ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

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New Help to Clear the Air

Accurately measuring, reporting and validating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals is to become easier for organisations, with three parts of an International Standard on GHGs out now for consultation by the British Standards Institution (BSI).

ISO standard 14064 parts 1-3 provides guidance at both the organisation and project levels for the design, compilation, maintenance and reporting of GHG inventories; the planning and monitoring of project performance as well as guidance for those managing validation or certification of GHG assertions.

BSI is an active participant in the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) Committee for Environmental Management working group on climate change, to develop standards for measuring GHG emissions and removals.  It is through BSI that the UK is officially represented in European and International standards.

Committee Manager, BSI British Standards, Amanda Tucker said, 'Reducing GHG emissions is at the top of every agenda, BSI is now helping to address the question of how?  Environmental Management is increasingly forming part of business strategy and this standard has been developed to help organisations manage their efforts in relation to GHG emissions. It will also address the growing requirement for an international standard in the market for emissions trading.'

There are a number of international, regional, national and local initiatives dedicated to encouraging the reduction of GHG emission or removal, but the first legally binding treaty on the environment, the Kyoto Protocol, became part of international law on February 16th 2005.

It is this protocol that is largely driving the need for a standardised process for reporting climate change emission or removal inventories, and promoting their formal verification and validation by third parties.

'ISO 14064 has been developed to provide credibility, consistency and transparency internationally for quantifying, monitoring and reporting GHG emissions. Backed by experience of the UK’s own Emissions Trading Scheme, BSI’s involvement is vital to ensure UK interests and concerns are well represented. We hope that it will be welcomed by the international community and we’re looking forward to their feedback,' said Ms Tucker.

ISO 14064-1 operates at the organisation or company level and details principles and requirements for designing, developing, managing and reporting GHG inventories. ISO 14064-2 focuses on GHG projects or project-based activities specifically designed to reduce GHG emissions or increase GHG removals. ISO 14064-3 details principles and requirements for verifying GHG inventories and validating or verifying GHG projects.

ISO 14064, Parts 1-3 are now out for public comment until the end of April 2005.

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The Green Guide to Composites

The Green Guide to Composites is based upon the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of functional units appropriate for composite manufacture, not construction and therefore CANNOT be used as a supplement to the Green Guide to Housing Specification. To ensure fair comparisons of like elements of a building (such as doors) it is imperative that a fixed functional unit (e.g. the door) be used and that all possible materials and ways of making that door be considered in the analysis. We do not for example compare the impact of a door with that of a roof.

The Ecohomes tool for assessing homes is part of the BREEAM family. Ecohomes assessors only use the Green Guide to Housing Specification to rate housing building elements and only A rated specifications for windows, roofs, upper floors, external and internal walls can achieve EcoHomes Credits, and therefore to suggest that a B rating in the GG to Composites is 'more than acceptable' in this context is completely incorrect.

The omission of fibre reinforced polymers from the Housing guide published in 2000 was due to them not being in common use at the time the guide was written as you correctly explain in the article. A new edition of the guide is currently being developed and new specifications are being added to be part of the full analysis. Products now in more widespread use will be included in the new edition, and the industry will have an opportunity to make suggestions for inclusion via the series of briefing documents currently being sent out. (NB if you wish to be included in this consultation exercise please email greenguide@bre.co.uk)

The new guide is due out August 2006 and until then the current version is valid and to be used for Ecohomes assessments. Any sector or manufacturer wishing to have an assessment of their product to be used in context of the current or future guide can undergo a Certified Environmental Profile with BRE. We also welcome generic profiling across a whole sector to provide data for the new guide.

http://www.bre.co.uk

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The Kaba Sustainability Charta - A Commitment to Sustainability

Kaba has developed a Sustainability Charta to demonstrate the great importance that the Group attaches to sustainability. The 44-page document shows how criteria of sustainability already influence the Kaba Group’s strategy, operations and relations with stakeholder groups. At the same time, management has undertaken to promote sustainability as the company evolves further.

Kaba has based its sustainability commitment on the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, which have meanwhile been adopted by more than 1700 companies worldwide (http://www.unglobalcompact.org). 'As the global technology leader in the security industry, we have a special responsibility to our stakeholder groups, including customers, employees and shareholders. The Kaba Sustainability Charta is a clear expression of that responsibility,' explains Ulrich Graf, President and CEO.

CFO Dr. Werner Stadelmann notes that Kaba already scores well in the international sustainability movement and refers to the «Total Access» strategy as a model. It offers customers unrestricted compatibility among all components and systems and thus optimally protects their investments. So far, no other provider has attained a similarly sustainable industry standard.

Nonetheless, Kaba feels it is necessary to heighten awareness of a policy that favours sustainability. The Kaba Sustainability Charta will provide a valuable contribution in that direction, besides delivering a strong message both inside and outside the company.

The Kaba Sustainability Charta is available in hard copy in English, and can be downloaded or ordered from the company’s website:

Ordering: http://www.kaba.com/e/links/formular1-frames-e.html
Download: http://www.kaba.com/e/iv/ksc-e.pdf

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Alcoa Named One of the Top Three Most Sustainable Corporations in the World

Alcoa announced on 28th January that it has been named one of the top three most sustainable corporations in the world during a ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Alcoa, Toyota Motor and BP were recognised in the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World for their ability to meet the 'triple bottom line,' a measure of value that balances the environmental, social and economic impacts of a business. This is the first year that the annual list was announced by Corporate Knights of Toronto, Canada, which publishes the world's only mainstream corporate responsibility magazine. Innovest Strategic Value Advisors Inc., an internationally recognised investment research and advisory firm, provided the data and analysis for the Global 100.

'It's an honour to see the work of Alcoans recognised globally,' said Alain Belda, Alcoa Chairman and CEO. 'Sustainability is not new to us, although we may not have always used the term. For years we have been using our Values as a guide while striving for excellence with a focus on better understanding and managing our economic, social and environmental impacts with our communities.

'Our Values require us to think and act not only on the present challenges, but also with the legacy in mind that we leave for those who will come after us... as well as the commitments made by those that came before us,' said Belda. 'We think of it in terms of a relay race, where each one of us adds value today and long-term for all shareholders, Alcoans and the communities in which we operate. We appreciate the recognition of this work and our ability to combine financial performance with social and environmental stewardship.'

Alcoa was named to the list after being selected from Innovest's broad research database covering more than 2,000 companies mostly reflecting the large global indices such as MSCI World, S&P 500, FTSE 350 and Eurostoxx. Alcoa, Toyota and BP had the highest Innovest scores and ratings overall.

'Companies' performance on environmental, social, and strategic governance issues is having a rapidly-growing impact on their competitiveness, profitability, and share price performance,' said Dr. Mathew Kiernan, Chief Executive of Innovest. 'We at Innovest congratulate the Top 100 sustainability companies; we consider each of them to be particularly well positioned to capture opportunities in this new world we are all entering.'

'All companies may be created equal, but not all are the same,' said Toby A.A. Heaps, Editor of Corporate Knights. 'The Global 100 sets out in one crisp list the best all-around global companies, the ones most likely to be led and lead the way to a better world.'

More information about the Global 100 can be found at http://www.global100.org.
The World Economic Forum, a global community of business, political, intellectual and other leaders committed to improving the state of the world, is an independent international organisation that has NGO consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Web: http://www.alcoa.com

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2004 Sustainability Report Highlights Impressive Year For Alcan

Alcan Inc. has published its 2004 Corporate Sustainability Report, an annual update of Alcan’s progress on sustainability. Available in print and on Alcan’s website (http://www.alcan.com), the report provides updated information on the economic, environmental and social performance of Alcan’s global operations.
'Whether it’s maximising value through the design and application of innovative products, or by building long-term partnerships through our stakeholder engagement efforts, Alcan has a duty to wisely manage its resources and ensure the health and safety of its employees thereby contributing to the improved well-being of society,' said Travis Engen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan.

Alcan’s governing objective of maximising value and the target of doubling value every five years are facilitated through the integration of sustainability into its operations. This process is grounded in and implemented through Alcan’s Integrated Management System (AIMS), consisting of: Value Based Management, Continuous Improvement, and EHS FIRST – Alcan’s approach to environment, health, and safety.

Alcan’s 2004 Sustainability highlights:
* Awarded the first US$1 million Alcan Prize for Sustainability to the Forest Stewardship Council for its work in forest management.
* Joined the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Greenhouse Gas Register, an initiative to stimulate the disclosure and management by companies of their world-wide climate emissions.
* Confirmed its participation in the United Nation’s Global Compact, a voluntary international initiative for businesses promoting the development of a more sustainable and inclusive global economy, through its Aids Education Program in Cameroon.
* Awarded 2003’s 'World’s Most Admired Company' in the international metals industry category by Fortune magazine.
* Selected as a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for the fourth time in five years and named leader in its sector.

Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminium and packaging, as well as aluminium recycling. With world-class operations in primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium as well as flexible and speciality packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing, today’s Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs 73,000 people and has operating facilities in 56 countries and regions.

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Windows - A Transparent Case for PVC

The British Plastics Federation Windows Group (BPFWG) has published a comprehensive document that dispels many of the myths about the environmental credentials of PVC-U windows.

'Windows - A Transparent case for PVC’ covers all aspects of the environmental sustainability of PVC-U, from the production, through the use phase and finally the disposal of old windows, be that by recycling, incineration or in landfill. Each of the main environmental considerations is covered in detail and accompanied by a comprehensive bibliography giving reference details, for those who wish to dig deeper. There are also many independent third party views of PVC from some very high profile sources, such as Rt. Hon. Michael Meacher MP, who said when Minister for the Environment ‘I am pleased that the PVC Industry already has a voluntary commitment setting out a programme of precautionary measures to address potential risks and encourage the industry to meet the challenge of sustainable development’.

John Ogilvie (Network Veka MD and BPFWG Chairman) encouraged people within the PVC-U window industry to read this document carefully and use it when talking to those who question the sustainability of PVC saying ‘this is an invaluable tool for anyone confronted with negative statements about the environmental impact of PVC-U windows’.

The document can be freely downloaded from the BPFWG website at http://www.bpfwindowsgroup.com/environmentalmatters.cfm or is available from Adam Bright at the BPF (020 7457 5001 or mailto:abright@bpf.co.uk).

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Alcoa Begins Environment Impact Assessment For Proposed Aluminum Smelter in Trinidad and Tobago

Alcoa announced on September 10th the start of an environmental impact assessment under terms of reference established by the Trinidad and Tobago Environmental Authority (EMA) for a potential aluminum smelter at LaBrea, located in southwest Trinidad.

This follows the signing in May this year by Alcoa and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a state-of-the-art, low emission smelter with a capacity of at least 250,000 metric tons per year. The feasibility study resulting from the MOU is expected to be completed late this year. If the study results are positive, the project will be presented to the Board of Alcoa and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for an investment decision early in 2005.

Alcoa has repeated its promise to consult widely within the community as the environmental assessment proceeds, and has engaged local company, Ecoengineering Consultants Limited, to assist and guide Alcoa in completing the requirements laid down by the EMA.

In making the announcement Randy Overbey, Alcoa's President, Primary Metals Development, said that Alcoa and its government partner, the National Energy Corporation, welcomed the Environmental Management Authority's requirement for a full environmental impact assessment.

'We would not contemplate building and operating any facility, and we would not expect any community to welcome us, until we were confident that the site is appropriate, we could operate safely, and without causing harm to people's health or the adjacent environment. The EIA is essential for that confidence.

'Communication and community consultation is an important part of the EIA process and we have already been working with community leaders to help us understand how best to provide information and answer questions people might have. We'll continue with that work as the EIA process unfolds,' he said.

Overbey also said that he was pleased that a local environmental engineering and science firm had competed successfully for the consultancy work associated with the EIA process. 'Their expertise and local knowledge will be most valuable in assuring the thoroughness of the environmental assessment. It's also pleasing to see this proposal beginning to generate local employment and business opportunity even at this stage, while we are still working through the feasibility of building a smelter at LaBrea,' said Overbey.

Web: http://www.alcoa.com

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DuPont Reaches Settlement with Class Action Group

DuPont and attorneys for local residents who filed a class action lawsuit in 2001 over releases from DuPont's Washington Works plant of the chemical C-8, also known as PFOA, have reached an agreement in principle to settle the suit, officials from both parties announced on September 9th.

Critical components of the proposed settlement include C-8 water treatment facilities for area communities and creation of an expert panel to conduct a community study to assist it in evaluating whether there is a probable link between C-8 exposure and any human disease.

The settlement, which is pending approval in Wood County Circuit Court, calls for cash payments and expenditures valued at $85 million, plus attorneys' fees and expenses of $22.6 million. The settlement also addresses contingent medical monitoring funding.

The settlement proceeds will be directed into the Ohio and West Virginia communities in the vicinity of the Washington Works plant that comprise the class bringing the suit. As part of the settlement, DuPont has agreed to an initial cash payment of $70 million, $20 million of which will be used for health and education projects.

In addition, DuPont will also offer to provide six area water districts — Little Hocking, Lubeck, Belpre, Tuppers Plains, Mason County and Pomeroy — a state-of-the-art water treatment system designed to reduce the level of C-8 in the water supply to the lowest practicable levels as specified by the water districts. The company will offer the same technology or its equivalent to residents of those districts whose sole source of drinking water is a private well. The company estimates the cost for water treatment at $10 million.

The other key component to the settlement is the creation of an independent panel of experts to evaluate available scientific evidence on the extent of any probable link between exposure to PFOA and any human disease, including birth defects. Toward that end, this independent panel will also design and conduct a health study in the communities exposed to PFOA. DuPont will fund this study at an estimated cost of $5 million.

If the independent panel concludes that a probable link exists between exposure to PFOA and any diseases, DuPont will also fund a medical monitoring programme for up to $235 million, in $1 million intervals, to pay for such medical testing. In this event, DuPont will not contest general causation between PFOA and any such disease in any personal injury claims that plaintiffs may pursue. If no such probable link is found, plaintiffs' personal injury claims and related punitive damage claims would be released at that point.

All of the plaintiffs' other claims for relief, including medical monitoring, injunctive relief, property damage, and all claims for punitive damage related to such claims, will be released upon final court approval of the settlement. DuPont's obligations for water treatment would cease only if the scientific panel finds no probable link between PFOA exposure and any disease.

'After two years of discussions, we are pleased to reach an agreement that places our combined priorities where they belong – on the community and not on lengthy and contentious legal proceedings,' said Stacey J. Mobley, DuPont general counsel. 'We want to make very clear that settling this lawsuit in no way implies any admission of liability on DuPont's part. Nevertheless, a settlement at this time provides benefit to both parties by taking reasonable steps based on science and, at the same time, contributing to the community.'

'In addition to the clear benefit of removing C-8 from their drinking water, addressing medical monitoring, and funding a scientific study on the effects of PFOA exposure, this agreement preserves people's rights to pursue any personal injury claims they may have if their exposure to C-8 is found to be linked to any disease or birth defects,' said Robert A. Bilott of the Cincinnati law firm of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, one of the class counsel for the plaintiffs.

The Charleston, W.Va., law firms of Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, PLLC, and Winter Johnson & Hill, PLLC, also serve as class counsel for the plaintiffs.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety, and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

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Glass Study Receives Nomination for Environment Award

British Glass Foundation has been shortlisted for the Sustainable Resource Use/New Technology category of the Biffaward Awards 2004 - the prestigious national environmental awards ceremony, which will be held this year on 19th October at The Wetland Centre, Barnes, London.

British Glass Foundation has fought off stiff competition to go forward to the final round of the Awards where the project will compete with four other projects to win top ranking in the category, with the possibility of becoming the overall winner for 2004, receiving £7,500 towards its work.

A Biffaward grant of £150,306 funded the project to provide detailed information on the resource flows through the glass manufacture sector and to raise the level of awareness education about waste issues and thus promote an increase in reduction, re-use and recycling rates. Waste is high on the national and political agenda as an essential elements of sustainable development. A programme of high profile events and practical projects involving all sections of the community were planned to increase the priority of waste.

Martin Bettington, Chairman of Biffaward, said: 'This is the sixth year of our awards and the standard of projects shortlisted just gets better and better. The Awards are a great way to demonstrate the successes of projects made possible by funding from Biffaward and enforce the importance of the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme.'

Hosted by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, Biffaward Awards acknowledges the achievements of projects supported by the fund and highlights the diversity of environmental work undertaken, thanks to funding through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme. The Biffaward Awards received RSA accreditation in 2003 to highlight the Awards as a quality environmental awards scheme.

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DuPont TRI Data For 2002 Shows Steady Decline in Emissions, Transfers

DuPont decreased its releases and transfers of chemicals listed in the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) by 3 percent in 2002 compared to 2001, according to data provided to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The decrease was due primarily to reducing air emissions at the source and reducing the amount of waste treated off-site in 2002. DuPont has reduced its TRI releases and transfers for three consecutive years since 1999. It also has reduced its TRI air emissions every year since 1995, when 286 new compounds were added to TRI.

Since TRI was first reported in 1987, DuPont has reduced its total releases and transfers nearly 70 percent, even though production increased by more than 30 percent. Total releases to air, water, land and disposal by underground injection are down 77 percent for the same period.

'A key component of our overall sustainable growth strategy is reducing our environmental footprint,' said James B. Porter, Jr., vice president – Safety, Health and Environment. 'As we continue to make steady progress, it is important to emphasise that we remain focused on our goal of zero waste and emissions.'

DuPont releases to water and land and underground injection well disposal increased slightly from 2001, mainly due to higher production rates in 2002.
The DuPont Sustainable Growth Progress Report and company environmental data are available on the Internet: http://www.dupont.com/corp/social/SHE/index.html.

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Construction Industry to Get its Green House in Order - Griffiths Launches new Voluntary Guidance to Help Save Industry £100m

A new tool to help save the construction industry £100 million a year, and reduce the amount of waste material they produce, was announced by Construction Minister, Nigel Griffiths, on July 8th.

Each year the construction industry produces around 92 million tonnes of waste, including an estimated 13 million tonnes unused material. The new guidance is designed to help building firms procure and use materials more efficiently and provides advice on re-use and recycling of materials.

DTI research shows that use of this guidance could help the industry save around 20% of its materials. The DTI is aiming to sign up at least 50% of the top 2000 contractors in the UK. The impact this code would have, in the aggregates sector alone, is estimated to be well in excess of £100m a year.

Nigel Griffiths encouraged the industry to adopt the new voluntary code of practice. He said:

'The estimated amount of waste in the industry is a grim figure. This new guidance offers a common sense, flexible and practical approach to cutting waste of vital building materials.
'The guidance covers information that will help :
* provide significant efficiency savings for companies;
* reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill sites; and
* identify materials for re-use.

'The financial benefits are there for the taking and can provide a massive boost for companies of any size. With the expected expansion of the construction industry, and with hundreds of thousands of new homes being built over the next decade, this will have an increasing important role to play in improving the competitiveness of construction firms.

'The guidance offers huge environmental benefits too by providing opportunities to cut down on unnecessary landfill, increase the re-use and recycling of materials, reduce off-site vehicle movements and tackle wider social problems like fly-tipping.'

Dennis Lenard, chief executive of Constructing Excellence, the DTI-backed industry body tasked with developing and improving the UK construction industry, said:

'The construction industry has made advances handling waste in recent years introducing better on-site logistics and lean-thinking principles to a number of projects, but there's no doubt there is still significant progress to be made.
'This new Voluntary Code will play an important part in giving construction firms practical advice on how to reduce waste, meet their environmental responsibilities, and ultimately help them achieve a more efficient, sustainable and productive future for the industry.'

The DTI led a working group that prepared the Site Waste Management Plans (SWMP) guidance that includes a checklist of key topics for consideration and data sheets which list waste materials and how they should be disposed. The voluntary code of practice will be distributed through a series of regional seminars over the coming year to be run by Constructing Excellence and Envirowise.
The impact of the code will be assessed after a year and the DTI will consider options for its future implementation.

Nigel Griffiths concluded:
'I urge builders to take a serious look at the £100m savings that could be made by following this code for the good of their pockets, as well as our environment.'

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Alcoa Recognised by U.S. Department of Energy for Best Practices to Reduce Energy Consumption

Alcoa announced on June 16th that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recognised the company for best practices to reduce energy consumption. The DOE has published a Corporate Energy Management Case Study highlighting Alcoa's achievements over the past five years, which include:

* A reduction of 770 metric tons per year of nitrogen oxides
* A reduction of 1,600 metric tons per year of sulfur oxides
* A reduction of 420,000 metric tons per year of carbon dioxide

The Alcoa Energy Efficiency Network, formed in early 2002, has helped the company achieve these results, which are part of Alcoa's global environmental goals laid out in its 2020 strategic plan. In its first 18 months of operation, the Network reported:

* A total of 35 Alcoa facilities received energy efficiency assessments.
* Approximately 40 best practices were identified.
* About $60 million in annual savings opportunities were identified at the 35 facilities where assessments were completed.
* Alcoa plants so far have committed to pursue $40 million of these energy saving opportunities.
* Operating costs have been reduced by more than $15 million annually.

Alcoa's ongoing environmental goals and a copy of the case study can be found at www.alcoa.com/global/en/environment/overview.asp

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Swans Glide into the Frame at Sash UK Ltd

Staff at Barnsley based Sash UK were thrilled to see that their efforts to be more environmentally friendly had paid off, with the arrival of two swans to the company’s site.

David Ruzicka, Joint Managing Director of the company said: ‘We were delighted that the swans had chosen to settle here. It really sums up efforts that have been made throughout this area over the past decade. It’s not even 10 years since the whole of Park Springs was dirty and grimy due to the vast amount of coal and coalite that had been worked for years before. After the closure of many of the pits and the coalite plants in the area, it was left as a polluted and derelict land.
‘Despite the problems of the past, it is slowly being transformed into something quite the opposite of what it was. We have a wide array of wildlife settling here, which tells us that we’ve actually turned things around and the ironic factor is that what was once one of the most polluted areas in the country, is now inhabited by such a range of flora and fauna.’

The Sash pond is actually man-made and was introduced to act as a water drainage system. Being such a massive building, the factory accumulates a large amount of water whenever there is a substantial downfall. This has the potential to create a major water log. The pond (which is actually known as a Storm Way) simply gives the water somewhere to drain into. However, as things stand over recent times, it has also become a mini nature reserve with hundreds of fish (mainly gold fish and carp) being put in there, which in turn attracts birds and wildlife.

Tel 01226 719969
Web: http://www.sashuk.com

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Revolusionising Emissions Data Capture is Key to Helping the UK Meet its International Obligations

British Glass, in partnership with web development company NetConstruct, has revolutionised the way data from glass manufacturers is collected and collated. This initiative supports industry action to further increase energy efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming.

The new web-based system replaces a largely manual system and will allow member companies to input their data via the website. The captured data can be more easily converted into management information. Inbuilt tolerance and continuity checking provide real time validation of the data input by member companies, reducing the risk of human error.

Gordon Watts, British Glass Climate Change Agreement Manager, said, ‘This new online data capture system will not only revolutionise how we collect and collate data as part of our Climate Change Agreement but it will also provide our members with huge benefits in terms of convenience and efficiency. It will also speed up a time-consuming job and give us the opportunity to better convert data into information.’

He added, ‘The new system will speed up the collation of data required by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in critical reporting periods.’

Members of British Glass are among 6,000 UK companies that have entered into voluntary Climate Change Agreements with Government to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The agreements run for 10 years and contain company and glass sector level energy-efficiency targets. Success in meeting them will help the UK meet its international obligations and is key to retaining an 80 per cent tax rebate on the Climate Change Levy, a tax on energy consumption to encourage energy efficiency.

Contact: Gordon Watts
Tel: 0114 290 1850
Email: mailto:g.watts@britglass.co.uk

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Alcoa, Environmental, Regulatory Groups Gather to Sign Historic Agreement

More than 20 national and local environmental and regulatory groups recently came together with Alcoa Power Generating Inc. in an historic signing ceremony overlooking Calderwood Lake, officially agreeing to a pact that will preserve more than 10,000 acres of land.

Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI) must renew its license to operate the Tapoco Project and its four hydroelectric dam facilities in Tennessee and North Carolina through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The four hydroelectric developments are: Chilhowee, Calderwood, Cheoah and Santeetlah.

The current license expires in February 2005, and APGI actually began the re-licensing process seven years ago. At that time, APGI began discussions with federal and state agencies, surrounding communities and environmental organisations, seeking their support for re-licensing. The result of these discussions is the Agreement. A significant part of the Agreement is a land exchange and conservation Agreement between APGI, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the U.S. Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy.

'Alcoa Power is proud to bring together these diverse groups in a consensus document protecting the environment and sustaining hydropower generation,'
said Kevin Anton, President of Alcoa Materials Management.

Representatives from Alcoa Inc. and APGI, along with environmental and regulatory groups' representatives, gathered at Calderwood Overlook on Highway 129 in Blount County for the ceremonial signing Agreement. Also speaking at the ceremony was Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who, on April 19th, introduced key legislation that would enable FERC approval of this Agreement. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. also participated in the ceremony.

'This is a textbook example of how a major American company can work with communities and conservation organisations to help Americans keep a high standard of living as well as to conserve the environment,' Alexander said.

The legislation went before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks in a hearing on April 27th. The land exchange involves the Park and APGI. The Park will transfer 100 acres of land submerged under Calderwood Lake to Alcoa in exchange for 186 acres of land that is already within Park boundaries. In order to make the settlement Agreement effective, Congress must authorise these land exchanges.

In addition, APGI will grant, at no cost, a permanent easement for 5,700 acres to The Nature Conservancy. This land, opened for recreational opportunities, sits between the Park and Cherokee National Forest. The Nature Conservancy will have the option to buy this land from APGI and re-sell it to the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, or Tennessee Wildlife Resources, assuring its long-term protection.

As part of the Agreement, APGI will grant The Nature Conservancy a 40-year term easement on 4,000 acres of land. The land will return to APGI at the end of the 40 years. APGI will establish a conservation fund at $100,000 per year for natural resource stewardship and enhancement activities in Tennessee, such as threatened and endangered species recovery efforts, eco-system enhancements and recreation, management and control of exotic species, and environmental outreach and education directly related to these lands. The fund will be overseen by groups signing the agreement.

'This is one of the most vast and undisturbed 'wilderness' regions in the Eastern United States, and the only such area in the Southern Appalachians. We will be able to protect the entire Tallassee Creek watershed, perhaps the only remaining unprotected high-elevation, low-gradient stream in the region,' said Steve McCormick, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy.

Additional measures called for under the Agreement for the North Carolina portion of the hydroelectric project include augmenting flows into the Cheoah River, a conservation fund, and constructing new and improving existing recreation facilities.

Signatories of the Agreement are: Alcoa Power Generating Inc., American Rivers, Blount County, City of Alcoa, City of Maryville, Cross Creek Property Owners Association, Friends of Lake Santeetlah, Graham County, N.C., National Park Service, National Parks Conservation Association, North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, The Nature Conservancy's Tennessee Chapter, Tennessee Clean Water Network, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Town of Lake Santeetlah, Town of Robbinsville, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service and Western North Carolina Alliance.

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Reaching Tomorrow's Decision Makers - Today

The decision-makers of tomorrow are finding out how to combat climate change today - thanks to an imaginative project being supported by the Pilkington Energy Efficiency Trust (PEET). The Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD) at De Montfort University, Leicester is using the records of energy consumption in over 200 schools to identify ways of saving energy, to determine how to increase the amount of renewable energy being used and also to make students aware of how energy can be saved - and wasted.

'The school students of today are going to be the decision-makers in 20 or 30 years time,' explains Professor Paul Fleming who is leading the project. 'Helping them understand how to use energy wisely now will pay dividends for the country at a later date.' The project is also designed to provide accurate information for school energy managers and local authority staff and so help them achieve more efficient use of energy and lower carbon emissions in the short term.

The venture is being supported by Leicester City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council and all 200 schools are situated within this area. Those in Leicester are equipped with half-hourly metering giving detailed information on electricity, gas and water consumption. The schools in Nottinghamshire also have half-hourly electricity metering.

The project is going to bring the data into the curriculum. It will help teachers and pupils understand what can be done to improve energy efficiency and make better use of renewable energy. Some schools already employ renewables and here the project will monitor how effectively these energy sources are being used.
In fact, the school building itself will be 'part of the experiment', allowing the students to discover the importance of energy and sustainability in different aspects of their own day-to-day lives. The data collected will be used not just in science lessons, but also in maths, geography and as part of their citizenship studies.

Sustainability is a multi-disciplinary issue, which includes both technical and non-technical issues. This project will feed into these debates and provide a resource of factual data for a variety of audiences. The project will address decision makers (the head teachers and governors), teachers and students.

lnformation about the effectiveness of current energy consumption patterns, as well as advice about how to improve this, will be of great value to the head teacher and the governors who make decisions about school budgets.

The project will allow Leicester and Nottinghamshire to reduce energy bills and also to evaluate the potential for integrating renewable technologies such as photovoltaics (for electricity) and solar thermal collectors (for hot water) in schools. This will help both authorities in reducing their carbon emissions.

The information will also be offered to teaching staff for use in the classroom. Students will be able to investigate energy needs and the opportunities for better resource efficiency and for low carbon energy options - in their own local situation.

'In the longer tenn, this kind ofapproach can be applied much more widely,' notes Rick Wilberforce, Secretary ofthe Pilkington Energy Efficiency Trust. 'Developing time-series consumption patterns for different processes for particular industries and for commercial sectors could open the door to much greater energy and water savings, as well as reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

'The particular attraction of starting with schools is that we are helping tomorrow's homeowners and business leaders learn about the importance of living more sustainably.' he adds.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

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Alcoa 2003 Sustainability Report Underscores Commitment

Alcoa announced on March 9th that it has published its 2003 Sustainability Report, a detailed, databased review of the company's global environmental, social and economic performance. The report is available online at http://www.alcoa.com.

The 2003 report underscores Alcoa's commitment to a sustainable future and reports on the company's progress and the challenges it still faces. This is the second year the report has been published and the first time it has been released concurrent with Alcoa's Annual Report.

'Performance rather than talk is Alcoa's way of demonstrating progress toward a sustainable future,' said Chairman and CEO Alain Belda. 'Through our 2020 strategic framework, we have established clear targets to support our vision of becoming the best company in the world. In this report, we offer you a collection of data and information that measures our progress.'

Some highlights from this year's report include the following:

* Alcoa's total shareholder return for 2003 was more than 71%, meaning US$100 invested (with dividends reinvested) at the beginning of the year would be worth more than US$171 as of December 31st, 2003. In comparison, the Dow Jones Industrial Average returned approximately 28% during the same period.

* Since publishing its strategic environmental targets in 2000, Alcoa has reduced water use by 16%, land filled waste by 44% and greenhouse gas emissions by 25% (from 1990).

* In 2003, Alcoa had the best lost workday and total recordable injury rates in the company's history. The lost workday rate improved to 0.12 from 0.15 the previous year. The total recordable rate was 1.66, down from 2.22 in 2002.

'This year, the Sustainability Report has been fully integrated into the alcoa.com website to increase user friendliness, promote further exploration of the extensive information contained on alcoa.com, and provide an opportunity to update relevant information throughout the year,' said Anita Roper, Alcoa's director of sustainability.

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Walls That Will Help a Building Absorb Energy, Not Lose it

Scientists are developing a radical new approach to building construction, helped by the Pilkington Energy Efficiency Trust (PEET), which has the potential to drastically cut heating energy costs.

The aim of the project, led by Professor Saffa Riffat of Nottingham University, is to enable buildings to make maximum use of the sun's energy while at the same time minimising heat losses through the walls.

To do this, the team is developing a 'thermal diode', i.e. a process that allows one-way transfer of heat - into the building, rather than out of it. Installed on south-facing walls, this technology could provide valuable winter heating for the occupants. This technique is combined with the use of a phase-change material (PCM) incorporated on the interior wall surface of the building. PCMs change from solid to liquid and back when they absorb (or release) heat. Combining the two should improve the efficiency of the heat transfer process and enhance the comfort conditions for the occupants.

The thermal diode consists of sealed tubes that contain a small quantity of a fluid such as water. One end is located in the exterior surface of the building's wall cladding while the other is embedded in the PCM which itself forms part of the internal finish of the building. The tubes slope upwards from the outer wall leaf to the inner.

When solar radiation raises the temperature on the exterior of the building above that of the interior, the liquid in the tube absorbs that heat and evaporates. The vapour rises to the other end of the tube where it imparts the heat energy to the PCM and then condenses. Gravity makes the liquid descend again, completing the cycle. As Professor Riffat explains, 'As the operation of the heat pipe involves phase changes (i.e. evaporation and condensation) a large amount of heat can be transferred and, in practice, the thermal conductivity may be over 500 times that of the best conventional thermal conductors.'

On the inner leaf of the wall, the heat is absorbed by the PCM. This type of material can store a relatively large amount of heat by changing from solid to liquid at a specific temperature, the phase transition temperature. The heat absorbed from the heat pipe causes the PCM to melt. It then releases the heat into the room at a constant temperature as it re-solidifies. So this material can be used both as a thermal store and a temperature stabiliser to provide a comfortable indoor environment.

The process does not work the other way, though. The liquid always returns to the lower end of the tube, next to the exterior of the wall. So, even if the inner leaf is warmer, the liquid cannot absorb heat from it and evaporate. The heat pipes only allow one-way energy transference.

'The solar radiation transferred and stored by the cladding in winter would help reduce the heating energy requirement and associated costs,' says Professor Riffat. 'The annual reduction in conduction heat loss resulting from replacing a conventional wall cladding with the new one would be about 20 kWh/m2. This technology will also provide improved thermal comfort for occupants and so enhance the quality of life.'

In summer, unwanted energy transmission to the interior could be reduced by shading the building's exterior, which would lessen the cooling requirement for the building.

The Nottingham project has received initial funding of £20,000 from PEET and this is allowing the work to begin. Additional partners will be needed as the work progresses. The programme will involve computer modelling, the development and testing of a prototype cladding wall, as well as economic and environmental analysis.

'We are very happy to help this important work get started,' says Rick Wilberforce, Secretary of the Pilkington Energy Efficiency Trust. 'Innovative building techniques like these have the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of buildings and so move us towards truly sustainable construction practices. It is a vital area, one where we need to make dramatic improvements if we are to have any chance of achieving the 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions called for in the Government's recent Energy White Paper.'

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

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Trading to Lead to Further Cuts in UK Carbon Dioxide Emissions

On 19th January the Government published for consultation its draft National Allocation Plan setting out how greenhouse gas emission allowances will be allocated to the operators of UK installations for the first phase of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, which runs from 2005 to 2007.

The Government is firmly committed to its national goal of moving towards a 20 per cent reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide by 2010.

The initial allocation of allowances for the first phase of the scheme is consistent with an overall reduction in UK carbon dioxide emissions of 16.3 per cent.

However, the overall level of allowances to be allocated in the UK in phase 2 of the Scheme (which runs from 2008-12) will be strengthened to be consistent with the trading sector's contribution to achieving the 20 per cent goal.

Secretary of State for the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Margaret Beckett, said: 'The EU Emissions Trading Scheme will be a vital measure in our drive to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases across Europe. We have set the overall number of allowances for UK industry at a level which moves us beyond our Kyoto Protocol commitment towards our tougher national goal and which recognises the need to preserve the competitive position of UK industry.

'The allocation of emission allowances has been set at a challenging but achievable level which will encourage industry to invest in emission abatement and take advantage of the opportunities that trading has to offer.'

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt said:
'The allocation of emission allowances set out today is central to our work in taking forward the Energy White Paper. It is designed to achieve the UK's climate change objectives while safeguarding security of supply and supporting the international competitiveness of UK industry. On top of the substantial reductions in carbon dioxide emissions that we expect from the operation of the scheme, there will be opportunities for UK firms to gain from the international trading in carbon that should follow. I recognise that this is a key policy for many businesses and we would urge industry to carefully consider the proposals. We welcome their views on the consultation document.'

The EU Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is the most significant measure in the EU Climate Change Programme. The objective of the scheme is to reduce, in the most cost-effective way, EU emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to the problems associated with global warming. The UK Government has stated in its Energy White Paper that the EU ETS will be a central plank of its future emissionsreduction policies.

Each EU Member State is required to draw up a National Allocation Plan (NAP) for submission to the European Commission by the end of March 2004. The Plan has to set out the total number of emission allowances, each representing one tonne of carbon dioxide, to be allocated to the industry sectors covered by the EU ETS. It also has to show how this total allocation is to be distributed between individual installations included in the Scheme.

From the beginning of 2005, the EU ETS will for the first time impose requirements on the largest individual emitters of carbon dioxide to monitor and account for their emissions. The installations covered include: the electricity generation industry; oil refineries; the iron and steel industry, the minerals industry, and paper, pulp and board manufacturing. Together the installations covered by the scheme account for about 50% of all UK carbon dioxide emissions.

The provisional level of emission allowance allocation set out in the draft National Allocation Plan is largely based on previously published, but preliminary updated emission projections. These projections take account of emission reductions that will be brought about by existing policy measures, including the UK Climate Change Programme's planned reduction in emissions from emissions trading. On the basis of these projections, the allocation is consistent with an overall reduction in UK carbon dioxide emissions of 16.3% on 1990 levels by 2010. Emission projections are continuing to be refined and the overall level of allowances to be included in the final National Allocation Plan to be submitted to the Commission at the end of March will be reviewed in the light of the latest projections.

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Clear Cut Savings for UK Glass Industry

Each year, the UK glass industry uses about £130 million of energy, 70% of which is used to melt and refine the glass. In turn, secondary glass manipulators use further energy to process formed glass. For example, over £20 million of energy is used by companies using flat glass to make products such as windscreens and double glazing alone. Action Energy has a wide range of free tailored services to help the glass industry benefit financially by improving energy efficiency.

Significant cost reductions can be made in the glass production and manipulation process. To help identify such savings, Action Energy offers:
A free survey of their current energy usage. Each assessment is specific to the company's needs and will identify a variety of low cost and no cost energy efficiency measures that can be simply implemented. This could put thousands back into a company's profit margin.

Interest-free Action Energy Loans to help smaller companies replace or upgrade existing facilities/equipment. Action Energy Loans are government-backed and payable over four years. By taking advantage of the Government‚s Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme and ensuring that new purchases take into account the Energy Technology List, companies stand to further benefit from energy saving.

Expert, technical guidance to help cut costs in all areas of the industry's energy use including:
• Compressed Air
• Motors and Drives
• Process control
• Energy management

Dr Garry Felgate, Director of Action Energy comments: 'The glass sector is a major energy user but Action Energy can help companies implement low cost energy efficient measures with quick paybacks. We can also help with developing long-term solutions. Companies should take advantage of the free practical help offered by Action Energy and start saving energy and money today.'

For glass companies, the first step is to get in touch with Action Energy by calling 0800 58 57 94 or visiting http://www.actionenergy.org.uk

An example of a glass sector company which has benefited from Action Energy is Toughglass.

Toughglass, an independent manufacturer of toughened safety glass, formed an internal energy working party to address the main recommendations identified by an Action Energy survey. Key areas of energy savings ranged from improving lighting and repairing compressed air leaks to glass recycling and installing better controls on equipment. In April, 2003 an Action Energy Loan was applied for to cover the replacement of existing fixed drives. As a result of the loan Toughglass will save £45,000 year on year.

Peter O'Hara, Financial Director of Toughglass said: 'Getting an Action Energy Loan has made a real difference to our bottom-line. Not only will the savings we make cover the cost of the loan repayments, but will actually add to our company profits. Now we have seen for ourselves the impact that implementing energy efficiency measures can make, we plan to continue to look for energy-saving opportunities, in particular for our compressed air system.'

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BSI Call For Comment on ISO 14000 Series Revision

The BSI Group has announced that the Drafts for Public Comment (DPCs) of the environmental management standards BS EN ISO 14001 and BS ISO 14004 are now available.

Revisions to these important environmental management systems standards are expected in early 2005. In preparation for this, the DPCs of both draft standards, which contain the proposed changes, are now available for purchase from BSI Business Information.

The deadline to make comments on the drafts is 30th November 2003. These must be sent to BSI, where they will be considered and recommendations submitted to International Standards Organisation (ISO).

The standards being revised are: BS EN ISO 14001:1996 Environmental management systems, Specification with guidance for use and BS ISO 14004:1996 Environmental management systems, General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques.

To order a DPC contact BSI Customer Services on Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9001 or Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001 or email: mailto:orders@bsi-global.com

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Chemical Groups Expected to Reject EU Environment Law

International chemical companies are expected to send the European Commission a resounding No to proposed environmental regulations, in the latest salvo in a long battle over attempts to regulate their products.

Companies had until midnight to comment on proposals to revamp the European Union's rules on the testing of chemicals, tabled by the Commission in May.

Supporters of the proposed legislation say it is essential to investigate some 30,000 chemicals about which too little is known and which could have serious health effects.

The industry has reacted with hostility to the plans, which according to the Commission's own estimates will cost up to Euro 7bn ($7.9bn, £5bn).

Judith Hackitt, head of Britain's Chemical Industries Association, agreed the rules needed overhauling because they had failed to control potentially hazardous substances put on the market before the 1980s, when legislation was last tightened up.

But she said the latest proposals were expensive and unworkable.
'It assumes that every substance will have to be tested, including intermediates that never find their way into the market place,' she said.

The consultation and previous negotiations with Erkki Liikaen, the EU industry commissioner, have delayed the Commission's formal proposal, which Margot Wallström, the environment commissioner, had wanted to be ready as early as last year.

It is now expected to be made by late September, leaving the Commission an all but impossible task if it is to be approved before the European parliament breaks up next spring.

Non-governmental groups have given the proposals strong backing in their submissions.

But pro-environment campaigners face significant opposition. Chancellor Gerhard Schröder of Germany has thrown his weight behind BASF and Bayer, Europe's biggest chemical groups. The UK and France also have strong reservations about the potential impact on manufacturing.

BASF, the world's biggest chemicals company by sales, estimates the potential costs of the proposals at Euro 550m over 10 years for BASF alone -asum it believes is affordable given annual turnover of Euro 32.5bn. However, Eggert Voscherau, deputy chairman, said the cost of the new rules would be proportionately higher for thousands of small companies.

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SME-nvironment 2003

The largest ever study into the environmental behaviour of smaller UK businesses reveals that the nation’s smallest firms are failing to take action to protect the environment.

The SME-nvironment 2003 survey of more than 8,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across a range of industries was commissioned for the NetRegs website which was developed by the Environment Agency and its Scottish and Northern Irish counterparts to help small businesses understand their green obligations.

The survey found that only 23% of smaller businesses had taken any practical measures to limit their environmental impact and only 24% had an environmental policy in place.

Just 18% of businesses could name any environmental regulations affecting their activities and 41% of them want more information and advice in dealing with environmental matters.

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Sentinel Supplies Doors for Fife's Energy Efficiency Programme

Sentinel Doors is supplying forty-three of its Series 600 composite residential doors for an energy efficiency programme for Fife Council.

Sentinel was nominated as one of three suppliers for the pilot contract at Keith Drive and Alves Drive in Glenrothes, because it is a composite door manufacture that can supply RTM through-colour doors.

Commenting for Fife Council a spokesman says: 'Whilst we wanted to specify and install a non-timber product, we have encountered problems in the past with PVC doors and delamination on conventional composite doors. Under the circumstances Sentinel's RTM doors were the natural choice.'

All doors were supplied ahead of schedule and fitted with Roto locks approved under the Secured by Design initiative.

Tel: 01443 229219
Web: http://www.sentinel-doors.com

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Alcoa Plants 1 Millionth Tree, Reaching its Goal in Half the Planned Time; Launches New Goal to Plant 10 Million Trees by 2020

Representing the 127,000 employees who helped achieve the goal, Alcoa Chairman and CEO, Alain Belda on 5th June planted the one-millionth tree in ceremonies at the Company's Pocos de Caldas, Brazil facility - and replicated at Alcoa facilities throughout the world - as part of the company's programme to plant one million trees by the year 2008. Launched in 1998, Alcoa employees reached the one million-tree goal in half the planned time.

At the ceremony in Pocos de Caldas, Belda also announced a new company goal for employees to plant 10 million trees by the year 2020.

Alcoa's tree planting programme is an extension of the Company's commitment to sustainable development and environmental initiatives. The new goal melds the Company's goals for measuring progress toward achieving its 2020 strategic plan for cleaner air, better use of land and water, and the protection of human health, with community and employee involvement.

'Trees are intergenerational symbols of the connection between us and the people who will follow us,' said Belda. 'They provide shade, habitat, beauty and resources, all of which benefit our generation and generations to follow.

'When we launched this programme in April 1998, our goal was to average one tree planted each year by each of the Company's 100,000 employees at the time, for ten years,' said Belda. 'Consistent with our philosophy to excel in everything we do, we reached our goal well ahead of schedule.

'Now we have set an even more ambitious goal - 10 million trees planted by the year 2020 - which triples the rate of our employees' effort in planting the first million trees. Our employees have consistently shown what they are capable of achieving when they put their efforts toward a publicly stated goal,' added Belda.
'We look forward to planting the 10 millionth tree in this new programme.'

In addition to the one-millionth-tree ceremony in Pocos, de Caldas, Brazil, company employees participated in events throughout Alcoa's more than 350 operating communities, including:

Portland (Australia) hosted more than 300 local primary school children, parents and teachers on World Environment Day as part of the One Million Trees initiative. Employees also participated in World Environment Day, through a local clean-up and recycling programme.

Alcoa Automotive Castings (Farsund, Norway) employees and plant management planted a tree in its plant garden.

Massena, New York (USA) employees, union officials and local government representatives - together with the St. Regis Mohawk tribe, the Mohawk Nation and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne - participated in the commissioning of a wetlands observation area. Two butternut trees were planted at the site where 4,000 black ash trees and 3,000 other companion species were planted last month as part of a wetlands and natural resource restoration programme. A joint effort with the Akwesasne Mohawks, the Black Ash reforestation will renew a valuable resource for culturally important industries.

Alcoa Fjardaal (Iceland) will shortly present 2007 spruce trees to the community of Fjardabyggd for planting on the grounds where Alcoa will build a new aluminum smelter. Each year until 2007 - the year Fjardaal will begin production - Alcoa will present Fjardabyggd a gift of 450 additional trees, 450 being the number of personnel who will work at the Fjardaal.

Rockdale, Texas (USA) Operations planted a live oak tree with the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce as part of a new local public-use park.

Alcoa Portovesme (Italy) employee volunteers and local officials planted 24 trees - bringing the facility's total within the programme to 6,696 trees planted - as part of a community and Alcoa Foundation initiative.

Alcoa Baie-Comeau (Canada) smelter will have each of its employees plant two trees - or a total of 3,900 trees - shortly as part of a broad employee/community programme.

Trees produce much of the oxygen needed now and in the future, and they have the potential to assist in balancing the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere to help in managing the world's future climate. A rapidly growing tree can remove several 100 pounds of carbon from the atmosphere in a single year and keep in place for decades or even centuries.

Alcoa is a world producer of primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses as a single solution to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® aluminum foil, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 127,000 employees in 40 countries.

Web: http://www.alcoa.com

 

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Vinyl Institute Recognises Top Safety and Environmental Performers

The Vinyl Institute (VI) has named the top-performing member companies in the vinyl (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) industry for their efforts to improve worker safety and protect the environment at plant sites globally. The awards, presented at the institute's annual meeting, were given to VI members who achieved the best safety and environmental performance in vinyl production during the year 2001.

'The award winners set the tone for all vinyl industry members in critical areas such as training, process improvement and capital investment,' said Timothy F. Burns, president of The Vinyl Institute. 'We especially want to recognise those companies that show long-standing and consistent corporate responsibility in environmental stewardship and worker safety efforts,' Burns added.

The VI's Environmental Excellence Awards are based on outstanding performance for five or more years under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). This year's Environmental Excellence Awards went to four companies. Winners for sustained outstanding performance were:

* CertainTeed Corporation's plant in Sulphur, La. (11 consecutive years of excellent rating)
* Georgia Gulf's plant in Oklahoma City (11 years)
* Shintech Inc.'s plant in Freeport, Texas (11 years)
* PolyOne Corporation's plant in Pedricktown, N.J. (8 years)

This year, the VI presented a newly created Environmental Honour Award, based on aggregate performance under NESHAP, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), as well as on other waste reduction efforts. Two companies earned the Environmental Honour distinction:

* CertainTeed Corporation for its PVC plant in Sulphur, La.
* OxyVinyl for its EDC/VCM (ethylene dichloride/vinyl chloride monomer) plant in Deer Park, Texas

VI's Safety Performance Awards recognise efforts to improve worker safety based upon the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) recordable incidence rate. As defined by OSHA, a recordable incident involves an occupational injury or illness resulting in medical treatment. The award, which recognises facilities with the lowest incident rate, was presented to two companies in the PVC category and four in the EDC/VCM category. The winners were:

* Dow Chemical Corporation for its EDC/VCM plants in Plaquemine, La., Fort Saskatchewan, Canada, and Schkopau, Germany
* Formosa Plastics Corporation for its PVC plants in Baton Rouge, La., and Delaware City, Del.; and its EDC/VCM plant in Point Comfort, Texas
* OxyChem for its EDC/VMC plant in Ingleside, Texas
* OxyVinyls for its PVC plants in Pasadena, Texas, Pedricktown, N.J., and Niagara Falls, Canada; its EDC/VCM plant in Deer Park

Founded in 1982, the Vinyl Institute is a national independent trade association representing the leading manufacturers of vinyl (polyvinyl chloride) plastics, as well as makers of vinyl feedstocks, additives, and film and sheet products.

Web: http://www.vinylinfo.org

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BWF Timber Window Accreditation Scheme Makes the Case for Sustainability  

The British Woodworking Federation’s Timber Window Accreditation Scheme has produced a new fact card that makes a strong case for sustainability as an essential reason for using timber windows.

Manager of the Timber Window Accreditation Scheme, Adam Frankling, said: 'Sustainability is a vital issue affecting all industry sectors. We are constantly urging our Scheme Members, and the industry as a whole, to adopt a responsible attitude to timber sourcing. This issue will only increase in importance in the future.'

The card addresses six main areas:
* What does sustainability mean
* Why is it important
* What is available
* What’s in it for you
* What you can do
* What the future holds

Each aspect is examined in relation to the ‘triple bottom line: ’the economy, the environment and the future of society.. 'If you’re sourcing truly sustainable timber you must give equal consideration to all three', said Adam.

The card draws on information from a variety of sources, including the World Commission on Environment and Development and Greenpeace. It highlights the substantial benefits that will accrue from using timber from certificated sustainable sources.

Looking ahead, the fact card emphasises that the sustainability issue will grow rather than diminish, and that BWF Accredited Timber Window Manufacturers have pledged that, by the end of 2004, they will use only timber sourced from certified sustainable resources.

Copies of the new fact card are available from the BWF’s Timber Window Accreditation Scheme.

Tel: 020 7608 5050
Email: mailto:windows@bwf.org.uk
Web: http://www.bwf.org.uk

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Alcoa Announces Clean Air Act Agreement With Government and Citizen Groups

Alcoa, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Texas, and citizens groups have announced a Clean Air Act agreement under which the company will further reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from its Rockdale Operations lignite-fired power generating units near Rockdale Texas.

Previously, Alcoa voluntarily committed to reduce NOx by approximately 50% and SO2 by approximately 90%. These reductions are included in the Texas Voluntary Emission Reduction Program permit for the units, issued by the State in 2002.
This settlement is an extension of that commitment whereby Alcoa will reduce NOx emissions by approximately 90% and SO2 emissions by approximately 95% or shut the units down. Alcoa recently completed an emission reduction project that has already reduced NOx from its power facilities by approximately 50%.

The total effect of Alcoa's previous and latest commitments would reduce the company's emissions of SO2 by at least 52,000 tons per year and emissions of NOx by at least 17,000 tons per year. The settlement, lodged in the United States District Court in Austin, resolves all federal and state government and citizen suit allegations. These allegations suggested that the Rockdale power facilities were operating without the appropriate 'Prevention of Significant Deterioration' permits because they were modified without installing necessary pollution controls.

Alcoa is agreeing to these obligations as part of its overall commitment to improve the environment and to avoid the costs and uncertainties of a lengthy litigation process. The government, Alcoa, and citizens consent to entry of the settlement without trial of any issue and without any admission of fact or law and without any admission of the violations alleged in the complaint.

Under the agreement, Alcoa will have up to 12 months to decide whether to:

(1) Install clean coal technology - circulating fluidised bed
boilers to replace the existing boilers;
(2) Install best available control technology on the existing
units; or
(3) Permanently shut down the existing units without replacements.

In addition to the emission reductions agreed to in the settlement, Alcoa has also agreed to pay $1.5 million and to spend $2.5 million on additional environmental mitigation projects that include $1.75 million for land and habitat preservation and $750,000 for school bus emission reductions in the local area.
The settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval.

Web: http://www.alcoa.com

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Online Green Guidance Launched for Glass Manufacturers

New guidelines have been launched on the NetRegs website to help smaller glass manufacturing companies understand their environmental obligations.

The guidelines - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/netregs - offer advice on good environmental practice and clearly detail the regulations covering the manufacture of ceramics, as well as glass and glass products, the cutting, shaping and finishing of stone and the manufacture of plaster and concrete products.

The guidelines are essential reading for anyone involved in small scale glass manufacturing, hand blown glass production or etching.

The site - a joint initiative between the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Environment and Heritage Service (NI) in conjunction with the Small Business Service - is free to use and there is no need to register.

Environmental impacts associated with glass manufacturing range from air emissions such as carbon dioxide from fumace fumes - to contaminated water discharges during the production process. Other impacts include land contamination, waste generation and incorrect storage and handling of oils, fuels and chemicals.

The launch of the guidelines follows research commissioned for NetRegs which revealed that awareness of environmental regulations among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK remains low. Of those questioned, 86% did not think their activities harmed the environment despite the fact that SMEs generate about 60% of the nation's commercial waste and are responsible for as much as 80% of pollution incidents.

When prompted with a list of potentially damaging practices, nearly 60% said they conducted at least one of them yet only 18% could name any environmental legislation affecting their business.

Environment Agency Chairman Sir John Harman said: 'Our research suggests that many SMEs manufacturing glass and glass products may not be fully aware of their environmental obligations. This is why we have launched these NetRegs guidelines to help them comply with the legislation covering the work they do.

'The site takes visitors through complex legislation using plain language - it is easy to use and is completely free and anonymous.'

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