Climate change, exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions, presents a profound threat to ecosystems and communities globally. The aluminium production process is particularly intensive in emissions, contributing about 2% to the total global greenhouse gas emissions. [1]Direct emissions are mainly produced from the energy required for alumina refining and aluminium smelting, whilst indirect emissions are generated along the value chain, including the extraction of raw materials, their transportation and the manufacturing processes involved.
Aluminium is a fundamental component of modern life, used in various applications ranging from infrastructure to transportation and packaging. It is therefore essential to ensure that its production is managed responsibly. Unchecked emissions from aluminium production will significantly contribute to climate change, resulting in increased temperatures, altered weather patterns and a rise in extreme weather events. These changes threaten biodiversity, strain natural resources like water, diminish agricultural yields, and elevate risks to infrastructure, human health, and livelihoods. It is crucial for the aluminium industry to engage in urgent climate action to reduce emissions in accordance with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, thereby averting the most severe impacts of climate change.
A great deal of work has already been done in primary aluminium production, where carbon embodiment has been significantly reduced. According to a 2020 White Paper, ‘Low-carbon Aluminium, Solution for Sustainable Construction & Renovation’, primary aluminium from China, which has been as high as 20 CO2e/t (carbon dioxide emissions equivalent per tonne of aluminium), drops to an average global production output of primary aluminium of 16.7 CO2e/t. ‘Low-carbon’ primary aluminium in 2020 on average was reported as releasing 6.67 CO2e/ per tonne of aluminium.
Today, while ‘low carbon’ primary aluminium is not formally defined, a carbon footprint of less than 4 CO2e/t is a common reference, representing the very lowest achievable with currently available technologies. This carbon footprint is often referred to as ‘Cradle to Gate’. The global aluminium industry has achieved this figure through the use of renewable energy sources such as hydro power and other renewable technologies. Further reductions will soon be possible as the industry begins to adopt emerging green hydrogen technology during the production cycle.
The amount of recycled aluminium utilised worldwide, often termed secondary production, has shown little variation, maintaining a range of 31-33% since 2000, with a notable peak of 34% in 2019. Given aluminium’s high market value, collection rates tend to be robust; in 2019, collection rates for new scrap (pre-consumer) surpassed 95%, whilst those for old scrap (post-consumer) were just over 70%. It is vital to continue to improve the collection of post-consumer scrap, as recycling this material is significantly more energy-efficient, requiring only 5% of the energy needed for primary aluminium production. It is also important to note that aluminium can be recycled many times over without loss of quality.
According to a statement made by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) in February 2022, “Under a 1.5 degree scenario, the aluminium sector must reduce its GHG (Green House Gas) emissions from over a billion tonnes of CO2e to around fifty million tonnes by 2050. This is less than one-twentieth of current emissions.”
LowCarbonKety, a subsidiary of Grupa Kety, Aluprof’s parent company, offers aluminium billet with an impressively low carbon footprint of 2.9 kg of CO2 for every kilogram of aluminium produced. These low-carbon products are composed of up to 75% post-consumer scrap, around 10% pre-consumer scrap, and a minimal amount of primary aluminium, all manufactured using renewable energy sources.
It is important to consider that extended lead times may affect project timelines, potentially resulting in additional carbon costs. Conversely, selecting low-carbon products, including aluminium, may yield certain BREEAM credits for the project. These factors underscore the uniqueness of each project, necessitating a tailored approach. Engaging product suppliers during the early design phase is essential to explore viable options. Aluprof’s experienced design team is available to assist in identifying the most suitable aluminium sources and systems for any project during your specification process.
Whilst it is crucial to reduce ‘Embedded Carbon’ in profile supply, here at Aluprof we take a holistic approach to carbon reduction by also reducing ‘Operational Carbon’. Aluprof aluminium windows and doors play a crucial role in decreasing operational carbon emissions by improving the energy efficiency of buildings. The exceptional thermal insulation properties of our systems reduce the need for heating and cooling, thereby lowering energy consumption and the related carbon emissions. Additionally, the durability and minimal maintenance needs of aluminium contribute to the longevity of these systems, further reducing their environmental footprint. By opting for aluminium windows and doors, buildings can attain a more sustainable and reduced carbon footprint.
The Future Homes Standard is currently influencing construction practices in the UK by emphasising enhanced energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. With the implementation of updated building regulations, we are prepared to adapt to these more rigorous standards in collaboration with the industry. Furthermore, as a Patron Member of the Passivhaus Trust UK, we engage closely with specifiers and various organisations to minimise operational carbon in buildings. Our thermally efficient glazing systems and Passivhaus-certified products are specifically engineered to comply with these standards, providing exceptional insulation and airtightness to facilitate lower carbon emissions.
Our flagship MB-79N Window and Door System redefines industry standards. It delivers remarkable thermal insulation, integrating energy efficiency with a modern aesthetic. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to design larger openings with reduced sightlines. The system boasts a thermal performance rating of Uw from just 0.64 W/(mK) at 1700mm x 2700mm / Part L compliant system CEN size and Passive House level Uw values of 0.79W/m²K at CEN size.
Aluprof are proud to be one of Europe’s largest aluminium systems companies. Specification support is available through the company’s website at aluprof.co.uk, directly from their UK head office in Altrincham or from their London office at the Building Design Centre by phoning +44 (0) 161 941 4005.
