Planet

For more than a century, Monarch has been a leader in the cement industry—leading through a special commitment to operations that ensure environmental sustainability. We’re focused on continuous improvement in the following areas:

• Emissions control and reduction
• Resource management and process efficiency
• Local land/ecosystem and habitat restoration
• Carbon dioxide emissions control

All these efforts create a holistic approach to ensure our continued protection and enhancement of the environment as well as the health of our communities and employees.

Our commitment to the environment started at Monarch’s inception. In the early and mid-1900s, we focused on energy conservation and process automation, which decreased our consumption of valuable natural resources. In the decades that followed, we applied innovative technologies to target specific emissions, and the Company has continually implemented upgrades throughout the facility to ensure the protection of our environment.

Our robust Environmental Management Program demonstrates a holistic approach and strong leadership in the protection and enhancement of the environment under our stewardship, combined with a focus on sustainability in our operations.

In 2010, Monarch began upgrading the facility to more precisely monitor air emissions to effectively decrease those emissions throughout our operations. Investing more than $20 million, we’ve installed the latest technology available, including:

• Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) to measure sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, mercury, hydrochloric acid and total hydrocarbons
• Upgrades to the in-line roller mill and de-dusting cyclones to reduce acid gases and particulate matter within the kiln gas stream
• Upgrades to the kiln and cooler baghouse systems to reduce particulate matter emissions
• Addition of a hydrated lime injection system to remove acid gases from the kiln gas stream when the in-line roller mill is offline
• Addition of a kiln baghouse dust metering system to ensure more precise control of kiln feed chemistry, which assists in the control of process emissions
• Application of a polymer coating to fuel stockpiles to reduce fugitive emission of particulate matter

Monarch recognizes the vital balance between the consumption of our natural resources and the protection and restoration of our natural environment. Environmentalists and sustainability professionals agree that cement and concrete are critical components for the world to reach sustainable development goals. Monarch is committed to continuous improvement in the following areas:

• Research into economical renewable energy sources
• Installation and implementation of more energy-efficient process equipment
• Recycling of parts cleaning fluids
• Implementation of a Company-wide recycling program for paper, ink cartridges, plastic and metal containers, used oil, used grease and universal waste products (such as bulbs)
• Monitoring and tracking of the plant compressed air system
• Research and investment of modern mechanical equipment to promote quality improvement, reduce downtime, decrease injury rates, prevent leaks and spills, reduce particulate emissions and noise pollution, and help employees to be more efficient, productive and comfortable in their jobs

All facets of land/habitat use and restoration are evaluated throughout our strategic planning process to ensure we meet both short-term and long-term goals, as well as meeting and exceeding the regulations under the Surface-Mining Land Conservation and Reclamation Act in Kansas. For more than 100 years, Monarch has played a leading role in the enhancement of the local ecological system by creating a wildlife habitat specially designed to promote the growth of new and rich ecosystems for all forms of wildlife.

Monarch is researching and implementing viable options to transition toward new low-carbon technologies as they become available. We recognize our role in developing strategies to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability throughout our operations. Specific examples of current CO₂ control and reduction methods include:

• Technology to measure and continuously monitor CO₂ emissions
• Policies, procedures and monitors to ensure optimal combustion of fuels
• New systems and equipment to decrease the amount of calcined material needed in the final cement product
• Utilization of EVs (battery-operated vehicles)
• Utilization of energy-efficient equipment
• Daily monitoring and emphasis on fuel/production ratios
• Analyzers to promote kiln stability and decrease unplanned downtimes
• Attention to objectives and targets for continuous improvement of programs
• Training to promote awareness and competence in CO₂ control and reduction
• Partnerships with outside stakeholders and the local communities