Environment
Long before Syncrude first broke ground more than 30 years ago, research specialists were in the field developing ways to minimize our environmental impact. Syncrude recognizes water is a precious resource and is committed to ensuring its responsible use. In fact, Syncrude's water use efficiency is the best in the oil sands mining industry, with every cubic meter of imported water recycled at least 18 times. Syncrude's water use is less than half the industry average and amounts to about 0.2 percent of the Athabasca River's average annual flow.
Syncrude is also the industry leader in land reclamation. Since the 1970s, the operation has reclaimed more than 4,500 hectares and planted about five million trees and shrubs. As for air quality, Syncrude continues to demonstrate meaningful progress towards reducing emissions. Comprehensive studies and monitoring confirm our region enjoys good quality air. Our investment in sulphur scrubbing technology is expected to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by about 60 percent from current approved levels of 245 tonnes per day and reduce particulate emissions by over 50 percent.
Syncrude is proud of its performance but we recognize that, as a leading oil sands operator, we need to do even better. Syncrude invests some $40 million annually in research and development, exploring new ways to develop the oil sands in a more sustainable manner.
Health & Safety
Syncrude's strong commitment to a safe and healthy work environment is recognized both inside and outside of the organization. Syncrude continues to record strong levels of safety performance with a goal that no individual is hurt at its worksites. In 2007 Syncrude's combined lost-time injury rate matched its previous best set in 2005.
Community Investment
Striving to be an exemplary corporate citizen is one of Syncrude's on-going priorities. Over the past five years, Syncrude has contributed more than $16.5 million in charitable donations to Alberta communities. Syncrude is an important contributor to the economy, employing about 4,700 people in Alberta and providing jobs for thousands of additional contractors. Besides spending more than $55 billion on capital and operating expenditures, Syncrude has paid over $7.5 billion to governments for royalties, payroll and other taxes since the operator's startup in 1978.
Sustainability is an important part of Syncrude's long-term success.
The oil sands operator publishes annually a comprehensive report that discusses each of the key areas to sustainability – the environment and the social and economic impacts of Syncrude's business activities. Visit www.syncrude.com for the latest report.
Recognition
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Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business
Syncrude has held the Gold Level Status in the Progressive Aboriginal Relations program since 1992 and is the only oil sands operator to achieve this level. This recognition is for increasing Aboriginal employment, assisting business development, building individual capacity and enhancing community relations. -
Alberta Venture Magazine
Syncrude was named one of Alberta's Most Respected Corporations in the category of Energy. Syncrude was cited for corporate performance, culture of innovation, corporate brand, human resources practices, environmental stewardship, and community involvement.
Most Respected Corporations -
Surface Mine Rescue Provincial Competition
Syncrude was awarded the John T. Ryan Safety Trophy for achieving the lowest reportable injury rate among Alberta surface mines not producing metal or coal for 2006. It is the third time in five years that Syncrude has received this recognition.
John T. Ryan Safety Trophy -
Maclean's Magazine
Syncrude (through Canadian Oil Sands and their presence on the Jantzi Social Responsibility Index) was named among the most socially responsible companies doing business in Canada and was recognized for its focus on Aboriginal development and its strong safety record.
2007 Corporate Social Responsibility Rankings
