Velux and Norway's Norsk Hydro set 2030 target to reduce amount of CO2 emitted per kilo of aluminum; roof window manufacturer aims to halve its value chain emissions by 2030, and more than 94% of Velux's carbon footprint stems from raw materials it uses

OSLO, Norway , September 29, 2022 (press release) –

Hydro and the VELUX Group have agreed to a joint target to reduce the amount of CO2 emitted per kilo of aluminium, contributing to the VELUX Group goal to halve its value chain emissions by 2030.

Photo: VELUX Group

The partnership agreement target is for VELUX to reach a level below 2.0 kg carbon emitted per kilogram of aluminium by 2030. This target includes the entire aluminium value chain and is based on the average of all the extruded aluminium components that Hydro delivers to VELUX.

Already by the end of 2022, VELUX says the partnership is expected to result in a 15,000-20,000 tonne carbon abatement for the roof window manufacturer, where more than 94 percent of its carbon footprint stems from materials used in its products.

“With buildings accounting for almost 40 percent of CO2 emissions, it is crucial the materials that go into them become more sustainable. With this move to include low-carbon aluminium in our products, we are taking a step closer to achieving the VELUX Group’s most challenging sustainability target – to reduce our scope 3 emissions by 50 percent by 2030,” says Tina Mayn, Executive Vice President responsible for Products & Innovation for VELUX Group.

By using the low-carbon products Hydro REDUXA and Hydro CIRCAL, carbon emissions per kilo of aluminium used in the manufacturing of VELUX roof windows, flat-roof windows and accessories (shutters and blinds) will be reduced.

“Hydro REDUXA and Hydro CIRCAL are designed to help our customers reach their sustainability goals. Consumers and end users of crucial building components like windows will become even more climate-conscious in the future. In that way, Hydro and VELUX are taking responsibility throughout the entire value chain. We are pleased about the deepened collaboration and looking forward to future progress,” says Paul Warton, Executive Vice President responsible for the Hydro Extrusions business area.

Hydro REDUXA is made using renewable energy sources from water, wind, and solar, as well as hyper-efficient electrolysis technology. Hydro CIRCAL is made with a guaranteed minimum of 75 percent recycled, post-consumer aluminium scrap. Hydro REDUXA and Hydro CIRCAL emit 4.0 kg and 2.3 kg CO2 per kilo of aluminium, respectively.

VELUX Group and Hydro have agreed to work further together to optimize carbon emission reductions in aluminium. As part of this work, Hydro will apply technologies defined in its technology roadmap to zero-emission aluminium production.

“By 2030, we expect to be able to deliver Hydro REDUXA with a footprint below 2 kg CO2e per kg of aluminium produced, including the entire value chain of aluminium. We are also looking to reduce the product footprint to zero for Hydro CIRCAL by replacing natural gas with renewable energy in the form of electricity, biogas or green hydrogen for the casthouse furnaces,” says Hydro’s Stig Tjøtta, who is Head of Technology for Hydro Aluminium Metal Commercial.

About Hydro

Hydro is a leading aluminium and energy company that builds businesses and partnerships for a more sustainable future. We develop industries that matter to people and society. Since 1905, Hydro has turned natural resources into valuable products for people and businesses, creating a safe and secure workplace for our 31,000 employees in more than 140 locations and 40 countries. Today, we own and operate various businesses and have investments with a base in sustainable industries. Hydro is present in a broad range of market segments for aluminium and metal recycling, and energy and renewables. We offer a unique wealth of knowledge and competence. Hydro is committed to leading the way towards a more sustainable future, creating more viable societies by developing natural resources into products and solutions in innovative and efficient ways. 

About the VELUX Group

For more than 80 years, the VELUX Group has created better living environments for people around the world – making the most of daylight and fresh air through the roof. Its product program includes roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. These products help to ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate, for work and learning, for play and pleasure. A global company, VELUX Group has sales and manufacturing operations in more than 40 countries and around 12,500 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company wholly owned by non-profit, charitable foundations (THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS) and family. In 2021, VKR Holding had revenue of EUR 3.5 billion and THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS donated EUR 244 million in charitable grants. For more information about VELUX Group, visit www.velux.com.

Published: September 29, 2022

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