Instep Committed to Continuing Environmental Sustainability Efforts
By: Bermana
In an era where the world grapples with climate change, dwindling resources, and the degradations of ecosystems, the pursuit of environmental sustainability has become paramount. Petroliam Nasional BHD (Petronas), a prominent player in the oil and gas industry, has taken a step forward by declaring its aspiration to achieve a net zero carbon emissions target by 2050, making it the first in Southeast Asia to make such a commitment.
Supporting this endeavor is Institut Teknologi Petroleum Petronas, also known as Instep, a subsidiary of Petronas, which plays a crucial role in nurturing education in the oil and gas sector. In line with Petronas’ mission and vision as a global energy leader, Instep focuses on two key aspects: providing facilities with a sustainable concept and nurturing human capital.
In a significant move to reduce carbon emissions, Instep has installed a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on its campus — an electrical system that produces energy from renewable and inexhaustible sources such as the sun. They have implemented such solar panels on the roofs of academic buildings, offices, and walkways; this initiative, with a capacity of 1.4MWp, has significantly reduced electricity consumption from fuel sources by 30% annually. Additionally, these PV systems have been installed at the Instep training facilities for research and data analysis. This initiative has also contributed to a reduction of 1,285.47 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) emissions annually, with a target reduction of reaching 40% by 2030.
Instep’s commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond energy conservation. They have introduced a food recycling program utilizing compost technology to convert 15,000 kilograms of food waste into organic fertilizer annually. This effort not only aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also has the carbon dioxide absorption capacity of 6,000 trees annually.
Furthermore, Instep has taken steps to discourage the use of plastic bottles by replacing them with recyclable beverage containers and offering water filter machines on campus. The organization has also integrated solar-powered motorcycles into its security operations for monitoring purposes.
In line with their dedication to creating a ‘green campus’ in the future, Instep recognizes that simply providing sustainable facilities is insufficient. The development of a sustainable mindset among the workforce is equally crucial. As part of their training modules and learning experiences, sustainability principles are instilled in the students to ensure they carry the sustainability culture into their future workplaces.
Instep also actively engages with the community through social impact programs, including ‘The Planting Tomorrow (Menyemai Masa Hadapan): Edu-Lestari’ program. This initiative involves primary school students and focuses on fostering an interest in sustainability through educational activities and tree-planting. It’s designed to support the development of a circular economy and contributes to reducing waste overflow in landfills while indirectly addressing global warming.
Instep’s contributions to environmental sustainability, encompassing clean energy adoption, waste reduction, and community engagement, serves as a compelling example of how organizations can align with global environmental objectives. Their efforts not only contribute to a greener future but also inspire others to follow suit, demonstrating that meaningful change is possible when sustainability is at the heart of an organization’s mission.
Instep’s approach stands out amidst other companies aiming for a ‘greener world.’ While many firms focus on inventing technologies to combat climate change, Instep took an alternate route, initiating change within their own facilities. While these companies create innovative solutions, the fabrication process often generates unavoidable carbon emissions. However, Instep chose to lead by example, addressing climate change at its root by implementing sustainable practices within its premises before venturing into inventions aimed at mitigating environmental impact. This unique approach underscores the significance of internal change within organizations before extending efforts towards broader societal impacts.
Instep’s advancements resonate with the current global discourse on climate action and sustainable development. The world is witnessing an escalating environmental crisis marked by extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Instep’s endeavors align with international goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 13 (Climate Action). By addressing these goals, Instep not only fulfills its corporate responsibility but becomes an active participant in a global movement towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
The initiatives undertaken by Instep are not isolated solutions; they are interconnected strategies that address multiple facets of environmental degradation. For instance, their focus on waste reduction not only contributes to cleaner surroundings but also aligns with the global push towards circular economies, tackling the broader issue of resource management and consumption patterns.