Alcoa: Environment

Alcoa has concluded that available evidence indicates Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from human activities affect climate. We recognize that the risk of significant climate change is an issue of vital importance requiring action.

Alcoa manages GHG emissions on a worldwide scale, operating consistently within our corporate values and national and local requirements.

We will continue to improve energy efficiency in all our operations.
We will improve our operations by implementing best practice technologies to reduce GHG emissions.

Alcoa promotes the development and use of products that will positively contribute to GHG management over their life cycle.

Alcoa supports cooperative action by all countries that:

reduce emissions to levels that will prevent dangerous changes to the world's climate systems utilizing least-cost global actions.
rely on an open international economic system that would lead to sustained economic growth and development in all countries; and
encourage leadership from developed economies to enable all countries to contribute to effective management of greenhouse gas emissions.

Alcoa supports a comprehensive global approach to GHG management that includes all sources and sinks, encompassing all sectors of all national and local economies.

Alcoa supports efficient and economically sound emission trading programs that also protect those who have taken early action to reduce emissions.

Alcoa will reduce its direct GHG emissions to 25% below the 1990 baseline on a worldwide basis by 2010, with the potential for significant additional reductions through major technology improvements.

Alcoa will measure its significant GHG emissions and have its baseline data and annual inventories certified by independent third parties.

Alcoa will monitor and separately report on the emissions associated with electricity purchased for Alcoa's smelting operations in recognition of the importance of these emissions in the overall life cycle of aluminum.

Alcoa will rapidly deploy appropriate best practice technologies to reduce GHG emissions.

Alcoa will evaluate the effectiveness of GHG sequestration approaches and seek credit for their implementation as appropriate.

Alcoa will support an emissions trading regime that is efficient, global, comprehensive and utilizes initial allocation procedures based on a 1990 baseline.

Alcoa will evaluate internal trading mechanisms to determine if such procedures will enhance GHG reduction strategies.

Alcoa will actively participate in discussions at national and international levels on climate change policy and provide leadership, data and recommendations.

Alcoa will evaluate and utilize cooperative mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gases using agreed international protocols.

Alcoa, in partnership with its customers will identify and promote beneficial uses and recycling of its products to reduce GHG emissions in transportation, construction, packaging and other applications.