Mission Matters Report 2020
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MISSION MATTERS The Sturgeon Refinery’s Approach to Sustainable Energy Production ~ Updated Report – Issued 2021 ~ UPDATED EDITION INCLUDES 2020 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE: YEAR IN REVIEW ABOUT MISSION MATTERS At the Sturgeon Refinery, we believe that our mission is making an impact as the world transitions to cleaner energy sources. The inaugural edition was released in mid-2020 to showcase the refinery’s approach to sustainable fuel production from oil sands bitumen. This updated version reflects performance and operations data for calendar year 2020 (unless otherwise stated), including the significant achievement of commercial operation. THE YEAR OF OPERATIONAL MILESTONES 2020 was memorable for many reasons. Most notable to the Sturgeon Refinery was the achievement of commercial operation for the refinery as well as the third-party operated Alberta Carbon Trunk Line system. The refinery began processing oil sands bitumen feedstock early in 2020 and officially attained Commercial Operation Date (COD) as of June 1, 2020. The refinery is the first built in Canada in over three decades, and the first designed from the ground up to incorporate a solution for carbon emissions. The carbon capture, utilization and storage system – Alberta Carbon Trunk Line – also attained COD in 2020. By year end, almost 800,000 tonnes of CO2 from the refinery were captured, sequestered, and safely stored underground in geological formations instead of vented into the atmosphere. This system is one of only several dozen commercially operating carbon capture projects in the world, making it an early leader in carbon emissions management. Both of these milestones were over a decade in the making and therefore mark 2020 as one of the most significant years in the history of North West Redwater Partnership. MANAGING THROUGH A GLOBAL PANDEMIC Across the globe, 2020 was memorable due to the life changing impact of COVID-19. Individuals and organizations alike adjusted and re-adjusted habits, plans, protocols, budgets, and perspectives. Inside the refinery fence line, the focus remained on the health and safety of personnel. Measures were put in place to protect workforce health, minimize the risk of transmission, and mitigate disruptions to diesel production, recognizing that fuel for transportation is an essential good. The commitment and flexibility of the workforce to continually adjust to the reality of COVID-19 kept case numbers low among personnel throughout the year. Additional support was provided, including unique programs like surplus laptops for employee families to continue education and connection online. Community engagement shifted to provide relief from the hardships and challenges experienced by many local organizations. Community investment funding targeted organizations like schools, food banks, and smaller non-profits whose fundraising opportunities essentially vanished overnight. Some funding was earmarked for basic essentials like meals and toiletries, while other dollars helped improve mental and emotional health of youth and adults in the community. 2 AT A GLANCE: 2020 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS ENVIRONMENT Advancing carbon emissions management in Carbon Captured 798,623 Alberta Since Gasifier began operation in tonnes March to year end With the Sturgeon Refinery and Alberta Carbon Trunk Line both reaching full operation in 2020, the carbon Sulphur Recovered footprint of bitumen processing is reduced. Carbon Sulphur Recovery Unit since 99.6% dioxide captured from the Sturgeon Refinery serves as June 1 COD to year end an anchor supply to the Alberta Carbon Trunk Line system which is the backbone infrastructure Domestic Waste Recycled supporting a lower carbon economy in Alberta. Annual paper, plastic, wood, 91.5% organics, and concrete In less than a full year of capturing CO at the refinery, ₂ nearly 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ were diverted from the atmosphere. The CO₂ was used instead for enhanced oil recovery before being safely and permanently stored. This system adds to the growing list of successful carbon capture, utilization, and storage projects around the world, helping Alberta lead the way in emissions reducing technology. SAFETY & HEALTH Supporting Goal Zero for a safe, healthy worksite 1,520,897 Total Hours Worked in 2020 Personal safety performance at the Sturgeon Refinery hours consistently ranks in the top quartile among industry leaders. The refinery has been accumulating Total Recordable Injury consecutive hours of lost time injury free work since 0.39 2018. In 2020, the 4-million-hour milestone was Frequency (TRIF) surpassed. Lost time injury free hours continue to accumulate into 2021 with a proactive approach to Lost Time Incident Frequency 0.00 safety. (LTI) An extraordinary effort on measures, procedures, and behaviors minimized the impact of COVID-19, keeping the workplace healthy and maintaining operations. Running Total of Consecutive 4.6 million Rates of infection remained very low among refinery Hours Worked LTI Free hours personnel, all of whom progressed well through Since September 2018 to present recovery. 134 Emergency Response Training activities 3 PEOPLE Recognizing service achievement and adaptability Full Time Employees 313 people The inaugural year of the Service Awards program celebrated employees who surpassed milestones years of service. Our longest serving employee was Average Years of Experience recognized for 15 years. The program is now an 19 years annual part of employee recognition. Full Time Employees Adaptability was at the forefront as shift schedules, Average Years with NWR 4 years rotations, work locations, and workspaces were Full Time Employee adjusted due to COVID-19. Additional support and resources were available to help manage the transition. In one unique initiative, nearly 100 refurbished tablets and laptops from NWR surplus Students, Work Terms, Co-op 7 people were provided to employees whose children shifted to online learning at home or family members were Embedded/Resident isolated. The technology enabled education and 260 people connection to continue as the pandemic evolved. Contractor Personnel COMMUNITY Managing through pandemic challenges Invested Since Program Inception $755,000+ Community investment in 2020 targeted (2015) organizations and initiatives greatly impacted by COVID-19. Where possible, the approach to investment had a multiplier effect where recipient Local Organizations Funded in 28 organizations spent funds in the region, adding to 2020 the economic impact (i.e. purchase of supplies, services or resources from local providers). Over Winter 40% of spending was directed to learning and wear for Annual United Way Item Drive education. Additionally, seniors support helped kids and combat isolation, youth clubs were able to adapt families their activities, and local food banks supplied meals and other essential goods for families in need. Partnerships with organizations like Skills Canada- Alberta allowed a successful redeployment of their model of skilled trades exploration. Their Skills in the Classroom program had farther reach than ever before: over 9,000 students in the province with over the half of the schools being new to the program. 4 REPORT CONTENTS Leadership Message ............................................................................................................................................................... 6 Partners ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Mission ............................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Values .................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Canada’s Newest Refinery .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Planet Stewardship ................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Raising the Standard for Environmental Performance .................................................................................. 8 Carbon Solution .............................................................................................................................................................. 8 Positioned for Global Climate Trends .................................................................................................................... 9 Carbon as a Valuable Asset ........................................................................................................................................ 9 Preserving Air Quality ................................................................................................................................................ 10 Enhancing Water Management .............................................................................................................................. 10 Optimizing Land Use..................................................................................................................................................