TransAlta only power generation company in Top 20 of Canada’s Climate Disclosure Leadership Index

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Nov. 6, 2015) - TransAlta Corporation ("TransAlta") (TSX:TA) (NYSE:TAC) is pleased to be recognized by the CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) as a leader in the disclosure of climate change information. 

Two hundred companies are included in the CDP Index which highlights the top 20 companies that demonstrated the most complete and transparent approach to climate change reporting. Companies are scored specifically on climate change strategy, evaluation of climate risks and opportunity and management of business-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Conducted on behalf of 822 institutional investors with assets of $95 trillion, the CDP Canada 200 Index provides an evaluation tool for institutional investors and other stakeholders to assess a company's climate change risks and opportunities. High scores indicate both strength in internal data management and a realistic understanding of climate change related issues affecting the company.

"Canada is targeting the reduction of GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 30 per cent or by approximately 175 million tonnes by 2030. TransAlta supports this target and our emission reduction commitments will help Canada achieve its 2030 target," says Dawn Farrell, President and CEO.

With targets in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal, TransAlta has committed to reductions from 2005 CO2e (CO2 equivalent) levels:

• By 20 per cent by 2021 (7 million tonnes)
• By 55 per cent by 2030 (19.7 million tonnes)

"TransAlta is positioned to reduce emissions from coal generation in Alberta, while supporting and advocating for the development of cleaner sources of power. As a leader in renewable energy, in Alberta and Canada, we understand the importance of accelerating GHG reductions," says Farrell.

TransAlta is working now to accelerate the transition to clean power, and has more than doubled its installed renewable energy capacity in North America since 2005 to 2,315 MW in 2015 including hydro, wind and solar facilities.

The Canada 200 report, including names of companies featured in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index can be found here.

About CDP:

CDP, formerly Carbon Disclosure Project, is an international, not-for-profit organization providing the only global system for companies and cities to measure, disclose, manage and share vital environmental information. CDP works with market forces, including 822 institutional investors with assets of US$95 trillion, to motivate companies to disclose their impacts on the environment and natural resources and take action to reduce them. CDP now holds the largest collection globally of primary climate change, water and forest risk commodities information and puts these insights at the heart of strategic business, investment and policy decisions. Please visit www.cdp.net or follow us @CDP to find out more.

About TransAlta:

TransAlta is a power generation and wholesale marketing company focused on creating long-term shareholder value. TransAlta maintains a low-to-moderate risk profile by operating a highly contracted portfolio of assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. TransAlta's focus is to efficiently operate wind, hydro, solar, natural gas and coal facilities in order to provide customers with a reliable, low-cost source of power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud contributor to the communities in which it works and lives. TransAlta has been recognized on CDP's Canadian Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI), which includes Canada's top 20 leading companies reporting on climate change, has been selected by Corporate Knights as one of Canada's 50 Best Corporate Citizens and is recognized globally for its leadership on sustainability and corporate responsibility standards by FTSE4Good.

For more information about TransAlta, visit our web site at transalta.com, or follow us on Twitter @TransAlta.