Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse data have been calculated using the WRI/WBCSD GHG Protocol (2nd edition, 2004) and reported emissions are associated with both scope 1 (direct greenhouse gas emissions) and scope 2 (emissions from purchased electricity, steam and compressed air).
On this basis, total CO2 emissions in 2007 fell to 564,795 tonnes from 571,018 tonnes in 2006 (figure 7). Including the zinc alloys activities, CO2 emissions in 2006 amounted to 943,437 tonnes. It is estimated that CH4 and N2O contribute a further 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent compared to only some 2,500 tonnes last year. This increase is due to additional and more accurate sampling at one of our facilities. This process is currently under review for optimization in order to decrease the N2O emission.
The company will further refine its greenhouse gas reporting in the coming year as part of a project to respond to the global challenges of climate change.
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Beyond its drive for energy efficiency in its operations, in 2007 the company launched a project to review the current scope of its greenhouse gas management and reporting. This project is looking at screening the most important risks due to climate change effects on the product life cycle. Further updates on the progress of this project will be provided in the 2008 Report. One of Umicore’s primary focuses from a product and process perspective is to develop “clean” materials and recycling technologies that will be able to help combat environmental degradation including climate change. For example, the recycling capabilities of the plant in Hoboken offer the world access to precious metals at a significant equivalent saving of CO2 compared to mine produced material. Umicore is also aware of the broader risks that could be caused by the effects of climate change and of the need for all actors in society – governments, companies and individuals – to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Umicore is a signatory of the Prince of Wales Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change statement sent to world leaders on the eve of the Bali climate change summit in late 2007. This statement, signed by 150 global companies, calls for a comprehensive, legally binding United Nations framework to tackle climate change. Umicore’s Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Leysen, is also a member of the EU High Level Group (HLG) on Competitiveness, Energy and the Environment. Part of the mandate of this group is to provide advice for action on climate change, particularly the EU emissions trading scheme, energy-efficiency and renewables. |
Umicore on the way to sustainability