We were one of the first energy companies in 1997 to acknowledge the threat of climate change, to call for action by governments, our industry and energy users, and to take action ourselves. Fossil fuels will continue to satisfy the bulk of the world’s growing need for energy for decades to come so managing CO2 emissions from coal, oil and natural gas is critical in tackling climate change.
Our approach includes:
1. Increasing the efficiency of our operations.
2. Establishing a substantial capability in carbon capture and storage (CCS).
3. Continuing to research and develop technologies that increase efficiency and reduce emissions in hydrocarbon production.
4. Developing low-CO2 sources of energy, including natural gas and low-CO2 fuels.
5. Manage energy demand by growing the market for products and services that help millions of retail and business customers use less energy and emit less CO2.
6. Actively encouraging governments to provide an effective international policy framework for managing CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
Biodiversity
Protecting biodiversity is an important factor when we consider any new major project or large expansion to existing operations. To help protect biodiversity and promote conservation we work in partnership with leading conservation groups, including Wetlands International and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
If an area is rich in biodiversity we engage with local communities and experts and develop biodiversity action plans. We also support research, such as helping to identify endangered species.
Preventing spills
Spills of oil and oil products can harm the environment and put our employees and neighbouring communities at risk. Over the years we have reduced the amount spilled at our operations for reasons we can control, like corrosion or operational failures.
To help prevent spills from oil tankers, our ship quality assurance standard sets out requirements for the ships we use. For example, we require larger ocean vessels to have double hulls.
Cleaner air
We have made efforts to reduce the emissions of local pollutants from our operations. This has involved a wide range of investments to upgrade facilities, install cleaner-burning equipment and sulphur dioxide capture technology.
Reducing water use
New technology is playing a critical role in helping us reduce water use. Our Pearl GTL plant in Qatar, for example, has been designed to take no fresh water from its arid surroundings. The Schoonebeek project in the Netherlands will re-use municipal wastewater to make steam.
