EAA commits to sustainability
(Oct. 25, 2004) The European Aluminium Association (EAA) has launched the results of its exercise on sustainable development indicators. This marks an important step in the commitment made by the entire aluminium sector to behave as responsible economic players, while providing employment and minimizing environmental effects.
The EAA, through the Aluminium for Future Generations program, intends to deliver its next sustainability report in 2006, thus ensuring a continuous benchmark for the whole aluminium sector in Europe.
Decoupling growth from environmental and social impact is the driving principle behind any successful industrial sustainable development strategy. However, continuous improvement should be benchmarked against a clear and realistic perception of the internal and external business reality, says EAA chairman Dieter Braun.
"Being aware of your performance as an industry in the fields of economy, environment and contribution to social well-being is essential to facilitate dialogue with stakeholders and in defining future business strategy," says Braun, who serves on Hydro Aluminium's management team as head of the Automotive sector.
Liliana Brykman, head of unit in the Directorate General Enterprise and Industry of the European Commission responsible for non-ferrous metals, says the EAA's document "contributes to the industry's credibility by providing ... precise data. In particular, I am happy that the EAA has gathered additional economic data illustrating the challenges related to the competitiveness of the sector in Europe within the current global trends.
"This will certainly help the European Commission in its future communication on the impact of raw materials and energy supply on the competitiveness of the European metals industry."
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