Based on available evidence, Alcoa has concluded that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities affect climate. The company also recognizes that the risk of significant climate change is an issue of vital importance that requires action.
Alcoa has committed to a 25% reduction in its worldwide directly controlled greenhouse gas emissions by 2010 from a base year of 1990. A 50% reduction by 2010 may also be possible if major technological improvements, such as inert anode technology, prove successful.
In 2003, Alcoa achieved the 25% reduction and is now working to maintain that reduction as the company expands. In addition, Alcoa adopted a specific goal to reduce perfluorinated carbon (PFC) emissions 27% by 2005 from the levels achieved in 2000. The implementation, in 2004, of a more comprehensive system to manage Alcoa’s greenhouse gas emissions on a worldwide basis will further advance Alcoa’s greenhouse gas measurement and reporting capabilities and drive continued reductions.
Alcoa remains committed to improving energy efficiency in all operations through appropriate combinations of best practice technologies to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through the Alcoa Energy Efficiency Network, the company has identified significant energy savings opportunities (currently more than US$59 million) and has captured over US$16 million per year in these energy savings to date. More than US$50 million in annual energy cost reductions are expected by 2007 due to efficiency upgrades.
Alcoa’s commitment to help customers be successful within their markets promotes the development and use of transportation products that will contribute to substantial life-cycle greenhouse gas reductions and an increase in the use of recycled metal. For example, Alcoa is working with its aerospace customers to develop new technologies and integrated solutions that are focused on making aircraft more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective to operate over the increasingly extended life cycle of an aircraft. The capabilities Alcoa is developing continue to reduce the cost and weight of airframe structures and deliver increased engine efficiencies—key requirements to delivering the next generation commercial and military aircraft.
In ground transportation, Alcoa’s unique ability to integrate materials, structural engineering, and advanced manufacturing techniques helps manufacturers design and build vehicles that deliver improved performance, safety, fuel efficiency, and environmental performance. In terms of greenhouse emissions, a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of aluminum used in a typical automobile will reduce the greenhouse gas generation by that car over its lifetime by 20 kilograms (44 pounds) more than the greenhouse gases that were produced in the manufacture of the aluminum and the aluminum parts used in the car. Greenhouse gas savings in excess of 40 kilograms (88 pounds) can be achieved in trucks and up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds) in trains by the use of a kilogram of aluminum.1
Alcoa also participates in a range of voluntary programs with governments around the world to abate greenhouse gas emissions. The programs include the Voluntary Aluminum Industrial Partnership (VAIP) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; the U.S. Climate Leaders and Climate Vision programs; the voluntary reduction agreement with the Government of Quebec; the Greenhouse Challenge program in Australia; the World Resources Institute Green Power Market Development Program (Alcoa is a founding member); and the World Economic Forum’s Global Greenhouse Gas Register.
¹International Aluminium Institute
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International Aluminium Institute
The IAI is the global forum of aluminum producers dedicated to the development and wider use of aluminum as a competitive and uniquely valuable material.
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