January 31, 2002 The Aluminium Association of Canada (AAC) and its member companies –Alcan Inc., Alcoa Ltd. and Aluminerie Alouette Inc.–today signed a framework agreement with the Quebec government aiming to reduce, on a voluntary basis, greenhouse gas emissions from their Quebec-based facilities by approximately 200,000 tonnes by the end of 2007. This is the first agreement of its kind in both Quebec and Canada.
"The aluminum industry has for many years been concerned with climate changes and has contributed significantly to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We want to continue our efforts towards the reduction and act in a proactive manner in this respect, while preserving our industry's growth potential," stated Christian Van Houtte, President of the Aluminium Association of Canada.
The framework agreement on voluntary reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, signed with the Quebec Environment department, provides that each company shall set emission reduction targets that will take into account the specificity of each.
This agreement aims, among others, at improving, on a voluntary basis, the aluminum industry's performance in terms of greenhouse gas emissions by recognizing the level of reductions already achieved and by securing additional reductions while allowing for growth in the aluminum industry. The promotion of a life cycle approach to emphasize the value of using and reusing aluminum and the championing of activities related to aluminum recycling and energy efficiency are also among the means under consideration to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. It is worth noting, for instance, that replacing one tonne of heavy metal by one tonne of aluminum decreases CO2 emissions by 20 tonnes over the life of an automobile.
Significant Reduction
Between 1990 and 1999, the Quebec aluminum industry has increased its production by 62.7% while GHG emissions remained unchanged. The intensity of greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of aluminum produced has therefore gone from 5.1 tonnes in 1990 to 3.4 tonnes in 2000, for a reduction of 36%.
Each member company of the Aluminium Association of Canada has effectively implemented programs leading to concrete actions being taken over the past few years to reduce GHG emissions.
Alcan Inc. recently announced its TARGET program, which provides for a reduction by 500,000 tonnes worldwide of greenhouse gas emissions over the next four years. "The TARGET program is an ongoing initiative which is part of Alcan's business strategy and management process", explained Richard Yank, President of Alcan Primary Metal for Quebec. "The TARGET program will yield concrete results through a strict implementation and will place Alcan in the foreground of the resolution of environmental issues. The framework agreement that we are signing today with the Quebec government is a part of this ongoing commitment."
"Alcoa is also very committed to the search for solutions to counter climate changes", indicated Jean-Pierre Gilardeau, President, Alcoa Primary Metals Northeast Region, "and this is evidenced by the recent endorsement of a company-wide policy and action plan in this area." In fact, Alcoa will reduce direct GHG emissions worldwide by 25% by 2010 as compared to 1990 levels. Greater reductions could be obtained through technological improvements, a domain in which Alcoa is making major investments. Let us recall that the Deschambault smelter was a finalist for the 2001 EcoGESte award, in the major corporate category, for its remarkable achievements in reducing GHG emissions. EcoGESte is the Quebec government's official program aimed at promoting the adoption of voluntary measures to reduce GHG emissions. The award was launched last year to recognize the best contributions made by partners to this program.
Aluminerie Alouette Inc. intends to remain among the world's top performing aluminum smelters in terms of energy consumption and GHG emissions. Joe Lombard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aluminerie Alouette Inc., recalled that the smelter, which almost totally eliminated GHG emissions related to anode effects, reduced the intensity of total GHG emissions by 30% between 1993 and 2000. Additional measures, which will be implemented between 2002 and 2007, will serve to consolidate this performance and pursue additional progress.
The framework agreement on voluntary greenhouse gas reductions provides that member companies of the Aluminium Association of Canada will produce an annual report on their activities and results achieved.
Alcoa in Québec was the first company in Canada to sign an agreement with the government to reduce GHG. The agreement was signed in June 2002.
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Contact Information
Aluminium Association of Canada
Mr. Christian L. Van Houtte, President
Tel : (514) 288 4842
Alcan Primary Metal - Quebec
Ms. Margot Tapp, Information Officer
Tel: (418) 699 4045
Alcoa Ltd.
Ms. Chantal Rochette, Coordinator, Communication
Tel: (514) 904-5186
Aluminerie Alouette Inc.
Mr. Alexis Segal, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs
Tel: (418) 964 7103
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