Dr Telli Diallo during consultation for the GAC audit at the community of Filima after they were resettled from the Daprass community (Article: Empowering Local Expertise)
CO2 emissions from assets certified under the ASI Performance Standard
The latest IPCC Synthesis Report, AR6 Synthesis Report: Climate Change 2023, reinforces the urgency of climate action required to keep warming to 1.5°C. Reducing the aluminium sector’s emissions in line with a 1.5°C warming scenario is one of ASI’s long-term goals. What does the data show for decarbonisation of alumina refining, aluminium smelting and aluminium rolling processes from 2012 to 2022?
Using the CRU Emissions Analysis Tool we looked at CO2 emissions from assets certified under the ASI Performance Standard and the evolution in the cohort’s performance at 3 points in time, five years apart: 2012, 2017 - the year when the ASI Performance Standard v2 was launched – and 2022. The CRU Emissions Analysis Tool is a web-based data portal for the benchmarking of greenhouse gas emissions in metals (including aluminium), fertilizers, and mining commodity value chains. One of the functions of the Tool allows users to search assets by their inclusion in ASI Entities with ASI Performance Standard or ASI Chain of Custody Certifications.
Figure 1: Percentage of ASI Performance Standard certified assets out of total
number of aluminium assets by supply chain activity as of March 2023.
The scope of this analysis included emissions from Alumina refining, Aluminium smelting, and Aluminium rolling processes. Bauxite mining was not included as the change in emissions through the years is negligent and the emissions themselves are very low compared to other processes. The emissions cover Scope 1 and 2 at site for Alumina refining, Aluminium rolling, and Scope 1, 2, and 3 third party anode purchases for Aluminium smelting. For all years, the same list of ASI certified assets (as of March 2023) was considered in the analysis, to allow consistent tracking of changes over time, including those potentially influenced by ASI Performance Standard certification.
The 28th World Aluminium Conference will take place on the 16-18 May 2023 at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London, organised by CRU and co-hosted by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) and the International Aluminium Institute (IAI).
The agenda integrates detailed presentations on decarbonisation strategies, disclosure and data transparency, sustainability-linked financing, investments and expansion, opportunities and threats in China’s development path as well as the impact of key policies such as the European Green Deal. ASI Secretariat members are participating in several sessions throughout the the first two days of the event:
Day 1 • Andrew Wood • Sustainability-linked financing for the aluminium sector
Day 2 • Fiona Solomon • Sustainability and its interconnections – exploring interrelationships between sustainability priorities. The panel will also feature three members from the ASI Board of Directors, Rosa Garcia Pinero, Pippa Howard and Gerald Rebitzer.
The third day will include two parallel workshop streams led by ASI: Stream 1 as a deeper dive on GHG accounting methodologies and their relevance to new criteria in the Performance Standard V3 (2022), and Stream 2 on Supply chain due diligence for the aluminium sector with a focus on ASI as a Track A Standard for LME’s Responsible Sourcing program:
Day 3 • Stream 1 • Chris Bayliss, Andrew Wood
Day 3 • Stream 2 • Fiona Solomon, Cameron Jones, Camille Le Dornat
ASI Witness Assessments form part of the ASI Oversight Mechanism and enable the direct in-person observation of auditor(s) undertaking certification, surveillance and re-certification audits across the ASI Membership’s certified Entities against the ASI Performance Standard.
Managed by the Director of Assurance, and supported by the ASI Secretariat, the program has been established to evaluate consistency with the requirements of the ASI Assurance Manual, evaluate competency and impartiality of the ASI Accredited Auditors, identify risks to the ASI assurance system and identify improvement opportunities for the ASI assurance system. This program forms an important component of the ASI Assurance framework as it assists in meeting ASI’s obligations as an ISEAL Code Compliant Member. It offers an ideal opportunity for ASI to observe auditors ‘in action’ and assess the comprehensiveness of the audits performed. It also provides a great opportunity for ASI to identify potential improvement opportunities with respect to the ASI Assurance Manual, Guidance documentation, training material and potentially provide feedback into regular Standards revision processes.
It is important to note that witness assessments are NOT shadow audits – they do not assess the performance of the Entity or make recommendations on conformance to the ASI Performance Standard; instead they assess the planning and execution of the audit by the responsible audit team.
The ASI Certification Process is underpinned by an independent third-party Audit conducted by ASI Accredited Audit Firms - this applies for both the ASI Performance Standard and ASI Chain of Custody Standard.
The ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) mandates all ASI Entities to establish pathways, targets and plans to reduce direct and indirect emissions in line with this goal, as well as requiring verification and public disclosure of emissions data.
The purpose of the independent third-party Audit is to verify that a Member’s Policies, systems, Procedures, processes and current performance conform to the requirements specified in the applicable ASI Standard. The process undertaken by Auditors is to collect Objective Evidence from a representative selection of the Member’s Certification Scope.
Dr. Fiona Solomon, CEO of ASI, recently spoke with the creators and hosts of The Specification podcast which focuses on the building and construction industry, with an emphasis on materials. The podcast has interviewed many professionals in the industry, including material producers, suppliers, and standards organisations in its short 32-episode history.
Aluminium is a popular material in the construction industry due to its durability, light weight, and corrosion resistance, and its use in the industry is growing. As sustainable sourcing of aluminium becomes a high priority in the industry, ASI looks towards new and existing partnerships in the sector.
During the podcast, Fiona discusses ASI's work on responsible aluminium production and sourcing, as well as ASI's role in the aluminium value chain. She provides an overview of ASI's Performance Standard and Chain of Custody Standard, and how they promote sustainable and ethical business practices.
The circularity potential of aluminium also features as a point of discussion. As one of ASI’s four sustainability priorities, circularity is a cornerstone of sustainability in the aluminium value chain, with effective recycling radically reducing the emissions impact of aluminium production.
Fiona also highlights ASI's Indigenous People's Advisory Forum, an initiative created to empower indigenous communities impacted by aluminium production and sourcing. IPAF is as part of ASI's Beyond Certification strategy.
Empowering Local Expertise: The Experiences of Two New Guinea-based Registered Specialists in an ASI Audit
The ASI Registered Specialist program is a crucial element in ensuring the implementation and monitoring of ASI standards. The program comprises individuals with specific skills and experience that are relevant to ASI's objectives. They can be commissioned by either ASI members or auditors to provide technical expertise and local knowledge in planning, executing, and following up on audits.
In this article, we share the experiences and perspectives of two Guinea-based Registered Specialists who joined the program in 2022, Dr Telli Diallo and Mr Abdoul Wahab Diakhaby. Some excerpts of a conversation with the two Registered Specialists are presented here, with additional insights in the full article, linked below.
"As national Registered Specialists, we brought both social and technical skills to the audit process. Our deep knowledge of the socio-political situation in Guinea as well as the various codes, policies, and legislation governing economic activity in the country ensured that the documents prepared by the lead auditor were in line with the realities on the ground and with the national context."
"Our communication skills and profound knowledge of the natural environment including the people’s cultures, beliefs, prayer patterns, customs, and vernacular languages contributed to a better exchange with the local communities. One can never underestimate the impact of having someone speak to you in your own language. We believe this contributed, to some extent, to make the people feel more comfortable during interviews held in a number of villages. Our language skills were also useful for the technical review of various documents submitted to the auditors."
ASI's 45 minutes on... webinars covering a broad range of key issues related to our work program, often held in partnership with ASI members and top experts from leading organisations in their fields. If you missed one, you can watch the recording.
Human Rights Due Diligence and Responsible Sourcing: ASI Requirements and Beyond (January 2023)
Climate change adaptation: Community health risk, resilience and responses (January 2023)
ASI's Working Groups: An overview for Members (November 2022)
Critical Ecosystem Areas: Better biodiversity metrics for business with WCS (November 2022)
Grievance mechanisms: training for practitioners with BSR, RMI, The Copper Mark (October 2022)
The Species Threat Abatement and Restoration Metric (STAR) with IBAT (October 2022)
Emerging ESG paradigm shifts in industry with Dr. Raj Aseervatham (August 2022)
AUDI future rollout of ASI compliant material (July 2022)
Aluminium + Climate 101 (July 2022)
Business relationships as a driver for circularity with Dr Shyaam Ramkumar (June 2022)
ASI's approach to Chain of Custody: Certification scope, Inputs/Outputs, mass balance (May 2022)
Decarbonising Shipping: Insights into how Cargill is working with others to make zero-carbon shipping a reality (Apr 2022)
Addressing modern slavery in the ASI Performance Standard (Mar 2022)
Crunching the numbers: Analysing ASI Certification data using the new ASI Public Dashboard (Feb 2022)
The new Net-Zero Standard with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) (Jan 2022)
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ASI CERTIFICATION NEWS
In March, ASI Members achieved three new certifications, with several more in the announcement pipeline.
Hindalco Industries Ltd has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) and Chain of Custody V1 (2017) Certification for its rolling operations at the Hirakud FRP (Flat Rolled Products) Plant in Odisha, India. This is Hindalco’s second ASI- certified facility after its Mouda aluminium foil plant, which achieved Performance Standard Certification in February 2022. Consult the media release.
Hindalco Industries Ltd has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification for the manufacture and dispatch of Alumina Hydrate, Calcined Alumina, Special Alumina Hydrate and special Calcined Alumina from the Belagavi Works facility, India. It is the third Hindalco facility and first alumina refinery in India to achieve ASI Certification. Consult the media release.
Guinea Alumina Corporation SA (GAC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC (EGA), has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification for its bauxite mining operation, including rail and port operations, as well as a biodiversity offset site, all located in Guinea. It is the first ASI Certification issued to an Entity in Guinea, which is the world’s largest resource holder of bauxite and the second largest global producer. Consult the media release.
In February, ASI welcomed four Production & Transformation members and one Downstream Supporter member bringing the total number of ASI members to 287.
Read more about our new members below, and for more information about ASI membership, please visit the Join ASI page on our website!
Qinghai Baihe Aluminium Industry Co., Ltd.
Qinghai Baihe Aluminium Industry Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Qinghai Investment Group Co., LTD. which was established in 1997. It is located in Ganhe Industrial Park, Huangzhong District, Xining Economic and Technological Development Zone.... Read more.
"Qinghai Baihe Aluminium Industry Co., Ltd. is committed to building the sustainable development of the green low carbon electrolytic aluminium production enterprises. The company adheres to the principles of honesty, innovation and service to customers. We will follow the ASI Standards and give full play to the modern corporate social responsibility, leading the performance of the international aluminium green standards and actively improve and protect the ecological environment."
Shandong Yuhang special alloy equipment Co., Ltd., founded in August 2011, is located in Handian Town, Zouping city. It covers a total area of 268800 m2, has a registered capital of RMB 571 million and fixed assets... Read more.
“We hope to expand the global market and meet the high standards of the global aluminium industry. After becoming a member of ASI, Shandong Yuhang can accelerate the pace of achieving carbon neutrality and implementing sustainable development, promote responsible production of the aluminium industry chain, and establish close cooperation with other international partners."
Nothing is a London-based tech company with the mission to remove the barrier between people and technology. We are dedicated to being the change in the industry, creating products with... Read more.
“Joining the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative is a critical step towards responsible aluminium sourcing and improving the sustainability performance of our products."
– Tong Wu, Head of Sustainability
Find more information on Nothing on their ASI Member page in the Downstream Supporter Class.
MinTa Aluminum Technology
MinTa Aluminum was established in 1961 in Tainan, Taiwan, and has since been continually dedicating efforts in metal processing for over half a century. Today, MinTa has the capability to provide.... Read more.
“MinTa Aluminum is committed to meeting the high standards of the global aluminium industry. After becoming a member of ASI, MinTa Aluminum will accelerate carbon reduction, implement sustainable development and promote responsible production, including circular economy of recycled aluminium, to promote the sustainable development of the global aluminium industry."
– Shou Cheng Cheng, General Manager
Find more information on MinTa Aluminum Technology on their ASI Member page in the Production & Transformation Class.
Hindalco Industries Limited-Kuppam Works
Hindalco Industries Limited Kuppam Works is a one stop manufacturing solution for extrusion profiles with an integrated facility of extrusion presses, anodising powder coating and fabrication.... Read more.
“ASI Certification will strengthen the sustainability initiative of Hindalco Industries Kuppam Unit and help to strengthen ESG capabilities."
– Mr Rajiv Upadhyay, Joint President Unit Head Kuppam Works
lmpol – TLM as a member of Impol Group, is a flexible, innovative and development-oriented company engaged in reprocessing aluminium in state-of-the-art semi-finished goods that constitute the wide range of our products and successfully meet the needs of various industries..... Read more.
“By joining the ASI, we want to contribute to sustainability in the global aluminium market."
– Bojan Kropf, CEO of Impol – TLM d.o.o.
Find more information on Impol – TLM d.o.o. on their ASI Member page in the Production and Transformation Class.
Istanbul Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters
Istanbul Ferrous And Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters’ Association (İDDMİB) was founded in 1986 under the General Secretariat of the Istanbul Mineral and Metals Exporters Association (İMMİB).
Istanbul Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters’ Association (İDDMİB) is a professional non-profit association... Read more.
“Being a part of ASI is seen as a good opportunity to enable the Turkish Exporters move forward with the aim of reaching sector goals. The collaborations within the aluminium industry will allow focus on the sector. Membership enables both parts to be promoted. We would like to be a part of the value chain through collaboration with ASI."
– Çetin Tecdelioğlu, Chairman of Board, Istanbul Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters Association
ASI Secretariat members regularly participate at events with virtual or in-person presentations. Additional details on dates, times, content and how to join the sessions will be published on our events page when they become available.
CO2 emissions from assets certified under the ASI Performance Standard
ASI Witness Assessments form part of the ASI Oversight Mechanism and enable the direct in-person observation of auditor(s) undertaking certification, surveillance and re-certification audits across the ASI Membership’s certified Entities against the ASI Performance Standard.
The ASI Certification Process is underpinned by an independent third-party Audit conducted by ASI Accredited Audit Firms - this applies for both the ASI Performance Standard and ASI Chain of Custody Standard.
Dr. Fiona Solomon, CEO of ASI, recently spoke with the creators and hosts of The Specification podcast which focuses on the building and construction industry, with an emphasis on materials. The podcast has interviewed many professionals in the industry, including material producers, suppliers, and standards organisations in its short 32-episode history.
The ASI Registered Specialist program is a crucial element in ensuring the implementation and monitoring of ASI standards. The program comprises individuals with specific skills and experience that are relevant to ASI's objectives. They can be commissioned by either ASI members or auditors to provide technical expertise and local knowledge in planning, executing, and following up on audits. 
Hindalco
Industries Ltd has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) and Chain of Custody V1 (2017) Certification for its rolling operations at the Hirakud FRP (Flat Rolled Products) Plant in Odisha, India. This is Hindalco’s second ASI- certified facility after its Mouda aluminium foil plant, which achieved Performance Standard Certification in February 2022. 
Qinghai Baihe Aluminium Industry Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Qinghai Investment Group Co., LTD. which was established in 1997. It is located in Ganhe Industrial Park, Huangzhong District, Xining Economic and Technological Development Zone.... 
Shandong Yuhang special alloy equipment Co., Ltd., founded in August 2011, is located in Handian Town, Zouping city. It covers a total area of 268800 m2, has a registered capital of RMB 571 million and fixed assets... 
Nothing is a London-based tech company with the mission to remove the barrier between people and technology. We are dedicated to being the change in the industry, creating products with... 
Hindalco Industries Limited Kuppam Works is a one stop manufacturing solution for extrusion profiles with an integrated facility of extrusion presses, anodising powder coating and fabrication.... 
lmpol – TLM as a member of Impol Group, is a flexible, innovative and development-oriented company engaged in reprocessing aluminium in state-of-the-art semi-finished goods that constitute the wide range of our products and successfully meet the needs of various industries..... 
Istanbul Ferrous And Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters’ Association (İDDMİB) was founded in 1986 under the General Secretariat of the Istanbul Mineral and Metals Exporters Association (İMMİB).
