The Environmental Effects of Oil and Gas Operations between Environmental Management System (EMS) and Non-EMS Companies

Abstract

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is critical for oil and gas companies to reduce their pollution activities. However, only a few organizations have adopted such a system. This study evaluates the environmental outcomes of the oil and gas industries, focusing on a comparison between organizations that have adopted EMS and those that have not. The analysis carried out highlighted significant differences in Environmental Performance (EP), Employee Satisfaction (ES), Operational Improvement (OI), occupational Health and Safety (HS), and Competitive Advantage (CA) between organizations which have adopted EMS and those that have not. Data collected from oil and gas organizations in Saudi Arabia revealed that EMS adoption significantly enhances the EP, OI, and HS metrics while contributing to reduced carbon emissions and improved resource management. However, organizations that have not adopted EMS showed higher ES, indicating possible issues in EMS implementation strategies. The findings stress the essential role of EMS in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in fostering responsible production, clean energy, and climate action. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and industry leaders aiming to align industrial practices with sustainability goals.