DATE: October 12, 2008

Energy Star:
ROANOKE CEMENT RANKED 'TOP PERFORMER' BY U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Troutville, VA - Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Roanoke Cement Company the 2007 Energy StarŪ for superior energy efficiency within the cement industry. The only active cement plant in Virginia, Roanoke Cement is one of only 10 plants ranked in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) "Top Performing Plants" in the country. There are currently 118 cement plants in operation in the U.S.

The Energy StarŪ program recognizes manufacturer's energy efficient solutions that save money while protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Roanoke's original plant, which began production in 1951, featured a kiln feed system that used long dry kilns that did not take full advantage of the heat energy leaving the system, resulting in significant energy consumption. To save energy, the modern cement plant introduces preheated raw materials into the kiln. The plant's pre-heater tower acts like a big heat exchanger utilizing hot exit gases from the kiln; literally a tower of high-efficiency cyclones, delivering the raw material into and through the kiln. The company obtains approximately a 40% reduction in fuel consumption through the heat exchange. The Roanoke plant is now recognized as one of the most energy-efficient cement plants in the world.

The United States is the third largest producer of cement behind China and India. The worldwide boom in construction has brought about significant supply issues and the environmental strides achieved by the domestic cement industry have further enhanced U.S. growth.

The score, which is based on actual energy use, is calculated using a tool prepared by the EPA called an energy performance indicator (EPI). It scores the energy efficiency of a cement plant and compares it to that of the entire industry using basic inputs unique to a plant. Where 100 percent is considered (unachievable) perfection, the USEPA scored Roanoke Cement Company at 98 percent.

"While we are pleased at the plant's progress, we are not satisfied!" said Kevin Baird, Plant Manager for Roanoke Cement Company. "We remain dedicated to continuous improvement, convinced that environmental stewardship is the most important characteristic to becoming a good corporate citizen."

Roanoke Cement Company, located in Troutville, Virginia, is a subsidiary of Titan America LLC and the first plant to receive the prestigious Energy StarŪ rating. Titan America LLC is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia and is one of the premier cement and building materials producers in the Eastern United States. Titan America operations include cement plants, ready-mixed concrete plants, concrete block plants, quarries, import and rail terminals and fly ash production facilities.

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