ConocoPhillips sustainability score: 17/100

ConocoPhillips reports Scope 1 (15.5 Mt) and Scope 2 (0.93 Mt) emissions with LRQA limited (not reasonable) assurance. Gross emissions fell 5.7% in 2024, but net equity emissions rose 5% to 20.8 Mt CO₂e due to the Surmont acquisition. Multi-year tracking follows GHG Protocol with granular asset-level breakdown.

Scope 3 emissions total ~239 Mt CO₂e (2024), with 'Use of Sold Products' representing 90%. Life cycle analysis is used across multiple categories. However, Scope 3 emissions increased in line with rising production. No active supplier engagement programme or Scope 3 reduction target exists, despite a 58% shareholder vote in 2021.

ConocoPhillips targets 50–60% GHG intensity reduction by 2030 (from 2016 baseline) rather than absolute cuts. Reclaim Finance found the production trajectory 71% above IEA net-zero levels. Gross emissions fell 5.7% in 2024, but net equity emissions and Scope 3 rose. Willow and Marathon acquisitions expand absolute output.

ConocoPhillips is not an RE100 member and reports no renewable power generation or carbon offset retirements. Its renewable energy position statement offers only vague language about 'evaluating and supporting' technology development. As a major energy consumer, the absence of any concrete renewable commitment is material.

ConocoPhillips has TNFD-aligned disclosure with biodiversity monitoring (seabirds, mangroves, species GPS tracking). However, the Willow Project in Arctic National Petroleum Reserve poses documented risks to caribou migration, polar bears, and permafrost per BLM environmental impact statement. Core operations involve habitat disturbance in ecologically sensitive zones.

ConocoPhillips reports spill and waste metrics; produced water recycling is active in Permian and Montney assets. However, the core business is fundamentally extractive and linear with no circular economy programme or supplier sustainability requirements disclosed.

ConocoPhillips operates the Global Water Sustainability Center in Qatar focused on produced water treatment. Comprehensive metrics disclosed: freshwater withdrawal, consumption, water stress (8.2% of withdrawals in high-stress regions). WRI Aqueduct Atlas used for portfolio screening. Seismicity risks from disposal wells acknowledged.

ConocoPhillips set intensity-based targets (50–60% by 2030, Scope 1+2) and net-zero by 2050 for operational emissions only. No Scope 3 target despite shareholder demand. Scope 3 constitutes 94% of total emissions. SBTi excludes oil and gas; no offsets used. Intensity targets penalised; production trajectory incompatible with 1.5°C.

ConocoPhillips publishes annual sustainability report with LRQA limited assurance covering GRI, SASB, ISSB, TCFD/TNFD. CDP disclosure is annual; Board Public Policy Committee has oversight. However, assurance is limited (not reasonable), executive compensation not linked to absolute emissions targets, and Scope 3 target gaps remain undisclosed.

California AG filed greenwashing lawsuit (2023, amended 2024) against ConocoPhillips and peers. Willow Project: 287 Mt CO₂ over 30 years, ongoing legal challenges. InfluenceMap ranked ConocoPhillips 4th most obstructive globally (2022). Active API, US Chamber, CAPP member lobbying against EPA GHG rules, methane fees, clean electricity.