Sustainability Examples

Reducing GHG Emissions
in France

Issues: Climate Change, Well-being
Stakeholders: NGOs, Government, Communities
Region: Europe

In France, the former Pechiney smelter located at Saint-Jean de Maurienne has been working for many years on the reduction of GHG emissions, particularly PFCs. In addition to improving operation practices in order to reduce the frequency and the duration of anode effects, the plant has replaced two out-of-date potline control systems.

The new systems assure continuity of operations and significantly reduce PFC emissions. This is in accordance with a voluntary agreement signed in early 2003 that covers all French activities through an association of industries committed to GHG reductions (AERES). Primary Metal sites represent the major part of this agreement which includes alumina and Engineered Products sites as well. In the first six months of 2004, PFC emissions at Saint-Jean de Maurienne were reduced by 60% in comparison with 2001.