Sustainability Examples

Building Habitat Homes
in the U.S.

Issues: Community Development, Product stewardship
Stakeholders: Customers, Suppliers, Employees, Communities
Region: U.S.

In November 2003, employees from Alcan's Sebree smelter in the US joined two other organizations (USWA Local 9443 and Weyerhaeuser) to officially dedicate their first Habitat for Humanity house in Henderson (Kentucky). Dozens of employees and retirees from all three organizations teamed together to construct a Habitat house, less than two miles from the Alcan plant. Although several employees were involved in the past in similar projects, this was Sebree's first effort at spearheading the construction of a Habitat house.

The first goal, targeted for January 2003, was to raise the $35,000 needed to construct a house. Augmented by donations from Alcan and Local 9443, the funding was secured when the local Weyerhaeuser plant was invited to participate.

In addition to company contributions, many Alcan employees participated in an aluminum can collection program called "Can Do" to raise money for the house. In fact, with the help of employees, Henderson residents, and some high school students, the Sebree plant won Alcan's first can collection contest that pitted several Alcan plants against each other. The result was a $5,000 award given to Henderson's Habitat program, demonstrating how Alcan employees involve themselves in the community, creating links with other community partners.