Water

Fresh water withdrawnmillion cubic metres
Fresh water withdrawn – million cubic metres (line chart)

The way we manage our use of fresh water is especially important in areas of the world where the availability of water is constrained due to limited supplies or extensive use. We assess the availability of water where we operate, and design and run our facilities in ways that help reduce their water use.

In 2013, the amount of fresh water we used decreased to 198 million cubic metres, down from 203 million cubic metres in 2012. Our Downstream business accounted for around 75% of our fresh-water use for the manufacture of oil products and chemicals; our Upstream operations used around 25%. At our major facilities in water-scarce areas, we are developing water management plans that include how our operations will minimise water use and increase water recycling. We expect that our fresh-water use will change over time in line with our portfolio, and our efforts to use water more efficiently.