Circular Economy
Recognition puts spotlight on Aramco's circular economy expertise
European Foundation for Quality Management gives Aramco international quality award.
Aramco’s work toward becoming a leading circular economy company has won international attention from a leading nonprofit quality organization, the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM).
In a circular economic system, resources are used again and again.
The company’s circular economy initiative this month took out the 2021 “leading circular economy” award in the EFQM’s Circular Economy Challenge contest.
Not just a buzzword
One of three finalists selected from many entries across the world, Aramco was announced the circular economy winner at an online award ceremony held on March 4, 2021.
The circular economy is not just a buzzword, and it is not a luxury. It is a road map to a sustainable economy, a healthy environment, and social welfare for all of us.
— Jamil J. Al-Bagawi, chief engineer
Igniting circular leadership
One of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, Aramco’s move away from a “take-make-waste” linear economic model provides important global leadership toward the circular economy.
“Our vision is to be the energy sector’s leading company in circular economy by institutionalizing an integrated circular economy model across Aramco,” said Al-Bagawi.
Going circular at Aramco involves a strong focus on stopping industrial waste by manufacturing and designing products to be reusable.
The company expects to retain the maximum value of resources, materials, and products through a structured restorative and regenerative model.
Careful planning
Significant preparation went into preparing Aramco for circularity.
“We defined our vision, mission, principle strategies, and monitoring approach,” explained Al-Bagawi.
“On top of that, we focused on developing company talent by leveraging the knowledge through certification courses in the circular economy,” he added.
More than 750 engineers and professionals have received circular economy training. Circular concepts have been added to Aramco’s Engineering Standards and included as an integral part of the company’s Operational Excellence Management System.
How Aramco circularity rolls
Since commencing to institutionalize the circular economy model across all company fronts, 20 Aramco departments completed a pilot model.