Air and soil UN Global Compact We want to further reduce emissions to air from our production, prevent waste and protect the soil. We have set ourselves standards for doing so in global directives. If no recovery options are available for waste, we dispose of it in a proper and environmentally responsible manner. Strategy Regular monitoring of emissions to air Professional disposal of hazardous waste Regular monitoring of our emissions to air is a part of environmental management at BASF. Aside from greenhouse gases, we also measure emissions of other pollutants into the atmosphere. Our reporting does not take into account air pollutant emissions from oil and gas operations due to their substantial fluctuation during exploration phases. Our Raw Material Verbund helps us prevent or reduce waste. We regularly carry out audits to inspect external waste disposal companies to ensure that waste is properly disposed of. In this way, we also contribute to preventive soil protection and keep today’s waste from becoming tomorrow’s contamination. When treatment is required for soil and groundwater contamination at active and former BASF sites, proper remediation measures are reviewed based on prevailing legal and current technical standards, and undertaken as necessary. Emissions to air Further reduction of emissions Absolute emissions of air pollutants from our chemical plants amounted to 25,706 metric tons in 2017. Emissions of ozone-depleting substances as defined by the Montreal Protocol totaled 23 metric tons in 2017 (2016: 23 metric tons1). Emissions of heavy metals in 2017 amounted to 3 metric tons (2016: 3 metric tons). Our product portfolio contains a variety of catalysts used in the automotive sector and in industry to reduce the emission of air pollutants. (XLS:) Download Emissions to air (metric tons)Air pollutants from BASF operations excluding Oil & Gas 2017 2016 1 The 2016 figure has been adjusted due to updated data. CO (carbon monoxide) 3,644 3,585 NOX (total nitrogen oxides) 11,205 11,143 NMVOC (nonmethane volatile organic compounds) 4,727 4,824 SOX (total sulfur oxides) 1,753 1,872 Dust1 2,207 2,338 NH3 (ammonia) and other inorganic substances 2,170 2,229 Total 25,706 25,991 Management of waste and contaminated sites Total waste volume on a level with the previous year Systematic management of contaminated sites Waste prevention is our topmost goal. If waste is unavoidable, we review the options for recycling or energy recovery, using BASF’s existing Verbund structures for efficient waste management. Total waste volume amounted to 2.12 million metric tons in 2017 (+1.0%). (XLS:) Download Waste management in the BASF Group (million metric tons) 2017 2016 2 Comprises all production waste and hazardous waste from construction activities 3 The classification of waste into hazardous and nonhazardous waste is performed according to local regulations. Total waste generation2 2.12 2.10 Thereof from oil and gas exploration 0.10 0.06 Waste recovered 0.79 0.77 Recycled 0.27 0.26 Thermally recovered 0.52 0.51 Waste disposed of 1.34 1.33 In underground landfills 0.17 0.14 In surface landfills 0.39 0.47 Through incineration 0.77 0.72 Classification of waste for disposal3 Nonhazardous waste 0.47 0.46 Hazardous waste 0.87 0.87 Transported hazardous waste 0.23 0.23 We set out global standards for our approach to managing contaminated sites. A worldwide network of experts ensures their proper implementation. We develop remediation solutions that combine nature conservation, climate protection concerns, costs, and social responsibility. This means making customized decisions on a case-by-case basis, founded on the legal framework and current technological possibilities. We have been documenting relevant sites in a contaminated site database since 2013. Ongoing remediation work around the world continued on schedule and planning was concluded on future landfill remediation projects. For more information on waste management, see:Other operating expensesOther provisions back next
