In this part, voluntary initiatives for the oil and gas industry's sustainability efforts, I have

references to the roadmap of sustainability goals for the oil and gas industry published by Ipieca
and GRI 11 which is the GRI Oil and Gas  Sector Standard 2021, and then I will use Indian Oil as
an example of its sustainability efforts and practices.

Voluntary sustainability initiatives in the oil and gas sector

Environment（climate/nature）

 Innovation
The oil and gas sector can invest in technologies and innovations that enable low-carbon products
and solutions. Specifically, Increase the commercial viability of existing low-carbon products that
can reduce end-use emissions, such as sustainable biofuels, hydrogen, and other solutions like
CCS, through increased investment in innovation and collaboration. Deploy and, where
appropriate, advocate for gas infrastructure that is compatible with decarbonized gas (e.g.
hydrogen, ammonia).

For example,
“We have also formed a critical partnership with L&T and Renew Power to develop Green
Hydrogen production facilities, and associated renewable infrastructure.” (IOCL 2021, p. 17)

“We have also begun producing biofuels from used cooking oil and other non-edible oils for use in
diesel blends. The total generation from IndianOil's renewable energy projects in FY 2021-22 was
approximately 358 GWh, resulting in emission reductions of 283 TMT of CO2 equivalent.”
(IOCL 2021, p. 17)
These are the other efforts to decarbonize operational emissions.

 Resource management

The oil and gas sector can manage resources responsibly to support a circular economy.
Embedding sustainable design and recycling principles in the early stages of a project and
throughout the development process to improve the sustainability of project infrastructure,
processes, and products.

For example,
“The Company has been taking numerous steps to divert organic and plastic garbage for recycling
and reuse where feasible. These measures prevent more than 90% of waste generated across its
operations from ending up in landfills, thereby minimizing the environmental impact.” (IOCL
2021, p. 62)

“IndianOil is undertaking measures to connect with supply chain partners for the collection and
recycling of wastes which can then be added with virgin material to form new products containing
a designated portion of recycled material, thereby promoting circular economy.” (IOCL 2021, p.
64)

 Biodiversity, land, and water stewardship

The oil and gas industry can protect, restore and promote biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Implement environmental management practices that incorporate the mitigation hierarchy to
promote biodiversity and ecosystem services, with a focus on critical ecosystems and protected
areas.
Adopt water stewardship strategies that include collaboration around integrated water resources
management, local participation in the collective management of water particularly in areas of
water scarcity, and improvement of water quality and re-use of water, where feasible to reduce the
usage of fresh water.

For example,
For example, Indian Oil has made efforts in ecosystem conservation such as afforestation,
shoreline protection, wildlife conservation, and emphasis on marine ecosystems as well as
terrestrial ecosystems.

This picture shows his specific initiatives in biodiversity, such as rhino adoption, cheetah
restoration, protection of the Olive Ridley sea turtle, saving elephants, etc.

“Three of the Company’s refineries are located in Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), Vadodara (Gujarat)
and Panipat (Haryana), which are areas with extremely high-water stress, according to the World
Resources Institute’s (WRI) Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas. These refineries adopt wastewater
recycling, water efficiency, and rainfall collection to improve the efficiency of freshwater
usage.” (IOCL 2021, p. 52)

This image taken from its sustainability report shows the company's efforts to minimize its impact
on freshwater.
Social

Governance and transparency

Be transparent about policies, codes of conduct, and internal controls related to the prevention of
bribery and corruption.

For example，
“IndianOil endeavors to uphold its principles and practices to ensure transparency, integrity, and
accountability in its functioning, which are vital to delivering on its commitment to being the
energy provider of India and a globally admired company.” “IndianOil has a well-orchestrated
management framework and Board-level Committees that play a guiding role in defining,
progressing and monitoring the Company’s sustainability journey.” (IOCL 2021, p. 74)

Communities
Oil and gas companies can promote individual and community prosperity around their own
activities, including the promotion of sustainable development, livelihoods, health, and well-
being. Engages with local communities and stakeholders to understand their concerns and meet
their needs. Trust is built with the local community and community development programs such as
education and health initiatives are implemented to support the local community.

For example，
“IndianOil undertakes significant CSR spending for various community-building projects.”
“IndianOil spent ₹194.72 crore (65% of total CSR expenditure) on the thematic area of Health
and Nutrition, with a special focus on Covid measures, including setting up makeshift hospitals
and temporary Covid Care facilities in compliance with the Department of Public Enterprises
(DPE) guidelines for CSR Expenditure by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE).” (IOCL
2021, p. 110)

Indian Oil conducts community maintenance and building from the following themes.

In terms of education and skill development ， The Vidushi program provides specialized
coaching and mentoring to underprivileged girls after Class XII to be better prepared to tackle
medical and engineering entrance examinations. The IndianOil Gyanodaya Scheme provides a
scholarship of ₹ 1000 per month on a merit cum means basis.

In terms of health and nutrition, Aarogyam delivers primary healthcare at the doorstep in
underserved areas around Mathura, Bongaigaon & Paradip refineries through 12 Mobile Medical
Units (MMU).

Thriving workforces
The oil and gas industry can provide productive employment and support the health, safety, and
well-being of workers throughout the supply chain. It can contribute to a skills base that is
transferable across industry sectors in the context of the energy transition including training and
continuous learning opportunities for suppliers and local communities.

For example,
“Oil and Gas sector operations involve handling different types of equipment and materials and
activities like drilling, highway transportation etc., exposing workers to struck-by/caught-in/
caught-between hazards. IndianOil has instituted a robust mechanism to create a safe working
environment for employees to prevent injuries and fatalities.” (IOCL 2021, p. 110)

For instance， the Selection of the right equipment/ technology and process at the drawing board
stage or planning stage ； Hearing and vision conservation program ； Pre-employment, pre-
placement, and periodic medical check-ups of the workers exposed to hazards are done to assess
worker health and the effects of hazards

Reporting on sustainability

Many companies in the oil and gas sector report on their sustainability performance to
demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and transparency. Reporting frameworks
such as the Universal Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)Standards and the latest released the GRI
Oil and Gas Sector Standard 2021 provide guidance on reporting sustainability performance.