Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that it continues its leadership position on climate change by achieving a 36 percent reduction in total direct greenhouse gas emissions in 2008 from its worldwide primary aluminum production process, a 3 percent reduction over 2007 levels.
Alcoa outlined an aggressive schedule for reducing its environmental impact in its 2020 Strategic Framework for Sustainability. For instance, the company’s initial goal was to achieve a 25 percent reduction in worldwide direct greenhouse gases by 2010 from a base year of 1990. Alcoa reached that goal seven years ahead of the timeframe, and it continues to seek emission reductions or offsetting opportunities.
“This is operational excellence at its best,” said Alcoa Chairman Alain Belda. “It is the result of commitment to process improvement, to waste elimination, to use of best technology and tools available, and commitment to the environment. And, above all, it shows what a team of employees can achieve who are committed and capable of deploying plans and executing the required actions day after day.”
“Reducing emissions while improving production practices with little capital investment is an indication of the great things a team can achieve when pointed at a task,” said Alcoa President and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld. “I have great confidence in our capabilities to continue attaining further environmental improvements.”