Medley, FL – Titan America, LLC announced today that Titan Florida’s Pennsuco Plant (PNS) has been named a 2021 USGBC Regional Leadership Award recipient by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). PNS joins an impressive slate of awardees that include organizations, projects and individuals around the world who are using green building and sustainable practices to improve the quality of life for those around them. This year’s recipients were recognized at the USGBC Leadership Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 10, 2021, during the inaugural USGBC Live virtual event.
“Following a difficult year, it is truly inspiring to recognize our green building leaders that have continued their commitment to green building and sustainable communities while adapting to the changing environments around us,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, President and CEO, USGBC. “The 2021 USGBC Leadership Award awardees have improved our world through the power of green building, and it is their contributions and work that have helped our communities stay safe and healthy.”
PNS exhibited leadership on a grand scale this year through its achievements with zero waste.
PNS was rated by the TRUE rating system as “platinum,” its highest level of distinction. Sixteen zero waste/sustainability programs were created – ranging from waste auditing and environmentally preferred purchasing to composting – and every one of the 300 employees contributed in some way. PNS hosted 18 in-person training sessions for the facilities’ employees. Two facility-wide policies, (Titan Florida, LLC’s Zero Waste Vision & Policy and the Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy & Guide) ensure that the gains are continuing and have been incorporated in the plant’s culture.
Vice President of Cement Manufacturing, Zaklina Stamboliska, states, “Through our zero waste programs we have implemented native landscaping and other biodiversity advances to our local ecosystem. We have entered into outreach with local universities to educate students and shared our knowledge among our industry and others through partnerships and webinars. We are building and spreading the word on zero waste.”
Allyson Tombesi, LEED Green Associate, ENV SP, TRUE Advisor and Environmental Engineer, was an intern while PNS held the true gold ranking. She earned a TRUE Advisor certificate through her interest in zero waste. Tombesi initiated the analysis that was presented to, and approved by, senior management leading to registering for recertification in pursuit of TRUE platinum.
“The management approval of recertification efforts was guided by our facility-wide commitments and Titan’s value system regarding sustainability,” says Randy Dunlap, President of Titan Florida. “We are honored to be included with the other USGBC leaders.”