Environment
Greenhouse gas emissions from Hydro-operated activities were 4.38 million tonnes CO
2 equivalents (CO2e) in 2007. Based on Hydro’s ownership equity, emissions were 6.87 million tonnes CO2e, a reduction of roughly 45 percent compared with 1990, given the same ownership structure as in 2007. At the same time, we have increased comparable our primary aluminium aluminium production from 0.91 to 1.67 million tonnes. The decline comes as a result of systematic operational improvements, the introduction of new technology at our metal plants and in recent years also closure of plants and process lines.
In 2007 we devoted significant resources and management time to completing our understanding of threats and opportunities that climate change, and policies to limit it, represent for our business. Climate change is recognised as a major strategic driver for Hydro, and the overall responsibility for climate related issues was in 2007 placed under corporate strategy and business development. In 2008 we will complete a comprehensive climate change strategy, including the setting of specific targets.
R&D focus has been redirected and sharpened to reduce CO2 emissions in our primary operations in the future. If successful, the new generation of electrolytic cells now being tested at the Årdal Research Center in Norway will enable direct and indirect reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, both short-term and more radical long-term R&D projects have been initiated to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions in primary aluminium production.
Our environmental indicator on resource utilization and reduction of waste and emissions helps us focus on important measures. The indicator consists of many elements throughout the value chain. Improvements are measured and environmental challenges are highlighted as they are made visible.
The use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) is forbidden in many countries, and we are phasing out PCB-containing equipment. This has already been implemented at our smelters in Australia, Slovakia and at most of our plants in Norway. Remaining sites comply with the legal requirements applicable in their locations.
