Environment

Environment

At Exolum, we are committed to minimising the environmental impact of our activities and to optimising the use of resources, as enshrined in the principles set out in our environmental policy.

Integrated environmental management
Integrated environmental management

Both employees and collaborators have a responsibility and commitment to the environment.

Minimisation of impact
Minimisation of impact

We identify, characterise and minimise our impact on the environment and strive to use energy resources and raw materials efficiently.

Continuous adaptation to the regulations
Continuous adaptation to the regulations

We comply with the environmental legislation governing our terminals and operations, and adhere to international standards, particularly for areas not covered by any specific legislation.

Prevention of pollution and assessment of potential risks
Prevention of pollution and assessment of potential risks

We apply the basic principle of pollution prevention in the different stages of Exolum’s business.

Environmental efficiency
Environmental efficiency

We use efficiency criteria to resolve environmental issues.

Engagement with society
Engagement with society

We search for solutions to environmental problems together with public and private entities and NGOs.

Environmental criteria in business management
Environmental criteria in business management

We incorporate respect for the environment and environmental protection into Exolum’s business strategy.

Environmental criteria in contractor and supplier relations
Environmental criteria in contractor and supplier relations

When selecting and assessing collaborators, we require that they behave in accordance with Exolum’s standards.

Environmental communication and information
Environmental communication and information

We promote open communication on environmental matters, both internally and externally.

Environmental training
Environmental training

We provide environmental training to all persons involved in the management and operation of our infrastructure.

Continuous improvement
Continuous improvement

We perform a regular and systematic assessment of the environmental management system in order to promote continuous process improvement.

Environmental Management System

 

This is part of our integrated management system and ensures the sustainable development of all our activities, setting environmental criteria throughout their life cycle, minimising the impact on the environment and respecting the local biodiversity and community.

Environmental management of projects

 

We assess the environmental impacts of all projects we carry out. We study different routes, locations and alternatives before commencing the works, and always choose the ones that have the lowest environmental impact. 


We carry out these studies with a very rigorous methodology, which includes close monitoring during the execution of the works, thus allowing us to take corrective measures when necessary.


In addition, the projects must be approved in advance by the competent authorities, which monitor compliance with legislation and issue an environmental impact assessment for the project. 


In the case of pipelines, when the works are complete, we restore the land to its original state, and revegetate the area affected if necessary. In addition, we subsquently inspect the area to check that te measres adopted are effective. 


Finally, in order to prevent incidents during vessel loading and unloading operations, we have safety protocols which were drafted in accordance with the most advanced international standards. We have also developed contingency plans and oceanographic and tidal studies for all ports where we operate.

Biodiveristy and  habitats conservation

 

In line with our sustainability strategy defined in our ESG Masterplan, which prioritises the conservation of the environment and natural habitats, we have joined the Life Coop Cortaderia project. This project aims to boost cooperation and coordinate actions for the control and confinement of the invasive species, Cortaderia selloana, also known as “Pampas Feather duster”, in the Atlantic Arc region. 

 

Cortaderia selloana, native to South America, has colonised multiple European countries as an invasive species, displacing several native species and affecting biodiversity. In our commitment to protect the natural environment, we have collaborated with SEO Birdlife and Life Coop Cortaderia to control the spread of this invasive plant at our facilities in Santurtzi, Bilbao.

 

In addition, as part of our sustainability strategy, we are working on the naturalisation of landscaped areas, creating flowering meadows, ponds and shrubs to increase biodiversity and restore affected areas. This action is the first of Exolum’s commitment after joining the Transnational Strategy to combat the Cortaderia selloana in the Atlantic Arc.

Pipeline Integrity Plan

We perform environmental research and characterisation projects to ascertain the state of the soil where our terminals are located.


In accordance with best international practices, we have a “Pipeline Integrity Plan” to define and identify environmentally sensitive and high consequence areas, i.e. where a pipeline incident would have major consequences for individuals and/or the environment.


As part of the integrity plan, we have performed environmental studies in Spain in conjunction with GREFA (Rehabilitation Group for Native Fauna and its Habitat) to assess the integration of our oil pipelines in areas of special biological wealth.


The studies carried out have found that the sections analysed do not interfere with the development of the animal and plant species in the areas selected and highlight the integration of these infrastructures in the environment.