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July 26, 2010
Sustainability Report hits website
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This month has seen the launch of Alcoa of Australia’s 2009 Sustainability Report.
In keeping with the sustainability theme, the report is online only and available at www.alcoa.com.au/sustainability.
The report contains information about Alcoa’s performance in Australia throughout 2009 - specifically about the company’s management of key issues including climate change, energy efficiency, environmental and economic custodianship, and detail of engagement with local communities.
Managing Director Alan Cransberg said: “2009 was undoubtedly one of Alcoa of Australia’s most interesting years to date. The global economic downturn challenged us on every level, and our great workforce showed its strength and commitment as it found new, more efficient ways of doing business.
“We endured an extreme drop in the metal price, a high Australian dollar, lower returns, and a rise in the cost of raw materials, yet, importantly, the year presented opportunities to discover, so we could emerge stronger heading into 2010.
“In reflecting on the year, what unquestionably stood out to me was the commitment of our people, not only within the business but towards their communities too,” he said.
“While there was less money to be donated to community groups in 2009, our employee volunteer program grew stronger than ever and Alcoans gave their time generously to assist the communities where they live and work.”
Some of the year’s highlights, as outlined in the report, included:
- alumina production was up on 2008 with our highest ever annual production of alumina at around 9 million tonnes;
- Positive improvements in our safety performance - Victorian operations achieved a zero lost work day injury rate, while there were significant decreases in the total recordable injury rate in Victoria and WA;
- 11 awards won, two more than in 2008;
- Employees beat their own volunteering record achieving 94,407 volunteer hours - equating to nearly 4000 days of volunteering, or nearly 11 years; and
- Since 1990 the Victorian smelters have achieved a direct emissions reduction of 65% per tonne of aluminium produced, Alcoa’s alumina refineries in WA have achieved a direct emissions reduction of over 21% per tonne of alumina, and the company’s rolled products plants have achieved a direct emissions reduction of 23%.
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