approach to improving performance.

As energy is such a large proportion of lime production cost, all cost effective projects have been implemented by manufacturers as early as possible.  BLA Members have been extremely proactive in identifying potential energy savings; some companies finding and implementing them, and some still to identify feasible opportunities.  Below is a list of activities undertaken or investments made by the BLA:

                        - kiln operator training workshops organised by AEAT;
                        - energy efficiency training for employees;
                        - high efficiency replacement policy for motors;
                        - automated control systems;
                        - variable speed drives;

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact Gwil Neal by tel: 0207 9638000 or e-mail gwilym.neal@mineralproducts.org

The BLA is a constituent body of the Mineral Products Association Ltd., the trade association for the aggregates, asphalt and ready-mix concrete industries. The BLA represents the interests of six member companies, responsible for producing more than 95% of the lime sold in the UK. The BLA members are Hanson, Lhoist UK Ltd, Singleton Birch, Steetley Dolomite Ltd, Tarmac Buxton Lime & Cement UK and Totternhoe Lime and Stone Company Ltd.