Petron bags gold award for CSR program

Petron Corp. has again proven that in the downstream oil business, companies can still be downright environment-friendly and sustainable at the same time.

The country’s biggest oil refiner and retailer, after all, was recently given the prestigious Gold Award for Best Environmental Excellence during the recent third Global CSR (corporate social responsibility) Awards organized in Cebu by Singapore-based The Pinnacle Group International.

Petron was conferred the honor “for integrating environmental performance into the company’s sustainable development strategy and delivering proven business benefits.” The 3rd Global CSR was attended by more than 100 delegates from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Singapore.

According to Petron, it was cited for its continuous efforts to improve its environmental performance in key areas, namely, energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and waste management across its supply chain. This chain included its 180,000 barrel-a-day Bataan refinery, more than 30 depots and terminals and some 1,700 service stations scattered across the country.

Actual savings were realized by implementing sustainable environmental projects, which resulted in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 57,000 tons a year and a 14-percent decrease in water consumption in 2010.

“As we continue to expand our business, our commitment to corporate social responsibility grows as well. Our goal is to ensure a sustainable future not only for our business but also for our communities,” said Petron chair and CEO Ramon S. Ang. Amy R. Remo