Klima og miljø i anskaffelser for norsk offshoreindustri

Abstract

The Norwegian offshore industry, particularly the petroleum sector, is considered as one of the largest contributors to Norway's economy. For the nation to achieve its climate ambitions, significant measures should be directed towards this sector. This study aims to gain insight into how two of the largest companies in the Norwegian offshore industry, Equinor and Aker Solutions, address climate and environmental factors in their procurement processes.

To highlight this issue, three research questions were addressed. The first question is about how the companies address climate and environmental factors in procurement. The next question looks at improvement efforts aimed at climate and environmental factors in procurement. The last question explores how reporting and follow-up are conducted within climate and environmental factors in procurement.

The data for this study is based on a qualitative approach, where the authors interviewed five individuals from the respective companies. The interview participants have diverse backgrounds and roles within their companies. Some of the participants worked directly in the procurement process, while others worked more indirectly as advisors or contributors with a primary focus on climate and the environment.

The findings from the study identify several key factors for addressing climate and environmental factors in the procurement process. The companies should focus on raising awareness within their organization, where it is incorporated into the company's strategy. What is specifically mentioned by all respondents is close and transparent collaboration with the entire supply chain, where clear expectations are set for both customers and suppliers on how to address climate and environmental factors in the procurement process. For the climate and environmental factors to be taken into greater account in the procurement process, there is a common agreement on the need for more standardized and measurable climate and environmental parameters from the entire supply chain. If this is fulfilled, it will be easier to assess suppliers against each other on an equal basis. The importance of developing standardized reporting tools used by the entire supply chain is mentioned as an essential contribution. Something that can help accelerate efforts towards climate and environmental factors in the procurement process is regulatory requirements where authorities set guidelines for the industry.

Customers have a responsibility to consciously choose their suppliers and partners who share the same climate ambitions and goals. During contract periods, there should be systematic follow-up, where agreed climate expectations are regularly monitored.