With the growing concern for environmental impact all over the world today, Fiji Industries Limited (FIL) the only cement producer in the country, is currently restructuring and aligning its environment management efforts and initiatives to allow its clinker grinding operations to be certified to ISO 14001 standards by the end of the year 2008. ISO 14001 is an internationally accepted standard that sets out how an organization puts in place an effective Environment Management System(EMS). This move is aligned to the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development through its environment management programme.

Over the last decade FIL has made significant progress in managing and reducing its environment imprints. This include better management of effluents discharged from its operations, installation of dust suppressors and the ceasing of its dredging of coral sands from leased sites within the Laucala Bay waters. These process changes implemented by the company led to the discontinuation of the company’s kiln process thus resulting in the elimination of carbon dioxide emissions from its operations.

FIL’s clinker manufacturing process ended in 2004 and now replaced with periodic procuring and importation of clinker from overseas suppliers. The company continues to implement strategies for water and resource conservation, energy consumption, use of environmentally safe raw materials, waste minimization, pollution reduction and the protection of its surrounding environment.
The minimization of dust emission during clinker unloading at the Suva wharf remains a key challenge. The company continues to invest in appropriate equipment and facilities to alleviate dust emission.

FIL Production Manager Peni Puamau said, “Positive changes to the physical environment of the business have not come about without its fair share of challenges. Such challenges include the changing of perception, behaviour and culture within the entire business to promote the achievement of sustainable development within all facets of the business operation. “

Mr Puamau added that, “Essential to this success is the top down approach by the Company Board and the executive management team in its commitment to environment management which has enabled all the significant progress achieved today.”

FIL is committed to minimizing adverse impacts on the environment due to its operations and to improving the quality of well being of its plant community. Its operations are continually monitored and regulated in order to ensure high levels of environmental awareness, standards and practices.

About FIL:
Fiji Industries Ltd (FIL) is the premier supplier of cement and related products in Fiji and is the preferred supplier of Pacific island countries. FIL has been in operation for over 48 years and produces world class quality cement that is used in both private and public projects all over Fiji and other island nations in the region. For the first time in 48 years the Company is now run by a fully local Chairperson and CEO, Mrs Sereana Qoro and a local General Manager, Mr Josese Daveta, both of whom are supported by highly qualified personnel in cement processing. As a subsidiary of Fijian Holdings Limited, the localization of the executive team is considered a milestone in the FHL Group which promotes the development and retention of relevant local skills within the FHL companies.