Generic LCI data - aluminium - Europe

The new report presents robust European LCI datasets for the production of primary and recycled aluminium ingots and for the transformation of aluminium ingots into semi-finished products, i.e. sheet, foil and extruded products. This environmental report also includes the critical review report and the calculation of environmental indicators for a pre-set of impact categories.

The environmental data have been collected through an extensive environmental survey, organised among the European aluminium industry, focussing on the year 2005 and covering EU27 countries as well as EFTA countries (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland). From this survey, European average values, i.e. foreground data, have been calculated for the direct inputs and outputs of the various aluminium processes. Using the GaBi software, the foreground data have been combined within LCI models integrating background LCI data on energy supply systems, ancillary processes and materials. Whenever possible, the updated European averages and the new LCI data are compared with previous results developed from two past European surveys covering respectively the years 2002 and 1998. For the aluminium processes related to primary production, European averages are also benchmarked against global averages calculated from two worldwide surveys covering the years 2000 and 2005.

For the primary aluminium production (smelters), a specific model for the electricity production has been developed. The methodology for the data consolidation and for the development of the various models is explained as well as the main differences between the new and previous LCI models. Professor Walter Klöpffer, as an independent expert, has critically reviewed the entire LCI project including data collection, model development, calculation of LCI data and associated environmental indicators. This critical review confirms that the LCI datasets were developed in accordance with ISO 14040 and 14044 standards.

The full LCI datasets are available as excel documents on request at lci@eaa.be

We invite you to update accordingly your LCI data related to aluminium production and transformation in Europe.

If you have any questions about such environmental report or data, please feel free to contact: Christian Leroy Manager Education, Technology & LCA

European Aluminium Association AISBL
Avenue de Broqueville, 12
B - 1150 Brussels - Belgium
Phone: +32 2 775 63 57
Mobile: +32 478 45 90 16
Fax: +32 2 779 05 31
Email: leroy@eaa.be
Website: www.aluminium.org
aluMATTER website: www.alumatter.info (Helsinki Award 2006, Berlin Bronze Prize 2007) 
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The EAA Environment & LCA workshop is coming on 10-11 June 2008 in Brussels.
The Aluminium fair 2008 is coming on 23-26 Sept in Essen (www.aluminium-messe.com/en-gb/index.cfm ).