The Shipshaw powerhouse is part of an extensive hydroelectric network operated by Alcan in Quebec, Canada.

Aluminium is a sustainable material. At the current primary aluminium production level, known bauxite reserves will last for hundreds of years. More than 55 per cent of the world's aluminium production is powered by renewable hydro-electric power. Products made from aluminium can be recycled repeatedly to produce new products. The increasing use of recycled metal saves both energy and mineral resources needed for primary production.

The IAI has produced the "Aluminium for Future Generations Sustainability Update" which is now available from this site as either an Executive Summary or the Full Report. A brief summary can be found in our Publications Section.

Transport

High aluminium content vehicles can be up to 50 per cent lighter than conventional vehicles. The consequent fuel savings over the lifetime of a vehicle far more than repay the initial investment in energy to make primary aluminium. Lighter cars, trucks and trains mean less fuel consumption and emissions, less wear and tear on roads and tracks. As vehicle emissions contribute up to one-third of global greenhouse Gas emissions, replacement of the current stock of vehicles with high aluminium content, lighter, low emission vehicles will make a significant contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Life Cycle of Automotive Aluminium

Recyclability

Almost every aluminium product can be commercially (i.e. profitably) recycled at the end of its useful life, without loss of metal quality or properties. The increasing use of recycled aluminium in many applications (up to 60 per cent in vehicles) gives aluminium's established credibility as a "green" metal a further boost.

Recycling Facts
Recycling Process
How to help

Aluminium in Building

In buildings, aluminium panels are corrosion resistant and therefore virtually maintenance free. Aluminium's lightness means easy construction, while its thermal insulation properties derived from the ability to design thermal breaks in extrusions, and from aluminium foil's reflectivity, conserve heating energy. Aluminium buildings look good too!

A large amount of waste building materials go to landfill sites at a cost to both the economy and the environment. In contrast aluminium is recycled in a way that pays for itself and is sustainable.

Aluminium in Packaging

Aluminium in packaging preserves food quality and avoids waste, and its low weight reduces fuel consumption and emissions during transportation.

Aluminium and Electric Power

Aluminium's high conductivity makes it an excellent material for electrical power transmission over long distances. The use of aluminium cables reduces power losses significantly and therefore conserves energy.

Aluminium and Water

WHO recognised the beneficial effects of the use of aluminium as a coagulant in water treatment to remove unwanted material including several organisms known to cause disease.