Other indirect emissions
Rio Tinto's total emissions (ie on site emissions and emissions from net purchased electricity and steam) are considerably less than the most significant other indirect emissions. Rio Tinto believes that the following indirect emissions are the most significant at a Group level:
- Emissions associated with the combustion of coal by customers for electricity generation and steel production. Based on 2005 coal production, combustion of Rio Tinto coal produced by customers generated an estimated 350 million tonnes of CO2-e.
- The emissions associated with adding value to products, which are primarily associated with energy use. For example, there are greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion of iron ore into steel. Based on Rio Tinto's 2005 iron ore production, steel manufacture by iron ore customers generated approximately 241 million tonnes of CO2-e. The coal used in this process may be from Rio Tinto coal products and, therefore, these emissions cannot be added to the emissions associated with the combustion of coal by customers as it would result in double counting.
- Third party transport of products and raw materials in 2005 contributed eight million tonnes of CO2-e under contracts managed by Rio Tinto or others.
Individual businesses may have other significant indirect sources of emissions.
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