Light Weight Alcoa Wheels Improve Efficiency of Yale University’s Campus Transit Vehicles
NEW YORK & NEW HAVEN, Conn.--In support of Yale University’s campus-wide sustainability initiative, Alcoa has donated 130 of its lightweight, environmentally-friendly Dura-Bright® aluminum wheels for use on campus transit vehicles. Yale will study and report to Alcoa on the environmental effects of the wheels as part of its commitment to using its campus as a living laboratory for sustainability research.
“Aluminum is the most sustainable material for transportation”
The conversion of Yale’s shuttle buses and vans from current steel wheels to Alcoa aluminum Dura-Bright wheels is expected to save the fleet of 30 vehicles nearly 1,000 gallons of fuel and reduce CO2 output by 10 metric tons per year. In addition, the no-polish, easy-rinse Dura-Bright wheels will help Yale save on fleet maintenance costs.
Installation of the new wheels began this summer and will continue over the course of the next 18 months. Alcoa Foundation has also donated funds to cover environmentally sensitive disposal of the existing steel wheels.
“Aluminum is the most sustainable material for transportation,�?? said Alcoa Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Klaus Kleinfeld. “No other material offers the combination of high strength, low weight, and recyclability that aluminum provides. Alcoa is proud to be working closely with Yale to maximize the university’s sustainability initiatives.�??
Building on a long history of research and engagement with environmental issues, Yale established a dedicated Office of Sustainability in 2005. Soon after, University President Richard Levin committed to reducing Yale’s greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent below 2005 levels by the year 2020. In addition to improving the campus transit fleet, strategies include a combination of increasing the efficiency of on-campus energy production and distribution, energy conservation, on-site renewable energy resources, and sustainable standards for new construction and large renovations.
Alcoa approaches its commitment to corporate sustainability through three lenses – products, resources and operations. In addition to developing products that improve fuel efficiency, the company is committed to growing its businesses in a sustainable way by focusing on product development and innovation that capitalizes on the inherent and coveted qualities of aluminum including its infinite recyclability. Aluminum in use in the world’s transportation fleet today is saving 300 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually through reduced fuel consumption. Alcoa has been recognized for its leadership in sustainability by being named to the Dow Jones Sustainability index for nine consecutive years and as one of the most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
To learn more about Alcoa, its sustainability commitment, and aluminum forged wheels, visit www.alcoa.com
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the past 120 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for eight consecutive years and approximately 75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31 countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com
About Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products
Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, serves the commercial vehicle, automotive, and defense markets with products used in a range of applications including forged aluminum wheels, aluminum space frames, specialized vacuum die cast products, niche products such as Dura-Bright® and Dura-Flange® wheels and M-Series™ medium truck wheels, as well as a variety of other aluminum components for these markets. AWTP is composed of three divisions: Transportation Products, Commercial Vehicle Wheels, and Automotive Wheels. It employs 2,800 people at 30 locations worldwide.
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