Environmental Compliance
Environmental Compliance is a must in our industry.
Our operations are subject to numerous EU, national, regional and local environmental laws and regulations, including legislation that implements international conventions or protocols. In particular, these laws and regulations control the types, quantities and concentration of various substances that can be released into the environment in connection with production activities and may impose administrative sanctions and criminal and civil liabilities for excess pollution. These laws and regulations establish standards for the composition of transportation fuels and other petroleum products. In addition, our operations are subject to laws and regulations relating to the generation, handling, transportation, sale, storage, disposal and treatment of materials that may be considered to be contaminants if released into the environment.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Emissions Trading Directive
To help meet the greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets identified in the Kyoto Protocol, the EU adopted the Emissions Trading Directive which established a scheme for trading greenhouse gas emissions allowances. Petroplus has been operating within its allocated CO2 allowances.
Other Emissions Monitoring and Regulations
Our refineries monitor their emissions to ensure compliance with limits set by the relevant national environmental authorities and other local authorities. Refinery emissions limits are permit-related and regularly controlled. Our refineries, whose emissions are also independently verified, report their emissions directly to local and environmental authorities. Our refineries also support local initiatives dedicated to the environment.
Energy Consumption
We set aggressive targets to drive improvements in energy efficiency. Each refinery has an appointed energy manager to evaluate new opportunities to improve energy consumption. In many locations, both heat and electrical power are generated internally as part of the refining processes. For example, the Antwerp Refinery has completed the construction of a cogenerator plant which is able to produce steam and electricity. The Ingolstadt Refinery completed a project in July 2011 to supply the city of Ingolstadt with energy from what would otherwise be waste heat.
Environmental and Quality Management
Environmental and quality management are key to delivering sustainable and reliable performance. We have set up environmental management and auditing systems aimed at monitoring and improving the environmental performance of our operations. The Coryton, Petit Couronne, Ingolstadt and Cressier refineries are successfully accredited with both ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certifications for their environmental and quality management systems.
