The country has reached carbon neutrality in the liquid hydrocarbon transport segment
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The country has reached carbon neutrality in the liquid hydrocarbon transport segment
Dec 9, 2022
Colombia’s liquid hydrocarbon transport segment is the only one in the world that is carbon neutral.
This goal was achieved by implementing three action lines related to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG): their inventory, reduction and offsetting.
Cenit heads the efforts in this segment with the support of its subsidiaries, Oleoducto Central (Ocensa), Oleoducto de los Llanos and Oleoducto Bicentenario de Colombia Colombia (ODL-OBC), and Oleoducto de Colombia (ODC).
Cenit, an Ecopetrol Group company leader in the liquid hydrocarbon transportation segment in the country, comprises its subsidiaries Ocensa, ODL-OBCand ODC. It is proud to announce the segment has achieved net-zero carbon dioxide emissions, as certified by the Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification, ICONTEC.
The certification validates the greenhouse gases (GHG) inventory, the implementation of reduction activities and the offsetting of residual emissions.
The subsidiaries in the transportation segment carried out their certification process individually with the ICONTEC following the "Guidelines for the Verification and Certification of Carbon Neutrality" and through the following actions:
First, inventory and verify the tons of CO2 equivalent emitted by their operations. Second, establish a GHG Management Plan, determine the reduction objectives in the short, medium and long term, and identify reduction opportunities within a timeline from 2022 to 2025. Between 2020 and 2021, the companies eliminated approximately 45,400 tCO2e through energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. The expectation for 2030 is a reduction of approximately 260,000 tCO2e.
The third action is the offset of emissions by implementing natural climate solutions in specific projects in different areas of the national territory.
In the case of Cenit, actions are underway under the REDD+ mechanism (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) which, in addition to their positive environmental impact, include a social component in the departments of Chocó, Vichada and Guainía. Specifically, Ocensa develops REDD+ projects in Nariño and Cauca, while ODC and ODL-OBC run reforestation initiatives in Montes de María and the Momposina depression.
The companies have invested in the purchase of carbon credits in REDD+ and reforestation projects approximately USD 4,211,922, contributing to conservation activities and the improvement of the quality of life of the communities that are part of the project.
The initiatives not only achieve carbon capture, but also contribute to reducing deforestation, protecting bodies of water, generating green business opportunities, conserving biodiversity and fostering alliances for education and health, in addition to generating a positive impact on the communities by offering job opportunities and knowledge transfer.
“For us in the liquid hydrocarbon transport segment, attaining a Carbon Neutral Certification from the ICONTEC for each of our subsidiary companies represents a significant milestone that confirms our commitment to the environment and the country's net-zero target. We are very proud to be the first and, currently, the only hydrocarbon transport segment in the world to be carbon neutral, and we will continue working with the national government and the communities in the territories to positively impact the lives of Colombians through pioneering efforts in the energy transition”, stated Héctor Manosalva Rojas, president of Cenit.
In this way, the country's liquid hydrocarbon transportation segment, headed by Cenit, confirms its commitment to Colombia and the environment, and corroborates its contribution to the Ecopetrol Group's net zero emissions target by 2050.
Cartagena, December 9, 2022
