Greenhouse gas emissions
We accept that the activities of human beings and companies are contributing to climate change, through the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG).
We also accept the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a starting point from which to develop our policies. Our Climate Change position guides our work to reduce greenhouse gases.
How we measure and account for greenhouse gases
The way in which we report on greenhouse gas emissions is broadly consistent with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the World Resources Institute. The Protocol defines three scopes for reporting purposes:
- Scope 1 - Direct greenhouse gas emissions that are owned or controlled by the company and include fuel use, on-site electricity generation, anode and reductant use, process emissions and land management (on-site emissions);
- Scope 2 - Emissions from the imports of electricity, heat or steam from third parties (indirect emissions); and
- Scope 3 - Other indirect greenhouse gas emissions.
Rio Tinto defines total emissions (ie Scope 1 + Scope 2 - electricity and steam exported to others) as the best single metric of its business' greenhouse emissions.
Our greenhouse gas emissions inventory includes all six greenhouse gases in the Kyoto protocol that are above reporting thresholds.
We continue to improve our understanding issues associated with data reliability and seek to address them.
Our results
The Group's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2007 were equivalent to 28.3 million tonnes of CO2 compared to 28.3 million in 2006.
Total greenhouse gas emissions increased 0.2 per cent in 2007 compared to 2006 a decrease from 5.7 per cent comparing 2006 to 2005.
Fifty five per cent or 15.6 million tonnes of CO2-e were emissions produced on site at operations over which we have direct management control. These emissions occurred in the consumption of fuels, anodes, reductants and explosives or when electricity is generated, or coal seam gases and perfluorocarbons are released from operational processes. Emissions were also generated from land management (including livestock).
The remainder (45 per cent or 13 million tonnes of CO2-e) were from emissions associated with purchased electricity and steam, minus emissions from the electricity and steam exported to non Rio Tinto entities.
Over the past five years, there has been a 15 per cent increase in total emissions and a 20 per cent increase in on site emissions. Most of the change is due to continuing expansions and new developments.
Alcan's total greenhouse gas emissions were 27.8 million tonnes of CO2-e, calculated on an equity share basis. The new combined Aluminium product group is expected to make up about two thirds of Rio Tinto's gas emissions in the future.