Sustainability Facts

Aerial view of an industrial complex featuring multiple large factories with warehouses, chimneys emitting steam or smoke, and several cooling towers. The surrounding area includes roads, smaller buildings, and hilly terrain in the background—highlighting the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development.

There is an increasing demand from key stakeholders for guidance or clearer definitions around low-carbon, green or near-zero aluminium. Generally, there is broad alignment in the industry to IAI’s methodology for reporting carbon footprint.

Often Scope 3 emissions are more challenging to account for as they are outside of the operational reach of companies and can encompass emissions associated with activities across a complex supply chain. This factsheet aims to summarise key outcomes from IAI’s Scope 3 Guidance, providing a standardised framework for calculating greenhouse gas emissions across the primary aluminium value chain.

A tall, red-and-white industrial smokestack emits thick white smoke against a clear blue sky, indicating active production or energy generation. Dense clouds of smoke obscure parts of the stack as they disperse into the atmosphere—a typical scene depicted in an Aluminium Sector Factsheet.
A metallic question mark stands upright on a textured diamond plate aluminium surface with a matching background, subtly raising environmental claims through its industrial design.

What is the carbon footprint of primary aluminium?
How is the carbon footprint calculated? 
What are the components of the carbon footprint of primary aluminium?  

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The IAI, together with the global primary aluminium industry, is committed to fostering a greater understanding of the sector and demonstrating our dedication to responsible production and sustainable development.