Williams Releases 2018 Sustainability Report

Jun 26, 2019 09:15 am
TULSA, Okla. -- 

Williams (NYSE: WMB) has released its 2018 Sustainability Report, providing a comprehensive review of the company’s performance on environmental, social and governance programs and initiatives. An electronic version is available at https://co.williams.com/sustainability/.

“Running our business in a way that is sustainable is an expected behavior at Williams. This report provides transparency into how we do that, every day,” said Alan Armstrong, president and chief executive officer at Williams. “We also recognize the important role natural gas can play in helping to address environmental concerns about air quality and climate change, particularly when it comes to displacing other higher-emission fuels, both domestically and globally, and are pleased to report on our progress in this area.”

In developing this report, Williams conducted a thorough materiality assessment to better understand the sustainability topics that are most critical to the company and its stakeholders. The report references the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the most widely adopted global standards for sustainability reporting.

Highlights of Williams’ 2018 Sustainability Report include:

  • Williams’ position on sustainability. The company’s energy infrastructure played an important role in helping the U.S. reduce emissions. Williams is eager to continue to help the nation meet its climate goals with low carbon natural gas solutions that are ready now. Williams’ strategy to connect the best supplies to the best markets means natural gas is traveling shorter distances, improving cost-effectiveness and significantly reducing emissions.
  • Environment. As the company develops and operates large-scale energy infrastructure, we incorporate environmental considerations into our decision-making. We take care to reduce emissions, safeguard biodiversity and manage natural resources responsibly.
    • We reduced our reported methane emissions from gas processing plants and transmission compressor stations more than 53% since 2012.
    • We submitted a proposal to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to execute a voluntary Transco Emissions Reduction Program projected to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by an estimated 72%.
    • We joined the ONE Future coalition, a group of natural gas companies working to voluntarily reduce methane emissions associated with the production, processing, transmission and distribution of natural gas.
  • Social. We operate in a manner that protects our employees and contractors while safeguarding the public. We also recognize our responsibility to positively impact local communities through trusted relationships, meaningful investments and economic opportunities.
    • We performed better than the industry benchmark for Total Recordable Injury Rate and had a 50% reduction in process safety incidents from 2017 to 2018.
    • We decreased recordable injuries by 25% compared to 2017.
    • We contributed $9.4 million to nearly 2,000 charitable organizations across the country and our employees volunteered a total of 17,545 hours with charitable organizations.
    • We spent $3.5 million on training for our employees.
    • 27% of management roles were held by women and ethnically diverse employees.
    • We maintain positive, lasting relationships with nearly 85,000 landowners across the U.S.
  • Governance. We act ethically and with integrity. We actively engage with shareholders and other stakeholders to communicate our viewpoints and performance on topics that impact our business results.
    • We developed a formal Human Rights Policy and Statement that outlines our commitment to respect human rights and avoid complicity in human rights abuses.
    • Currently, 25% of our board of directors are female.

About Williams

Williams (NYSE: WMB) is a premier provider of large-scale infrastructure connecting U.S. natural gas and natural gas products to growing demand for cleaner fuel and feedstocks. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Williams is an industry-leading, investment grade C-Corp with operations across the natural gas value chain including gathering, processing, interstate transportation and storage of natural gas and natural gas liquids. With major positions in top U.S. supply basins, Williams owns and operates more than 30,000 miles of pipelines system wide – including Transco, the nation’s largest volume and fastest growing pipeline – providing natural gas for clean-power generation, heating and industrial use. Williams’ operations handle approximately 30% of U.S. natural gas. www.williams.com

Portions of this document may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined by federal law. Although the company believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that actual outcomes will not be materially different. Any such statements are made in reliance on the “safe harbor” protections provided under the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Additional information about issues that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in the company’s annual and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Keith Isbell
(918) 573-7308

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY CONTACT:
Bill Lawson
(918) 573-3610