Lafarge North America Inc.

Lafarge North America Inc. is a leader in product innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices across the United States and Canada while paving the way as a leader in environmental restoration and preservation efforts. The company aims to use energy and natural resources more efficiently, while seeking ways to preserve heritage, landscape and biological diversity. 

Lafarge is committed to continually improving environmental performance and has designed an environmental policy to protect the environment, as well as human health and well-being. However, it is Lafarge employees who carry out that mission every day through actions large and small that make our long-term vision successful. Lafarge encourages its facilities to further exceed these requirements by honoring one site every year with the Lafarge North America Environmental Recognition Award.

Read recent stories of environmental excellence from Lafarge facilities. 

A female osprey (Pandion haliaetus) holds its meal at the Seattle Cement Plant in Seattle, Washington. Females are slightly larger than males and often distinguishable by a more distinct “necklace” of dark speckled feathers on their upper breast. Photo by Russ Simonson

Lafarge is the largest diversified construction materials company and supplier of cement, ready-mixed concrete, gypsum wallboard, aggregates and asphalt, and other materials for residential, commercial, institutional and public works construction in the United States and Canada. These products are used in communities to build homes, schools, hospitals, roads and bridges, as well as amusement parks and swimming pools. 

Lafarge’s involvement with the Wildlife Habitat Council began in 1992, exemplifying a long-standing dedication to enriching pre-existing habitat and establishing new habitat on its corporate landholdings. Taking a leadership role as a member of the Board of Directors, Lafarge is playing a pioneering role and setting an example for other industrial companies. 

The certification of Lafarge North America operations by the Wildlife Habitat Council is an important verification that we are making positive steps towards protecting wildlife habitat species and encouraging biodiversity, a key element of environmental sustainability. We are currently participating in 23 certified WHC projects and 60 other active projects, ranging from native plantings and educational outreach to site reclamation and wetlands restoration.

Lafarge employees take on many environmental challenges in their own backyards. But to make a national and international impact, we have teamed up with strong, action-oriented environmental nonprofit organizations in the United States and Canada. With our combined strengths, these partnerships yield complex and successful preservation projects. 

Earning WHC certification takes dedication and creativity, qualities that the employees at the gypsum wallboard plant in Silver Grove, Kentucky, demonstrated in spades. They built sanctuaries for birds such as purple martins, raptors and waterfowl; planted scenic wildflower fields; restored an off-site wetland area that had been used as a dumping ground by previous property owners; and even created places for bats to nest. The Silver Grove plant then built a state-of-the-art storage facility to prevent synthetic gypsum from becoming airborne and harming neighbors or the environment. Their efforts paid off in 2005 when the plant was awarded prestigious WHC certification. Read more Our Community, Our Environment.

Our Community, Our Environment 

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Projects already spearheaded by Lafarge range from native plantings, nest box construction and education outreach to site reclamation, wetlands restoration and fish restocking. Reclamation plans developed for pit and quarry locations take into consideration the environmental protection and views from the surrounding community.

A local chapter of the Boy Scouts partnered with the Presque Isle Quarry in Michigan to help install nesting boxes.

Rehabilitated lands have become important habitats for an astounding variety of plants and animals. Tree planting programs help control dust and noise pollution, reduce erosion during reclamation and decrease CO2 emissions. Nearly all the Lafarge properties participate in a Nest Monitoring Program installing artificial structures to increase safe and protected nesting areas. 

Employees are an essential part of Lafarge’s plan of environmental sustainability. Lafarge maintains an active environmental program designed to monitor and manage environmental matters. This program includes recruitment, training and retention of personnel experienced in environmental matters.

Acting as responsible neighbors, employees build partnerships with local groups, such as the Boy Scouts of America, National Wildlife Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever and U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service. This outreach offers opportunities for the community to engage in hands-on conservation projects and field experiences while promoting an enthusiasm for science and nature.

Through all their efforts, Lafarge North America ensures a pledge to strengthen our communities, build civic pride and improve the quality of life.

2006 Updates From Lafarge Facilities!

In celebration of Earth Day 2006, many Lafarge facilities held open houses, tree plantings and environmental events with employees and their families, community groups and local organizations.

Read more about Earth Day 2006!

The Alpena Plant located in Alpena County, Michigan, is in the process of reclaiming the former Paxton Shale Quarry and restoring the wildlife habitat on the 600-acre site. A 120-acre lake was also restored through the hard work and efforts of employees, retirees, students and local conservation groups, and is now a center for many conservation and wildlife activities. Projects range from planting trees, creating food plots and installing native wildflower and grassy areas to stocking fish, installing nesting boxes and providing educational programs.

In Presque Isle, Michigan, on the west shore of Lake Huron, another Lafarge plant focuses on native bird habitat through a combined effort of employees and local Boy Scouts, placing over 30 nest boxes near areas of the quarry. With the help of the National Wild Turkey Federation Alpena Chapter, appropriate food plots were planted in open areas and between wooded tracts to meet the nutritional needs of wild turkey, white-tailed deer and rabbit populations.

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