Living up to our standard

We are committed to operating responsibly. Below are some of the ways that we are implementing the Shell Biodiversity Standard.

Addressing biodiversity issues early in projects

Before considering a new project or expansion of an existing operation, we first check whether the area has been identified as having high biodiversity value. This could be through designation as a protected area, by consideration of Shell's criteria for an area of high biodiversity value or another classification by a government or non-governmental organisation.

We have developed an in-house online mapping system to help our operating units identify environmentally sensitive sites and map them against the existing or planned activities (such as well sites, pipelines and concessions), in order to get a better understanding of the associated environmental risks. This enables Shell companies to identify potential areas of high biodiversity value at an early stage when assessing new business opportunities and developing projects. We are also committed to early engagement with key stakeholders.

Working with biodiversity experts

Wherever possible we work in partnership with credible external organizations. , that as an energy company we are not biodiversity experts, and that working with others is a key component of our biodiversity strategy. Special attention is given to local and national institutes and experts, as these often harbour important and significant knowledge of an area that has not been published or documented elsewhere. See Our Work with Others.

Integrating biodiversity into the impact assessment process

For every major project we conduct an Environmental Profile. It provides a systematic overview of all the environmental, social, political and legal aspects that we need to consider before starting with a project. Besides the identification of biodiversity values, the profile addresses any potential risks to biodiversity. This helps us to determinethe significance of the issues early on in the project lifecycle.

We have incorporated biodiversity into our Impact Assessment (IA) guidance. As part of our Health, Safety and Environment Standard, we conduct IAs for any new major project or significant modification to an existing project. This helps to ensure that biodiversity is taken into account both during investigations into new projects and in early decisions regarding project design.

Carrying out biodiversity baseline assessments and monitoring studies

We conduct baseline biodiversity surveys for new and existing projects. The extent of the survey will depend on the sensitivity of the environment and the potential impact the project could have on the environment.

Following up impact assessment with management systems

We are integrating biodiversity considerations into our Health, Safety and Environment Management Systems. Various biodiversity related issues may also be covered by specific guidance. For example, all Shell owned ships are required to have Ballast Water Management Plans in order to address the risk of transferring invasive species through the ballast water carried on our ships.

Building biodiversity into performance

Biodiversity is included in our internal assurance processes to ensure that managers take biodiversity seriously and that we can report on our activities. Where we are operating in a protected area or other area of high biodiversity value, we will develop a biodiversity action plan, setting out how we aim to manage the key biodiversity related issues specific to that project. For examples see our section on Shell and protected areas.

Guaranteeing resources to implement the commitments

Managing biodiversity is the responsibility of individual Shell companies, and expertise is primarily located in their Health, Safety and Environment teams. We also have one-full time corporate Biodiversity Adviser appointed in 2000, to help develop and integrate the Shell Biodiversity Standard and commitments, and a number of corporate staff who have biodiversity as a major part of their portfolio. The internal Biodiversity Group Working Group with representatives from each Business (Exploration & Production, Gas & Power, Downstream and Renewables) share performance updates and are a forum for sharing good practices across the Group.

Communication and training

We have a range of communication tools available to help raise staff awareness and aid implementation of our biodiversity strategy. For example, our Biodiversity management primer (Pdf 884 kB - opens in a new window) explains the importance of biodiversity and what staff need to be aware of in order to comply with the Biodiversity Standard.

We have an internal biodiversity network of over 200 staff, bringing together those involved and interested in biodiversity to share news, resources and best practices. Our internal website provides related management tools and a range of training materials.

Sharing skills with our key conservation partners is an effective means of enhancing communication, understanding and supporting a shared vision between our organizations. See Our work with others for more information.

Using indicators to monitor progress

We use four Group Biodiversity Indicators to monitor our progress:

Describe company policies or directives that provide for biodiversity protection, including biodiversity protection goals or commitments set by the company, as well as management strategies, programmes, campaigns, and projects that protect biodiversity and sensitive environments.
For details, see Group Biodiversity Standard, Shell and protected areas and 2005-2010 Strategy. We are also using IPIECA's lifecycle questions - opens in new window, to help us with this indicator.
Have Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) in place at all sites where Shell operates in areas of high biodiversity value.
For progress, see Shell and protected areas
Describe the achievements of our partnerships that strengthen global biodiversity conservation.
For details, see Our work with others
Describe our active involvement in projects to strengthen protected area management and effectiveness.
For details, see Shell and protected areas

External Performance Benchmarks

Fauna and Flora International (FFI) has worked with UK-based investor Insight Investment - opens in a new window, to benchmark 36 companies in the extractive industries on their management of biodiversity issues and impacts. Shell was ranked in the top tier of companies in the 2004 and 2005 studies Shell also remains a sector leader on biodiversity in the 2006 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Read more on our Sustainability Indices.