Environment

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 - opens in new window (CSS).
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. Managing 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 - opens in new window 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. We work in partnership with leading conversation 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 consider the possible impact on benefits that ecosystems provide such as purifying water and air and sustaining food supplies to communities.  The research we support includes, for example, 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 - opens in new window 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

We are finding innovative ways to make the most of the water needed in our operations. We design and operate our facilities – using advanced technology and new approaches – to help manage our 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 reuse municipal waste water to make steam.

We are also active in global initiatives guiding sustainable water management in the private sector. For example, Shell is leading a project with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development to develop insights into the linkages between water and energy systems to help prepare for future challenges.