Operations & financial report
Greenhouse gas emissions
The former Rio Tinto Aluminium sites have approached meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) and energy targets by planning improvements in the key metrics of net carbon ratio, anode effects, power efficiency and fuel use. Projects are undertaken to improve overall site performance, including cost and production, in addition to supporting GHG and energy targets. There are a considerable number of individual projects being undertaken through the business improvement system, each supported by a detailed plan of activities to bridge the gap between current and targeted performance.
To track and encourage focus on target performance, Rio Tinto Aluminium for several years produced and distributed to its management team quarterly tracking of target performance at all sites. Comparing 2007 actual performance with the 2008 targets shows Anglesey is meeting both energy and GHG target performance, Weipa is meeting energy targets and so is Boyne Island Smelters. Other sites are currently not meeting 2008 targets.
Alcan's total greenhouse gas emissions were 27.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2007, calculated on an equity share basis, representing a four per cent improvement in on site greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of product over a 2005 baseline as a result of efficiency improvements, retrofitting best in class technology and shutdown of some underperforming operations. It is anticipated that the contribution of Alcan will be lower when reported under Rio Tinto greenhouse gas accounting rules. The new RTA is expected to make up about two thirds of Rio Tinto's gas emissions in the future.
The expanded RTA group will prepare and present revised plans, incorporating activities and costing, for all assets. The group will combine the best ideas from both Rio Tinto and Alcan and enjoy the benefit of a high percentage of low GHG intensity power sourced from hydro-electricity.
