Technology Applications
Environmental Mainstreaming for Self-Regulation EMSR By: Marco Buzzo and Marco Mazzoni, Backer Hughes, a GE Company
A
bstract
This paper provides an overview of PETRONAS experience in implementing Environmental Mainstreaming for SelfRegulation (EMSR) since 2016. The commitment to mainstream environment is amplified through self-regulation approach with focus on key environmental management areas such as air emissions, water and hazardous waste management. As per the Department of Environment (DOE) Environmental Mainstreaming Directive, seven (7) EMSR critical elements were applied and mapped against existing PETRONAS HSE Management System (HSE MS) with intent to facilitate implementation effectiveness. One of the key success factors achieved was the completion of specific/customised requirements to support each of the seven (7) critical elements; carried out in collaboration with DOE. The collaboration resulted in a consistent understanding between PETRONAS and DOE (as the Authority) on the elements’interpretation for implementation. As a result, EMSR performance to-date is at satisfactory level with continuous improvements identified to sustain compliance with local regulatory requirements. This imparts PETRONAS’ commitment in upholding reputation as a responsible company in maintaining regulatory compliance on business operations, striving for operational excellence and supporting license to grow.
Introduction
Environmental sustainability is fundamental to PETRONAS’ present operations and future business growth.
76 Petroleum Today - October 2019
In order to have a proactive role to uphold environmental protection, mainstreaming of environmental matters has become the forefront in every stage of business phases starting from planning & development, throughout execution and up to decommissioning (or closure; i.e. may involve rehabilitation). In fact, environmental mainstreaming is currently used as strategic tool in achieving self-regulation1. The objectives of environmental mainstreaming are to steer and embed the integration of environmental management priorities; i.e. risks identification & mitigation, and performance monitoring to drive operational governance, into business plans, development and operations. It is intended for the mainstreaming effort to influence decision making at all levels of organisation hierarchy, and within key operational phases of the company. In the long term, environmental mainstreaming will shape the right generative culture inculcated across assets’ life cycle that add value to operational excellence and growth. The importance of mainstreaming has been recognised by DOE as the approach to instill operational discipline for regulatory compliance. In 2016, a Guided Self-Regulation (GSR) was introduced by DOE to assist regulated industries to cultivate operational self-regulation. This is achieved through application of GSR that focuses on key environmental areas such as air emissions, water and hazardous waste management. Self-regulation is a long term goal required by DOE to strengthen environmental ownership, deliver excellence through environmental commitment and strive for environmental regulatory compliance at the organization
