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.