Vale sets global emissions reduction target

When publishing its fifth Sustainability Report, Vale announces that it plans to cut its forecast 2020 greenhouse gas emissions by 5%

Vale has established a voluntary target of reducing its forecast 2020 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 5%. To do so, the company will use a similar methodology to the sector plans developed in Brazil, which are aligned with the National Climate Change Policy. Vale already made public commitments by signing an Open Letter on Climate Change, released in 2009, which stimulated discussion about the topic among large Brazilian companies. Vale's GHG emissions reduction target was published in its 2011 Sustainability Report, which was launched on Thursday, June 28. The calculation is based on Vale's strategic plan, which considers a total forecast emissions volume of scope 1 (direct emissions) of 33 million metric tons of carbon equivalent (CO2e) in 2020. Given its new target, Vale plans to reduce these emissions by 1.7 million CO2e. The forecast is based on average emissions in 2008, 2010 and 2011. The year 2009 was not considered as it experienced an emissions coefficient that does not reflect the current trend, as production declined that year due to the global economic crisis. The methodology used to calculate the target takes into consideration the circumstances of growing countries and companies, and presupposes the need for reviews.

Vale is investing in renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and technological innovation. In 2011, Vale was the top mining company in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) ranking, guaranteeing for the second year running, CDP's transparency index, the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI). "Through its emissions reduction target, Vale reaffirms its leadership role in the field. This is the result of Vale's determination to tackle the challenge of climate change through structured efforts in our Carbon Program," said Giane Zimmer, Vale's Director of Sustainability.