Sustainability governance

We have comprehensive governance structures throughout Shell, along with performance standards and other controls. These include the Shell General Business Principles, our Code of Conduct and our Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Social Performance (HSSE & SP) Control Framework [A]. They influence the decisions made and actions taken across Shell.

[A] We are transitioning from the HSSE & SP Control Framework to our new Safety, Environment and Asset Management (SEAM) Standards as part of the Shell Performance Framework. The SEAM Standards will come into effect in mid-2024.

The Sustainability Committee (SUSCO), previously known as the Safety, Environment and Sustainability Committee, is one of the four standing committees of the Board of Directors of Shell plc. SUSCO assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities by reviewing the progress of Shell with respect to sustainability and the non-financial elements of Shell’s Powering Progress strategy.

The Committee meets regularly to review and discuss a wide range of topics, including progress on Shell’s Powering Progress goals of net-zero emissions, respecting nature, and powering lives. The Committee also reviews wider matters of public concern such as biodiversity, plastic waste and methane emissions.

In 2023, the Committee visited Shell’s Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland in Germany to review energy transition projects and safety and to meet staff and a senior government representative. Two Committee members also visited the Olympus offshore platform in the US Gulf of Mexico to review safety and sustainability performance.

The Board of Directors has primary oversight of the delivery of Shell’s energy transition strategy and is supported by SUSCO, the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and the Remuneration Committee (REMCO).

Read more about SUSCO and how Shell manages sustainability at www.shell.com/sustainability/our-approach/governance and in our 2023 Annual Report and Accounts (Annual Report).