The American Concrete plant in Webster City was today designated as Iowa’s first Green Star concrete facility. It’s the industry’s top designation that recognizes facilities for excellence in environmental stewardship and sustainability. John Cunningham is associate director of the Iowa Ready Mixed Concrete Association.

“The example that American has set is a reflection of Iowa’s concrete culture,” Cunningham says. “We’re an industry that produces a material with many naturally-sustainable benefits. We’re proud of that fact and we’re committed to enhancing the methods of production that will yield even more benefits to the environment.”

Bob Garbini, the president of the National Ready Mix Concrete Association, based in Maryland, says it’s is a proud accomplishment for Iowa. Garbini says of the 5,000 concrete plants nationwide, only 130 have won the Green Star, with this being the first one in Iowa.

“By having a Green Star designation, it’s setting the example for the remainder of the industry overall,” Garbini says. “It’s clearly an advantage to show the environmental regulators and folks that are very much interested in sustainability, that a Green Star designation does carry that kind of weight.”

Other speakers at today’s ceremony included Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds and Webster City’s mayor, Janet Adams. Learn more at “www.nrmca.org“.

By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City