Goals & targets
We believe it is important to set targets across a range of key sustainable development metrics so that we can continually drive performance improvement and manage risk.
Our targets are designed using the following principles:
- They focus on internal performance, while considering external drivers.
- They must be relevant to the nature of our business.
- They need to be measurable and transparent, consistent with other Rio Tinto objectives.
- They must include a degree of stretch, while being realistically achievable with appropriate management.
Our board endorses our sustainable development targets and receives regular updates on our progress and the key issues affecting performance.
Former Alcan operations are not included in the reporting of performance against our 2003 to 2008 health, safety and environmental targets due to the time scale associated with these targets, and differences in the definition and measurement of data.
We intend to set new Group targets across a range of sustainable development metrics by mid 2009.
- Environmental stewardship
- Social wellbeing
- Governance systems
| Target | Result | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| A 4% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions, per tonne of product, between 2003 and 2008 | Target not met | 3.8% increase in total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per tonne of product compared to 2003 (excluding former Alcan operations). |
| A 5% reduction in energy used, per tonne of product, between 2003 and 2008 | Target not met | 2.2% increase in energy use per tonne of product compared to 2003 (excluding former Alcan operations). |
| A 10% reduction in fresh water withdrawn, per tonne of product, between 2003 and 2008 | Target not met | 6.3% reduction in fresh water withdrawal per tonne of product compared to 2003 (excluding former Alcan operations). |