OREANDA-NEWS. Since 2000, the companies now comprising UC RUSAL have invested over USD 1 billion in environment protection activities.

According to the press service of the company, for 2007-2013, the United Company has allocated USD 1,4 billion for operations reconstruction programmes focused on environmental protection. This will allow for a reduction in pollutant emissions by almost 1,5 times by 2015. The larger-scale modernization programme will bring all of UC RUSAL’s smelting facilities to a single environmental standard.

The efficient increase of consumption and utilisation of environmental-friendly energy are key elements of UC RUSAL’s carbon neutrality strategies. UC RUSAL uses hydro-electricity to produce up to 80% of its aluminum output, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and eliminating other negative environmental effects.

By 2013, the Company plans to produce 140 billion kWh of energy at its own generating facilities. Hydropower projects are at the centre of UC RUSAL’s development plans. UC RUSAL is also committing substantial time and investment to researching the possibilities of more efficient and environmentally friendly use of coal.

Re-melting of aluminum requires only 10% of the energy to produce primary aluminum, which produces a positive contribution to sustainable development through substantial energy savings. By 2013, the United Company is planning to have increased its share on the secondary aluminum market to 50%.