Greenhouse gas emissions efficiency

Our results

Rio Tinto's greenhouse gas emissions efficiency has only improved 0.7 per cent compared to 2003.  We are not on track to meet our four per cent reduction target by 2008.  This is due to a decline in energy efficiency, expansion activities such as overburden removal and land clearance, and changes in ore grades and purchased electricity emission factor increases, particularly in South Africa.  These effects overshadow efficiency gains elsewhere in the Group.

Alcan's 2010 target was a ten per cent improvement in on-site greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of product from a 2005 baseline. In 2007, performance had improved by four per cent as a result of efficiency improvements, retrofitting best in class technology and shutdown of some under performing operations.

Prior to 2003, considerable improvements in high intensity perfluorocarbon (PFC) emissions control were realised at both Rio Tinto and Alcan aluminium smelters. Following this historic step change, achieving additional gains in smelting efficiency has been more difficult. Prioritisation and implementation of projects to improve energy efficiency remain a focus for Rio Tinto.