Sustainable Copper

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The Copper Mark – Ensuring Responsible Production

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The Members of the International Copper Association (ICA) are proud to introduce the Copper Mark—a new assurance system for responsible copper production.

Goals of the Program

Designed for and in participation with the copper industry, the Copper Mark aims to demonstrate and improve the industry’s contribution to sustainable development over time by assessing the performance of copper mines and refiners against responsible production criteria and verifying performance through the Copper Mark Assurance Process.

Through the Copper Mark, investors in copper production and copper consumers will be able to make informed decisions about responsibly produced copper in their supply chains, recognize and demonstrate their support for committed suppliers, and make positive contributions to sustainable development.

How the Copper Mark Works

Inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Copper Mark takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability and includes a credible verification of practices at copper production sites, including mines, smelters and refineries. Unlike many existing initiatives that follow a “standard-audit-certification” model, the Copper Mark is based on facilitating a flow of information on site-level, risk-management practices and public reporting on the positive on-the-ground impact.

The Copper Mark is a voluntary program open to all industry members and can be used by verified sites in corporate literature, invoices, contracts, etc., and on copper products to convey a copper producer’s commitment to meet industry sustainability standards in their operating practices. While initially established, funded and staffed by ICA, the program will be overseen by an independent entity governed by a multi-stakeholder body as soon as the first quarter of 2020.

Download the Copper Mark Overview One-Pager

铜标志 (Copper Mark™) – 确保负责任生产

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国际铜业协会 (ICA) 众成员隆重推出铜标志 (Copper Mark™)——负责任铜生产的全新保证体系。

计划目标

铜标志 (Copper Mark) 由铜产业同仁共同打造，专为该产业而设计，旨在按照负责任生产标准评估铜矿和精炼厂的表现，并根据铜标志保证流程 (Copper Mark Assurance Process) 验证其表现，逐渐证明并增加铜产业对可持续发展的贡献。

铜生产领域的投资者和铜消费者可借助铜标志 (Copper Mark)，在其供应链中就负责任生产的铜产品做出明智决策，确定负责任的供应商并对其表示支持，并为可持续发展作出积极贡献。

铜标志 (Copper Mark) 如何运作

受联合国可持续发展目标的启发，铜标志 (Copper Mark) 采用综合的可持续方法，还涵盖了对铜生产现场（包括铜矿、冶炼厂和精炼厂）实践的可靠验证。与许多采用“标准-审计-认证”模式的现有举措不同，铜标志 (Copper Mark) 的基础为促进现场层级信息流、风险管理实践以及对实地积极影响的公开报告。

铜标志 (Copper Mark) 是一项面向所有行业成员的自愿计划，经过认证的单位可将其用于企业刊物、发票、合同及铜产品上，以传达铜生产者在运营实践中对行业可持续标准的承诺。该计划最初虽由 ICA 成员成立、资助和组成，但从 2020 年第一季度开始，将由多个利益相关方管理的独立实体进行监督。

Top 3 Copper Trends to Watch in 2019

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2018 was a great year for clean energy and mobility. To give a few examples: Countries agreed on an implementation plan for the Paris Agreement at COP24. The EU launched initiatives to develop a European supply chain for batteries. The United States was awarded about $35 million for research and innovation that would significantly reduce building energy consumption.[1]

As we look forward to 2019, the copper industry will be watching these top key trends.

1. Rise of electric SUVs

Source: BMW Concept iX3

Until recently, pure electric vehicles have consisted mostly of small cars or hatchback models, but with the introduction of the Tesla Model X, vehicle manufacturers are creating larger family cars with the benefits of EV technology. With manufacturers such as BMW, Audi and Volvo following suit, announcing their plans to release at least four new electric SUVs, 2019 is expected to be the year of the electric SUV.[2]

Additional—and larger—EVs mean a greater demand for copper, as copper usage in EVs is dependent on battery size. Compared to an EV car, electric SUVs require a maximum of 100 kg (220.5 lbs.) per vehicle. With global copper demand expected to reach $172 billion by 2023—EVs are predicted to need an additional 600,000 tonnes of copper.

Government regulatory support and public investment in related technologies is key to EV growth. We have seen this trend in Latin America, where countries like Chile continue to invest in technologies supporting copper and EVs. Significant incentives and mandates by China’s governing National People’s Congress continue to further propel China as the leader in energy-saving and green-vehicle technology. Bloomberg New Energy Finance reported that, in 2017, close to 400,000 electric buses were operating around the world—99 percent of which were in China.[3] Furthermore, the report estimates China adds about 9,500 EV buses every five weeks—the size of London’s entire bus fleet.

With public-private partnerships, government regulatory support and consumer demand, 2019 is the perfect climate for electric SUVs to be produced and sold at record numbers.

2. Global electrification

According to the World Energy Outlook, growing electrification means electricity is expanding to sectors previously confined to fossil fuels, including vehicles and heating and cooling systems.[4] Countries continue to pivot away from conventional energy sources, supported by massive private sector investment into low-carbon energy. 2018 marked the fifth consecutive year clean-energy investment exceeded $300 billion.[5] 2019 is expected to be close to reaching $300 billion for the sixth successive year. However, Bloomberg New Energy Finance predicts that economic and political troubles during 2019 may influence the flow of investment in low-carbon energy, but it will not halt its progress for cities and communities globally.

China remains at the heart of this energy revolution as the world’s largest producer, consumer and investor in renewable energy. The country is upgrading its capacities in renewable energy production and consumption and accounts for 36 percent of all renewable energy growth worldwide.[6] During the first half of 2018, China’s hydro, nuclear, wind, solar and other nonfossil energy systems generated more than 25 percent of its overall power supply. China will remain a leader in electrification in 2019 as its Thirteenth Five-Year Plan prioritizes renewable energy development.

The best part of growing electrification is that the technology already exists. For example, highly efficient heat pumps transfer heat from one space to another, achieving efficiencies of well over 100 percent.[7] A report from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory forecasts that more than 170 million heat pumps will provide space heating and cooling in homes by mid-century.[8] Heading into 2019, utility programs are expected to increase their focus on accelerating the adoption of heat pumps for both water and space heating/cooling.

In 2019, the copper industry will be monitoring proper investment initiatives to finance on-the-ground activities in developing countries of critical importance, as they represent one-billion new electricity consumers by 2030.[9] Since the technology already exists, assisting these countries and their growing middle class will ensure a low-carbon and sustainable solution.

3. Mainstreaming of supply chain sustainability

Sustainable production is becoming more prominent in the minds of consumers. 2019 is shaping up to be the year for accountability. Most major companies listed on CAC 40, FTSE100, Dow Jones and other major exchanges already have comprehensive sustainability reporting systems in place. However, expectations for these companies go beyond annual reports and investment portfolios.

Consumer electronic companies, auto manufacturers and major retailers, among others, are going green through their certified sourcing programs and are working increasingly close to their supply chains to help achieve sustainability goals. Walmart pioneered much of this work over a decade ago, with its successful pledge in 2005 to reduce its fuel footprint by doubling fleet efficiency by 2015, and its 2007 agreement with suppliers such as Proctor & Gamble to start selling smaller and more efficient products. In 2019 we may see a new level of mainstreaming this value-chain thinking.

For the ninth-year running, global mining company, Teck Resources, has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. Teck is putting its approach to sustainable mining into action near Pica, in the Tarapacá region of northern Chile. During Phase 1 of the Quebrada Blanca project (QB1), Teck committed to increasing its renewable energy use to 100 megawatts (MW) by 2030 to reduce its carbon footprint. In Phase 1, Teck partnered with AES Gener S.A., a top Chilean electricity producer, to develop a power plant with a unique design to utilize solar, wind, hydro and biomass and a 21 MW capacity delivering a full 55-gigawatt hours (GWh) per year. As Teck extends this work in to Phase 2 (QB2), the solar plant will be instrumental to helping the company reach its goals and enhance the sustainability of the supply chain.

Conclusion

2019 presents major opportunities for clean energy and the copper industry. Copper has a key role to play in the development and rollout of new technologies leading to a more sustainable economy, such as EVs and global electrification. With outstanding conductivity, copper significantly enhances the efficiency of electrification, making it an indispensable component in developing renewable energy. The copper industry is also at the forefront of the move to more responsible supply chains and recycling. This shift is relevant for all downstream businesses and consumers who are reliant on copper every time they use an iPhone. We are excited for the challenges 2019 brings and for copper to be part of the solution.

[1] Department of Energy Announces $34 Million for Innovation Building Technologies Research and Development. (2018, April 27). Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-34-million-innovation-building-technologies-research-and

[2] Evarts, E. C. (2018, July 03). 2019 is the year of the electric SUV. Retrieved from https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1117536_2019-is-the-year-of-the-electric-suv

[3] Electric Vehicle Outlook 2018 | Bloomberg New Energy Finance. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://about.bnef.com/electric-vehicle-outlook/

[4] World Energy Outlook 2017. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://webstore.iea.org/world-energy-outlook-2017

[5] Clean Energy Investment Exceeded $300 Billion Once Again in 2018. (2019, January 16). Retrieved from https://about.bnef.com/blog/clean-energy-investment-exceeded-300-billion-2018/

[6] PNN.com (2018, July 31). “China Leads the World in Renewable Energy Consumption.” Retrieved from http://www.cpnn.com.cn/xny/201807/t20180731_1082473.html

[7] Heat Pump Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-systems

[8] Gerdes, J. (2018, July 30). ‘Electrification of Everything’ Would Spike US Electricity Use, but Lower Final Energy Consumption. Retrieved from https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/widespread-electrification-could-increase-u-s-electricity-consumption

[9] World Population Prospects – Population Division. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/Publications/Files/WPP2017_KeyFindings.pdf

Building Better: A Guide to Copper in Green and Healthy Buildings

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What material can contribute to green and healthy buildings in 128 different ways?

Copper.

Creating a smart, sustainable world starts with buildings. An impressive and dynamic array of designs, technologies and products are available to support smarter green and healthy buildings. By using copper, the sustainable building community will create structures with features that not only preserve the integrity of the environment but also promote occupant health and wellbeing.

 

Learn How to Get Credit with Copper

From improving air quality to saving water, occupants and owners will benefit from a green and healthy building constructed with copper. With an infinite lifecycle, antimicrobial properties, high electrical conductivity and a dynamic range of uses, copper’s 128 uses in commercial building construction help to achieve one-third of the 420+ credits, features and provisions recognized within LEED version 4, WELL version 1 and ASHRAE 189.1.

The Copper Alliance® released a guide on the essential role copper plays in buildings. This covers everything from electric vehicle charging to solar glare control—with plenty of applications in between.

Learn how to get credit with copper and read the full guide

Three Considerations for the Next Wave of Smart Buildings

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Written by Fleming Voetmann, International Copper Association.

Today, 36 percent of energy use and nearly 40 percent of the carbon emissions in the world come from buildings, according to the UN Global Status Report 2017. To achieve the climate goals agreed in Paris, we must accelerate adoption of smart buildings with energy-efficient technology—and go beyond to aim for smart communities and cities.

Enabling the next wave of smart buildings requires three components:

1: Artificial Intelligence (AI): Buildings will need to reduce energy consumption beyond old and proven technologies like thermostats, refrigerators, light bulbs and insulation.

Imagine, for example, smart buildings that incorporate AI to provide a customized experience for each person—predicting human and environmental behaviors to reduce energy used for lighting, water, heating and cooling. These technologies could be implemented in office buildings, schools, hospitals, airports and private homes. Adjusting water and energy demands based on our behavior will save significant energy costs.

For building users, owners and operators, this leads to far better experiences—on top of huge savings. Additionally, the technology will run in the background, seeking constant improvement without users spending any time or changing their behaviors.

2: Demand Response and Flexibility: Given the world’s future reliance on fluctuating energy sources and distributed energy, demand response is becoming an essential tool in city resource plans. Micro-scale demand response already exists, allowing individuals to change energy consumption when energy is high—thereby incentivizing lower electricity prices. Several areas in the United States and Europe are already experimenting with demand response in an attempt to both ensure the right economic incentives and share kilowatt-hours more efficiently.

In future smart buildings, these technological capabilities will also function as fueling stations for electric vehicles and adjust their charging times based on pricing and grid capacity. The same thinking can be used for pumping water, cooling data centers, food refrigeration and more. Most needs that require electricity can be interchanged at peak energy times, saving consumers money, avoiding brownouts and increasing grid optimization.

3: Smart Buildings Powering Smart Communities: This electrification of heating, cooling and transportation is one key component of smart buildings. Beyond single buildings and single-use items, the opportunities for smart infrastructure are vast. Cities can be broken down into communities—and communities into individual buildings. So, to have smart cities, we must look at communities and find new ways of collaborating, creating large-scale synergies among energy and waste solutions.

This introduces the need for new business models. Utility companies must sell energy as a service and look beyond pushing kilowatt-hours. One industrial company’s industrial heat or wastewater can become the future heat and electricity for entire communities. For example, in Hamburg, Germany, Europe’s largest copper producer, Aurubis, provides carbon-neutral heating for new parts of the city. Using this heat will save 20,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, or 160 million kilowatt-hours annually.

Forward-thinking organizations are already developing solutions. Apple, Facebook and Google plan to sell surplus heat from data centers. The German supermarket chain, Lidl, provides charging stations for EVs in its locations in Ireland. In Denmark, wastewater treatment plants produce electricity from gasification of wastewater and optimize the pumping of fresh water based on when the wind is blowing.

Beyond the opportunities offered by technology, we need to address some fundamental global conditions. Most importantly, population growth will introduce the problem of supplying basic resources like safe food, clean water and sufficient electricity, while also ensuring the overall economic, social and environmental sustainability, to all. Smart cities can provide solutions to these challenges as well as a good quality of life for citizens, though this is possible only with the help of improved building codes and standards and clever regulation, forcing developers to invest in state-of-the-art technologies (lighting, energy efficiency HVAC, etc.). Without these components, countries with rapid population growth will lock-in to old and inefficient technology—which is unsustainable.

As we provide another billion citizens with electricity and facilitate rapid urbanization in a sustainable fashion, Europe and the United States are facing slightly different challenges: A old and inefficient building stock. The existing building stock in Europe and North America needs to be made more efficient by updating automation (saving between 8 and 22 percent of total energy consumption, according to Buildings Performance Institute Europe) and updating appliances, which needs to be done both reactively and proactively. Waiting to retrofit at the point of failure is costly, and the vast expenses negatively affect the ability to incorporate smart technology. The United States and Europe must invest in the accelerated retrofitting of buildings.

The good news, however, is that all the technology we need already exists. We need smart buildings to achieve smart cities and a sustainable future. Realizing this ambition requires smart people and smart regulation, better economic incentives and more innovation in collaboration. The key to unlocking the full potential of smart energy technology is more than just technological advancement: it is about fostering new relationships between innovators, mayors, building operators, fleet owners and citizens.

The copper industry is committed to powering a more sustainable future. Estimates show that by 2035 we will need 43 percent more copper than we use today because of increased updates in renewable energy and energy efficiency, according to Wood Mackenzie. Modern life has been built on copper and powered by copper since Thomas Edison introduced the first electricity grid—and copper is more relevant than ever.

Circular Economy Cube – A Model for EU Sustainability

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European Sustainable Energy Week is the annual flagship event for all things energy efficiency and renewables-related at the European level. During the week many policy professionals gather in Brussels, across member states and online to discuss a wide range of topics. For the first time this year, the concept of the circular economy was prominently integrated into the week’s themes.

In support of an event run by the European Copper Institute’s (ECI) energy program under the “DecarbEurope” banner, ECI developed a large “cube” that was located outside one of the week’s core venues. The cube highlighted copper’s ability to power the sustainable future through its key contributions to energy efficiency, renewables and electric vehicles, as well as the fact that copper is a highly sustainable material with an infinite life that can be recycled over and over without a loss of properties.

As the EU gears up to finalize the legislative process for all elements of its Clean Energy for All Package and to deliver on the remaining parts of the Circular Economy Package, highlighting the positive, circular properties of copper is key.

The “cube” is now in a prominent Brussels park for the summer. After which-in the spirit of circularity-it will be repurposed into sturdy shopping bags.