Buzzi Unicem-Lone Star Industries recognized for environmental excellence

In recognition of environmental stewardship, Buzzi Unicem USA recently achieved a Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) Conservation Certification tier award of GOLD for 2018-2021.

The award is in recognition of sustainability initiatives involving Buzzi’s Putnam Nature Trail (People Pathways), white tailed deer species management and wetlands conservation habit awareness program at the Lone Star Industries Inc. Greencastle plant in Putnam County.

The Buzzi Unicem – Lone Star Greencastle Facility application was designated as Certified Gold, signifying leadership among the more than 700 WHC Conservation Certification programs. Programs are given a Certified, Silver Certified or Gold Certified designation.

The Greencastle plant’s efforts along the local People Pathways nature trail are designed to help get the general public out into natural areas so they can be understood and appreciated.

Visitors using the trail have opportunities to learn more about wildlife, an employee-only hunter species management program and interesting wetlands or bird sanctuary habitat as they walk the trail along the property boundary. According to the plant’s wildlife management plan, it is important to ensure trail users keep their distance and not cross posted trail boundaries.

Although a heron rookery is visible from the trail, cautionary measures are necessary so as to not disturb the timid birds.

As part of this educational outreach, Lone Star also supports annual Earth Day activities in association with the City of Greencastle Sustainability Commission, reaching countless citizens during county-wide events.

Recent Buzzi Unicem USA-sponsored activities like this have also involved distributing a variety of free small tree saplings each year.

“The Buzzi Unicem – Lone Star Greencastle Facility is recognized as meeting the strict requirements of WHC Conservation Certification,” WHC President Margaret O’Gorman said. “Companies achieving WHC Conservation Certification, like Buzzi Unicem USA, are environmental leaders, voluntarily managing their lands to support sustainable ecosystems and the communities that surround them.”

Wildlife Habitat Council promotes and certifies habitat conservation and management on corporate lands through partnerships and education. WHC Conservation Certification programs take corporate sustainability goals and objectives and translate them into tangible and measurable on-the-ground actions. Through a focus on building collaboration for conservation with corporate employees, other conservation organizations, government agencies and community members, WHC programs focus on healthy ecosystems and connected communities.

WHC-assisted wildlife habitat and conservation education programs are found in 48 states and 25 countries. Visit www.wildlifehc.org for more information.