Embedding Sustainability into our major projects
Safety, the environment and communities are vital considerations when we plan, design and operate our projects and facilities.
The mandatory requirements in our Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Social Performance (HSSE & SP) Control Framework help to ensure projects and facilities are designed and constructed safely, responsibly and in a consistent way.
We conduct impact assessments for every major project and consider the economic, social, environmental and health opportunities and risks.
We engage with communities and other stakeholders, such as customers and contractors, to discuss projects. We listen to concerns they might have as well as ideas so these can be addressed in the planning and design of our projects.
We train our project teams to embed sustainability into projects. Specialists support our project teams in areas such as biodiversity, waste, air, energy and water management, and human rights, including indigenous peoples’ rights, cultural heritage and resettlement.
Find out more about our approach to sustainability and our performance data in our Sustainability Report.
Managing greenhouse gas emissions
We require all projects and facilities to have a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy management plan in place.
These plans encourage site managers to take steps such as using more energy-efficient equipment, installing power from renewable sources and evaluating readiness for carbon capture, utilisation and storage in the design of our new and largest projects, with the aim of reducing our GHG emissions. Plans must include the sources of GHG emissions, as well as a forecast of expected emissions at the site for at least 10 years.
We pay particular attention to projects, which would result in a change of more than 500 kilo tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) total emissions in the asset’s peak emissions year or more than 10 terawatt-hour (TWh) power delivered in its peak generation year.
Projects under development that are expected to have a material GHG emissions footprint must meet our performance standards or industry benchmarks. During development, projects are expected to evaluate relevant low-carbon technologies and options to remove these emissions.
Read more about our governance of climate-related risks and opportunities in our Annual Report.
Putting plans into action
We are helping our current and future assets to reduce their greenhouse gas footprint. In Malaysia, the Timi gas development project, which received a final investment decision in August 2021, is developing the country’s first wellhead platform that is fully powered by solar and wind energy. The combination of low power consumption and the use of solar panels and a wind turbine will reduce the platforms carbon footprint. This unmanned platform is approximately 60% lighter than conventional designs. First production is expected in 2023.
At our Shell Polymers site in Beaver County, US, also known as Pennsylvania Chemicals, we will pave site roads and parking lots with asphalt that incorporates a specially engineered asphalt additive derived from recycled plastics. The mix allows for lower energy use and carbon emissions during asphalt production and installation, whilst simultaneously reducing plastic waste. The paving project will utilize the equivalent of three million plastic grocery bags. We worked with advanced recycling company GREENMANTRA to develop the product. We are working to identify other large users of asphalt products that might also benefit from similar asphalt-polymer applications.
An aerial view of the construction site of Shell Polymers site in Beaver County, US, also known as Pennsylvania Chemicals.
Explore For More
Designing wind and solar projects to protect biodiversity
Scientists studying wildlife habitats and behaviours are helping to shape the future of renewable energy.
Our major projects
Shell’s major projects show our technology and expertise in action.