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we expect integrity

built on stewardship

Sustainable Operatoins. Lasting Responsibility. 

At Cemstone, stewardship means more than making commitments – it means taking responsibility for how we operate every day. From the resources we use to the decisions we make in our facilities and communities, sustainability is integrated into our operations with intention and accountability. This is how we work to reduce impact, protect what matters, and deliver lasting value.

Ready-Mix Operations

aggregates operations

corporate initiatives

ready-mix operations stewardship

Advancing Water Stewardship in Every Mix.

 

In the field, Cemstone’s ready-mix trucks are equipped with self-contained washout systems that capture process water by pumping gray water back into the drum while separating out aggregate, ensuring responsible containment of process water.

 

 

At its production facilities, Cemstone embraces the principle that concrete does not require fresh water to perform, leading to extensive investment in systems that treat and reuse process water. Many batch plants now operate Cemstone-designed weir systems that remove solids and produce clarified water, which is reused for truck drum washout and in the production of new concrete—recycling millions of gallons annually and reducing demand on municipal and groundwater resources.

 

Cemstone was also the first producer in Minnesota to earn MnDOT certification for using recycled, clarified water in approved mixes, allowing even greater incorporation of reclaimed water into batching.

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Beyond process-water recycling, Cemstone further reduces fresh water demand through the Load and Go Automated Truck Wash System, which uses 70–80% less water than manual washing and enhances safety and efficiency by keeping drivers in their cabs.

Thoughtful Operations. Better Neighbors.

 

To minimize noise, Cemstone installs berms and sound walls to help contain onsite activity and uses white noise backup alarms on mobile equipment to replace the sharp beeping of traditional alarms.

 

 

Dust control is equally important, and every Cemstone plant is equipped with dust collection systems on all powder silos, with many also featuring dust collectors at loadout points. Paved areas are routinely swept to limit dust from vehicle traffic, while unpaved surfaces receive dust‑suppression treatments. In addition, many facilities enclose material conveyors to keep dust contained, and aggregate stockpiles are maintained within bunkers to reduce wind‑driven particulate emissions.

 

Efficiency That Delivers Sustainability.

When trucks return with leftover concrete, the material is not discarded; instead, it is repurposed into valuable products such as recycled base material and durable bunker blocks, reducing waste and supporting a circular approach to resource use.

 

Cemstone minimizes its environmental footprint through advanced route optimization within its dispatching software, which uses sophisticated algorithms to determine the most fuel efficient delivery paths. This strategic approach significantly reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to cleaner air in the communities the company serves.

 

 

Lowered emissions and optimized truck routes also improves truck reliability, reduces equipment wear, and enhances overall operational efficiency. Together, these efforts demonstrate Cemstone’s leadership in sustainable construction practices through smart resource management and environmentally conscious fleet operations.

 

AGGREGATE OPERATIONS STEWARDSHIP

Responsibility That Conserves What Matters.

Cemstone practices good stewardship of our water resources at our aggregate operations by utilizing closed‑loop settling pond systems that capture and recycle process water used for washing and classifying aggregates. These systems continuously collect excess water and circulate it back through the ponds, allowing approximately 80–90% of all wash water to be reused and substantially reducing the need for fresh water.

 

Cemstone advanced these efforts further with the installation of an Ultra Fines Recovery (UFR) System at its Rosemount, MN aggregate source. The UFR system replaces traditional settling ponds by using hydrocyclone technology and dewatering screens to more efficiently recover fine materials while recycling water even more effectively. The recovered fines form a stackable, marketable aggregate product, supporting both water conservation and resource optimization within Cemstone’s operations.

 

 

Stewardship That Respects Our Communities.

 

To minimize noise, Cemstone installs rubber‑lined screens that significantly dampen the sound of aggregate hitting processing equipment, builds berms to help contain site noise, and equips mobile equipment with white‑noise backup alarms in place of traditional high‑pitched alarms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cemstone follows operating hours designed to limit early‑morning and nighttime disruptions. Dust control is equally important, beginning with ensuring that incoming feed material meets a minimum moisture content to reduce the potential for airborne particulates. Paved areas are routinely swept to remove accumulated dust, while unpaved areas receive regular dust‑suppression treatments to prevent emissions from vehicle traffic.

 

 

Efficiency That Delivers Sustainability.

Cemstone is committed to being a responsible steward of the land at its aggregate facilities through long‑range planning and thoughtful reclamation practices that support environmental restoration and beneficial reuse. Reclaimed aggregate operations can be transformed into valuable community assets—such as wildlife habitat, recreational areas, lakes, housing, or agricultural land—and reclamation ensures long‑term land stability and ecological health.

 

 

Cemstone has embraced this responsibility through its partnership with the Minnesota DNR at its Farmington, MN location, situated within the Vermillion Highlands regional recreation area. As mining winds down, Cemstone is reclaiming the land to include rolling hills and water features designed to enhance local wildlife habitat, helping return the area to a natural and ecologically vibrant state that benefits both the environment and the surrounding community.

 

CORPORATE STEWARDSHIP

Powering a More Sustainable Future.

Cemstone is committed to sustainability across its operations through strategic investments in renewable energy, resource efficiency, and responsible waste management. The company supports clean energy by subscribing to solar gardens and installing solar panels on its buildings, while continuing to explore additional alternative energy opportunities. At its corporate headquarters, Cemstone has installed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to encourage lower‑emission transportation.

 

Smarter Energy Use. Measurable Results.

 

Cemstone partners with local energy providers to conduct detailed energy audits that identify opportunities to conserve resources, reduce energy use, and lower operating costs. These audits support Cemstone’s broader sustainability goals, which focus on preventing pollution at the source, maximizing resource efficiency, and advancing continuous environmental improvement. Cemstone has also retrofitted many facilities with energy‑efficient LED lighting, which reduces electricity consumption, lowers maintenance needs, and improves workplace safety through brighter, more uniform illumination.

 

 

Reusing Resources. Reducing Impact.

Cemstone promotes responsible material reuse by collecting used oil from vehicle maintenance and utilizing it to heat shops with dedicated used‑oil heaters, reducing reliance on conventional fuels. Any oil unsuitable for reuse is sent to licensed recyclers for proper processing. Together, these initiatives demonstrate Cemstone’s commitment to reducing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and leading with sustainable operational practices.

 

 

 

sustainability, practiced - not just promised.

Lu Verne Wind Turbines

Lu Verne Wind Turbines

by | Oct 4, 2024 | ,

Wind TurbinePORTABLE PLANT PROJECTLocation:Lu Verne, IACemstone participated in the Kossuth County wind project which added 25 towers and an additional 69.6 megawatts of clean energy to the Iowa region. Over a 6 week period, we poured approximately 12,700 cubic yards...