Wednesday 8 April 2020

Shell reiterates carbon reduction targets amid coronavirus crisis

Royal Dutch Shell has published its annual sustainability report for 2019, in which it reiterates its carbon reduction targets amid the coronavirus crisis.

The company aims to reduce the net carbon footprint of its energy products, expressed in grams of carbon dioxide by around 50% by 2050 - as an interim step by 2035, the oil giant also intends to reduce its carbon footprint by around 20% compared with the 2016 level.

To manage its greenhouse gas emissions, the company plans to improve the energy efficiency of Shell-operated facilities and 'reuse, repurpose and recycle' what is used.

It says in Rotterdam, waste heat from the Shell Pernis refinery helps warm about 16,000 homes, helping to avoid around 35,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year.

Ben van Beurden, Shell Chief Executive Officer, said: “Early 2020 has been a time of extraordinary turbulence because of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. It has affected so many people around the world. Many have lost their lives. At Shell, we are doing everything we can to help in the global response to the virus.

“At the same time, Shell remains keenly aware of the longer-term challenges facing our society. Shell must further step up efforts on all fronts, from climate change to ethical leadership to greater transparency. We must continue to make a real contribution to people’s lives.”