By embracing sustainable practices, environmental conservation awareness, and community engagement, the world can have a measurable approach to reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, says ND Western Limited, Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil and gas exploration company.
GHG emissions are a significant contributor to climate change and environmental degradation. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and other greenhouse gases are responsible for trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming.
When released into the atmosphere through human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, these gases act as a barrier, trapping heat from the sun and preventing it from escaping back into space.
Rising temperatures lead to changes in weather patterns, including more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, storms, and extreme precipitation events. These changes can disrupt ecosystems, damage agriculture, and threaten water resources.
Embracing sustainable practices
The indigenous oil company says that by promoting sustainable practices such as recycling, reducing waste, and conserving energy, we can all play a role in protecting the environment.
“In addition to raising awareness, it is also crucial to take action to safeguard the environment. This can be done through policy changes, such as implementing regulations to reduce pollution and protect natural resources. It can also involve individual actions, such as reducing our carbon footprint,” ND Western Ltd said in a statement.
The oil company recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability and emphasizes the need in reducing carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Investing in renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices can lead to significant emission reductions. By transitioning to renewable energy, companies can directly displace fossil fuel-based energy generation, which is a major source of CO2 emissions.
In addition, waste reduction strategies help minimise the release of methane and other greenhouse gases from landfills. Eco-friendly practices, such as energy efficiency and responsible resource management, contribute to overall emission reductions by minimizing energy consumption and optimizing production processes.
Measurable approach to reducing emissions in the oil and gas sector
ND Western Limited has called for a proactive approach to reducing emissions in the oil and gas sector. The company has taken a measurable approach to reducing emissions in sustainable oil exploration and production.
With its approach to tracking and reducing scope 1 and scope 2 emissions in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, NDW is committed to playing a central part in the Energy Transition.
Scope 1 covers emissions from sources that an organisation owns or controls directly – for example from burning fuel in our fleet of vehicles (if they’re not electrically powered).
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On the other hand, Scope 2 are emissions that a company causes indirectly when the energy it purchases and uses is produced. For example, for our electric fleet vehicles the emissions from the generation of the electricity they’re powered by would fall into this category.
NDW with her JV Partner, owns Edjeba and Ogunu Estate in Warri which is powered by gas from the NGC gas line. This serves as a sustainable energy solution that supports the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
NDW’s gas focus is one way that the company plans to achieve emissions reduction targets that align with reaching net zero by the year 2050. To monitor its progress towards Net Zero, the company uses specific guidance on reporting of emissions for the oil and gas industry as provided in the “Oil and gas industry guidance on voluntary sustainability reporting guidelines”, produced by IPIECA (formerly the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association).
The IPIECA guidelines, which NDW adopts, are industry specific and recommend a series of discrete activities that should be estimated and reported by oil and gas companies.
The guidelines introduce the concept originally proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to report emissions of not just CO2, but also CH4 and other greenhouse gases. IPIECA also recognizes that one of the most impactful sources of emissions in the oil and gas industry is caused by the flaring, venting, and leakage of both CO2 and CH4 in production operations.
Curbing flaring, venting, and leakage of CO2 and CH4 in production operations leads to greenhouse gas emission reduction, climate change mitigation, improved air quality, conservation of natural resources, and a positive industry image.
These efforts contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious oil and gas sector, fostering a greener and healthier planet for current and future generations.
Also, as one of the major players in the transition to clean energy, ND Western is developing green initiatives to its reduce carbon footprints.
Environmental conservation awareness
Global efforts to promote environmental awareness are gaining traction especially, in developing countries, including Nigeria, ND Western Limited said.
“With a belief that more needs to be done, the issues around an earth-friendly environment can be addressed through educative and outreach programs that target communities, schools, and businesses,” the oil company said.
According to ND Western Ltd, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been leading the cause of protecting our environment for decades. Major environmental protection campaigns began in the 1960s and 1970s with key international programs like the Environment Committee of the OECD and the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment 1970.
“In 1972, the UN General Assembly designated June 5th as World Environment Day (WED). It is a United Nations international day and a global platform for inspiring positive change, celebrating environmental action, and the power of governments, businesses, and individuals to create a more sustainable world,” it said.
Community engagement and development
ND Western’s commitment to sustainability cuts across its value chain. The company also engages in community development projects that promote environmental conservation and awareness. These include waste management, and awareness programs on environmental practices and sustainability.
ND Western Limited believes that everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment, and World Environment Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and act towards a more sustainable future. By participating in these events and activities, ND Western Limited hopes to inspire others to join the movement and make a positive impact on the planet.
