Important Factors Of Imperial Oil Policy Statement

The ESSO Imperial Oil Corporation has released a Product Safety Policy and provides detailed information on the environmental considerations being made by the company. The ESSO policy touches upon the six main points of responsible environmental consideration and provides examples to support each of their arguments. The policy has a strong environmental conservational message and seems to use the correct methods in creating a more sustainable environment.

The first factor of a strong environmental policy is usually that it shows concern for ecological sustainability. The company addresses this issue by providing the example of fresh water use. The company has implemented new efficient ways of recycling and reusing which has cut down the fresh water use by 88% since the 1970`s. This shows that the company is truly trying to make a difference in the local ecosystem by conserving valuable resources which are more vital to the ecosystem then the company. The policy also (while perhaps merely trying to sharpen the image of ESSO) mentions that it has taken an active partnership with Ducks Limited Canada to try and reclaim wetlands. This point shows that the company, while recognizing damage it has already created, is trying to make reparations to the ecosystem.

While ecological sustainability is important, another important factor of a responsible environmental decision is the "polluter pays principle". This means that it is irresponsible for the company to expect the land or the public to pay to try and make the company environmentally friendly. In the policy it is clear that ESSO is taking a strong stance on this and takes full responsibility for their actions and for making changes which benefit the environment. This is shown in the policy by the statement that most of the factories, over 100, have had automated building systems installed to try and reduce energy waste and over consumption.

One of the more arguable factors for a responsible policy is use of the precautionary principle. ESSO, while not directly stating the use of the precautionary principle shows it's use in many of the plans and regulations stated in the policy. A perfect example is where it is stated that "[the company will] include identification and control of potentially adverse health, safety and environmental effects as priority considerations in the planning and development of products". This statement shows that the company has decided to put public welfare first and make it a priority by using the precautionary principle. This shows a large amount of responsibility on the company's part since they are willing to give up or change product development and planning (a venture which could cost a company many dollars) in order to protect public welfare.

One of the most important factors of a good environmental policy is that it has public participation and keeps the public involved in progress and changes to the company's policy or actions. The ESSO policy clearly states an open relationship with the public by stating that "[the company will] communicate with the public on environmental matters". This shows that ESSO is committed to keeping the public aware of it's intentions and any changes to the public's community and environment. The company also states in the policy that the company will partake in active research to try and find new, more environmentally sound, ways to develop their products and will keep governments, the scientific community and the public aware.

The equity principle entails the consideration of future generations, and when applied to the enevironmental policy of ESSO it is clear to see that they have effectively used the equity principle. The policy shows clear and correct use of the equity principle in most of it's policies. Specifically where it states "[the company will] conduct and support research to improve understanding of the impact of their business on the environment, to improve methods of environmental protection, and to enhance their capability to make operations and products compatible with the environment". This policy shows that the company is taking active steps in trying to prevent any destruction of the environment presently and for future generations as they state they are trying to develop and understanding of how their business effects the environment.

The human rights principle is directly stated in the policy. One example is when the policy states "[the company will] respond quickly and effectively to incidents resulting from their operations, in cooperation with industry organizations and authorized government agencies". This shows that the company is taking the security and well being of the public and it's employee's (aka. humans) very seriously and that the well being is something which the company will respond to very rapidly.

The ESSO policy seems to follow all of the guidelines for a responsible policy. The policy incorporates actions geared towards reparation, preservation and a sustainable future for a global environment. The use of each of the factors makes this a prime example of a responsible policy.

References

ESSO, Imperial Oil. (Copyright 2006) "Imperial oil environmental policy" Accessed from http://www.imperialoil.ca/Canada-English/Thisis/SHE/Policies/TI_SHE_P_EnvironmentalPolicy.asp Novemeber 24th 2009.

ESSO, Imperial Oil. (Copyright 2006) "Imperial oil product safety policy" Accessed from http://www.imperialoil.ca/Canada-English/Thisis/SHE/Policies/TI_SHE_P_ProductSafetyPolicy.asp November 14th 2009.