ASI introduces new rules for flexibility in the ASI assurance framework, effective January 1st 2025, and launched a new conformance tool to ensure that requirements are being audited.
The GHG emissions related to the ASI Criteria of Performance Standard V3 (2022) and the thresholds for Entity Conformance remain unchanged. ASI’s GHG Pathways Method continues to be the approach Entities are required to take in order to demonstrate alignment with a 1.5ºC trajectory.
However, the aluminium sector is not reducing emissions in line with a 1.5ºC scenario , mainly due to structural barriers to change, beyond Entities’ control.
For most, these barriers are unlikely to be overcome within the next 3-5 years. Hence, ASI predict that they will see repeated Non-Conformances related to 1.5ºC Pathways alignment within the next one to two certification cycles.
ASI estimate that up to 90% of ASI Certified smelters would be affected within the next 5 years, leading to a potential loss of Certification under the current Assurance framework. This could lead to reduced impact as these Entities would no longer be committed through their ASI Certification to work towards clear emissions reduction targets.
The new Conformance Tool will help to ensure that the requirements of Criterion 5.3 are being Audited consistently both between Entities and with reference to the normative language of the Criterion.
Tools such as this aim to address continued challenges with inconsistent interpretation and ASI plans to provided similar support for Auditing of other high priority Criteria in Q1 2025.
To recognise these challenges and changes, and to continue driving change at the sector level, while being transparent about these areas of Non-Conformance, ASI has designed specific ‘exemption’ rules around emissions reduction performance-related elements of Criterion 5.3 and Criterion 5.4.