WHC and NRMCA signed a Memorandum of Understanding in an effort to work jointly with ready mixed concrete production facilities to aid in the development of sustainable environmental initiatives at their facilities. Typically small in size, production facilities do not have expansive tracks of land to dedicate to conservation. In the larger picture however, every initiative benefiting habitat and wildlife has value. It can represent a stopover for migratory birds, a food source for pollinators, an opportunity to increase diversity. Therefore, a unique approach to serving the specific needs and potential of ready mixed concrete production facilities was created. WHC developed a biodiversity toolkit specifically designed for the ready mixed concrete industry to engage in habitat projects and further their sustainability mission.

Those project opportunities include:

Several supporting documents are also provided as part of the biodiversity toolkit. These include native species lists, technical references, links to priority actions in the state, potential partner contact, wildlife management plan templates, sample monitoring logs and certification information. WHC’s goal is to provide the production facilities with all the information they need to be able to readily pursue one or more of these projects and initiate a strong program.

The biodiversity toolkit and associated voluntary habitat projects are part of WHC’s Wildlife at Work^sm program. Under the program, valuable habitat projects going above and beyond mitigation and regulation are eligible for certification. Certification requirements are detailed in the biodiversity toolkit and can also be found on WHC’s website at www.wildlifehc.org. Productions facilities initiating projects, participating in the program and/or pursing certification can also obtain points under the NRMCA Sustainable Plant Guideline system. Actions and values are presented in the official documentation available through NRMCA. WHC strongly encourages corporate strategies to be set as part of an integrated approach to sustainability. Several projects are compatible with operations and still represent opportunities for employee and community involvement. If the program is undertaken at the site level, the following are typical steps to plan for:

For further information about the Biodiversity Toolkit download the toolkit application form or contact WHC’s Director of Field Programs, Josiane Bonneau.

Download a PDF of the presentation about biodiversity at ready mix plants.

Contacts:

Josianne Bonneau

240-247-0905

jbonneau@wildlifehc.org

 

David Carroll

david.carroll@lafarge-na.com