Case study: Improving energy management

An integral part of our environmental management programmes is identifying opportunities to improve how we handle the resources used in the aluminium production process. 

Making aluminium metal consumes significant quantities of electricity.

During 2006, Rio Tinto Aluminium Weipa, Rio Tinto Aluminium Bell Bay and New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited (NZAS) completed energy efficiency assessments to reduce operational costs (both current and long term) and to assist in setting robust energy and greenhouse gas emission targets in line with Rio Tinto's overall reduction  objectives. 

Specialists from Rio Tinto's Operational and Technical Excellence business unit visited the operations throughout the year, conducting a thorough analysis of the energy used.   The assessment framework was based on five key steps: baseline preparation, the diagnostic, an audit of outcomes from the diagnostic, an opportunity assessment, and reporting. 

The framework provided operational and technical specialists with the chance to work together to identify how each operation could achieve greater value from its  environmental management efforts.  From the assessment, operations receive a detailed report that prioritises projects, together with estimated reductions in energy use, costs and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Since 2000, a number of Rio Tinto operations have undertaken energy management reviews. In total, potential savings of up to 15 per cent in total operational energy consumption for relatively low capital outlays have been identified in these reviews.