Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), UAE’s major aluminium producer, has released for the first time its sustainability report, stating the company’s environmental, social and economic achievements. The report brings the metal producer one step closer to joining the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI).
The report details EGA’s 2017 performance in several topics relevant to sustainable development including emissions, health and safety, technological innovations, community engagement, waste management, and social and corporate responsibility. In issuing the report, the company expressed its desire to become a global leader in matters of sustainable development and environment protection.
Focusing on the 2017 data, the report also touts EGA’s achievements in previous years to highlight positive trends in the company’s trajectory towards reaching high sustainability standards following the merger of Dubai Aluminium and Emirates Aluminium in 2014.
Abdulla Kalban, managing director and chief executive officer of EGA, said:
“We recognise that our role must extend beyond simple compliance or keeping up with our peers.”
“Working with our customers, regulators, shareholders and stakeholders, we intend to be an innovator and a leader in sustainability,” he added.
As the first Middle East-based applicant to join the ASI, EGA used the globally recognised framework for sustainability reporting – Global Reporting Initiative standards – to compile the report. The ASI is a global programme to foster greater sustainability and transparency in the aluminium industry.
By joining the ASI, the company will be certified to the initiative’s Performance Standards – internationally recognised standards in responsible production, sourcing and stewardship throughout the whole aluminium value chain. Companies around the world can seek ASI certification since December 2017, when the programme launched its Performance Standards.
EGA employs over 7,200 people and operates two production facilities – Al Taweelah in Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali in Dubai. EGA is a FACE member through its membership of the Gulf Aluminium Council – a coordinating body that represents the aluminium industry in the Gulf.