Environment

In 2023, Total Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions totalled 12.7 million metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (mtCO2e) – equating to 7.84 mtCO2e per mtNFP. Over the last three years, GHG emissions intensity ratio has decreased by 1.01%, with a slight increase between 2022 and 2023.

As a global leader in aluminium, Alba's decarbonisation efforts are pivotal to Bahrain's net zero and renewable energy targets, aligning with the national strategy to reduce GHG emissions by 30% by 2035 and achieve net zero by 2060. Adhering to IPCC and IAI standards, Alba measures and monitors Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions using robust mechanisms, including an online dashboard for real-time data tracking. Emissions are calculated monthly and verified by ASI auditors, ESG Report auditors, and independent consultants. Alba also obtained independent verification of its GHG emissions and partnered with a solution provider to enhance CDP disclosures, ensuring transparency and contributing to global climate action.

In 2023, Alba's operations primarily consumed natural gas for electrical power generation, with some exported to Bahrain’s national grid, alongside diesel and gasoline for its vehicle fleet. Total energy consumption was approximately 181 million gigajoules (GJ), marking a 2% increase from the previous year. This total includes energy generated and consumed within operations, natural gas for heating, and energy from diesel and gasoline.

Nearly 99% of the water consumed by Alba's smelter comes from desalinated seawater, with some also exported to the national water grid. Committed to sustainable water use, Alba aims to eliminate groundwater usage and ensure clean wastewater effluent. Water is sourced from the Calciner and Marine plant, managed under the ISO 14001-certified Environmental Management System (EMS) and SHE Policy, with oversight by the Power Station department. Regular audits ensure quality standards are met. The ESG department consolidates water data, which is submitted quarterly to the Supreme Council for Environment and disclosed to CDP. In 2023, total water withdrawal was 109,551 megaliters, an 8.9% decrease from 2022 and a 21.1% decrease since 2021, with 98.5% from desalinated seawater. Freshwater use reduced by 0.6%, while production at the Calciner and Marine plant increased by 6.5%, maintaining a stable water recycling rate of 6%.

Alba's smelter uses brackish water recycling to minimize environmental impact, supported by advanced reverse osmosis and sewage treatment plants. Effluent from power plants is treated and safely discharged to an artificial oasis and, if necessary, to the sea. Water quality is monitored daily and tested monthly, with results reported quarterly to the Supreme Council for Environment. Since 2020, there have been no significant environmental spills, and any incidents are promptly investigated to ensure safety and compliance.

Alba is committed to minimizing waste through reduction, reuse, and recycling, while managing unavoidable and hazardous waste responsibly. Our Waste Management Strategic Plan and SHE Policy covers all waste from the smelter and associated units. In 2023, we enhanced our waste management system for better traceability and introduced a KPI for landfill diversion, maintaining an 82% diversion rate. We used 3.1 million tons of materials, a 1.5% increase from 2022, and generated 138,105mt of waste. Our upcycling initiatives generated over BHD 3.5 million in revenue and reduced raw material needs. Additionally, we commissioned a food waste composter for our canteens, capable of processing 125kg daily into compost.