Practical examples, useful resources and reference points

This toolkit of practical examples, resources and reference points is designed to guide members through a range of voluntary actions through company operations and the supply chain that align with the Ipieca Principles.

Applicability of the suggested actions to any particular company will be dependent on a range of factors. These could include companies’ size, business models, policies and procedures, national/regional circumstances, level of economic development as well as applicable law and other factors specific to the particular company.

Links to Ipieca good practice guidance, external resources, frameworks and organisations are provided to help members understand the relationship between the principles and operational good practice. Regular updates take into account new Ipieca guidance, other references and industry/regulatory developments.

The toolkit can be explored below or downloaded as a PDF.

Last updated April 2025.

Climate

1. Support the Paris Agreement and its aims.

Practical examples	Useful resources and reference points
Be transparent about how company strategy is consistent with the aims of the Paris Agreement and the journey to a net-zero future.	Paris Agreement Ipieca Net-zero emissions: supporting the Paris Agreement and its aims Ipieca-API-IOGP Sustainability reporting guidance for the oil and gas industry, Module 3 - Climate change and energy
Seek to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions from the oil and gas industry.	Ipieca Exploring low-emissions pathways: advancing the Paris Puzzle Ipieca The role of carbon-compensated products in the energy transition Ipieca-API Estimating petroleum industry value chain (Scope 3) greenhouse gas emissions: overview of methodologies Ipieca Supply chain library of questions and resources Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Pursue accurate and consistent climate-related performance reporting.	Ipieca-API-IOGP Sustainability reporting guidance for the oil and gas industry, Module 3: Climate change and energy Ipieca-API Addressing uncertainty in oil and natural gas industry greenhouse gas inventories: technical considerations and calculation methods Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0
Assess and report on climate-related risks and opportunities.	Ipieca Estimating the costs of physical climate risk: an exploration of approaches (members only) Ipieca-API-IOGP Sustainability reporting guidance for the oil and gas industry, Module 3: Climate change and energy Ipieca The role of scenario analysis in climate reporting Ipieca Workshop report: the current state of climate change science - physical impacts and risks
Support the Methane Guiding Principles, OGCI's 'Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative' and the aims of the World Bank's 'Zero Routine Flaring by 2030' initiative.	Methane Guiding Principles Best Practice Toolkit Oil and Gas Climate Initiative’s ‘Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative’ World Bank Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Ipieca-IOGP-World Bank’s GGFR Flaring management guidance for the oil and gas industry Ipieca webinar: World Bank’s GGFR global gas flaring estimates for 2023 Ipieca-IOGP-OGCI Recommended practices for methane emissions detection and quantification technologies - upstream

2. Advance emissions reduction and innovation and enable adoption of low-carbon products and solutions across oil, gas and/or alternative energy

Practical examples	Useful resources and reference points
Collaborate with governments, business and industry, investors, consumers and civil society to support the development, implementation and uptake of low-carbon products and solutions.	Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change International Maritime Organization International Civil Aviation Organization United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Ipieca-WBCSD Accelerating action: an SDG Roadmap for the oil and gas sector Ipieca Net-zero emissions: supporting the Paris Agreement and its aims Ipieca The role of carbon-compensated products in the energy transition Ipieca Hydrogen: enabling the energy transition and the pathways to net-zero emissions Ipieca Exploring low-emissions pathways for transport Ipieca Exploring low-emissions pathways: advancing the Paris Puzzle Ipieca Making the case for carbon capture and storage Ipieca Making CCS fly: workshop summary Ipieca Carbon border adjustment mechanisms webinar series Ipieca sustainable finance webinar series
Work to reduce the methane and carbon intensity of operations.	Methane Guiding Principles Best Practice Toolkit Ipieca-IOGP-OGCI Recommended practices for methane emissions detection and quantification technologies - upstream Ipieca-IOGP-GIE-MARCOGAZ Methane emissions glossary Ipieca Methane science, regulations, voluntary initiatives and global expectations: Virtual workshop summary Ipieca webinar: Reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector – guidance for improved operations SPE Gaia-Ipieca-OGCI-IOGP Methane webinar series insights report
Seek opportunities to improve energy conservation or efficiency measures.	Ipieca-IOGP Compendium of energy and GHG efficient technologies and practices Ipieca-IOGP Guidelines for implementing ISO 50001 energy management systems in the oil and gas industry
Work to produce and supply cleaner, better performing low-carbon fuels and products.	Ipieca-UNEP PCFV Lower-sulphur fuels, road transport strategies and air quality improvements Joint Industry Guidance on the supply and use of 0.50%-sulphur marine fuel Ipieca Exploring low-emissions pathways for transport
Support the sustainable large-scale commercial deployment of carbon capture and storage technology.	Ipieca Making the case for carbon capture and storage Ipieca Making CCS fly: workshop summary SPE Gaia-OGCI-Ipieca-IOGP CCS webinar series (2022/2023) Ipieca CCS webinar series (2020) Ipieca CCS webinar series (2019)
Support the sustainable development and deployment of new solutions, such as advanced biofuels and the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier.	Ipieca Environmental and social good practice for the energy transition: a compendium of Ipieca good practices. Ipieca Hydrogen: enabling the energy transition and the pathways to net-zero emissions Ipieca Exploring low-emissions pathways for transport Ipieca Exploring low-emissions pathways: advancing the Paris Puzzle
Support the sustainable advancement of biofuels, solar and wind power.	Ipieca Environmental and social good practice for the energy transition: a compendium of Ipieca good practices Ipieca Good practices in supply chain management and carbon footprint of wind and solar energy technologies: literature review Ipieca Raw materials for the energy transition webinar series and insights report

Nature

3. Support the aims of the UN Convention for Biological Diversity.

Practical examples	Useful resources and reference points
Implement the Ipieca-IOGP Biodiversity and ecosystem services fundamentals guidance.	Ipieca-IOGP Biodiversity and ecosystem services fundamentals
Apply the mitigation hierarchy to promote a nature positive outcome for biodiversity and ecosystem services.	Ipieca-IOGP Managing biodiversity and ecosystem services across the energy transition: mainstreaming the mitigation hierarchy Cross-Sector Biodiversity Initiative A cross-sector guide for implementing the mitigation hierarchy Ipieca-IOGP A guide to developing biodiversity action plans Ipieca Global Biodiversity Framework targets infographic (members only) Ipieca Mapping the Kunming-Montreal GBF targets against Ipieca publications (members only) Ipieca-OGCI Natural climate solutions: high carbon stock ecosystems management Ipieca Nature readiness assessment: summary report (members only) Ipieca-IOGP Biodiversity and ecosystem services horizon scanning 2021 Ipieca Invasive alien species and the energy industry IUCN Mitigating biodiversity impacts associated with solar and wind energy development
Work to conserve and respect sensitive and legally designated protected areas.	Ipieca-IOGP Biodiversity and ecosystem services horizon scanning 2021 Cross-Sector Biodiversity Initiative Good practices for the collection of biodiversity baseline data

4. Responsibly manage operational impacts on the natural environment and ecosystem services.

Practical examples	Useful resources and reference points
Implement environmental management practices that take into consideration direct, indirect and cumulative impacts across the project life cycle.	Ipieca-IOGP Environmental management in the upstream oil and gas industry Ipieca Petroleum refinery waste management and minimization Ipieca Invasive alien species and the energy industry Ipieca Global flood and drought risk tools (members only)
Responsibly manage and maximise the life cycle of natural resources, energy, materials and waste to support a circular economy.	Ipieca Raw materials for the energy transition webinar series and insights report Ipieca Managing biodiversity and ecosystem services issues along the asset life cycle in any environment: 10 tips for success in the oil and gas industry Ipieca Ecosystem services checklists (update coming soon) Ipieca The expanding role of natural gas: comparing life cycle greenhouse gas emissions Ipieca Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of transportation fuels: issues and implications for unconventional fuel sources Ipieca-Energy Institute Circular economy indicators for the oil and gas industry (guidance coming soon) Ipieca-Energy Institute-Construction Industry Research and Information Association Embedding circularity into the lifecycle of assets (guidance coming soon)
Implement water management principles across the life cycle of oil and gas operations in collaboration with local stakeholders for the responsible and sustainable use of water.	Ipieca Water management framework Ipieca Efficiency in water use Ipieca Identifying and assessing water sources Ipieca Reuse of produced water from the onshore oil and gas industry Ipieca Water stewardship guidance
Implement programmes to prevent oil spills and adopt good practices to mitigate adverse environmental and social impacts. Develop, maintain and test oil spill response plans and proactively work to improve response capability.	Ipieca-IOGP Oil spill preparedness and response: an introduction Ipieca-IOGP Oil spill response Joint Industry Project series of good practice guides Arpel-IMO-Ipieca Readiness Evaluation Tool for Oil Spills (RETOS™) Ipieca Response to spills of alternative fuels and energy products fact sheets Ipieca-IOGP Oil or chemical spill emergency response communications toolkit (members only)
Advance environmental performance considerations through procurement activities and suppliers.	Ipieca Supply chain library of questions and resources Ipieca Raw materials for the energy transition webinar series and insights report

People

5. Support the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Practical examples	Useful resources and reference points
Embed a corporate policy commitment to respect human rights consistent with internationally recognised human rights frameworks or standards.	UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights International Bill of Human Rights International Labour Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work International Labour Organization Promoting diversity and inclusion through workplace adjustments: a practical guide
Build respect for human rights into business processes by developing and implementing human rights due diligence processes aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.	UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights Ipieca Human rights introductory awareness video Ipieca Human rights due diligence guidance Ipieca-Danish Institute for Human Rights Integrating human rights into environmental, social and health impact assessments Ipieca Company and supply chain labour rights guidance Ipieca Labour rights risk identification in the supply chain Ipieca Online labour rights training
Implement community grievance mechanisms to facilitate access to remedy.	Ipieca Community grievance mechanisms in the oil and gas industry
Undertake a risk-based approach to operating in areas of conflict and proactively integrate responsible security practices with respect for human rights consistent with the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights.	Ipieca Guide to operating in areas of conflict for the oil and gas industry Ipieca Host government engagement strategy tool Ipieca Host country security assessment guide Ipieca-ICMM-ICRC-IFC Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights: implementation guidance tools Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights 10 steps to maintain security in compliance with human rights Ipieca Deep dive into VPI’s Guidance on Respective the Rights of Human Rights Defenders webinar (members only)

6. Promote the health, well-being and social inclusion of workforces and local communities relating to operations, and contribute to the social and economic development of host communities and countries.

Practical Examples	Useful Resources and Reference Points
Take a systematic and risk-based approach to health management.	Ipieca-IOGP Health risk assessment and management Ipieca-IOGP Health management in the oil and gas industry Ipieca-IOGP Pandemic management in the oil and gas industry Ipieca-IOGP Infectious disease outbreak management: a programme manual for the oil and gas industry Ipieca-IOGP Medical facilities assessment
Implement good practices and performance monitoring with a focus on preventing occupational health risks and enhancing positive health outcomes for workers.	Ipieca-IOGP Health performance indicators Ipieca-IOGP Health leading performance indicators – 2023 data Ipieca-IOGP Health impact assessment Ipieca-IOGP Medical facilities assessment Ipieca-IOGP Food and water safety in the oil and gas industry Ipieca-IOGP Medical emergency response and primary healthcare guidance Ipieca-IOGP Managing light exposure in the energy industries Ipieca-IOGP Managing fatigue in the workplace Ipieca-IOGP Oil and gas contractor drug and alcohol testing recommended practices Ipieca-IOGP Infectious disease outbreak management Ipieca Worker welfare resources
Offer health and lifestyle services and infrastructure to support community and public health.	Ipieca-IOGP Health impact assessment Ipieca-IOGP Health in the energy transition
Support a responsible, inclusive and caring culture that enables people to perform to the best of their potential.	Ipieca-IOGP Health risk assessment and management Ipieca-IOGP Health leading performance indicators – 2023 data
Support safe handling of petroleum substances through the consistent application of the UN Globally Harmonized System of Hazard Classification and Labelling criteria.	Ipieca The application of Globally Harmonized System criteria to petroleum substances
Build mutual respect, trust, and confidence with local communities through early, ongoing, transparent and accessible engagement programmes.	Ipieca Meaningful engagement practitioner guidance Ipieca Community liaison officers team building and management guidance Ipieca Community development agreements Ipieca Community grievance mechanisms in the oil and gas industry Ipieca Community grievance mechanisms toolbox Ipieca Offshore impacts to fisheries: practitioner guidance for social baselines
Recognise the special position of Indigenous Peoples and other vulnerable groups and aim for free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).	Ipieca Indigenous Peoples and the oil and gas industry: context, issues and emerging good practice Ipieca Free, prior and informed consent toolbox
Seek to create shared social and economic value from oil and gas activities through local content development	Ipieca Local content guidance Ipieca Creating successful, sustainable social investment Ipieca Local content measurement and reporting Ipieca Energy Local Content Map
Implement good practice to enhance the success and sustainability of social investment programmes.	Ipieca Creating successful, sustainable social investment Ipieca Local content measurement and reporting
Work to advance social performance of suppliers and contractors.	Ipieca Supply chain library of questions and resources Ipieca Labour rights risk identification in the supply chain Ipieca Online labour rights training Ipieca Local content measurement and reporting Ipieca Worker welfare resources Ipieca Raw materials for the energy transition webinar series and insights report

Sustainability

7. Support the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as embodied by the Sustainable Development Goals.

Practical examples	Useful resources and reference points
Map alignment of corporate activities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and report on how identified goals are supported by or integrated into core business operations.	UN Sustainable Development Goals Ipieca-WBCSD Accelerating action: an SDG Roadmap for the oil and gas sector Ipieca SDG Roadmap progress report: April 2024 Ipieca-IFC-UNDP Mapping the oil and gas industry to the Sustainable Development Goals: an Atlas Ipieca-API-IOGP Sustainability reporting guidance for the oil and gas industry GRI Integrating SDGs into sustainability reporting

8. Integrate sustainability across activities, increase transparency and engage with key stakeholders.

Practical examples	Useful resources and reference points
Conduct environmental, social and health impact assessments (ESHIAs) for new projects and significant developments to accurately communicate potential impacts to stakeholders.	ISO 31000 – Risk management Ipieca-IOGP Operating Management System framework for controlling risk and delivering high performance in the oil and gas industry Ipieca-The Danish Institute for Human Rights Integrating human rights into environmental, social and health impact assessments Ipieca-IOGP Health impact assessment Ipieca-IOGP Health risk assessment and management Ipieca Water risk assessment in the oil and gas sector: an overview Ipieca Offshore impacts to fisheries: practitioner guidance for social baselines
Engage with suppliers, contractors and joint venture partners to support the adoption of environmentally and socially responsible policies and practices.	Ipieca Supply chain library of questions and resources Ipieca Guidelines for health, safety, security, environment and social responsibility governance in joint ventures Ipieca Online labour rights training Ipieca Local content measurement and reporting Ipieca Worker welfare resources Ipieca Energy Local Content Map Ipieca Raw materials for the energy transition webinar series and insights report Ipieca Measuring sustainability in the supply chain webinar series (members only)
Produce an annual sustainability, non-financial or integrated annual report with a focus on enhancing transparency and accountability to drive improvements in sustainability performance.	Ipieca-API-IOGP Sustainability reporting guidance for the oil and gas industry Ipieca Sustainability reporting survey results highlights Ipieca Sustainability reporting survey results Ipieca-API-IOGP-Arpel Regional webinars for Latin America: introduction to sustainability reporting
Engage a broad range of stakeholders through a variety of channels to better understand and account for their perspectives, expectations, concerns and needs in decision-making processes.	Ipieca Meaningful engagement practitioner guidance Ipieca-WBCSD Accelerating action: an SDG Roadmap for the oil and gas sector Ipieca-API-IOGP Sustainability reporting guidance for the oil and gas industry
Work in partnership with other stakeholders, including other sectors of the economy, to help scale up sustainability actions.	Ipieca-WBCSD Accelerating action: an SDG Roadmap for the oil and gas sector