The role of cement and concrete producers in enhancing quality of life for communities where they operate
Cement and concrete producers operate throughout the United States – helping build and rebuild our country. In the communities where we operate, we are active partners collaborating with local stakeholders on a variety of issues.
Economy
The cement and concrete industry drives economic growth in local communities and nationally:
- The cement and concrete industry employs 600,000 people in direct jobs that totals more than $8.8 billion in employee wages, in addition to hundreds of thousands of other jobs supported by the industry.
- The cement and concrete industry contributes $100 billion to the U.S. economy each year.
- A strong infrastructure system (drivable roads, safe bridges, resilient structures) enables all facets of our economy to continue running smoothly.
Health
Cement and concrete manufacturers help to ensure the health and safety of local communities through continuous monitoring of natural resources, partnerships with conservation groups and award-winning environmental programs.
- Cement and concrete manufacturers continuously monitor air, soil and water quality near manufacturing facilities and quarries, providing accurate and honest information to government authorities.
- Cement and concrete manufacturers work with communities to reclaim and restore land from depleted quarries and retired manufacturing facilities for new uses, such as wildlife habitats.
- Cement and concrete manufacturers partner with environmental organizations to promote environmental sustainability, nature conservation and biodiversity in our communities.
- The cement and concrete industry ensures consistent worker safety standards in plants, and complies with safety, health and environmental regulations.
- Manufacturing plants uphold a culture of safety through proactive hazard controls, regular team meetings and recurrent employee training focusing on jobsite and driver safety.
- Manufacturing plants have a target of zero injuries and prohibit dangerous working practices.
Education
Cement and concrete manufacturers support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education through onsite programming, fellowships and sponsorship opportunities.
- The cement and concrete industry funds a variety of educational activities that increase public knowledge on the appropriate uses of cement and concrete by providing scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other support for the study of engineering and the physical sciences relating to the production and use of cement and concrete. Examples include the PCA Research Fellowship and ACI Foundation Fellowships, which provide financial assistance to students attending universities to provide them an opportunity for productive work in the cement and concrete industries.
- Many quarries and manufacturing plants offer onsite programming for students, promoting interactive learning and environmental science education.
- Cement and concrete manufacturers offer workshops and seminars providing academic faculty in engineering, architecture and construction management programs with the tools to teach the latest developments in concrete design, construction and materials.
For more information about how concrete structures protect our community, visit Building Safer, Stronger Communities.