Smelter shows its mettle in meeting sustainability targets

Alvance’s Lochaber smelter has been given a seal of approval from the organisation responsible for ensuring sustainability and human rights principles are embedded in aluminium production.

The Fort William-based company has achieved Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard certification with provisional status, an important confirmation of the sustainability of its supply chain.

Tom Uppington, managing director of Alvance British Aluminium, said: ‘The ASI certification is considered to be the gold standard for sustainable production in the industry and I’m delighted that the Lochaber Smelter’s operations have been recognised in this way.

‘We are committed to delivering a market-leading low-carbon product and the ASI certification will give confidence to aluminium customers looking to demonstrate sustainable supply chains.

‘Lochaber is emblematic of Alvance’s Green Aluminium vision – we produce high value, low-carbon, essential metal using renewable energy.

The ASI accreditation is an acknowledgement of the work each and every member of our staff do every day to deliver on our sustainability ambitions – this certification belongs to them and I’m very proud of their achievement.’

With more than 90 years of operation, the Lochaber plant is the only aluminium production plant in the UK. Long before climate change was a concern it produced aluminium with a low carbon footprint due to the hydroelectric power it draws from.

Fiona Solomon, chief executive officer at ASI, said: ‘The ASI Performance Standard’s 59 environmental, social and governance criteria go well beyond assessing carbon emissions, and the Lochaber plant’s initial ASI Certification provides a platform and direction for continuous improvement.’

The independent, third-party audit of the Alvance British Aluminium facilities was carried out by DNV Business Assurance Services UK Ltd.