OREANDA-NEWS. November 21, 2013. Saudi Aramco’s commitment to the environment was once again on display at this year’s 9th annual President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship ceremony held at the Dhahran Plaza.

It was evident that the environmental spirit is spreading throughout the company as the winners received their accolades from president and CEO Khalid A. Al-Falih.

As Saudi Aramco moves beyond just compliance in a bid to preserve the Kingdom’s environment, the annual award ceremony bore testimony that Saudi Aramco’s deep sense of citizenship goes well beyond just words.

The departments that claimed the top spots were: Operating facilities — the Haradh Gas Plant Department, the Ju’aymah NGL Fractionation Department and the ‘Uthmaniyah Gas Plant Department; Support Services Organizations — the Utilities Department.

When congratulating the winners, Al-Falih summed up the importance of environmental stewardship, not only to the company, but also to the Kingdom.

“I think everyone in this gathering is a winner and every citizen and resident in the Kingdom is a winner as a result of the achievements that we are celebrating,” he said.

The annual awards are organized by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and are a chance for the company’s numerous departments to compete and showcase their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Samir Al-Tubayyeb, vice president of Engineering Services, laid out the purpose of the awards.

“The primary objective of the President’s Award is to sustain our focus on the environment and recognize organizations that made extra efforts in protecting the environment,” he said. “The award signifies the company’s commitment to protecting the environment, which is driven by Saudi Aramco’s acknowledgement and commitment to its responsibility as a corporate citizen.”

Organizations are judged according to their efforts in maintaining environmental compliance, enhancing environmental performance, raising awareness and pursuing environmental initiatives.
Although awards were handed to four organizations, EPD manager Hesham Al-Musaiid was quick to point out that the company as a whole is putting environmental stewardship at the top of its operating priority list.

“Today we are recognizing four organizations,” said Al-Musaiid. “However, I would like to emphasize that all company organizations have increased their environmental focus and efforts in moving Saudi Aramco on the path toward environmental excellence.”

During the event, Osama Fageeha, general supervisor of Environmental Engineering, presented an overview of the company’s environmental performance during 2012.

Among the highlights were:

The recycling of more than 2,800 tons of industrial waste.

Volume of flared gas less than 1 percent of raw gas production, making Saudi Arabia among the global leaders in flared gas reduction.

Currently, more than 70 percent of sanitary wastewater generated by company facilities and communities receives tertiary treatment and is reused for landscape irrigation.