CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - April 29, 2015) - TransAlta Corporation (TSX:TA)(NYSE:TAC) released its 21 st annual Report on Sustainability today.
This year's report underscores TransAlta's commitment to reduce emissions from coal-fired facilities, which is part of the company's 15-year transition from coal. TransAlta's target, set in 2013, was to decrease coal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 20 per cent from 2005 levels by 2021, and 55 per cent by 2030. To the end of 2014, TransAlta has reduced its coal-related GHG emissions 12 per cent from 2005 levels.
The Report on Sustainability provides TransAlta with an annual opportunity to rigorously assess its performance across the three pillars of sustainability - economic, environmental and social.
"Our company will continue to play a key role in the larger transition of Alberta's electricity sector from coal-fired generation to less carbon intensive electricity production, and we have many strategic options available to us as we work to continue to meet federal and provincial environmental regulations," said Dawn Farrell, president and CEO of TransAlta. "Some of these options include investing in life-extensions at our coal plants, such as through carbon capture and storage projects, conversion from coal to gas, or investing in additional renewable generation in the province."
The report also highlights TransAlta's commitment to safety, as the company in 2014 achieved the lowest injury frequency rate in its history. This reflects an exceptional effort from employees and contractors who fulfilled their on-the-job responsibilities in a safe, carefully planned and thoughtful manner.
"Safety is a core value at TransAlta. We take great pride in our ability to keep the people on our sites safe, and our employees and contractors continue to deliver best-in-class safety results," said Farrell.
Report Highlights:
Safety - In 2014, TransAlta achieved the lowest injury frequency rate in our company's history. This puts TransAlta among the top safety performers in the utility industry.
Emission reduction commitments - TransAlta is on track to meet its target set in 2013 to reduce coal GHG emissions 20 per cent from 2005 levels by 2021 and 55 per cent by 2030 with a new target to reduce NOx and SO 2 emissions by 95 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030.
Clean energy growth in Western Australia - Announced the development of the South Hedland combined cycle gas plant in Northwestern Australia and completed the Fortescue natural gas pipeline, connecting a remote region of the Pilbara to a reliable and affordable fuel alternative to diesel.
Commitment to Aboriginal Relations recognized - TransAlta was awarded Silver Level Progressive Aboriginal Relations from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business becoming one of only 10 companies in Canada to achieve this.
Supporting local communities - TransAlta raised nearly $2 million dollars that was donated to its local communities via the annual United Way campaign. Our employees and dedicated retiree group also combined to volunteer 27,000 plus hours to community initiatives.
Economic development - In partnership with Calgary-based Light Up The World, a group of TransAlta employees ventured into a remote region of Peru to help install solar power systems in homes not connected to the grid.
Recycling - TransAlta recycled more than 846,000 tonnes of coal by-product materials.
Low-carbon power generation - TransAlta Renewables Inc., TransAlta Corporation's subsidiary, provides investors with the opportunity to invest directly in a highly contracted portfolio of low-carbon power generation facilities. TransAlta Corporation retains more than 70 per cent control over TransAlta Renewables Inc.
For the past two decades TransAlta has been reporting on its sustainability performance with the purpose of providing clear and comprehensive coverage about its sustainability practices, progress and performance. TransAlta voluntarily has its Report on Sustainability data assured by a third-party.
A copy of the report can be found here: http://www.transalta.com/sustainability/repor...ainability
About TransAlta:
TransAlta is a power generation and wholesale marketing company focused on creating long-term shareholder value. TransAlta maintains a low-to-moderate risk profile by operating a highly contracted portfolio of assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. TransAlta's focus is to efficiently operate wind, hydro, natural gas and coal facilities in order to provide customers with a reliable, low-cost source of power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud contributor to the communities in which it works and lives. TransAlta has been selected by Sustainalytics as one of Canada's Top 50 Socially Responsible Companies since 2009 and is recognized globally for its leadership on sustainability and corporate responsibility standards by FTSE4Good.
This news release may contain forward looking statements, including statements regarding our business, expected length and contracting terms, anticipated financial performance of TransAlta Corporation or its subsidiaries and expected production of our facilities. These statements are based on TransAlta Corporation's belief (including those of its subsidiaries) and assumptions based on information available at the time the assumption was made. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause such differences include changes in the market place in which these assets operate, legislative or regulatory developments, competition, global capital markets activity, changes in prevailing interest rates, currency exchange rates, inflation levels, commodity prices and general economic conditions in the geographic areas where we operate.
