ADNOC, the 12th largest oil producer in the world, needs no introduction. The growth story of Abu Dhabi has been shaped by ADNOC as this firm has played an integral part in the economic development of the nation over a span of 45 years. The quality of life has witnessed a significant rise and the firm has acknowledged the role of CSR in business ethics.
Through a well-integrated business network, ADNOC has acquired expertise in a diverse range of operations. Today, if Abu Dhabi has emerged as a global epitome of success on the energy landscape, it is because ADNOC has been the principal catalyst in redefining the way energy is seen in the modern world.
Sustainable development is being observed as a successful model of growth across the world with climate change and depletion becoming a serious concern. This is where the significance of corporate social responsibility comes into the picture. The ADCOC Codes of Practices reflect the company’s sincere commitment and responsibility towards the environment and the people. The following CSR initiatives by the company are furthering the agenda of sustainable development:
- Environment Protection: Recognizing their responsibility towards the planet, ADNOC places great emphasis on the identification and mitigation of risks involved with health, safety, and environment. All the business activities by ADNOC need to qualify for a stringent Health, Safety and Environmental Impact Assessment (HSEIA), followed by regular environmental monitoring. Sizeable investments are made by ADNOC in environmental projects in sync with UAE’s commitment to combat climate change, such as:
- Reduction of Green House Gas emissions
- Marine Protection and Development
- Mangrove and Seagrass plantation
- Coral reef rehabilitation
- Deployment of artificial reef and fish habitat structures
- ‘Al Reyadah’, a joint venture with Masdar, focusing on exploring and developing commercial scale projects for carbon capture, usage and storage
- Safety: ADNOC realizes that without dedicated commitment towards 100% HSE and zero tolerance for shortcuts and compromises, safety cannot be guaranteed for their workforce, the society and the surrounding environment. The employees have been empowered to take immediate steps to address unsafe situations and ensure that the procedures are strictly followed. ADNOC takes pride in the fact that its oil and gas industry is one of the safest in the world with a considerably lower Lost Time Frequency Injury (LTIF). The idea is to deliver energy to the world in a safe and sustainable manner.
- Education: Every development thrives on an idea, an idea that brings hope and light. Education is an idea which gives birth to more powerful ideas that redefine and redesign our perspective and actions. Most importantly, education is a responsibility. Recognizing this huge responsibility, ADNOC has created a world class infrastructure for education and research that seeks to bring out the best of the Emiratis, who can consequently contribute to the development of the oil and gas sector. The following initiatives underline ADNOC’s commitment towards educational empowerment:
- ADNOC Technical Institute providing specialist training and education for UAE Nationals who want to acquire the relevant skills in the oil and gas industry
- Series of ADNOC schools in Abu Dhabi imparting education to the gifted Emirati and expatriate students, following a rigorous curriculum based on the highest academic standards, and preparing them for admission in the world’s leading universities
- Scholarship Programs for UAE nationals for post-secondary educational opportunities at the leading global universities
- Young ADIPEC Program which provides students from schools across Abu Dhabi in the age group of 14 to 17 with the opportunity to gain substantial experience in the energy sector through a series of fun and engaging activities, including educational field trips, site visits and competitions, which culminates at the region’s leading industry exhibition – ADIPEC
- Community: Community welfare forms the mainspring of corporate social responsibility efforts undertaken by ADNOC. The idea is to bring about positive transformation in the society by enhancing the quality of life of the people and allowing them to become an equal stakeholder in the development agenda.
- In the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, constant efforts are being made for the socio- economic development of the communities of Ruwais, Madinat Zayed, Liwa and Shuweihat.
- Al Khair Program was launched in the year 2017 to bring about a positive transformation in the lives of the people. To further this objective, 50 community initiatives have been established as part of the 2017 Year of Giving.
Without an iota of doubt, ADNOC is putting its best foot forward for creating a sustainable future for Abu Dhabi through corporate social responsibility. The firm deserves appreciation for laying down a concrete infrastructure for inclusive development. The success of ADNOC lies in the fact that a fine balance has been maintained between quantitative and qualitative development.