00:00 Heritage Petroleum highlights the connection between preserving the environment and working towards attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
00:09 The company says its HOMEe program, for which the 2023 theme is "One Earth, Our Home", is a platform that allows students to contribute to these objectives.
00:20 Students from primary schools were engaged through an upcycle art competition, and those from secondary schools took part in an environmental photo and essay competition, for which the prize-giving ceremony took place on November 27.
00:35 Environmental Regulatory and Compliance Manager at Heritage Petroleum, Vernetta Alvarado-George, says the program achieves more than environmental awareness.
00:46 "Students not only enhance their knowledge, but also develop crucial life skills such as teamwork, problem solving, and leadership. Skills that are invaluable in shaping well-rounded individuals."
01:03 51 entries were received from eligible schools, which were those in the St. Patrick, Victoria and Southeastern Educational Districts.
01:12 Kadeen Cherry-Andy Wilson of the Environmental Management Authority and one of the judges, outlines that the focus was on climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.
01:23 "As time progressed and we saw the work to be judged, it was heartwarming. The creativity, the passion, the ideas, the stories, it really brought a smile to our collective faces."
01:36 The categories in the primary school competition were as follows. Standards 1 and 2, Standards 3 and 4, and then Standard 5.
01:44 For secondary schools, the categories were Forms 1 and 2, Forms 3 and 4, and Forms 5 and 6.
01:51 There were the first, second and third place winners in each category except Standard 5, which only had one winner.
01:58 In total, 16 students were awarded and three additional schools received prizes for their participation.
02:04 Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Petroleum, Eric Casculos, says the company, which extracts hydrocarbons, has a serious responsibility to the environment
02:14 and has taken several steps in support of the Paris Agreement, including a tool for transparent monthly reporting on emissions.
02:21 "Further, in 2024, we expect to reduce our methane emissions by over 25% against our baseline, and we are well on our way to achieving 30% reduction commitment that we have by 2030.
02:34 Our commitment is to produce responsibly, to minimize environmental impacts and set clear goals and communicate our progress openly."
02:44 He says Heritage would continue to drive its Green Agenda Roadmap. Casculos also outlines the implementation of initiatives to guide procurement stages
02:53 and to ensure environmental clearance before projects begin.
02:57 As it pertains to the HOME-E program, Casculos says, it impacts more than just those who submitted artwork.
03:04 "Let's not forget the ripple effect of 250 students that were positively impacted by the awareness sessions that we held.
03:12 This, my friends, is where the seed of change is sown."
03:16 Heritage Petroleum hopes that it would lead to more advocates for the environment.
03:21 Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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