2.07.2007 - 10:55am ET

(CSRwire) NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that it ranked #3 on a new international listing of the world’s top 50 low-carbon pioneers published by CNBC European Business, amonthly business publication affiliated with CNBC Europe. Companies were ranked on how they have connected climate change to their company’s operations.

Alcoa was the only metals company on the list and the top ranked of the three major U.S. corporations on the list (DuPont #11, 3M #22). Selection was based on multiple peer reviews, interviews and extensive research conducted by Thomson Financial and Innovest Strategic Value Advisers. The final list was compiled on the basis of the degree to which the company “had taken a courageous or ground-breaking stance on climate change during the past decade.”

In selecting Alcoa, the publication said: “Any energy savings pass to the bottom line where aluminum production is concerned. But Alcoa has gone above and beyond: its initial goal was to achieve a 25% reduction in worldwide direct greenhouse gas emissions by 2010 from a base year of 1990, but it achieved this goal in 2003.”

“We know we must address climate change,” said Alcoa Chairman and CEO Alain Belda. “Though the challenge is significant, I believe we can all grow and prosper in a greenhouse gas constrained world. Actually, I believe there is no other option.”

A founding member of the US Climate Action Partnership, Alcoa is also a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for 2006/07 and was named one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World by Innovest Strategic Investors and Corporate Knights, Inc. at this year’s Davos World Economic Forum.

Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 123,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com