Petroleum, Refineries, and the Future

Ways to Increase Sustainability

There are numerous technologies available for refineries to take advantage of to reduce their environmental impact. The problem is, however, that many companies do not want to implement these technologies because of their cost. It is the mindset of business leaders to be profit orientated and concerned most with good quarterly reports. They often think about what might benefit their company in the short term and do not consider all the consequences that may arise over the long term. To them, it does not make sense to spend millions of dollars on technology that is not going to increase their company’s production or profitability.
However, with that in mind, these business leaders should at least consider the role that public support plays in the success of their company. According to Andrew McMains’ article “BBDO Wins Bulk of ExxonMobil’s Global Creative Business”, “ExxonMobil spends about $300 million globally on media each year.” So much of this money goes toward making the company seem favorable in the eyes of the public. But wouldn’t the public view ExxonMobil more positively if they were taking bigger measures to increase their sustainability? Instead of fighting against the people who want climate change action, the major oil companies could take that money and invest it in more clean technology. 

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