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BP reports lower operational emissions in 2004
British Petroleum managed to slightly cut operational emissions in 2004 as part of its ongoing programmes to protect the environment and reduce risks.
Better efficiency and technological improvements have resulted in the reduction of nearly four million tonnes since 2001, BP said in its annual review for last year.
“Our 2004 operational emissions of 81.7 million tonnes (Mte) were similar to those of 2003 (83.4Mte). Our emissions would have been higher but for planned improvements in operational efficiencies and divestments. The efficiencies resulted in more than 1Mte of sustainable reductions, which now total about 4Mte since 2001,” it said.
“BP recognises the need to protect and conserve sensitive areas that house the rich biodiversity of our planet.
“We will only work within sensitive areas if we believe we can properly manage any risks to the environment.”
The statement noted that BP was the first major oil company to state publicly that the risks of climate change were serious and that precautionary action was justified.
It added: “While uncertainties remain, we believe business planning and long-term strategy should be based on the need to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. In 2001, BP had succeeded in lowering operational emissions by 10 per cent from 1990 levels. We now aim to offset growth in our emissions by 2012, with reductions achieved partly from operational efficiency projects and partly from the supply of products that are cleaner or offer improved fuel efficiency.”
It said BP remains committed to publishing the results of risk assessments relating to any new activities in World Conservation Union (IUCN) designated sites.
“In 2004, no decisions were taken to go into such areas. Our website details all known IUCN category I to VI areas where we have facilities. During 2004, further work was undertaken to ensure that our approach when entering areas for exploration and production is consistent and transparent,” it said.
“By the end of 2004, 100 per cent of our major operations had been independently certified to the ISO 14001 international standard on environmental management. This system drives continuous performance improvement at our sites to reduce air emissions, water discharges and accidental releases, including oil spills to sea or land.”
It said BP also pursued a strategy to increase its fleet in order to control the risk of a major oil spill more effectively.
The fleet has grown from 36 ships in 2003 to 42 ships in December 2004, 38 of which are double-hulled. Most of these vessels are leased, an approach that enables the group to renew the fleet periodically.
In the area of renewable and alternative energies, BP said its research and development focus has been on photovoltaics and hydrogen, adding it is pursuing initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and cost of solar cells as well as the development of new silicon sources and alternative wafer fabrication techniques.
“In hydrogen, we use our international portfolio of practical demonstration projects to test new technologies and foster innovation.”
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