CEMEX Received 2002 World Environment Center Gold Medal for International Corporate Environmental Achievement.

Business Editors/Environmental Writers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 2002

The World Environment Center's Eighteenth Annual WEC Gold Medal for International Corporate Environmental Achievement was awarded to CEMEX at a formal gala last Friday, May 17, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Lorenzo H. Zambrano, Chairman of the Board and CEO of CEMEX, accepted the award on behalf of 25,500 employees in 33 countries and in recognition of the company's global leadership in sustainable development.

Philip Watts, Chairman of the Committee of Managing Directors of The Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies, chaired the presentation ceremony, while actor and conservationist Harrison Ford presented the Gold Medal Award.

An independent Jury of distinguished international environmental experts awards the WEC Gold Medal to a corporation that demonstrates preeminent industry leadership and contributes to worldwide environmental quality.

"At CEMEX, we are building a better future by using the most advanced technologies and eco-efficient processes. As a global company, we are fully committed to the protection of the environment, and we will continue to join forces with governments, renowned NGO's and communities to safeguard nature and promote a deeper ecological culture around the world," expressed Zambrano.

The Jury cited CEMEX for developing a formal strategy for environmental policy and sustainable growth. This Environmental Management System (EMS) policy, established in 1993, and updated in 1997 and 2000, defines clear corporate guidelines to make all of its employees, suppliers, customers and shareholders aware of the importance and value of protecting natural resources, and is endorsed by the Board of Directors and the CEO/chairman to ensure implementation throughout the company and its worldwide operations.

CEMEX has made a commitment to employing cutting-edge technology in its operational processes in order to assure energy and materials-efficiency, to promote an environmental culture with all constituencies, and to use the most effective equipment and systems to protect its employees, neighboring communities, facilities and the environment. As a result, CEMEX plants not only comply with but also exceed all environmental regulations.

Harrison Ford stated, "CEMEX is a true leader in corporate citizenship. It has demonstrated how a major business can effectively cooperate with the conservation community, and is a model for Latin America and the world."

The Signature Contribution on which the Jury based its award decision is the creation by CEMEX of a comprehensive array of achievements, which demonstrate superiority in the areas of policy, implementation and leadership, guided by a philosophy and operational goal the company refers to as En Armonia con la Naturaleza, a Spanish phrase meaning "In Harmony with Nature." This philosophy has been translated into specific actions in the form of a world-class eco-efficiency program, international environmental education and significant socially responsible outreach efforts, applying a global approach to setting and meeting strong company-wide environmental standards, and achieving balance throughout its worldwide operations. CEMEX designed and implemented all of these environmental systems and improvements while experiencing consistent levels of growth through geographic diversification, becoming a global corporation with operations in 33 countries. All of these accomplishments taken together have set a standard for the cement industry and for industry in general and will serve as a seminal example for responsible growth and sustainable development worldwide.

Among the nearly 700 attendees to the presentation ceremony were the Ambassadors to the United States from countries in which CEMEX has operations; senior officials of the Bush Administration, including the Chief Advisor to President Bush, James Connaughton, Under Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries of State, Interior, Commerce, Energy and the EPA; senior officials of the Inter-American Development Bank, Agency for International Development, World Bank, and UNEP; as well as representatives of a number of the most important international environmental and conservation organizations, such as WWF, Conservation International and Nature Conservancy.

The World Environment Center Gold Medal for International Corporate Environmental Achievement was established in 1985 to recognize preeminent industry leadership initiatives and contributions to worldwide environmental quality. The Jury carefully examines all award applications submitted by qualified multinational companies each year. The Jury examines each nomination for a clearly articulated set of values, a history of proven accomplishment, a global outlook and a commitment to sustainable development. A complete list of Jury members, the Citation for the 2002 WEC Gold Medal Awardee, and a list of previous recipients are available at the WEC Web site: http://www.wec.org/wecgm.htm. The WEC Gold Medal Jury is completely independent of WEC and its programs, and is composed of international environmental leaders from academia, government, industry, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

About CEMEX

CEMEX is a leading global producer and marketer of cement and ready-mix products, with operations primarily concentrated in the world's most dynamic cement markets across five continents. CEMEX combines a deep knowledge of the local markets with its global network and information technology systems to provide world-class products and services to its customers, from individual homebuilders to large industrial contractors. For more information, visit www.cemex.com.

About WEC

WEC is an independent, not-for-profit and non-advocacy organization. Founded in 1974 with a grant from the United Nations Environment Program, the Center serves as a bridge for collaboration, partnership and the exchange of information between industry, government, academia, non-governmental organizations, and other sectors. The WEC advances sustainable development and social responsibility, encourages environmental leadership, and helps improve environmental, health and safety practices worldwide through its International Environment Forum, WEC Gold Medal for International Corporate Environmental Achievement, and international technical cooperation programs.