The 2009 Anode Effect Survey results show a continuation of the trend for significant reductions in perfluorocarbon (PFC) greenhouse gas emissions by the global aluminium industry, on an absolute as well as per tonne of production basis.  

The almost complete coverage (91%) of the IAI survey data outside China (with respect to both metal production and emissions), combined with the fact that the IAI uses actual measurements and secondary information to make an informed estimate of Chinese industry performance, positions the global aluminium industry inventory very favourably compared to the greenhouse gas inventories of other commodities.

Global aluminium industry 2009 PFC emissions (as CO₂e) per tonne of production were 29% lower than those in 2006, well on course to meet the IAI voluntary objective of a 50% reduction by 2020 on a 2006 baseline.  2009 saw an acceleration in the global industry’s annual rate of emissions reduction, due to curbs in production in poorer performing facilities.
           There has been an 88% improvement in aluminium industry anode effect PFC emissions per tonne of production since 1990, with 2009 emissions per tonne the lowest since IAI records began.
With PFC emissions per tonne slashed by almost 90% since 1990 and strong growth in aluminium production over the same period, total annual emissions of PFCs to the atmosphere by the industry have been reduced from 96 million tonnes of CO₂e in 1990 to 22 million tonnes in 2009, a fall of over 75% despite a 90% increase in primary aluminium production, from 19.5 to 37 million tonnes.

In fact, the reduction in absolute PFC emissions has offset the impact of rising production on other direct GHG emissions sources from bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminium smelting processes, such as CO₂ from carbon anode consumption and fuel combustion emissions from furnaces and boilers.
            Absolute direct greenhouse gas emissions from all primary aluminium and upstream production processes (bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting & casting) remain at 1990 levels, even though production has doubled over the same period.

IFEU Light Weighting Report 1

IFEU Light Weighting Report 2

Improving Sustainability in the Transport Sector Through Weight Reduction and the Application of Aluminium - Short Report

Improving Sustainability in the Transport Sector Through Weight Reduction and the Application of Aluminium - Slides

The transport life cycle model, developed by IAI Sustainable Aluminium Working Group in cooperation with the European Aluminium Association (EAA) and the Aluminum Association (AA), focuses on the environmental aspects of light-weighting in transport and the resulting savings of fuel and electricity.

 

It quantifies the primary energy and greenhouse gas savings realised from the light-weighting of specific vehicle components based on life cycle assessment methodology. The developed model is based on the ISO 14044 life cycle assessment methodology and covers the whole life cycle of a vehicle including production, use and end-of-life (collection, recovery and recycling). It can be used to assess future scenarios and applications.

The pre-entered data are for a motor block of a medium weight compact car with a mass of 1250 kg and a gasoline consumption of 7.5 litres per 100km. All data can be changed to calculate your specific case study.

IV Sustainable Bauxite Mining Report

Alumina Technology Roadmap

Alumina technology Roadmap - Executive Summary