In building a reputation for delivering liquefied natural gas (LNG) safely, reliably and efficiently to customers around the world, RasGas Company Limited (RasGas), is continuing to demonstrate innovation in sustainable development in the State of Qatar, said Brett Doherty, Group Manager, Safety, Health, Environment and Quality at RasGas. 

"Sustainability at RasGas is aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030, and its four pillars of economic, environmental, human and social development," he said. Doherty presented a paper titled, "Societal Contribution Using a Sustainability Approach: Combining a Company's CSR programme and HSE Management System to Benefit the Community" on Monday 5 December at the 20^th World Petroleum Congress, which concludes Thursday 8 December 2011 at the Qatar National Convention Centre.

He said, "In addition to helping the State realise the economic aims of Qatar National Vision 2030 by transforming a national resource into a key component of the global energy mix, RasGas has developed an approach of integrating into all of its activities aspects of social responsibility that support sustainable development and map to society's expectations. This is structured through the same management system that the company uses to ensure safe and reliable operations."

Last year, RasGas was the first Qatari energy company to issue a sustainability report.  Emphasising the significance of this report, Doherty said, "By applying this sustainability framework to its strategic planning, business and operational activities, RasGas seeks to position itself as a transformative organisation and a supporter of progress in Qatar."

"The Qatarisation programme at RasGas seeks to create employment and development opportunities for Qatari nationals. The company's percentage of national employees currently stands at approximately 30 per cent," he said. 

"For women, RasGas has put in place equal opportunity measures and the number of female employees at RasGas has gradually increased since 2007, in an industry that traditionally and globally has been dominated by males," said Doherty.

RasGas' Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, he explained, selected 2011 as its Year of the Community, to both raise awareness and to implement long-term proactive and positive projects to support the development of the local community.

In another special session on Tuesday 6 December 2011 titled, "WPC-IPIECA Oil and Gas Industry Guidance on Voluntary Sustainability Reporting," Doherty talked about the RasGas experience of developing a sustainability report, with particular reference to national sustainability reporting requirements and use of international guidance.

Earlier in the week, another representative of RasGas, Laurent Fragu, an Environmental Engineering Specialist, presented a paper titled, "Climate Change Strategy Development: A Premier Middle East LNG Producer Perspective." His paper presented the evolution of the climate change framework in Qatar from the RasGas perspective as the company had completed a major expansion programme in 2009-2010 commissioning two mega-trains with a companywide production capacity of around 37 million tonnes per annum.

As a key national sponsor of the 20^th World Petroleum Congress, RasGas had a wide ranging participation in all aspects of this prestigious event. Members of RasGas' senior management team chaired key sessions and participated in panel discussions. As part of the conference's technical programme, RasGas' engineers and experts presented several papers and posters on topics ranging from the latest technological developments in the LNG value chain to sustainability and energy efficiency.

On Monday 5 December 2011 Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, Managing Director of RasGas chaired the inaugural forum of the Congress titled, "Natural Gas: The Energy That Makes A Difference." Nafez Bseiso, RasGas Venture Group Manager also presented a paper in this forum on the application of technological advancements in the LNG value chain.

Around 170 delegates from RasGas participated in the international conference and exhibition. RasGas had a special stand at the World Petroleum Exhibition, which was held in conjunction with the congress, featuring exhibits from the leading national oil and gas companies and agencies of the world. RasGas' exhibition stand showcased its capabilities in deliverability, operational excellence, innovative technologies, environmental commitment and safety.

RasGas' technical posters were on display at the Digital Poster Plaza in Exhibition Hall 8, Stand 8204, throughout the event. On 6 December, RasGas jointly hosted a special cultural programme called "Arabian Nights" at Katara Valley of Cultures. Guests were treated to a traditional Arabian Souq and cuisine served on the beach adjoining the Katara Valley of Cultures.