Environment
At Kosmos Energy, we aim to operate responsibly, create enduring value, and have a positive impact in the areas where we work. Our approach is grounded in environmental stewardship and supports our broader goal of sustainable development.
The STANDARD, which defines the expectations that underpin our Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) management system and HSE Policy, includes an environmental protection element that sets out key performance measures for reducing our environmental impact.
These measures include conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and incorporating their findings into planning for seismic, drilling, development, and production activities. Where necessary, we develop Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) to address areas such as waste, water, and biodiversity.
Our Environmental Commitments
In addition to compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, we commit to:
Assessing and minimizing risks that could lead to incidents or adverse environmental impacts
Reducing and safely disposing of waste, including effluents, generated in our operations
Effectively managing water consumption and disposal across our operations
Protecting the environment and maintaining biodiversity in the areas in which we operate
Waste
As part of the ESIA process, we outline an action plan to facilitate appropriate waste management processes and procedures prior to beginning any material activities.
For material operational activities we create a Waste Management Plan (WMP) based on government regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Kosmos audits and/or inspects waste shipping and disposal companies prior to shipping any wastes, including effluents.
Water
We recognize that the efficient and responsible use of water is critical for sustainable development. Given our current activity set is entirely offshore and we are not the operator for most of our operations, we do not encounter risks of water scarcity as it relates to our operations. Still, we are committed to integrating any potential risks posed by water scarcity into our business planning and working with partners to reduce water use where reasonably possible.
Biodiversity
Our goal is to have no net biodiversity loss and, where possible, we strive to have a net positive impact even beyond our business activities.
Kosmos maintains oversight of biodiversity issues through ESIAs, which facilitate the systematic consideration of threats to biodiversity in the areas in which we operate. We work with partners and environmental experts to put into place comprehensive management plans, especially if the ESIA process identifies risks near our operations.
Where appropriate, we work to create artificial reefs that promote biodiversity and enhance native marine life in and around our operations. In the U.S., this includes working with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) when decommissioning our sites.