Introduction

Management Systems

Throughout Alcan Inc., employees strive to maximize value, while integrating the principles of sustainability into all business decisions. Although “value” is perhaps most obviously thought of in economic terms, Alcan takes a broader view, including environmental stewardship and regard for the well-being of operating communities and other stakeholders in its definition of value creation.

The Alcan Integrated Management System (AIMS), first introduced in 2003, is the overarching framework for value maximization. It provides consistent, high-level practices, standards, and tools. AIMS consists of three components: ¹

EHS FIRST – a management system that requires and supports the development of programs and procedures through which environmental, health and safety risks are systematically reduced; mandatory directives establish minimum standards.

Value-Based Management – a methodology used to develop business strategy and to conduct disciplined assessments of alternatives in the context of capital investments and other key decisions.

Continuous Improvement – a set of standardized tools and expertise through which waste reduction, greater process efficiency, and improved outcomes against customer criteria are achieved.

At APM-BC, the implementation of AIMS and its constituent elements aligns well with often long-standing initiatives and management approaches designed to improve performance across numerous EHS, economic, and social measures.

Management at APM-BC is responsible for adherence to the standards and performance expectations inherent in AIMS and in other sustainability-related commitments. Such commitments are increasingly formalized through Alcan Inc.’s endorsement of external guidelines, such as the United Nations Global Compact.

APM-BC’s sustainability efforts are further advanced through its own active engagement in broadly based initiatives – such as the work of Canadian Business for Social Responsibility, and the “30 Days of Sustainability” outreach program it co-founded in Vancouver – and through its contributions to major corporate initiatives – such as Alcan’s partnership with the Sustainable Cities PLUS Network, whose aim is to encourage the sharing of sustainability best practices among urban planners around the world.

¹ A fourth component, consisting of a formal talent management system, has more recently been added to AIMS. It is leading to an enhanced focus on hiring, motivation, and retention at APM-BC and will be addressed in the 2006 Performance Report.