Responsibility
Environment
As a responsible company, we strive to reduce our environmental impact and mitigate environmental risks.
Our Commitment
In alignment with the Kosmos Energy Business Principles, we seek to embody the principles of environmental stewardship with the goal of sustainable development. In addition to our basic expectation of compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, we are committed to:
- Assessing and minimizing risks that could lead to incidents or that could lead to adverse environmental or social impacts
- Reducing emissions and waste
- Being prepared to use energy and other natural resources efficiently
- Working with stakeholders to understand the potential impacts of our activities
- Continuously improving our Health, Safety, Environment, and Sustainability (HSES) performance through effective management systems.
Waste
Kosmos is committed to reducing and safely disposing of waste, including effluents, generated in our operations.
The Environmental Protection element of The Standard sets out guidance and expectations for the minimization and proper disposal of waste. As part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) process, we outline an action plan to facilitate appropriate waste management processes and procedures prior to beginning any material activities. We also require the creation of a Waste Management Plan (WMP) for material operational activities based on government regulatory requirements and industry best practices, with accountability for waste management addressed in contracts and WMPs. Kosmos audits and/or inspects waste shipping and disposal companies prior to shipping any wastes, including effluents.
Water
Kosmos is committed to effectively managing water consumption and disposal across our operations.
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
Kosmos is committed to protecting the environment and maintaining biodiversity in the areas in which we operate.
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 Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (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. The nature of our operations - which are exclusively offshore and deep-water - limits our exposure to biodiversity risks. Still, Kosmos monitors and actively protects biodiversity in and around our operational sites, including during emergency response and safety drills.
When decommissioning our U.S. sites, we aim to work with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to create artificial reefs that will promote biodiversity and enhance native marine life. For our international locations, we similarly aim to enhance native marine life in and around our operations.