Sustainability

Sustainability is the Central Pillar.  And Community Engagement is the Foundation.

Alcoa’s commitment to sustainability and community traces back to the planning phase of this project. 

From the beginning, Alcoa understood that the construction of the Fjardaal smelter and the related hydroelectric facility would impact the economic, social and environmental landscape.

As a consequence, Alcoa approached the Icelandic government and Landsvirkjun - the Government-owned energy company building the hydropower facility – and together they launched the Sustainability Initiative. 

The Sustainability Initiative set a new model of community engagement in Iceland by involving a diverse range of community stakeholders - including environmental NGOs, unions, church groups, health organizations, concerned citizens, business groups, educational institutions and municipality leaders.  Together they discussed issues and concerns and identified and developed indicators and metrics in order to maximize positive social and economic benefits of the project while minimizing negative environmental impact.

This model continues through to the identification of future community investment projects under Alcoa Fjardaal’s Community Advisory Group which is a collaboration with community stakeholders to build community partnerships and meet local needs.