Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in our operations

Technological innovation underpins ExxonMobil’s approach to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In particular, we focus on increasing energy efficiency in the short term; implementing emission-reducing technologies in the near and medium terms; and developing breakthrough technologies for the long term. We are committed to flare reduction, energy efficiency, cogeneration of power and steam, and production efficiency improvements to reduce GHG emissions.

In 2011, we invested $440 million to improve energy efficiency, reduce flaring, and reduce GHG emissions.

Greenhouse gas emissions
In 2011, ExxonMobil's net equity GHG emissions¹ were 129 million metric tons, excluding emissions from the production of electricity and steam exported from our operations to other users. Our indirect GHG emissions from purchased electricity and steam were an estimated 14 million metric tons. Relative to our 2010 performance, this represents an increase of about 4 million metric tons, or 3 percent.

Efficiency
Producing fuel and petrochemicals requires significant amounts of energy. In 2011, our operations consumed approximately 1.55 billion gigajoules of energy. Since 2000, we have used our Global Energy Management System (GEMS) in the Downstream and Chemicals business lines and Production Operations Energy Management System (POEMS) in the Upstream business to methodically and rigorously identify and act on energy saving opportunities.

Cogeneration
ExxonMobil is developing innovative ways to generate power more efficiently and with less environmental impact compared to purchasing electricity from a local utility. Cogeneration captures heat generated from the production of electricity to use in production, refining, and chemical processing operations.

Flare Reduction
Hydrocarbon gases are naturally brought to the surface during crude oil extraction. In some instances, this associated gas is flared or burned, either as a safety measure or as a means of disposal.

Global Climate and Energy Project
In 2002, ExxonMobil made a long-term research commitment by becoming a founding sponsor of the Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP) at Stanford University in California.

¹Our calculations are based on the guidance provided in the Compendium of Greenhouse Gas Emission Estimation Methodologies for the Oil and Gas Industry (American Petroleum Institute) and the Petroleum Industry Guidelines for Reporting Greenhouse Gas Emissions (International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association).