Greenhouse Gases

ConocoPhillips recognizes that human activity, including the burning of fossil fuels, is contributing to increased concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere that can lead to adverse changes in global climate. While uncertainties remain over the extent of human contributions and the timing and magnitude of future impacts, we are committed to taking action to expand our business planning processes to address greenhouse gas emissions.

Alberta is the first jurisdiction in North America to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Steam generation at Surmont began in June 2007 and first oil production in October 2007. During this ramp-up period, steam was injected into the reservoir for about three months to heat up the bitumen and there was no corresponding oil production during this time. As a result, greenhouse gas intensity on a per barrel basis for 2007 is significantly higher than it is in subsequent years of production. As Surmont increased production by 30 percent from 2008 to 2009, there was a 15 percent increase in fuel consumption. Accordingly, there was a 14 percent increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the facility during this time. The absolute, direct greenhouse gases at the facility have been increasing since it came online in 2007 due to increasing production, but the intensity of those emissions has rapidly declined as shown in the bar and line graph below.

We work with provincial and federal governments to develop greenhouse gas regulations that are both environmentally and economically effective. 

Learn more on Greenhouse Gases

• Canada-wide
• Western Canada Gas

Our Position – Greenhouse Gases and the Oil Sands

The production of oil from the oil sands generates more greenhouse gases on an intensity basis than the production of conventional oil. We believe technology will be the key to lowering these emissions. We are committed to managing greenhouse gas emissions in a manner that is environmentally and economically effective. ConocoPhillips’ full climate change position can be found on the company’s website.