Rolled Aluminum Mill Factory Arconic, released their newest sustainability promise report
By: Kylie Myer
Lancaster County Graded on Air Quality
Lancaster County was once known for having a not-so-great reputation when it came to air pollution in the past years, but as of 2020 according to the American Lung Association it has heavily improved its results. Lancaster’s air quality once was considered among the worst in the nation receiving a “D” grade which is measured under the current standard that was set in the 2011 “Sate of the Air” report. Lancaster has since improved their rankings from 28th worst in the country to 40th worst in the country. To help improve the air quality it requires many changes that need to be made from people’s everyday use like driving cars to massive companies’ like Arconic’s air pollution.
Arconic’s main building entrance sign Photo by: Kylie Myer
About Arconic
Arconic is a rolled aluminum mill here in Lancaster Pennsylvania, that provides goods in different locations around the world. They source products globally to 8,100 + suppliers and have a 11,300 global workforce. They also have over 20 International Organization Standardization (ISO) certifications. These certifications mean that the company meets internationally recognized standards for quality and consistency, meaning that Arconic makes it a top priority to follow and meet these standards every year.
Arconic’s company timeline of major events graphic by: Kylie Myer
The Importance of Rolled Aluminum
Rolled aluminum is a versatile material produced by flattening aluminum into thin sheets or coils through a rolling process. Its importance lies in its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable properties. This makes it essential across a wide range of industries such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing. With that being said, the demand for rolled aluminum is at its peak, which also means that it is in production 24/7 which is another reason why the companies promise for clean air is so important.
Arconic Rolled Aluminum Mill Releases Sustainability Report
Arconic released their sustainability report with the help from Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Metals and Mining Standard, and the Global Reporting Initiative Standards (GRI). This report covers information about Arconic and their new sustainability promise, along with their 2030 sustainability goals. CEO Chris Ayers takes pride in Arconic’s values and strives to keep the company’s commitment and promises upheld. Arconic is determined to help create a sustainable future while they continue onward with their journey of innovation and excellence.
Some highlights of Arconic’s environmental growth are 8.7% decrease in absolute greenhouse gas emission, 6.0% decrease in GHG intensity, 1.5% decrease in energy consumption, and a 2.6% decrease in total water withdrawal. Arconic has also invested over $7 million to help advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and has 17.6% female employees and 26.2% employees of a diverse or ethnic background.
Arconic focuses heavily on engineering differentiated products and advancing their manufacturing processes frequently. $33 million in research and development helped Arconic grow their sustainability contributes by engineering recyclable materials, improving flow-path efficiencies, and partnering for low-carbon fabrications technologies.
One of Arconic’s steam stacks in operation in Lancaster Photo by: Kylie Myer
Innovative Efficiencies
According to the Aluminum Association, almost 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today, which reflects its nearly infinite recyclability. Aluminum is very popular for consumer brands which is why Arconic has made the promise to continue to create new and more efficient equipment that can help maintain this promise.
Arconic has a unit called Building and Construction systems (BCS) that is known for being associated with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) buildings that are found all around the world. These buildings are highly efficient and are growing more popular because of their success rates for being both innovative and sustainable for the earth. More and more people and major corporations are choosing to build LEED buildings due to their excellent sustainability.
Arconic also has their hand in ground transportations as well, due to 90% of a vehicle’s aluminum parts are recycled. Arconic is a partner of General Motors (GM) and is proud to be part of the production of their new BrightDrop EV600 Electric Van that was designed to be a new and innovated delivery truck. Arconic along with many other major companies now use these trucks for their deliveries which is helping the toxic gas emissions around the world.
One of Arconic’s transportation trucks Photo by: Kylie Myer
Arconic Sets 2030 Goals
Arconic expresses that their purpose is to help create sustainable solutions for a better world as they set their goals for 2030 which include to seek a 30% reduction in GHG emissions intensity and have a 10% reduction in energy intensity. Overall Arconic has proven that they care for the earth and are willing to adapt to new and more efficient ways of production whenever and wherever they can. As of now, Arconic has 10 total locations in 4 different countries including the United States, United Kingdom, China, and Hungary. All of these locations are set to be as sustainable as possible by 2030.
Arconic’s Operating Locations in United States, United Kingdom, China, and Hungary Graphic by: Kylie Myer
Reasons for Air Pollution
Some may think that one of the only reasons for air pollution is due to big manufacturing plants releasing their waste into the air, but the reality is that there is no simple answer for who is the main cause of having poor quality air. The truth is, there are many reasons for bad air, especially around the Lancaster area. Some of the pollutions are no fault of our own due to bad air drifting eastward into Lancaster from metropolitan power plants, but due to our own homes and the agriculture that takes place here, we could be considered to blame just as much as some cities. Lancaster County alone has around 209 pounds of precursors of ozone and soot generated for each country resident due to things like burning stoves, vehicle emissions, and growing of flowers, fruits, and crops which are all very popular here in Lancaster.
Health Concerns for Manufacturing Plant Workers
Hundreds of thousands of Americans suffer each year from asthma attacks, cardiac problems, and respiratory problems that are associated with fine particles coming from these massive manufacturing plants. The average number of life-years lost by individuals dying prematurely from the exposers of these particles is around 14 years and this pollution is responsible for 38,200 non-fatal heart attacks per year. The majority of these deaths and illness could be avoided if plants were mandated to cap their sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pollution at levels that are consistent with the recommendations from “Clear Skies” proposals. Fortunately, more plants in the area have made the changes that are necessary for helping produce cleaner air just like Arconic.
Lancaster County Needs to Improve Air Quality
Kevin Stewart, Director of Environmental Health for the American Lung Association stated that “climate change is making air pollution more likely to form and more difficult to clean up so there are actions we can and must take to improve air quality in Pennsylvania”. He explained that we should be adopting more zero-emission standards for passenger’s vehicles and heavy-duty trucks that are being used for transportation of materials. It is said that there has been an incredible improvement in the nation’s air quality lately, but there still is millions of people that live in places that have air that is considered poor and unfortunately Lancaster County is one of those places.
Arconic Executive Vice President Appointed to the Key Administration Post
Diana Perreiah, Executive Vice President of Arconic who spent more than 30 years at the company was appointed to the Key Administration Post under Barack Obama in 2016. Obama stated “I am confident that these experienced and hardworking individuals will help us tackle the important challenges facing America, and I am grateful for their service. I look forward to working with them.” Perreiah was appointed as member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council due to her extensive leadership positions in the company over the years. She is also known for having a role in the sustainability promises that Arconic has upheld.
Resources
Association, A. L. (n.d.). Press releases: American Lung Association. Press Releases | American Lung Association | American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/state-of-the-air-lancaster
Association, A. L. (n.d.). Press releases: American Lung Association. Press Releases | American Lung Association | American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/lancaster-2024-sota#:~:text=Despite%20improving%20for%20all%20three,Air”%20report%2C%20released%20today.
Decisions, S. E. (n.d.). Arconic sets 2030 goals. Smart Energy Decisions. https://www.smartenergydecisions.com/energy-management/2023/06/01/arconic-sets-2030-goals
Dirty air, dirty power: Mortality and health damage due to air pollution from power plants. Clean Air Task Force. (n.d.). https://www.catf.us/resource/dirty-air-dirty-power-mortality-and-health-damage-due-to-air-pollution-from-power-plants/
Environmental – arconic – arconic portal. Arconic. (n.d.-a). https://www.arconic.com/environmentalSustainability Report – Arconic – Arconic Portal. Arconic. (n.d.-b). https://www.arconic.com/sustainability-report
National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). President Obama Announces more key administration posts. National Archives and Records Administration. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/05/20/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts