The Portland Cement Association is extending its call for nominations for the 2009 Sustainable Leadership Awards.

Four categories will be recognized. The Leadership in Sustainability Policy Award honors public officials who advance policies that promote the concept of sustainable development by advocating for and promoting the use of concrete and cement-based products in their communities The Homes and Residential Building, Non-Residential Building and Infrastructure awards honor public officials who utilize cement or cement-based products to achieve sustainable benefits for projects in each of these categories.

To heighten state and local decision makers’ understanding of the importance of cement and concrete to green building, and as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, the association established the Sustainable Leadership Awards in 2008. This annual initiative identifies and honors government leaders who advance sustainable development in their communities through the use of concrete and cement-based products.

“There are few, if any, construction materials that offer concrete’s wide range of sustainable and cost effective benefits,” said PCA President and CEO Brian McCarthy. “This award recognizes government officials who share our passion for sustainability and recognize concrete’s unrivaled benefits in terms of energy efficiency, durability and ability to be recycled.”

To be eligible for consideration, buildings and activities must have occurred between Jan. 1, 2007, and Dec. 31, 2008. The deadline to submit final entries is June 20, 2009. For more information and to access the nomination form, visitwww.cement.org/SustainableLeadership.