Climate Change Data

OQ Chemicals GmbH

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023)

Reporting Period: 2019

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:546,928 tCO2e (Scope 1 & 2)
Renewable Energy Share:100% at Monheim headquarters
Total Energy Consumption:2,386 GWh
Water Consumption:210,670,199 m3
Waste Generated:67,397 tons (hazardous) + 6,551 tons (non-hazardous)

ESG Focus Areas

  • Environment
  • Health and Safety
  • Social Performance
  • Governance

Environmental Achievements

  • Achieved Gold Status on the Ecovadis platform (up from Silver in 2018)
  • ISO 50001 certification in Europe and ISO 14001 certification in the USA
  • Overshot 2019 goals for Global EHS leading indicators program (EHS moments, leadership walkthroughs, EHS trainings)
  • Reduced total number and severity of EHS incidents in 2019
  • No serious or major environmental or fire and explosion incidents in 2019
  • Invested €7,549,143 in environmental protection in 2019
  • Achieved energy efficiency gains of 2.46% by the end of 2019 (exceeding interim goal)

Social Achievements

  • Implemented a Pandemic Prevention global policy
  • Introduced a state-of-the-art Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool
  • Conducted a global employee survey addressing company culture and integration
  • Implemented a five-shift system at Oberhausen, improving work-life balance
  • Launched the S.O.U.L. initiative in Bay City to strengthen EHS team performance
  • Donated €28,110 to facilities in and around Oberhausen, Marl, and Monheim
  • Supported US initiatives with a total of $46,541

Governance Achievements

  • Implemented an Integrated Management System (IMS)
  • Established a dedicated risk management function
  • Developed an e-learning system for the Code of Conduct
  • Rolled out a Supplier Code of Conduct
  • No violations of the Code of Conduct reported in 2019
  • Improved the internal audit procedure by including opinion-based evidence

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Reduce absolute CO2 emissions globally by 30% until the end of 2030 (base year 2017)
  • Reduce product-specific emissions by 40% until the end of 2030 (base year 2017)
Medium-term Goals:
  • Reduce absolute CO2 emissions globally by 18% until the end of 2025 (base year 2017)
  • Reduce product-specific emissions by 25% until the end of 2025 (base year 2017)
  • Shift 5% of total waste (in metric tons) into a higher-category waste section by 2025 (base year 2017)
Short-term Goals:
  • Reduce energy consumption globally by 10% until 2025 (base year 2017)
  • Increase total energy efficiency by 2.5% until the end of 2020 (base year 2017)
  • Reduce absolute CO2 emissions globally by 6% until the end of 2020 (base year 2017)
  • Reduce product-specific emissions by 10% until the end of 2020 (base year 2017)

Environmental Challenges

  • Slowing export markets (Turkey and China) and global economic downturn
  • Increased uncertainty in the European Union (Italy and Brexit)
  • Trade tensions between the USA and China
  • Regional raw material cost disadvantage
  • Difficulties in passing through cost increases to customers due to lack of demand and price erosion in Oxo Intermediates
  • Demographic changes and an aging workforce
Mitigation Strategies
  • Initiated optimization steps to mitigate negative impacts from weakening market conditions and increasing labor costs
  • Implemented a five-shift system to improve work-life balance and attract younger workers
  • Developed a 5-year staffing plan and tools for efficient knowledge transfer
  • Established a new employer branding function
  • Implemented a new leadership model (PICAP)

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Over 95% of suppliers (based on volume and spending) hold ISO certifications; all raw material suppliers to European production sites screened in 2019.

Responsible Procurement
  • Supplier Code of Conduct covering human rights aspects

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Transition Risks
  • Increasing demand for green materials
  • Need for energy-efficient supply chains
  • Emission pricing
Opportunities
  • Development of energy-efficient products

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI Standards 2016

Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001 (Nanjing in 2020)

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 13: Climate Action

OXEA's core business activities contribute to these SDGs through investments in training and education, adherence to a Code of Conduct, safe and efficient processes, and efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Oxlube L9-TMP (included in the Lubricant Substance Classification list)

Reporting Period: 2021

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:10.43 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent
Scope 1 Emissions:Not disclosed
Scope 2 Emissions:Not disclosed
Scope 3 Emissions:Not disclosed
Renewable Energy Share:Not disclosed
Total Energy Consumption:69,868 TJ
Water Consumption:17 million m3
Waste Generated:Data provided for hazardous and non-hazardous waste separately for 2020 and 2021. Total waste increased in 2021 due to increased activity and new projects.
Carbon Intensity:Data provided for upstream and downstream separately.

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Change
  • Energy Transition
  • Health and Safety
  • Community Investment
  • Economic Contribution
  • In-Country Value (ICV)
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Governance
  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital Transformation

Environmental Achievements

  • Entered into partnerships to develop four renewable energy facilities to produce green hydrogen (30 GW total capacity)
  • Implemented energy efficiency initiatives resulting in net savings of USD 7 million annually
  • Recycled 2,838 m3 of HPWBM (high-performance water-based muds)
  • Recycled around 20,000 tonnes of hazardous waste from downstream facilities
  • Approved and prioritized OQ’s decarbonization policy by the Board

Social Achievements

  • 65% of newly hired employees were under 30 years of age
  • Invested more than USD 10.5 million in initiatives to develop local communities
  • Donated USD 5.2 million in emergency support to communities affected by Cyclone Shaheen
  • Over 8800 hours of HSSE training delivered for OQ employees
  • Launched an innovative set of programs designed to strengthen OQ’s culture on supporting working women

Governance Achievements

  • Established a governance structure for OQ, with policies approved by the Board
  • Rolled out a number of policies and programs and conducted training courses to make employees Compliance Ambassadors
  • Rolled out an Anti-bribery and Corruption Prevention policy manual
  • Established a standardized approach to risk management

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • OQ’s decarbonization policy commits to setting decarbonisation targets and delivering decarbonisation projects
Medium-term Goals:
  • Final Investment Decision (FID) for Liwa Solar project expected by 2023
Short-term Goals:
  • Lower Energy Intensity Index (EII) to 95 by 2024

Environmental Challenges

  • Challenges of the pandemic continued to test the business environment
  • Cybersecurity threats targeting information technology and operational technology
  • COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges in managing cybersecurity risks
Mitigation Strategies
  • Strong financial and operational performance focusing on quality services and high HSSE standards
  • Significant investments to ensure employees return to a safe working environment
  • Growth in OQ’s cybersecurity maturity by utilizing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies
  • Implementation of the OQ25 program to reshape organizational structure and work culture
  • Proactive measures to reduce risk and safeguard the wellbeing of employees and stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: HSE criteria included in tendering process; additional social and environmental criteria being developed

Responsible Procurement
  • Timely processing of requirements, maintaining competitiveness in outsourcing, complying with code of conduct
  • HSE risk assessment and preliminary HSE plan required from tenderers

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Not disclosed
Transition Risks
  • Not disclosed
Opportunities
  • Development of green hydrogen projects

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI Standards

Certifications: ISO 45001, ISO 14001

Third-party Assurance: Internal assurance process; third-party assurance considered for future reports

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Not disclosed

OQ25 program contributes to Oman Vision 2040 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Green hydrogen
  • Green ammonia

Awards & Recognition

  • Not disclosed

Reporting Period: 2022

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:4,364,980 tCO2e/year (Scope 1, 2, and 3)
Scope 1 Emissions:604,489 tCO2e/year
Scope 2 Emissions:76,248 tCO2e/year
Scope 3 Emissions:3,674,980 tCO2e/year
Renewable Energy Share:36% of total electricity
Total Energy Consumption:2,783 GWh/year
Water Consumption:10,043,167 m3/year
Waste Generated:69,000 metric tons/year (hazardous and non-hazardous)
Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Change
  • Health and Safety
  • Supply Chain Sustainability
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Employee Well-being

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced CO2 emissions at Bay City site by 10% in 2022 compared to the average of previous years through flare optimization.
  • Switched to electricity from renewable sources at various locations, aiming for 100% renewable electricity globally by 2030.
  • Increased recycling of hazardous waste due to process adjustments.

Social Achievements

  • All European sites met the requirements of ISO 45001 and were certified.
  • 100% return rate after parental leave in 2022.
  • Signed the Diversity Charter in 2022 and developed a roadmap for diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Governance Achievements

  • No violations of the Code of Conduct reported in 2022.
  • Implemented a new whistleblowing system compliant with ISO 27001 and EU regulations.
  • Over 95% of suppliers (based on volumes and spending) hold ISO certifications.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Climate neutrality by 2050.
Medium-term Goals:
  • Reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2) by 30% by 2030.
  • Reduce product-specific emissions by 25% by 2025 and 40% by 2030.
  • Source 100% renewable electricity globally by 2030.
Short-term Goals:
  • Reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2) by 18% by 2025.
  • Reduce energy consumption globally by 10% by 2025.
  • Reduce waste globally by shifting 5% to a higher waste hierarchy level by 2025.

Environmental Challenges

  • High energy prices and raw material costs due to the war in Ukraine.
  • Disruption of global supply chains.
  • Extreme weather events (low water level of the Rhine river).
Mitigation Strategies
  • Flare optimization project to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency.
  • Switching to renewable energy sources.
  • Continuous investigation of potential savings and alternative raw materials.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Over 95% of suppliers hold ISO certifications; all raw materials suppliers to European and US production sites are screened regarding CSR/sustainability performance.

Responsible Procurement
  • Supplier Code of Conduct covering human rights aspects; sustainable sourcing based on environmental, social, and economic criteria.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Extreme weather events
Transition Risks
  • Regulatory changes, market shifts
Opportunities
  • Development of energy-efficient products; green hydrogen technologies.

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI Standards

Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISCC Plus (German sites)

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 4 (Quality Education)
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
  • SDG 13 (Climate Action)

OQ Chemicals invests in employee training and education; adheres to a Code of Conduct; operates safe and efficient processes; has a reduce program to achieve climate neutrality.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate (silicone-free formulation for cosmetics).

Awards & Recognition

  • EcoVadis Gold status; Chemical Transportation Safety Pinnacle Award (Union Pacific Railroad); Elite Silver Safety Award (AFPM); Caring for Texas Award (TCC); Dr. Sam Mannan Award (TCC); Top Employer 2022 (German locations).

Reporting Period: 2023

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:548,519 tCO2e/year (Scope 1 & 2)
Scope 1 Emissions:548,519 tCO2e/year
Scope 2 Emissions:78,774 tCO2e/year
Renewable Energy Share:65% of total electricity
Total Energy Consumption:2,450 GWh/year
Water Consumption:10,063,024 m3/year
Waste Generated:6,178 tons/year (non-hazardous) + 67,663 tons/year (hazardous)

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Change
  • Water Management
  • Human Rights
  • Procurement
  • Eco-Efficiency

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 18% by the end of 2023 compared to the 2017 baseline.
  • Sourced over 65% of electricity from renewable sources by the end of 2023.

Social Achievements

  • Launched I-Safety campaign with 60 workshops and 500 participants to reinforce work safety awareness.
  • Offered permanent positions to all apprentices after successful completion of their programs, with 78% accepting.

Governance Achievements

  • Conducted a climate scenario analysis of physical risks to identify and assess potential impacts of climate change.
  • Conducted a risk assessment of major raw materials and service providers according to the LkSG.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Become climate-neutral by the middle of the century at the latest.
Medium-term Goals:
  • Reduce absolute CO2 emissions by 30% by the end of 2030 (base year 2017).
  • Purchase 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
Short-term Goals:
  • Reduce energy consumption globally by 10% by 2025.
  • Reduce absolute CO2 emissions by 18% by the end of 2025 (base year 2017).

Environmental Challenges

  • Supply chain disruptions due to the global economic situation.
  • Structural changes requiring reallocation of resources for some planned projects.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Implemented a restructuring process to strengthen the company for the long term.
  • Postponed some charitable projects to reallocate resources.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Over 95% of suppliers (based on volume and spending) hold ISO certifications.

Responsible Procurement
  • Third Party Code of Conduct covering human rights aspects.
  • Supplier evaluation tool for rating suppliers based on quality, safety, and environmental aspects.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Not disclosed
Transition Risks
  • Not disclosed
Opportunities
  • Not disclosed

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI

Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 45001 (European and Asian sites), ISCC Plus (German sites and Amsterdam)

Awards & Recognition

  • Caring for Texas Facility award (Bay City)
  • Dr. Sam Mannan Award for Zero Process Safety Incidents (Bay City and Bishop)
  • Zero Incident Award (Bay City)
  • Outstanding Participation by a Member Company from Process Industry Practice (Bay City)
  • Transportation Safety Pinnacle Award (Bay City)
  • Product Stewardship Award (Bay City)