At Hardisty Energy Terminal, we recognize that our business operations can potentially impact the environment, as we rely on vital resources such as energy, water, and building materials. Therefore, we are committed to minimizing any adverse effects on the environment both now and in the future by setting high environmental standards for ourselves.
Environmental considerations are a core component of our Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) management system. Our HSSE policy emphasizes the efficient use of energy and raw materials, the avoidance of environmental pollution, and the promotion of environmental awareness among our employees in order to reduce harmful impacts. For years, we have systematically monitored key metrics such as the frequency and volume of product releases, energy and water consumption, and waste generation at our facilities. We have established corresponding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to better assess our progress and development in these areas.
To further evaluate our contribution to climate change, our holding company, Marquard & Bahls, calculates the carbon dioxide (CO2) footprint for the entire group.
As a proactive measure aligned with our HSSE management system, we also conduct regular monitoring of groundwater quality at our tank terminals. The data collected is centrally analyzed by our environmental experts to ensure compliance and maintain our commitment to environmental stewardship.
We utilize both direct and indirect energy sources across our offices and for the operation of our facilities, sites, and vehicles. Direct energy consumption consists of natural gas, heating oil, and fuel for our pumps, boilers, and operational vehicles. Indirect energy, primarily in the form of electricity, powers product pumps, tank terminal lighting, and our global office computers. We also use other indirect energy sources, including district heating and, to a lesser extent, imported steam.
Our most energy-intensive activity is the pumping operations at our tank terminals. To identify potential savings and enhance energy efficiency, we align local initiatives with our comprehensive Energy Saving Guidelines. This allows us to pinpoint further savings opportunities tailored to specific work environments and to develop general recommendations.
We recognize the impact our business activities have on the environment and are committed to finding alternatives that enhance energy efficiency, optimize resource management, and support environmental protection initiatives. Many of our sites have established environmental project groups dedicated to developing and evaluating local measures for saving energy, water, and reducing waste. Below, we highlight a selection of these impactful projects.