Environment and Sustainability
Risk Management
Potential impact and opportunity
The potential environmental impact of our activities includes:
- the impact of wells, pipelines and other infrastructure with a resulting effect on biodiversity;
- the accidental release of hydrocarbons or chemicals; and
- emissions which can affect air quality and can potentially be linked with climate change.
A strong environmental performance is key to maintaining our reputation and ability to generate shareholder value. Consequently, we undertake operations to the high international standards of the oil industry and EIAs are conducted before any major capital expenditure is incurred. In doing so we can maintain a reputation of being a partner of choice.
Mitigation of impact
We have specific group requirements and recommendations governing our identification and management of potential impacts of projects that carry particular environmental and social risks; these apply to new projects and acquisition negotiations.
We have developed systems and practices which are designed to help us:
- identify and assess potential environmental impacts in the early stages of a project or acquisition;
- take necessary action to mitigate impacts throughout our operations; and
- leave a limited footprint, in line with local regulations.
Our approach
We work to understand and manage the sensitivities of the environments in which we operate, and our responsibilities to them, throughout the lifecycle of our operations. We are committed to making a positive contribution to the protection of the environment in areas in which we operate and aim to minimise any adverse effects of our operations. We want to contribute positively to global sustainability through our operations, the development of our fields, the adoption of new technologies and the conduct of our relationships with all stakeholders.
Due to the nature of exploration activities, we often operate in remote locations, without access to grid electricity, where we are reliant on generators to power our equipment. To minimise our impact in these areas, we are focused on restricting and reducing flaring, switching diesel generators to gas where possible and using the highest standard, most energy efficient equipment available, which also has the effect of reducing our energy costs. Additionally, our camps and sites are planned to minimise their environmental footprints.
We identify and assess potential environmental impacts at the planning stage of our operations. We protect, as best we can, the local environment during operations and aim to restore it to the same standard that we found it in once activities are completed. This restoration activity is conducted in conjunction with the local authorities and the communities where we operate.
None of our active operations were in protected areas or areas of high biodiversity value during 2011.