Sustainability FAQs
Answering some frequently asked questions about sustainability in industry.
Frequently asked Sustainability questions
Q. What is the difference between energy efficiency and CO鈧� reduction?
A. Energy efficiency relates to being able to produce more of something while not burning any extra fuel and, therefore, not producing any more CO2. CO2 reduction means physically reducing the amount of CO2 you produce. This can be done through methods such as carbon capture and storage, the name given to a combination of technologies that captures and stores carbon dioxide deep underground, preventing its release into the atmosphere.
Q. How can waste management partnerships and programmes support my business?
A. Waste management partnerships can help lift your business over both an economic and regulatory hurdle as you can ensure waste is being disposed of correctly and effectively without having to drain your own resources in the process.
Q. Is the performance of base oils made from recycled or post-consumer sources equal to the non-recycled oils I use now?
A. The performance of many base oils made from recycled or post-consumer sources can actually be equivalent to or better than the oils you use now. Products created with sustainability in mind from the start also work towards reducing your carbon footprint and those that have been regenerated from biodegradable sources are ideal in environmentally sensitive areas.
Q. What are nature-based solutions (NBS)?
A. Nature-based solutions are projects which protect, transform or restore land. In this way, nature absorbs more CO2 emissions from the atmosphere. Such activities can lead to the marketing, trading and sale of carbon credits.
Q. What is 鈥榠ncreased part density鈥� and how is it used to reduce packaging waste?
A. Increased part density sees firms optimise space utilisation by shipping more parts in the same amount of space. Greater part density translates into the need for fewer containers, fewer shipments, and ultimately, transport cost reduction.
Q. What are biodegradable oils made from?
A. Many biodegradable lubricants are made from natural vegetable oils such as rapeseed or sunflower seed oils. However, we are now also seeing a new wave of highly effective biodegradable lubricants made from esters, an organic compound produced by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol.
Q. What sustainability commitments has Shell made?
A. Shell has set itself an ambition to become a 鈥榥et-zero emissions energy business鈥� by 2050 or sooner, if possible. We aim to do this in step with society鈥檚 progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. You can find out more about Shell鈥檚 ambition here: /energy-and-innovation/the-energy-future/shells-ambition-to-be-a-net-zero-emissions-energy-business.html
Q. Where can I find more resources covering Shell鈥檚 sustainability services?
A. You can find out more about Shell Lubricant Solutions' sustainability offerings here: /sustainability.html
Sustainability and Lubricants
Securing a sustainable future for your business.
