Harnessing technology to achieve sustainability

This paper presents BHP's approach to energy and environmental performance, especially in relation to greenhouse gas emissions. The history of BHP's involvement in the Australian Government's Greenhouse Challenge is outlined, together with the major projects BHP is undertaking as part of this program. These include the use of methane as a fuel at BHP's coal mines and improvements in energy efficiency across a variety of projects. Technologies applied range from large investments in new production processes which save fuel, to small projects utilising renewable energy in place of hydrocarbons. Quantitative data on emissions of greenhouse gases are provided and the implications of BHP's operations on global emissions of greenhouse gases are highlighted. Some opportunities in harnessing technologies to achieve sustainable greenhouse mitigation are discussed.