Concawe was established in 1963 by a small group of leading oil companies to carry out research on environmental issues relevant to the oil industry. Its membership has broadened to include most oil companies operating in Europe. The scope of Concawe ’s activities has gradually expanded in line with the development of societal concerns over environmental, health and safety issues. These now cover areas such as fuels quality and emissions, air quality, water quality, soil contamination, waste, occupational health and safety, petroleum product stewardship and cross-country pipeline performance. Our mission is to conduct research programmes to provide impartial scientific information in order to: Improve scientific understanding of the environmental health, safety and economic performance aspects of both petroleum refining and the distribution and sustainable use of refined products; Assist the development of cost-effective policies and legislation by EU institutions and Member States; Allow informed decision making and cost-effective legislative compliance by Association members. Concawe endeavours to conduct its activities with objectivity and scientific integrity. In the complex world of environmental and health science, Concawe seeks to uphold three key principles: sound science, transparency and cost-effectiveness. Concawe recognises that the potential solutions to the complex environmental, health and safety challenges of the 21st century require the combined efforts of many parties. Concawe is thus engaged in a wide range of partnerships and maintains contacts with other industry sector associations, as well as international organisations. It has observer status at UNECE (United Nations Economic Council for Europe), OSPAR Commission (for the protection of the marine environment of the north-east Atlantic) and the WHO (World Health Organization), and contributes to all EU Commission initiatives relevant to its field of activity.