Qatargas Gets Certificate of Appreciation for Sustainability Initiative

Qatargas has recently received a certificate of appreciation for effectively contributing to the Sustainable Development Industry (SDI) Initiative launched by Qatar Petroleum requiring energy industry operators to publish Annual Industry Sustainability Report commencing with the first report for the year 2010.

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry and Managing Director of Qatar Petroleum, presented the certificate to Qatargas in a ceremony organised by the QP HSE Regulations and Enforcement Directorate (DG) at Marriott Hotel, Doha.

The Sustainable development of the Energy and Industry Sector of Qatar is of fundamental importance to the Ministry of Energy and Industry and the State of Qatar. The State of Qatar considers the interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars mainly environmental stewardship, economic growth, social progress and human development together with responsible governance as being essential part of sustainable development of Energy and Industry Sector. Sustainable development describes an approach to planning and decision-making that aims at achieving a real and lasting reduction of social and economic disparities, as well as protecting the environment.

Commenting on this, Khalid Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer, Qatargas, said, “Qatargas is proud to receive this recognition which underlines our commitment to sustainable development. This is the result of joint efforts by several players across the industry and within our own organisation. As we celebrate the successful implementation of this initiative in its first year, I wish everyone involved further success in this field which is critical to our industry and central to achieving the state of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.”

During the ceremony, Qatargas shared its experience of First Sustainability Reporting for the Energy and Industry Sector. Presenting this topic, James Baldwin, Environmental Affairs Manager, Qatargas, discussed experiences related to Qatargas’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) journey and shared the lessons learnt from the process of preparing the first report.

He said, “CSR at Qatargas is about doing our business in an ethical way, caring for our people, their families, the environment and the communities around us, and conducting our business in a responsible manner. The key issues managed under our CSR are linked and aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030 pillars – namely Environmental, Economic, Human and Social development. The CSR forms an inextricable part of our performance, reputation and brand identity. It also serves as a risk management tool.”

Listing the benefits of CSR reporting, Mr. Baldwin said, “The CSR reporting requirements helped galvanise our CSR process at an opportune moment in our sustainability journey. The reporting has added value to our CSR business management as the requirement for case studies has assisted with the development and implementation of initiatives geared towards performance enhancement of the CSR system. In addition, effective CSR reporting provides intelligence about risks and offers an effective means to respond to them.”

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LNG World News Staff, January 9, 2012