|
|
Who cares about the environment?
Answer: you do |
The oil and gas industry - like all other industries - has an environmental impact. But we can't solve the problems on our own - society is constantly pushing us to provide cheap energy and raw materials. If you care about the issues - and also understand the pressures we are under - then we need you. So does the environment...
No matter what part of the oil and gas industry you are involved in, you will always have to consider the environment around you. Whether on or offshore, oil or gas, one of the major concerns is to obtain, refine and distribute its products with as little disruption to the environment as possible. Every year the industry spends millions of pounds on measures to prevent pollution. |
 |
"I thought I'd be able to do more to protect the environment from within than if I worked for an environmental pressure group." |
At the proposal and planning stage for all new installations, people from the industry have to work with environmental and government agencies to ensure minimal damage. During exploration, scientists have to carry out environmental surveys and research. Drilling for oil has to be environmentally - as well as economically - viable. The environmental impact assessment is an important part of the evidence needed by the company to obtain a permit of licence for exploration.
During production, constant environmental inspections have to be carried out. There are strict environmental management standards, checked by independent auditors. To ensure that these standards are met, pollution is monitored to see if there are any negative effects on soil, air or water. Distribution is also a key stage. Using underground pipelines to move oil and gas is more efficient than using lorries above ground because there is even less risk of spillages. Meanwhile, in the research and development departments, new 'greener' products are being developed alongside new technologies, to reduce pollution and increase efficiency. It's a little known fact that oil and gas companies are leading the way in developing alternative forms of energy, such as efficient solar power. |
| Paul Edwards (27) is with BP. He works in London, helping to create company-wide environmental strategy. He studied geography and environmental protection at university.
I see myself as an environmental professional. I went into the oil business, because I thought I'd be able to do more to protect the environment from within than if I worked for an environmental pressure group. Here's how it started... At school I was just interested in subjects I enjoyed (geography, biology, physics) rather than careers. It was when I was doing my geography degree that I got interested in the environment. And it was when I was doing my masters that I became aware of the environmental opportunities in the oil industry.
I really do feel that I'm making a difference - as well as enjoying myself! I'm off to Malaysia and Indonesia soon. We'll be checking out some research which says our operations there aren't affecting the genetic diversity of the area. Hopefully we'll be able to use it as a model for a world-wide strategy. |
I
started off at the grass roots, literally getting my hands dirty as an
environmental inspector on oil wells in the South of England. From there,
I moved into planning at the same site, checking that new installations
would meet environmental requirements. That's how I progressed into the
more strategic job that I have now.