Climate change

Climate change is one of the world’s most pressing issues.

The aluminium industry generates approximately one per cent of global greenhouses gases (GHG) emissions in the integrated production of aluminium products. Aluminium also reduces GHG emissions through its properties as one of the world’s lightest, strongest and most recyclable materials.

Our climate change policy captures our thinking and guides our efforts.

By acting responsibly locally, we contribute to long term global sustainability. Demonstrating leadership in climate change:

• Strengthens our competitive advantage
• Ensures continued access to markets
• Safeguards our licence to operate

Meeting the climate change challenge also imposes costs on us for:

• Research and development (R&D)
• Capital investments in technologies and processes
• Behaviour changes at our sites

Our multi-pronged climate change strategy is based on identifying and addressing risks and capturing opportunities. It focuses on:

• Improving our energy efficiency
• Reducing emissions from our operations
• Helping develop sound and effective public policies
• Investing in zero and low emission technology research, development and deployment

In 2007, Rio Tinto achieved the maximum score on the Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI). It again ranked highest in the metals, mining and steel sector.