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December 21, 2009
Alcoa’s greenhouse program goes global
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A program that helps Alcoa employees become part of the solution to climate change has gone global.
‘Make an Impact’, which was founded by the Alcoa Foundation and Greening Australia in 2006 to help Alcoans in Australia reduce their personal greenhouse footprint, is now enjoying a global roll out in the United States in partnership with the Pew Center on Global Climate Change.
Alcoa’s Kawneer business is the first Alcoa business to launch Make an Impact in North America. Kawneer is the leading manufacturer of architectural aluminium products and systems for the commercial construction industry, and is part of Alcoa’s global Building and Construction Systems (BCS) business unit. Alcoa BCS manufactures and markets architectural systems and products in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The Make an Impact program in Australia includes a comprehensive website featuring a range of carbon reduction tips to help individuals to reduce their greenhouse footprint at home, while on the move, at the shops, in the garden and at work. Featuring discussion about the impact of climate change worldwide, and facts about Australia’s greenhouse footprint, the website is also a useful resource for school students.
Currently more than 1300 Alcoa employees in Australia are part of Make an Impact, making simple and practical changes to their homes and lifestyles. Alcoans also have access to an energy use calculator which provides individual measurements and customised action plans to help them reduce their greenhouse footprint.
In addition, they have the opportunity to attend Make an Impact workshops run by ‘green’ experts and held on site across Alcoa’s Australian locations. The Make an Impact program which is being rolled out across the United States is a local version of Australia’s program.
“Make an Impact has changed my behaviour and spread to every level of our organisation,” Alcoa of Australia Managing Director Alan Cransberg said.
“We’re committed to playing a role in changing the way people think in our carbon constrained world, and Make an Impact is one part of that.
“It’s fantastic to see a program which was initiated here in Australia being so well received overseas – it’s a credit to our team here who set it up and our long-time climate change partner Greening Australia.”
Greening Australia National President Rob Gell said: “Alcoa of Australia is a leading example of a corporation that is active in restoring Australia’s environment. Through Make an Impact they have taken a leadership role in identifying the critical role Australians can play in addressing the impact we are having on climate change.”
“We often think solutions to climate change and energy costs can come only from business and government, but everyone needs to play his or her part. Through our partnership with the Alcoa Foundation, and working with Alcoa’s businesses, we are making that possible,” said Pew Center President Eileen Claussen.
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About Alcoa Foundation:
Alcoa Foundation is a separately constituted non-for-profit US corporate foundation with assets of approximately $500 million. Its mission is to actively invest in the quality of life in Alcoa communities worldwide. Throughout its history, the Foundation has been a source of positive community change and enhancement, with nearly $466 million invested since 1952.
More info:
www.alcoa.com.au/makeanimpact
www.kawneer.com/makeanimpact
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