Upstream Business Support Department launches advanced-level environmental courses and certification.
NEBOSH Environmental Management course participants pose with Abdulrahman A. Al Sanea.
Aramco’s ambition to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its wholly owned operated assets by 2050 is embedded throughout the company’s operations, starting with the training opportunities provided for our people.
With this spirit, the Upstream Business Support Department (UBSD) launched a training initiative to provide advanced level environmental courses and certification that aims to develop environmental professionals’ technical skills.
The globally recognized courses include the Environmental Management certification course offered by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) training, and the Environmental Management System (EMS) Lead Auditor certification course.
“We aim to empower our people to become catalysts for change, driving innovation, and helping to raise awareness about environmental responsibility.”
— Ahmed A. Al Eidan, Upstream Business Support Department director
“Together, let us embrace efforts to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to support an orderly energy transition,” Al Eidan added.
Abdulrahman A. Al Sanea, manager of the Upstream Operational Excellence and Operational Compliance Division (A), said the initiative “embodies our ambition to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions across Aramco’s wholly owned operated assets by 2050.
“By equipping our employees with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, we are empowering them to become ambassadors of change, supporting environmental innovation and fostering a culture of environmental consciousness.”
— Abdulrahman A. Al Sanea
Course Offerings
Here follows an overview of the courses and certifications offered for Upstream professionals:
The NEBOSH Environmental Management course equips individuals with knowledge and skills to effectively manage environmental risks and to improve environmental performance within an organization. The course covers a wide range of topics related to environmental management, including environmental regulations and laws, environmental risk assessment, and auditing.
At the end of the course, participants who successfully pass the certification exam receive an internationally recognized NEBOSH certificate in Environmental Management. More than 40 Upstream employees participated in the NEBOSH course in 2023.
LCA is a systematic approach used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle. It considers the environmental consequences associated with raw material extraction, production, use, and disposal.
LCA training provides participants with the tools and methodologies to assess the environmental impact of different systems and make informed decisions to minimize negative effects. Professionals who complete the course gain skills to develop sustainable solutions that could reduce environmental impacts.
Overall, 50 Upstream professionals participated in the LCA course in 2023.
The EMS Lead Auditor course is a mandatory requirement for professionals involved in auditing EMS in their organizations, and the course has already shown benefits to Upstream organizations.
Since 2021, more than 80 Upstream trained and certified employees conducted EMS audits. By becoming an EMS lead auditor, individuals are playing a role in ensuring compliance, identifying areas for improvement, and driving more sustainable practices within organizations.
Positive Results
Since the establishment of the initiative in 2021, more than 170 environmental professionals have participated in the program — 110 of them in 2023. The initiative is highly regarded and received positive feedback from participants.
“The courses were amazing, a useful reference to refer to. I hope there will be more offered in the next years for us to participate in.”
— Ali M. Sinan, a senior engineer from the Northern Area Oil Operations Business Support Department
UBSD aims to maintain the positive momentum in 2024 and will continue to create value toward promoting environmental sustainability with an expanded scope.
By equipping professionals with a comprehensive skill set, this initiative empowers individuals to address environmental challenges effectively and contribute to the global drive for a more sustainable future.
— The Arabian Sun: February 20, 2024