At the USA Pavilion (USAP) of the Shanghai 2010 Expo, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced an Alcoa Foundation-sponsored initiative to off-set the Pavilion's carbon footprint.

Alcoa Foundation is contributing to the Shanghai Expo 2010 theme of a "Better City, Better Life" by partnering with USAP on its environmental sustainability strategy to be carbon-neutral throughout the event. The foundation's US carbon neutral commitment was announced by Secretary Clinton during a dinner held in Shanghai on May 22 to thank corporate and state sponsors of USAP.

"This USA Pavilion embodies qualities that make America a vibrant and prosperous nation: innovation, sustainability, diversity, and the free exchange of ideas. It is a model of environmental responsibility that I am proud to announce will be carbon neutral for the duration of the Expo," Secretary of State Clinton said. Carbon Footprint Study

As part of its commitment to the sustainability initiative, Alcoa Foundation will fund an independent, thorough, verifiable carbon footprint study to be conducted by ICF International, a leading U.S. climate change, energy, and environment consultancy.

The footprint will cover the GHG emissions for the six-month duration of the Expo, with interim results to be reported at the close of the Expo, and a final report with the operational carbon footprint and offset strategy to be provided after its conclusion.

At a minimum, the carbon footprint will quantify all direct GHG emissions ("scope 1" emissions) and emissions from the generation of purchased electricity ("scope 2" emissions) associated with the six-month operation of the Pavilion.

The carbon footprint will then be offset through carbon credit purchases that meet the highest international standards, and may include other clean energy and GHG reduction activities that will take place in Chinese communities and demonstrate the USAP's "Sustainability" theme.

Jinya Chen, President, Alcoa Asia and Pacific Region, said, "At Alcoa, we believe our sustainability endeavors make us a better company, which in turn, makes us a company of choice for governments and communities. The USA Pavilion's sustainability approach, with the support of the Alcoa Foundation, will result in positive environmental and community-building benefits for China."

Funding of the carbon footprint study is one prong to Alcoa Foundation's sustainability focus during the Shanghai Expo. Plans are underway for a clean energy financing initiative with the World Resource Institute, and Alcoa recently launched environmental awareness and aluminum recycling programs for teachers and students throughout China. These are two of many community engagement activities Alcoa China has recently undertaken.

The 600,000 square feet (6,000 square meter) USA Pavilion, one of the Expo's largest exhibits, showcases the best of American business, culture, and values. Well in excess of 600,000 people have visited it since the Shanghai Expo 2010 opened on May 1. The USA Pavilion is expected to receive more than six million visitors throughout the Expo which runs until October 2010.

An estimated 70 million visitors from around the globe are expected to visit the world exposition. The theme "Better City, Better Life" represents the common wish of mankind for better living in future urban environments.