COP28: VALCO’s "Unite, Act, Deliver" commitment inspires sustainability in the aluminium industry

During the 28th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), VALCO's Environmental Manager, Edward Arthur, and the Environmental Control Officer, Edgard Tetteh, shared their insights on the company's efforts to promote sustainable production. Their commitment to the theme "Unite, Act, Deliver" is commendable and sets an excellent example for other companies to follow.

The Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) in Tema, Ghana, is taking significant steps towards sustainable production to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. The company has implemented a comprehensive approach to its smelting process, focusing on resource utilization and environmental impact mitigation.

VALCO, a company involved in aluminium production, has a policy in place to become a more environmentally sustainable smelter. Aluminium production is a process that emits a significant amount of greenhouse gases, contributing to around two per cent of global emissions.

This policy outlines specific targets for reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and implementing better waste management practices. Mr. Arthur, a representative of VALCO, has mentioned how the company is committed to achieving these targets and becoming a greener smelter.

Mr Arthur narrated: "Throughout the imple­mentation of these strategies, green house emission reduction is what we considered by switching to cleaner fuels and improving energy efficiency across all operations."

"It is worth noting that VALCO is among few industries in Ghana which have successfully quantified their greenhouse gas emissions and have their carbon footprint, this would help in Ghana's Environ­mental Protection Agency Nation­ally Determined Contribution," he pointed out.

He also added: "VALCO monitors and reports regularly on its environmental performance through a robust environmental monitoring system to track progress towards emissions reduction in targets."

Mr Arthur went on to elaborate how VALCO, as a primary aluminium smelter, "is demonstrating its commitments to environmental responsibility, reduce its impact on the planet and enhance its reputation as a sustainable producer of aluminium and by extension gets a green smelter status."

The Environmental Manager has reported that VALCO has subscribed to certification with the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to demonstrate its commitment to green practices and gain recognition as a sustainable producer. The Environmental Controller Officer, Mr Tetteh, further explained that the company must satisfy three key rights under the initiative: labour, neighbour, and human rights. He added that management is committed to training employees in the handling and disposal of chemicals or inputs.

Regarding neighbour rights, VALCO is implementing sustainable production by sourcing sustainable raw materials that are less polluting, engaging in sustainable production that eliminates waste, and implementing efficient energy technology. The company's efforts are aimed at ensuring that it meets the ASI's requirements for sustainable production and gains recognition as a sustainable producer.

If you wish to learn more about the sustainable production of aluminium, please have a look at AL Circle's specially formulated report,  Sustainability in the Global Aluminium Industry. 

According to Mr Tetteh, the company strongly believes that every individual has the right to breathe clean air, work in a safe environment, and receive a fair wage. He further added that these factors can significantly contribute to reducing global emissions and promoting positive climate change, which will ultimately benefit all of humanity.