Aluminium For Future Generations Sustainability

The Aluminium for Future Generations initiative is a programme of continuous improvement on the part of the global aluminium industry, overseen by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI).  It comprises thirteen voluntary objectives, covering all key phases of aluminium’s life cycle.

1. The primary aluminium industry seeks to achieve the long term elimination of perfluorocarbon (PFC) emissions.

• Following an 86% reduction in its PFC emissions per tonne of primary aluminium produced between 1990 and 2006, the global aluminium industry will further reduce emissions of PFCs per tonne of aluminium by at least 50% by 2020 as compared to 2006, equivalent to a reduction of 93% compared to 1990.

• Coverage of the annual Survey of PFC emissions from IAI member and non-member aluminium producers has doubled from a global aluminium production of 12 Mt in 1990 to 24 Mt (64% of the industry's production) in 2007.  Through the efforts of its member companies, the IAI is striving to increase the global aluminium production coverage of its annual Surveys to over 80%.

• Based on IAI annual Survey results, by 2020 IAI member companies commit to operate with PFC emissions per tonne of production no higher than the 2006 global median level for their technology type.

• Progress will be monitored and reported annually and reviewed periodically by a recognised and independent third party.  There will be interim reviews to ensure progress towards achievement of the 2020 objective.

2. A minimum of a 33% reduction in fluoride emissions by IAI Member Companies per tonne of aluminium produced by 2010 versus 1990.  

3. A 10% reduction in average smelting energy usage by IAI Member Companies per tonne of aluminium produced by 2010 versus 1990.  

4. A 50% reduction in the lost time accident rate and recordable accident rate by 2010 versus 2000 by IAI Member Companies. 

5. Implementation of Management Systems for Environment (including ISO 14000 or equivalent certification) and for Health and Safety in 95% of IAI Member companies’ plants by 2010. 

6. Implementation of an Employee Exposure Assessment and Medical Surveillance Programme in 95% of IAI Member companies’ plants by 2010.  

7. The industry will monitor annually aluminium shipments for use in transport in order to track aluminium's contribution through light-weighting to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from road, rail and sea transport.  

8. The IAI has developed a mass flow model to identify future recycling flows. The industry will report regularly on its global recycling performance.  

9 & 10. The IAI Member Companies will seek to reduce their fresh water consumption per tonne  of  (9) aluminium and (10) alumina produced.  

The IAI Member Companies will concentrate efforts to minimise fresh water consumption where there are limited available fresh water resources.  

11. The IAI Member Companies will seek to reduce GHG emissions from the production of alumina per tonne of alumina produced.

12. The IAI Member Companies will seek to continue to increase the proportion of bauxite mining land rehabilitated annually.  

13. The Aluminium industry recognizes that spent pot-lining has properties that makes it a valuable material for use in other processes and will therefore strive either to convert all spent pot lining into feedstock's for other industries, which include cement, steel, mineral wool and construction aggregate companies or to re-use and or process all SPL in its own facilities.

Pending final deposition, the industry will endeavour to store all spent pot lining in secure waterproof, ventilated buildings/containers that will maintain the spent pot lining in a dry state with no potential for the build up of noxious gases.

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Sustainability

Aluminium for Future Generations

The IAI’s Aluminium for Future Generations Sustainable Development Programme, in partnership with the regional and national aluminium associations, was launched in 2003. This initiative was designed to enable the industry to be in a position to continue its global growth, while minimising its environmental footprint.

It is a voluntary global undertaking by IAI members who represent more than 80% of the world’s aluminium production.

It comprises 14 voluntary objectives and 22 performance indicators that are designed to encourage a continual improvement in the industry’s sustainability performance.

 

Related publications to download:

Aluminium for Future Generations Sustainability Update 2009