Development of an effects-based approach to reporting environmental performance for the E&P sector

Environmental reporting is widespread across industrial sectors and is virtually universal in the E&P sector. The quality of reporting is, however, mixed and is dominated by the reporting of waste steams. Communication of environmental performance is therefore poor. This paper proposes the adoption of an effects-based environmental reporting system, aggregating emissions data by their contribution to environmental themes. It is concluded that such a system would improve the clarity and resonance of environmental reporting within organisations and with external stakeholders. It is felt that this would improve strategic environmental management and would be of commercial benefit to companies as approaches to environmental regulation develop towards self-regulation.