RasGas targets 90% flare reduction by 2017

The hawksbill turtle is one of many of the marine species whose habitat is benefiting from the conservation initiatives of RasGas.

By Pratap John/Chief Business ReporterRasGas targets a 90% flare reduction based on the 2005 level as part of its five-year plan launched in 2012, the LNG major’s 4th Annual Sustainability Report shows.In order to reduce emissions, RasGas has agreed on a greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy that sets the context for action that it will take over five years and beyond. Achieving the goals of the strategy requires addressing the key drivers of emissions and using the human and technical resources at the company’s disposal, RasGas said.In its continued efforts to operate in a sustainable manner, RasGas achieved many noteworthy milestones in 2012. RasGas continued to maintain a safe work environment for its employees and contractors. The company’s lost-time injury rate (LTIR) was 0.01 in 2012, which included almost 70mn hours worked last year compared to 30mn in 2011. Construction projects such as the Barzan Gas Project more than doubled the scale of RasGas’ contractor workforce, adding to its complexity. In spite of this, RasGas ranked as the best performer when compared with 20 of the largest companies in the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers’ safety performance benchmarking report.RasGas CEO Hamad Rashid al-Mohannadi said, “RasGas is aware that in order to continue to meet the growing demand for clean energy, we need to optimise operational output while minimising waste. We work very hard to conserve and protect our resources, such as energy and water, and enhance workforce and community health.” “Sustainable development is a long but essential journey for every country and every company. Our report has become an integral part of this journey and enables us to transparently share our progress, challenges and achievements with all our stakeholders. We measure ourselves against international benchmarks in environmental, social, economic and corporate performance in 2012,” he added.   RasGas continues to make good progress on major construction projects like the Barzan Gas Project and Helium 2. It has maintained the highest standards of safety and health in both these projects and existing operations, as well as expanded its contribution to Qatar’s sustainable development.“We are aware that in order to continue contributing to the State’s economy while meeting the growing demand for clean energy, we need to produce reliably and minimise waste. This report highlights the efforts we make to care for our people and our resources to honour our commitments,” al-Mohannadi said.The 2012 Sustainability Report was prepared in accordance with guidelines on sustainability reporting from shareholder company Qatar Petroleum and adopts guidance specific to the oil and gas industry prepared by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).RasGas was the first Qatari energy company to issue a sustainability report, in 2009. Earlier this year, the company’s 2011 report earned RasGas the first prize in the “large company” category for sustainability reporting under the QP Sustainable Development Industry Reporting programme.