Inside this issue

"Sustainable energy production is of increasing international importance..."

Carbon Footprint Pilot Programme, minimizing Wood Group’s impact on the environment

mikestraughen_large

"We will demonstrate our commitment with actions rather than words."
Mike Straughen, Group director & chief executive of Wood Group’s Engineering activities

Environmentally responsible corporations worldwide are striving to increase their energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Wood Group’s Carbon Footprint Pilot Programme focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of the Group’s own activities.

Mike Straughen, Group director & chief executive of Wood Group’s Engineering activities, is leading the initiative. “Our Vision for HSE Excellence says we will minimize our adverse impact on the environment and help customers to achieve this same goal. The Carbon Footprint Pilot Programme has, therefore, been established to explore what practical action we can take within our own operations to make a difference.”

Five companies, comprising office-, repair shop- and manufacturing-based businesses, are participating in the pilot program. During the first few months of 2009, processes and procedures for gathering data were established and a baseline assessment for 2008 was completed using the UK’s Carbon Trust calculator to measure the impact of their activities in terms of greenhouse gases, namely carbon dioxide, emitted into the atmosphere.

The assessment process identifies sources of major emissions produced both directly—from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating & air conditioning, operating equipment and transportation—and indirectly, by business travel, external distribution and company supply chains. Using this information, opportunities to reduce future energy consumption are now being identified and improvement action is being taken.