Chevron Corporation, one of world’s largest oil and gas companies, invested $160 million in communities around the world last year, an increase of $41 million from 2007, the company said in its 2008 annual corporate social responsibility report.
Among its major donations, the company became the first Corporate Champion of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, providing the initial $5 million investment of a $30 million commitment for Global Fund grants in Indonesia, Thailand, Angola, South Africa, Nigeria and the Philippines.
Chevron also responded to natural disasters in Myanmar, China, Caribbean nations and on the U.S. Gulf Coast to help meet the needs of those affected by floods, earthquakes and hurricanes. Chevron’s post-disaster response projects included the opening of a polytechnic institute in Aceh, Indonesia – the site of a devastating tsunami in 2004.
"Energy is the foundation of global growth and prosperity," said Dave O’Reilly, Chevron chairman and CEO. "But Chevron does much more than provide energy. Our partnerships touch millions of lives and set the stage for human advancement by addressing basic human needs, education and economic development."
The company said it is reaching towards more sustainable energy production, reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 800,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2008. Chevron has increased the energy efficiency of its global operations by 28 percent since 1992.
Chevron Energy Solutions (CES), a corporate subsidiary, completed efficiency and solar projects for schools, the U.S. federal government and Chevron. In December 2008, CES was awarded a master Energy Saving Performance Contract from the U.S. Department of Energy to work with federal agencies to reduce energy and water consumption and increase the use of renewable energy at agency facilities.
In late 2008, Chevron launched "I Will," a new phase of its Human Energy campaign in the United States encouraging Americans to conserve energy and use it more efficiently. 