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1. Foreword
Welcome to the Oil & Gas UK
Environment Report 2015
. The environmental performance of the UK offshore oil
and gas industry – captured via key metrics of emissions to atmosphere, discharges to sea, waste disposal and
accidental releases – is highlighted in this report.
Data up to the end of 2014 – which is the latest complete dataset – are included, together with trends and detailed
analysis, while key findings can be found in the executive summary. A non-attributed insight into the data – through
a benchmarking exercise – that enables individual operating companies to compare their performance with others
across the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) is also provided.
While the upstream exploration and production industry is facing significant challenges – from the decline in oil
price, increasing regulatory pressure with no environmental gain, and the debate around climate change – these
must be balanced with society’s requirements for a secure, reliable and affordable supply of energy, with oil and
gas meeting those needs until at least the 2030s.
The long-term future of the industry on the UKCS will depend on its ability to operate more efficiently. This requires
a co-operative approach from the regulators, by providing a regime that ensures protection of the environment,
while reducing unnecessary administration and bureaucracy.
The report demonstrates that the overall trends for emissions, discharges, wastes and accidental releases continue
to head in the right direction.
We hope that you find Oil & Gas UK’s 2015
Environment Report
both informative and useful. To help improve and
add value to next year’s report, we welcome comments and questions from all stakeholders. Please address these
to Mick Borwell, Environment Director, on
mborwell@oilandgasuk.co.uk.
Mick Borwell
Environment Director, Oil & Gas UK
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