Date: April 23, 2010
News - NRMCA Green-Star Status Granted to Chaney Enterprises
The National Ready Mix Concrete Association (NRMCA) recognized Chaney Enterprises for its outstanding environmental principles and management at its concrete mixing plants, granting the company Green-Star Certification at the Hollywood and Queenstown plants. The Green-Star Program was established in collaboration with NRMCA and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Highways Partnership.
“Chaney Enterprises has been proactive in its environmental practices, and the Green-Star Certification validates them,” said Jan Holt, chief customer officer, Chaney Enterprises. “The Green-Star Certification’s environmental management system will provide a continuous improvement model for the company. It is the first step in a series of green initiatives.”
To achieve national Green-Star certification, the company must demonstrate rigorous and sustainable actions in reducing environmental impacts and improved plant efficiencies resulting from sound environmental practices. As guidance, Chaney Enterprises must validate practices identified in NRMCA’s “10 Guiding Principles of Environmental Stewardship.” The review process includes aspects of water quality, air quality, hazardous materials and solid materials management; environmental training and education; community issues; and sustainability related to energy conservation, voluntary reduction of carbon footprint, recycling efforts and the use of Pervious Concrete.
Chaney Enterprises was noted for its conversion from fuel oil to biofuel to heat the boilers at the plants, the maintenance shops use of recycled motor oil to heat the shop and that the company recycles concrete and office paper, supplies, cans, bottles and ink cartridges. All Chaney delivery trucks are cleaned prior to leaving the plant to reduce dust and debris and access roads are maintained throughout daily operations to reduce air pollutants. Plant noise is constantly monitored, and tree berms and other landscaping is installed, serving as sound barriers. Mufflers are installed on cement blowers, reducing production noise. Chaney further reduces noise by employing a hydraulic retarder instead of an engine or “jake” break.
Pervious concrete has been donated to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the Calvert Marine Museum, whose locations are in access to critical areas. The company also provides tours of its plants to the public, and has hosted various schools and training organizations.
Chaney Enterprises is on the leading edge of developing, testing and producing high-quality concrete mixes, such as Pervious Concrete and concrete overlays, for customers throughout the region. The company is a major supplier of Insulated Concrete Forms and other building materials and is the One Stop Shop™ for construction materials and supplies. Serving Maryland and neighboring Metropolitan DC since 1962, we strive to provide superior, top-quality products as we employ a combination of land management and environmentally friendly practices unsurpassed in the industry.
Tom Fisher and Ronnie Ward, Hollywood mix plant.