ConocoPhillips Australia is committed to reducing our impact on the environment. Our high environmental standards ensure that our actions will provide the energy needed to drive global economic growth and social well-being today, whilst also securing a stable and healthy environment for the future.
 
Guided by our SPIRIT Values and our compliance requirements, we have implemented and participated in a number of environmental programs.

Our high environmental standards ensure that our actions will provide the energy needed to drive global economic growth and social well-being today, whilst also securing a stable and healthy environment for the future.

Guided by our SPIRIT Values and our compliance requirements, we have implemented and participated in a number of environmental programs. We identify and assess all environmental issues associated with our activities, and develop management strategies to minimise potential impacts.

We systematically integrate environmental management practices into new and existing business processes, and regularly assess our performance to ensure we continue to implement appropriate environmental management measures.

Globally, ConocoPhillips has developed a strategic direction that focuses on both the business risks and opportunities associated with climate change. Read  ConocoPhillips' Global Climate Change Position.

We recognise that human activity, including the burning of fossil fuels, is a contributor to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, which can lead to adverse changes in global climate. For the company, the management of greenhouse gas emissions represents the twin challenges of taking action on climate change whilst continuing to deliver adequate and reliable supplies of energy.

We continue to reduce airborne emissions from operations where these may impact on the environment. We track emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). Where feasible, we employ emissions reduction technologies.

We understand the need to manage our freshwater use responsibly. While access to adequate and safe water is a global issue, the impacts on freshwater supply and water quality are often local in nature. Building local awareness, skills and sustainable practices at the locations in which we operate is crucial to our commitment to responsible water management.

Globally, ConocoPhillips recognises the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem health as a vital factor in human well-being. Protecting plant and animal species and ecosystems is an essential component of our health, safety, and environmental commitment wherever we operate.

Our approach to waste management is based on a simple set of priorities aimed at eliminating waste wherever possible. Reuse Recover Recycle Where the above is not possible, we dispose of waste safely and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. ConocoPhillips Australia only uses commercial waste contractors that meet our requirements for operational integrity, have environmental management processes in place, implement monitoring controls, and comply with all relevant legislation.

Turtle Management

Turtle swimming
Turtle swimming in the sea.

The Long-Term Marine Turtle Management Plan was approved by the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment and Energy in July 2014. This plan builds on existing programs funded by Australia Pacific LNG including GISERA and the Western Basin Dredging Environmental Review and Monitoring Program. Australia Pacific LNG and the other LNG proponents have continued to implement the plan with studies including nesting and hatchling orientation studies, sky glow assessments, turtle tracking and turtle and seagrass health.

Monte Christo Offset

On Curtis Island, the LNG industry has taken landmark conservation initiatives that will see nearly two thirds of the island managed under a conservation management strategy.

In Australia, as part of the federal and state environmental approvals to develop any major construction project, biodiversity offsets are required to counterbalance unavoidable disturbance. These offsets can involve preserving and protecting world heritage values, marine habitat, endangered and of concern regional ecosystems and threatened fauna habitat.

The area of Curtis Island directly protected by the initiatives represents 44 percent of the island, compared to just 2 percent used by the LNG projects on the southern tip of the island.

This initiative will help protect the island’s unique ecology and heritage for future generations and contributes to conservation of more than 25,000 hectares in perpetuity. The multi-million dollar deal involved Australia Pacific LNG and the other LNG proponents on Curtis Island working together to purchase a former grazing property and associated leases.

These titles have been transferred to the State Government, ending degrading land use practices and protecting land containing Great Barrier Reef World Heritage values, remnant vegetation and significant marine habitat.