Telling the 2015 Copper Story in Pictures

First day at the office in the New Year is always special to me. Without wishing to make any fuss over turning forty during the holidays, I kiss my colleagues in the Belgian way - still wondering whether it's one, two or three times -  and we wish each other "Meilleurs Voeux" for 2016.  Then, once at my desk, I wonder what to do first: clean up my inbox or write something witty on LinkedIn. 

Navigating through our copperalliance.eu website and inspired by BBC's World in Picture, I stumble upon many inspiring images of 2015. Below, I present a few selected copper visuals which I enjoyed the most:

January 

A Novel Approach : European Copper In Architecture Awards 2015 

We were proud to receive over 50 entries from 17 countries into our international award recognizing the very best in architecture incorporating copper and copper alloys. The winners, announced later in the year - by Nick Hay and Robert Pinter in a far reaching coordinated effort across Europe  -  was Trollbeads House in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo credit :?Jens Markus Lindhe)

February 

World First: Antimicrobial Copper Thermometer Launched 

In a world first, our colleagues in Greece supported the launch of the antimicrobial copper thermometer with built in touch surfaces that continuously kill disease-causing microbes. 

March 

Pioneering Copper's Contribution to the EU's Circular Economy

In a call for action towards policy makers, ECI was among the first in Brussels to shape a position on the EU circular economy package, preempting the European Commission's official release in December.

April

Visualising Energy, People and Copper 

Nigel Cotton spoke at the “Visualising Energy Event” at the opening of the EU’s 2015 Sustainable Energy Week about the role of copper in accelerating the energy transition by showing projects and people that are shaping a more sustainable future.

May

The Copper Labyrinth Shaped its Curves at the "Energy for Creativity" at Expo Milano 2015 

The 100% recycled copper labyrinth reflected an unique interpretation of “Energy for Life” in the courtyard of Cortile dei Bagni, Università Statale of Milan, attracting thousands of visitors over the course of Milan Expo.

June

Curious About Copper?  UK received 531 Entries into the "Copper in Education" Competition 

Representing 45 schools, the competition organised in the UK, invited children to explore the applications of copper and the properties that make it essential to modern living. The winners demonstrated careful research and an excellent understanding of copper’s value to society.

July

Who Are our Member Companies in the Copper Industry?

The main corporate online platform in Europe steadily strengthened its Public Affairs function and now features a map of our industry wide membership in Europe.

August

 Copper – The Metal of Civilization

 A  new timeline poster produced by Bryony Samuel shows the key role copper and copper alloys have played in human history – from early tools and weapons, through to scientific advances that made our modern lives possible, up to present-day applications that will help shape the future.

September

Copper Industry Calls for New Approach to Reduce EU Carbon Emissions

ECI’s new plan identified strategies for seven copper-based technologies that could deliver substantial carbon reductions in the downstream industrial, residential and service sectors. Fully implemented, the plan could reduce EU CO emissions by 25%, or 1,100 million tonnes per year, by 2050, versus 2011 levels.

 October

The EU Urban Mine 

Two thirds of European e-waste, valued at $1.5 Billion is not properly treated and reported. As a response, Eurometaux launched "Why metals matter", an animation showing the full potential of correct treatment of metals.

November

Copper, a Key Driver for Metal By-Products Recovery

Demonstrating that the supply of sustainable raw materials in the EU rely on copper, Katia Lacasse reinforced copper’s value at the European Commission Conference on exchanges of good practices on metal by-products recovery. 

December

  #MY21ACTIONS4CLIMATE Launched to Encourage Opportunities for Individual Action on Climate Change 

When it comes to actions on climate change, it’s all too easy to believe that the most effective actions are international treaties, framework conventions, political declarations, emissions trading schemes and so on. So to show small actions also count, Hans de Keulenaer and his team have put together a new social media campaign  to encourage individual actions on climate change.

Hope you have enjoyed my selection and wish you a Happy New Year !