Buzzi Unicem, Unical and Betonval, have been awarded a prize by SINCERT as “excellent” companies for holding three management system certifications issued by an accredited certification body such as ICMQ (quality, environmental, health and safety).
Our entities received the SINCERT award because of their compliance to requirements established by SINCERT to appoint “excellent” companies.
Luigi Buzzi, VP R&D and Process Technology (middle), and Andrea Bolondi, VP Quality and Large Projects of Unical (right), have received the award certificate last 10th of November  in Rome, together with Lorenzo Orsenigo, ICMQ Managing Director (left), that has been awarded as well by SINCERT 's President Lorenzo Thione.

On July 22, 2005, the Technical Committee of SINCERT and ICMQ awarded the Environment Certification to the Augusta cement plant (Siracusa) which has thus become the sixth Italian plant in Buzzi Unicem Group to be certified according to UNI EN ISO 14001/2004.
The Environment and Safety Integrated System was implemented in little just over a year, thanks to the eagerness and dedication of all people in the production unit who enthusiastically shared the targets and readily realized the few improvements required.
The early analysis and the ICMQ inspections have since the beginning ascertained the constant compliance with existing rules and limits for water drainage and noise immissions. The good monitoring system for kiln emissions, the proper management of waste and related aspects show once again Buzzi Unicem’s continuous attention towards environmental protection.

On June 15-16, 2005 Robilante cement plant (Cuneo) hosted the "Burner Technology for Multi-Fuel Combustion" workshop, organized by ECRA - European Cement Research Academy ( www.ecra-online.org/ ).
The event focused on the technology and operation of multi-fuel burners, especially the burner of kiln 3 at Robilante, which represents the avant-garde of alternative fuel use among the Group's plants in Italy.
In almost nine years of operation, this main burner has achieved a sequence of good results: more stable burning conditions (better flame control) with lower free lime and higher annual clinker production, lower consumption of refractories in the kiln and NOx emissions reduced roughly by 15%. The progressive upgrade of the main burner and the continuous implementation of new installations (e.g. feeding system for fluffy alternative fuels and chlorine by-pass) have led this kiln to an increasing thermal substitution with alternative fuels, with significant economic profits due to the low cost, reduced input of sulfur to the kiln and the possibility of credits on CO2 emissions (Kyoto's protocol).

Unioncamere National Prize
On the occasion of the presentation of the “2005 Italy Report” on Economy organized by the Chambers of Commerce, Buzzi Unicem was awarded the National Prize for the longlasting company that has stood out for its continuous and worthy commitment to Social Responsibility. The prestigious award was made official in Rome on May 9, 2005 during the third Economy Day. The prize was presented by Marcello Pera, Senate President and Carlo Sangalli, Unioncamere President. Among the reasons for the award “...the commitment in the human resources field, towards stakeholders and in the relationship with suppliers and communities. (The Company) is very focused on environmental issues and has adopted management systems in all required fields...”.

SAM Rating
As a confirmation of its commitment to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, Buzzi Unicem has further improved its rank in the Corporate Sustainability Assessment by SAM, one of the world's leading institutions in the rating of listed companies included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
The total score of 66 (62 in 2003, 50 in 2002) is equal to the best score in the Building Material Sector.

Everyone in the company has contributed to this achievement and is committed to continue on the same path for the future.