Sustainable development

Sustainable development principles are critical for Rio Tinto in conducting its global operations. As a business, Rio Tinto Alcan contributes to global sustainable development by optimising the use of resources; adopting a responsible materials management approach which includes finding ways to avoid waste and contribute to recycling; and contributing to the knowledge, skills and capacity of host communities.

At Rio Tinto Alcan, we have incorporated environmental, social and economic considerations into business systems and processes including capital approval, project approval, acquisitions and divestments. All employees are responsible for considering the economic, social and environmental outcomes of business decisions.

 Alcan's sustainable development reports and Rio Tinto Aluminium's 2006 sustainable development reports are available to read online.

Alcan's interactive sustainability maps illustrate social, political, environmental, sustainability and other business issues (for example water, climate change, poverty, conflict risk, and growth competitiveness).

The Rio Tinto Alcan Prize for Sustainability is a bold initiative that annually contributes US$1 million to not-for-profit, non-governmental organisations working to make the world a better place.

People

We attract and retain skilled people, ensure their wellbeing and work to be a valued employer, neighbour and partner.

Planet

We ensure our business activities are managed responsibly to maintain and improve environmental quality. We are striving to achieve leading industry practice.

Prosperity

We are committed to responsibly managing the business to enhance economic viability, improve value to shareholders and contribute to the development of the communities in which we operate.

Our strategic map

Each year as part of our planning cycle we review key priorities, business drivers and desired outcomes. The result is a high level strategic map which outlines targets for the business across six key result areas - health and safety, environment and communities, people commitment, market position, operational excellence, and financial strength. The strategic map provides clear direction on our business targets in the short and long term. It is cascaded throughout the organisation and our mining, refining and smelting operations develop their own site-specific strategic maps that outline their priority projects, activities and targets consistent with the overall business objectives and goals.

Governance

For Rio Tinto Alcan, good governance in areas such as environmental performance, community relations, human rights, and employee wellbeing are just as important as the technical and economic aspects of mining and processing. Our senior management team reviews and monitors sustainability performance monthly against the one and five year targets outlined in our strategic map and identifies necessary actions to sustain performance improvements.

Rio Tinto's statement of business practice The way we work  guides the daily work of all employees and reflect the standards and values we share.