Early in our process, the participating companies agreed on a key principle: the industry cannot work in isolation on these important issues. Partnership with relevant third parties will be critical to success, groups such as trade associations, non-governmental organizations, governmental agencies and representatives, and other cement companies not currently part of the initiative.

We have reduced the amount of thermal energy required per ton of clinker produced.

At CEMEX, we define ecoefficiency as efforts to optimize energy and raw material efficiency to produce an economic and ecological benefit derived from a reduction of environmental impact.

The CEMEX Ecoefficiency Program was launched in 1994. The six ecoefficiency actions we established at that time are consistent with the Cement Sustainability Initiative's Areas
of Emphasis.

Our ecoefficiency plan pursues improvement through the following actions: developing and implementing technology and innovative practices for production processes and new cement plant design; selective mining techniques and optimal quarry operations; recycling and reuse of materials; use of alternative raw materials; use of natural cementing raw materials; and use of alternative fuels.

Moving forward, The CEMEX Ecoefficiency Program will continue to drive our efforts to align with the Cement Sustainability Initiative.