On June 30, 2023, the Romanian aluminium company ALRO S.A., one of Europe's largest vertically integrated aluminium producers, measured by production capacity, published the consolidated Sustainability Report for 2022. The sustainability report also presents the role of ALRO Group in the national and local economy, its environmental protection programs, social involvement, and the implemented sustainable strategy.
Marian NĂSTASE, the Chairman of ALRO's Board of Directors, said, "At ALRO, we firmly believe that sustainability is not just an obligation but a strategic imperative. We recognize the pressing challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, and we are fully committed to addressing them comprehensively and proactively."
"We have continued to invest in research and development to drive technological advancements that promote sustainability throughout our value chain.”
Despite facing a challenging global landscape in 2022, marked by significant energy expense spikes, the Group persevered in its strategic investments aimed at reducing energy consumption and elevating the proportion of recycled aluminium. Consequently, the initiative to modernize the electrolysis potrooms was carried forward, leading to the recycling of approximately 90,000 tonnes of scrap in both the Eco-Recycling Facility and the Cast House. Remarkably, since the commencement of operations at the aluminium recycling facility in 2013, nearly 700,000 tonnes have been successfully recycled.
Gheorghe DOBRA, the Chief Executive Officer of ALRO, said, "Our ambition is to become a green factory, innovative and sustainable with the support of state-of-the-art technologies, but also to strengthen our competitiveness by increasing the production mix in favour of high and very high value-added products."
"Aluminium is one of the strongest decarbonising vectors in the economy, making our Group one of the key players in achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the European Green Deal on climate neutrality."
The Group's efforts to enhance energy efficiency, reduce electrolytic aluminium production, and increase recycled aluminium production have resulted in a substantial decrease in direct and indirect emissions in 2022 compared to 2021. Furthermore, implementing water efficiency programs has significantly reduced water extraction and consumption. Consequently, the total surface water extracted in 2022 amounted to 1,829 million litres, a decline from the previous year's 2,386 million litres.
Alongside minimizing its industrial impact and enhancing operational efficiency, the Group prioritizes investments in its workforce and potential employees. ALRO demonstrates this commitment through its support of two dual education classes and partnerships with leading universities specializing in relevant fields to ensure the development of future talent. Additionally, the company allocates resources towards specialized training programs, with a notable achievement of over 27,000 hours of professional training recorded last year.
In 2022, ALRO remained committed to assisting the communities in which it operates, actively participating in social initiatives focused on healthcare, education, and environmental preservation. Additionally, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the company contributed more than 2.5 million lei to various institutions dedicated to preventing and mitigating the impact of the pandemic.
However, in 2022, the Group remained committed to its strategic goal of providing support and positively impacting its customers and its network of around 2,300 suppliers. Despite operating in a highly volatile business landscape, the Group strived to maintain its economic position while contributing to local communities well-being.
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