NOC’s Environmental Management System (EMS) was established to understand how its activities interact with and affect the environment.  This is linked with ISO 14001 and is reflected in our Health, safety and Environment (HSE) policy and endorsed by our management team and shareholders. NOC obtained the EMS ISO 14001 certification for its exploration and production of oil and other products in the Al Shaheen offshore field.  

This approach supports the Qatar National Vision 2030, which includes a focus on sustaining economic and social growth, through a holistic environmental vision that places environmental preservation for Qatar’s future generations. In addition, NOC is guided by the National Climate Change Action Plan 2030 (NCCAP).

Strategic and integrated planning involving relevant stakeholders and departments is key in managing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions have on our environment. In an effort to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases from our production facilities and operations, we conduct regular surveys, improve our reporting procedures, and set KPIs to help drive improvements. This activity is completed with verification from our stakeholders and any third-party contractors. 

Protecting biodiversity is critically important in our approach to sustainability, and NOC has made it a priority to reduce the negative impact of its operation on the biodiversity of ecosystems during any projects and production activity. Regular monitoring of marine biodiversity within the Al Shaheen oil field is crucial and ensures that marine life is conserved and protected in this region and across the Arabian Gulf. We encourage and incentivise employees and contractors working offshore to report any wildlife sightings through our “Let’s Spot Together” campaign, which is part of the ‘Protect Al Shaheen’s Marine Life’ initiative. In partnership with the  Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) Research Centre and other consultants, NOC conducts biodiversity monitoring and surveys focused on:

• Whale sharks
• Cetaceans
• Turtles
• Corals
• Benthics
• Ground-truthing

• To describe the physio-chemical and biological characteristics of the study area
• To highlight the main sensitivities of any development activities on the environment

Studies conducted by NOC include:

• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
• Environmental Identification Process (ENVID)

These are used to explore the development of well drilling operations, seismic analyses, and the decommissioning of any drilling installations. The Environmental Impact Identification (ENVID) is a detailed report on the potential impacts any operation or activity may have on the human and natural environment. 

Waste  and Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material  (NORM) Management

NOC is proud to strive towards the protection of the environment by ensuring strict compliance with all laws and regulations. This includes the Waste Management Plan that includes the generation, storage, transportation, and disposal practices of all waste in accordance with local laws and regulations as well as international guidelines, the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) policy, and HSE Management System.

We have adopted our waste management strategy from the Qatar Environment Protection Law 30/2002 which deals with waste prevention, reduction, and generating as little toxic waste as possible. Recycling and reusing opportunities are also assessed and implemented where possible, as waste disposal remains NOC’s least preferred waste management option.