Alcoa Establishes Ambitious Environmental Goals

Compiled ByDeborah Austin Sustainable development -- meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs -- is the basis for a Alcoa's 2020 Global Environmental Strategy, a long-term environmental program announced this spring. Some of Alcoa's new environmental goals: From base year 2000 -- a 60% reduction in S0 ₂ emissions by 2010; reduction of 50% in Volatile Organic Compound emissions, 80% in mercury emissions, and 60% in process water use by 2008; reduction of 30% in nitrogen oxide emissions and 50% in landfilled waste by 2007. From base year 1990 - 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2010; or, assuming success with inert anode technology, 50% reduction. Also, Alcoa is committed to implementing environmental management systems such as ISO 14001 at its 350-plus operating locations -- and a yearly cost reduction of $100 million through all its environmental and conservation measures -- by 2005. The $22.9 billion global aluminum processor and manufacturer is based in Pittsburgh.