Environment Report 2015

1. Foreword

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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.

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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.

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Mick Borwell Environment Director, Oil & Gas UK

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