Contributing to a more sustainable world with low carbon aluminium

At present, primary aluminium, or aluminium produced from mined bauxite that is then refined into alumina and smelted into aluminium, is an electricity-intensive raw material.

In fact, globally the aluminium industry contributes 2% of greenhouse gas emissions – equivalent to about 1.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).[1]

However, demand for aluminium is expected to grow, in part, due to its lightweight quality, strength, durability, and ability to be recycled. Making it, potentially, one of the most sustainable materials in the world.

The global average carbon emissions for primary aluminium production are estimated to equal 16.8MtCO2/1MtAl. [2] For the aluminium industry to reduce its carbon footprint, aluminium production needs to switch from coal generated electricity to a high percentage of renewable power. Most gas operated smelters are producers of ‘green aluminium’. However, to achieve the lowest CO2 emissions we must look towards renewable energy such as Solar, Hydro and Wind. The industry needs to leverage new technologies to streamline processing, minimise or eliminate waste and, maximise recycling.

Low carbon aluminium is generally identified as being less than, or equal to 8MtCO2/1MtAl. The emissions are measured ex smelters under scope 1 and scope 2 (scope 1 refers to direct emissions, whilst scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from purchased energy).

Architectural Window Systems (AWS) sources its aluminium extrusions from INEX, which operates three extrusion plants in Oceania. In 2022, 55% of the primary aluminium billet used by INEX in Australia to produce aluminium extrusions was classified ‘low carbon’. In addition to that, INEX has been sourcing low carbon aluminium since 2012.

At present, AWS’ aluminium supply is not separated or distinguished between low carbon aluminium and standard aluminium. This also means we do not charge extra for low carbon aluminium. It’s defined as business as usual for AWS.

For transparency, it’s important to note that whilst aluminium supplied to INEX has been certified, AWS has not yet been certified. The purpose of this statement is to keep you informed of AWS aluminium supply as we currently know it, whilst actively moving towards more sustainable practices.

References:

[1] “Issue Brief: Low Carbon Aluminium,” Aluminium Stewardship Initiative

[2] “Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Data and Environmental Metrics,” IAI, June 2017, p. 38.