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We are committed to the responsible use and management of natural resources
We understand the importance of protecting the natural environment, not just in the future, but right now.
Advancing the Future of Energy
We are focused on maintaining our operations in an environmentally responsible manner; investing in low-carbon fuels production and renewable energy projects that contribute toward reducing company-wide GHG emissions; and participating in ecological and conservation projects.
We have made multibillion-dollar capital investments to sustain our operations as part of our commitment to safety, reliability, preventive equipment maintenance and environmental responsible operations for our refineries.
- In 2022, three years ahead of schedule, we achieved our short-term 2025 GHG emissions target to reduce and displace the equivalent to 63% of the tonnage from our global refinery GHG emissions (Scopes 1 and 2).
- Refinery absolute reductions and our low-carbon projects are expected to generate reductions and displacements equivalent to 100% of the tonnage from our global refinery GHG emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2035.
- By 2038, refinery absolute reductions and our low-carbon projects are expected to generate reductions and displacements equivalent to 100% of the tonnage of the GHG emissions from our refining, renewable diesel and ethanol business segments (Scopes 1 and 2), including from refining, ethanol and renewable diesel production.
- By 2050, Valero has an ambition to reduce and displace company-wide GHG emissions for Scopes 1, 2, 3 and 4 by more than 45 million metric tons CO2e.
As part of our strategy to be the safest, most reliable and best operator in the business, we will continue our efforts to:
- Focus on safety, reliability and operations excellence to consistently deliver essential transportation fuels and petrochemical feedstocks;
- Strive to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and invest in opportunities that improve our environmental stewardship;
- Lead the industry in low-carbon renewable fuels, regularly evaluating opportunities to expand production;
- Execute a long-term strategy that addresses shifting consumer needs under a changing policy and technology landscape.
Advancing the Future of Energy
We have a demonstrated track record of reducing emissions in our operations and producing low-carbon fuels today and for future generations.
- Achieved our short-term 2025 GHG emissions target by reducing/displacing more than 63% of global refinery Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2022, three years early.
- On track to achieve 100% global refinery Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction/displacement target by 2035.
- New 2050 ambition to reduce and displace companywide GHG emissions for Scopes 1, 2, 3 and 4 by more than 45 million metric tons CO2e.
As part of our strategy to be the safest, most reliable and best operator in the business, we will continue our efforts to:
- Focus on safety, reliability and operations excellence to consistently deliver essential transportation fuels and petrochemical feedstocks;
- Strive to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and invest in opportunities that improve our environmental stewardship;
- Lead the industry in low-carbon renewable fuels, regularly evaluating opportunities to expand production; and
- Execute a long-term strategy that addresses shifting consumer needs under a changing policy and technology landscape.
Environmental Metrics
For more information, see SASB report and the notes thereto beginning on page 76 of the 2024 ESG Report.
*Beginning in 2022, fresh water withdrawn includes volume that was withdrawn and sold. Values in prior years include only freshwater used in Valero's operations.
Environmental Management System
We have well-developed management structures that are central to our decision-making and risk management, including three programs that oversee our environmental management:
1. Commitment to Excellence Management System (CTEMS): a proprietary systematic approach to planning, executing, checking, and acting to improve everyday work activities at many of our refineries and plants. Within each of nine elements -- leadership accountability, protecting people and the environment, people and skills development, operations reliability and mechanical integrity, technical excellence and knowledge management, change management, business competitiveness, external stakeholder relationships we have identified multiple expectations to achieve our commitment to excellence.
2. Environmental Excellence and Risk Assessment (EERA): elevates the environmental audit and compliance functions to an environmental excellence vision. Its main goal is to assess the design and effectiveness of environmental performance regarding specific excellence objectives, and to facilitate continuous improvement across the company. EERA defines more than 100 expectations and involves a proprietary five-step process using due diligence on data and field assessments reviewed by a combination of external and internal subject matter experts.
3. Fuels Management System (FMS): provides operational safeguards, software, training, and protocols for uniformity across our refineries, terminals and import locations to reinforce our compliance with applicable fuels regulations. Built on the success of FMS, our Low Carbon Assurance Program (LCAP) was implemented to further delineate and strengthen our internal processes. LCAP defines key regulatory requirements, management expectations and internal regulatory assurances relating to transportation fuels regulated by low-carbon fuels programs.
We Are Committed Stewards of the Environment
Renewable Energy and Efficiency Initiatives
Continuous improvement in energy conservation drives efficient performance, lowers operating expenses and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Wastewater Management
We treat wastewater using advanced biological treatment systems comparable to, or even more complex than, those operated by most cities.
Reducing, Reusing, Recycling and Repurposing
For Valero, being the most efficient and reliable operator in a highly competitive industry means being a better environmental performer.
Biodiversity
We engage in diverse ecological projects with local, state and federal regulatory agencies, as well as with neighbors and nonprofit partners.
Water Management
Water management is a critical component of our business.
Environmental Justice / Fence Line Communities
Valero strives to operate as a good neighbor and aims to treat its fence line neighbors fairly, regardless of race, color, national origin, culture or income.
What Fuels Us We care about the environment, our employees and the communities where we work and live.
Responsibility
Waste Management
Responsibility
Recycling Process
Responsibility
