Novelis Inc. has announced it has joined the First Movers Coalition (FMC), a global initiative aimed at decarbonising eight "hard to abate" sectors. Through the partnership, Novelis will take a prominent role among a global network of forward-thinking companies committed to jumpstarting demand for clean energy technologies aimed at dramatically reducing carbon emissions from the aluminium manufacturing process.
The FMC — launched during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in October 2021 — is a joint venture of the World Economic Forum and the U.S. Department of State. The FMC serves as a platform for businesses around the world, alongside governments, to leverage their purchasing power and supply chains to create early markets for innovative, clean energy technologies. As such, the improvements must reach commercial scale by 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions globally by 2050.
"Novelis is eager to continue our efforts to decarbonise the aluminium industry, as well as support decarbonisation in numerous adjacent industries relying on aluminium, by joining the First Movers Coalition," said Steve Fisher, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novelis Inc. "Recycling aluminium is far less energy-intensive than producing primary aluminium, and we want that energy to come from 'sustainable' sources. Aluminium has the potential to reach a near zero-carbon footprint, but it requires investment in clean energy and taking some risks to move the industry forward. Partnerships like the First Movers Coalition can spur those investments by supporting an emerging market for developing technologies. Novelis welcomes the opportunity to join FMC and accelerate innovation in our industry."
By joining the FMC, Novelis has pledged that by 2030, 10 percent of its primary aluminium purchases be near-zero, emitting less than 3t CO2 per ton. The FMC pledge also includes an assurance that by 2030 at least 50% of all aluminium Novelis uses is from recycled sources, a metric that the company has already surpassed with 57% of its inputs from recycled sources.
Novelis' commitments to the FMC complement its goals to accomplish a 30% carbon footprint reduction by 2026 and to be carbon neutral by 2050 or sooner. The company has also set targets for 10% reductions in water and energy intensities, and a 20% reduction in waste to landfills by 2026. The company's decarbonisation efforts will also enable other industries reliant on aluminium to accelerate and realise their de-carbonisation plans.
Steve Fisher will announce Novelis' commitment to the FMC during a panel session at the Industry Transition Dialogue in Stockholm on June 1st, 2022. The panel will be chaired by Nancy Gillis, Programme Head of Climate Action and First Movers Coalition, with special remarks by John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. Access the live event here: www.industrytransition.org.
"Novelis' widely respected commitment to sustainability makes the company a tremendous addition to the First Movers Coalition," said Gillis. "We look forward to collaborating with Novelis to encourage clean energy innovation and move the aluminium industry toward a zero-carbon future."
