The Role of a Geographic Information System (GIS) in the Sustainability of Export Pipeline Projects

Sustainable development in the energy industry is rapidly expanding beyond the conceptual stage. Policies addressing the three principles of Sustainable Development (economic growth, environmental protection, and social progress) are being established and strategies to execute these policies are being developed and implemented in the field. Export pipeline projects provide a wide variety of applications for the three elements of sustainable development. Properly designed, installed and operated pipeline systems enable the energy industry to deliver hydrocarbon products to the market place in a way that delivers economic rewards while preserving the integrity of the environment and surrounding communities and their ways of life. Conoco is developing a strong corporate culture around sustainable development; and, pipeline systems play a vital role in delivering the triple bottom line results for our stakeholders. This paper will present some of the key focal points used by Conoco Inc. in pipeline project development. It proposes GIS technology to make pipeline projects a contributor to sustainable growth success.