The Evolution in the sustainability reporting of the oil and Gas Sector in Qatar

Abstract

The commitments towards conserving the environment is a major concern worldwide. “Sensitive sectors”, such as the oil and gas sectors, tend to report more on sustainability due to the impact of their work on the environment. Qatar's economy mainly depends on the oil and gas sector. The Qatari authority’s main objective is to have a clean and sustainable environment which is stated clearly in their National Development Strategy and Vision 2030. Thus, since 2012, HSE regulations and Enforcement Directorate have pushed oil and gas companies to report on their environmental performance through sustainability reporting. Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and IPIECA guidelines were to be used by the companies to disclose in three categories: environment, health and safety and social and economic. Thus, this study is to explore the evolution in the sustainability reporting in the oil and gas sector over the time period of 2012-2014. Online sustainability reports of eight companies operating in the oil and gas sector in Qatar will be examined through content analysis. The results showed a decrease in the overall reporting in all categories in all companies, though their reports are becoming more comprehensive and focused.