Our commitment as a socially responsible company means that we operate our facilities in a manner that protects people and the environment and preserves our world for future generations.
LyondellBasell is committed to continuous improvement in safety, security, environmental performance, reliability and open communication.
Operational Excellence. Operational Excellence is LyondellBasell’s broadly institutionalized and disciplined management system to achieve reliable and measurable performance that enables us to drive continuous improvement in every aspect of our business. This management system includes the Manufacturing Operational Excellence Principles of Safety and Health, Environmental Quality, Reliability, Cost and Efficiency, People and Community.
Safety Performance and Recognition. Our employees value safety and have demonstrated this with an injury-free site in 2007. For more than a decade, the Matagorda plant has been a prestigious STAR site in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). This is OSHA’s highest level of recognition for outstanding safety performance and processes in the workplace. Matagorda’s safety performance received recognition from Texas Chemical Council with a Safety Distinguished Service award and a Caring for Texas award for achieving exemplary results and demonstrating an ongoing commitment to safe operations, community awareness, and pollution prevention Also, the National Petroleum Refiner’s Association honored the plant with a Safety Achievement Award and Merit Award for zero injuries in 2007.
Environmental. Refinements in emission calculation methods and increased production rates have resulted in additional emissions. Air emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC), particulates (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) increased from 176 tons in 2005 to 261 tons in 2006. Since 1998, emissions of Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) compounds have decreased by 13 percent. We are committed to being an environmentally responsible neighbor. We have implemented several projects designed to improve our environmental performance such as a leak detection and repair program. Also, we are using advanced technology, such as mobile infrared cameras to detect vapors not visible using other monitors.
Energy Efficiency. We have a team dedicated to finding ways to be more energy efficient. Since 1998, we have improved energy efficiency with energy savings of nearly $2 million per year. Our goal is to reduce our energy costs by 10 percent over the next 5 years.
Waste Minimization. Increased production resulted in some additional waste generation. However, the Matagorda site continues to actively seek alternative uses for waste products through recycle and reuse programs.