The PGNiG Capital Group strictly observes national and EU environmental protection laws and implements internal standards and regulations to meet its environmental goals. Environmental management systems have been implemented and certified in the majority of PGNiG branches and Capital Group companies to monitor and manage our environmental impacts more effectively. Most companies of the PGNiG Capital Group have implemented and certified environmental management systems (EMS) based on the PN-EN ISO 14001 standard, many of which are integrated with quality management systems, occupational health and safety systems and data security systems. Environmental aspects are analyzed and evaluated, environmental risks are assessed, preventive measures are planned and the condition of different elements of the natural environment (air, soil, ground, surface and ground waters) is monitored.

The fact that our companies join voluntary programs aiming to reduce their harmful environmental impacts is best proof that environmental protection is treated very seriously in the PGNiG Capital Group.

For more information about the Environmental Management System, click here.

In PGNiG, we are deeply committed to environmental protection in all market segments in Poland and abroad, and in all industries where we are present during the exploitation, distribution and storage of hydrocarbons.

We search for and implement innovative technologies that help us take better care of the natural environment.

PGNiG makes every effort to restore former sites to their original condition by backfilling old tar pits, decommissioned excavation pits, mine shafts and boreholes. Land reclamation programs are carried out in former mining sites. PGNiG regularly reports on its greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and waste production levels.

For more than a decade, PGNiG's environmental protection services have been developing comprehensive annual reports for the internal needs of the entire Capital Group. The reports contain detailed environmental information which is arranged in topical groups and linked to specific types of impacts and elements of the natural environment.  

In PGNiG, we educate our employees about environmental protection. We organize training programs and conferences to discuss the key environmental issues and work out a shared action plan that is consistent with the goals of the CSR Strategy of the PGNiG Capital Group.

Safety and the natural environment

• Reduce air pollution
• Sort solid and liquid waste
• Save water, paper, and energy
• Prevent contamination and pollution of ground Surface
• Reduce noise pollution
• Protect natural environment, set an example

For many years, the PGNiG Capital Group has been implementing active measures to reduce its environmental impacts. Various investments are made to limit our greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions, protect soils and ground waters, and minimize the quantity of generated waste. In 2014, the Group's environmental expenditures exceeded PLN 233.5 million. The following environmental protection measures have been implemented:

• reconstruction of boilers in a combined heat and power plant (PGNiG Termika),
• upgrading of the wet flue gas desulfurization system (PGNiG Termika),
• installation of bag filters in fluidized bed reactors and upgrading of the flue gas monitoring system (PGNiG Termika),
• upgrading of a fly ash (bottom ash) disposal system in fluidized bed reactors (PGNiG Termika),
• reconstruction of the heating system in a mine,
• building connections to the public sewerage system,
• upgrading of a waste gas utilization system,
• reconstruction of oil filling devices,
• reconstruction of a liquid sulfur filling station,
• reconstruction of sound absorbers for compressed air generators,
• upgrading of a boiler plant supplying workshop and office buildings in high-pressure gas reducing stations,
• purchase of a containerized water treatment plant,
• purchase of an evaporator for a waste neutralization plant,
• purchase of low-noise industrial power generators and air-conditioning units,
• purchase of vibrating screens and upgrading of waste containers,
• purchase of water tanks and cleaning units,
• purchase of an industrial vacuum cleaner for removing oil and coolant residues.

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In 2014, none of the PGNiG Capital Group's companies that submit reports were charged with environmental penalties.

System reviews, internal audits and periodic compliance assessments are carried out to guarantee that all PGNiG branches and companies have the required licenses, permissions, certificates and conduct research operations in line with legal regulations and decisions. In the event any our companies or branches violate environmental standards, remedial measures are initiated immediately to curb their harmful impacts on the natural environment. 

In the process of monitoring our impact on different elements of the natural environment, we place special emphasis on pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions to ambient air. This particularly applies to installations that require integrated permits and are part of the European Union Emission Trading System. Such installations have to meet strict emission standards, and they have to be equipped with a comprehensive monitoring system for controlling their impacts on all elements of the environment.

In line with the provisions of national and EU laws, installations that are part of the EU ETS have to monitor and report greenhouse gas emissions and participate in audits conducted by authorized controllers. Auditors verify the methods that are used to monitor, measure and calculate carbon dioxide emissions as well as the related activities.  

In line with legal requirements, the PGNiG Capital Group is prevented from exerting a negative influence on the quality or quantity of water bodies in its operating sites. We evaluate our impact on bodies of surface and ground water, and we initiate the required measures to monitor and protect the condition of water bodies. Based on this information, we can rest assured that our operations do not compromise the quality or quantity of surface and ground water resources.

Our companies draw water from own wells and surface water reservoirs or purchase mains water. Those resources meet water requirements of office buildings, industrial processes and fire protection systems. Annual changes in water consumption result mainly from the amount of water required for production processes, resource exploration and investment projects. 

In line with legal requirements, the PGNiG Capital Group makes every effort to reduce the volume of effluents evacuated to water bodies, the ground, sewerage system and treatment plants.

Effluents generated by PGNiG Capital Group companies are discharged to the sewerage system (under contracts signed with water and sewerage companies), bodies of surface water or the ground (under a water use license) after preliminary treatment or treatment in the company's wastewater treatment plant, or are evacuated to a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Domestic and industrial effluents are discharged to the sewerage system. Rainwater from industrial sites and access roads is evacuated to the municipal sewerage system, bodies of surface water and the ground.

The companies of the PGNiG Capital Group have long implemented effective waste management procedures. As part of those procedures, we have been able to:

• identify our key impact areas by defining all locations and sites which can pollute the environment and generate waste,
• develop effective methods for minimizing our waste production, in particular unsorted waste which is dumped rather than recycled.

In line with our procedures, the generated waste has to be sorted and recycled to make new materials and products. The only limitations are the availability of suitable technologies for processing a given type of waste as well as financial concerns. Waste which has to be neutralized for technical reasons is released only to service providers who are authorized and certified to process specific types of materials. Every Group company is responsible for choosing licensed service providers.

The PGNiG Capital Group operates on various markets and is engaged in different types of activities, including the exploration and production of hydrocarbons. This field of activity constitutes a separate category of waste-generating operations which, in addition to toxic and dangerous waste, also involve the production of excavation waste.     

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The PGNiG Capital Group observes the relevant regulations when implementing projects that could exert a significant impact on the natural environment or Natura 2000 sites. We apply solutions that minimize our negative influence on elements of the natural environment protected by the Nature Conservation Act as well as species and habitats in Natura 2000 sites. When planning operations in protected areas, we develop or commission impact statements detailing the project's anticipated influence on local habitats. If the planned activities could affect the environment in any way, we apply for derogations, and all operations are conducted under the strict supervision of nature conservation authorities.   

Branch in Zielona Góra

• "Ekolandia" School Competition where 9 schools participated in a competition testing the students' environmental knowledge. The branch financed competition prizes. 
• "Kindergarten students give green tips", an art competition for children aged 3-6 years.
• Rescue training in the Oil Terminal in Wierzbno.
• Training for managers about safety, HSE and audits.
• Regional Environmental Protection Days in Gorzów Wielkopolski – the branch prepared a promotional stand dispensing information about environmental protection in the oil industry.

Geology and Exploration Branch

• Information campaign about the exploration of unconventional hydrocarbon reserves, including meetings with local authorities, members of the local community and NGOs.
• Participation in the BLUE GAS initiative, a research and development project of the National Research Center and the Industrial Development Agency. The project aims to give support to integrated R&D initiatives, including pilot tests of the proposed solutions, leading to the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in shale gas production.

PGNIG Termika SA

• The company joined forces with the Mokotów District Office in a project aiming to stop the environmental degradation of Lake Czerniakowskie. PGNiG Termika commissioned various tests and analyses whose results will be used to develop a revitalization plan for the lake.
• Participation in the "Heat from nature" campaign during which 685 tons of old Christmas trees were converted to biomass and used to generate to green energy for Warsaw.

Polska Spółka Gazownictwa Sp. z o.o

• The company organized a competition testing the employees' knowledge of occupational health and safety, fire protection and environmental protection regulations to: promote good practices, promote the awareness of occupational health and safety, fire protection and environmental protection standards.
• Development of a report entitled "Environmental Protection in Polska Spółka Gazownictwa Sp. z o.o. in 2014".
• As a socially responsible company, PSG reviewed its management practices relating to PN-ISO 26000 standard guidelines. The following goals were set in the environmental responsibility category:

1. to minimize the company's adverse impacts on the environment,
2. to reduce emissions to ambient air,
3. to implement a system for monitoring subcontractors' compliance with environmental protection regulations,
4. to prevent environmental pollution by sorting waste,
5. to develop an environmental management system,
6. to promote environmental awareness among employees.

Geofizyka Toruń SA

• Active participation in the Clean Up the World campaign: publication of articles dedicated to the campaign in the Impuls magazine, collection of old mobile phones which were sold to generate proceeds for the "Mimo wszystko" foundation for people with disabilities.
• Participation in a healthy lifestyle campaign entitled "Green road to work" promoting cycling to work.