Ethical decisions are integral in making investment decisions. BG Group's Statement of Business Principles sets out the fundamental values and ethical principles within which the company operates. BG Group will only enter countries where the company can operate in accordance with its Business Principles.
The example below gives an outline of the important statistical and financial procedures involved in making an investment decision. However, it is important to emphasise the weight given to non-financial factors involved in decision making. Gas is the cleanest fossil fuel, but any form of energy production involves some form of environmental cost, e.g. the sight of windfarms located in fields, or harmful release of greenhouse gases when burning fossil fuels.
BG Group will only bid to explore if it can operate within its ethical guidelines. The company always seeks to apply its Business Principles. This can sometimes be difficult since natural gas resources can be located in difficult areas, including sensitive environments, conflict zones and territories with indigenous peoples where land rights are contested or inadequately protected.