Environmental stewardship
Respect for the environment is central to our approach to sustainable development.
Wherever possible we prevent, or otherwise minimise, mitigate and remediate, harmful effects of the Group's operations on the environment.
In line with our Environment policy and associated standards, we have developed and implemented a number of practical programmes covering the management of air quality, ecosystems services, biodiversity, climate change, energy, land, water, waste, and closure. These programmes include input from our local communities as well as from experts in these fields.
We continually review and improve our internal controls (standards, strategies, strategic risk reviews and business unit conformance audits) to be sure they are fit for purpose and they are being consistently implemented by all our operations. We have engaged an independent external organisation to provide assurance on selected sustainable development subject matter.
- The way we work
- Environmental data
In this section
Air
Monitoring and improving our emissions performance.
Ecosystems services
Promoting ecosystem conservation through market based solutions.
Biodiversity
Working to achieve a net positive impact.
Climate change
Addressing the global challenge of climate change.
Energy
Improving energy efficiency through technology and engagement.
Land
Conserving the social and environmental values of our land.
Water
Managing one of the Earth's most valuable resources.
Waste
Supporting environmental performance improvements through waste management.
Proposed emissions trading legislation in Australia
- The current Australian Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) legislation disproportionately impacts the coal, aluminium and alumina industries and threatens the viability of low emissions technology development.
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Environmental publications
Water strategy sets the standards
- Ethical Corporation, an independent firm that encourages debate and discussion on responsible business practices, has recognised Rio Tinto's water strategy as providing a model for other businesses.
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Video
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium - Leading through innovation