Policies, procedures related to affected communities
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Relevant policies to manage material impacts for affected communities
Currently, our HSEC policy does not refer to indigenous people’s rights.
We refer to the MDR-P (p.30) section of this report for further details.
Description of types of affected communities that may be affected by Gunvor’s activities
We have identified the following communities that may be subject to impacts listed below from most direct impact to indirect:
Identification of risks and impacts
The nature and severity of Gunvor’s impacts on affected communities can vary significantly depending on the type and location of our operations. In the context of our refining assets (GRI & GER), some of the most direct and commonly experienced impacts involve odour (smell) emissions and noise pollution. These disturbances may fluctuate in frequency and intensity based on the type of industrial activities taking place at any given time—such as maintenance shutdowns and flaring events.
To ensure these impacts are identified and managed appropriately, we operate robust monitoring systems at both the asset level and group level. Each refinery is equipped with environmental monitoring equipment that tracks noise levels, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and other relevant indicators in real time or through regular sampling. In parallel, site-specific community feedback mechanisms—such as complaint hotlines and liaison groups—help us identify unreported or emerging concerns directly from local residents.
While impacts such as odour and noise are typically non-hazardous, we recognize that repeated or unmanaged exposure can lead to a decline in community well-being, perceived quality of life, and trust in industrial operators. As such, we are committed to ongoing efforts to minimize nuisance factors and strengthen community dialogue at the local level, in line with our broader HSEC objectives.
The most severe and numerous impacts arise further up the supply chain, with impacts at extraction level. Our 2023 human rights risk mapping highlighted higher risks and impacts in the metals and minerals and oil and gas upstream value chains.
Joint ventures
We conduct human rights assessments of all our assets, including our joint ventures, as part of our commitments to the banks. These assessments are audited. In 2023, potential impact on communities has been identified regarding the initial compensation process at the construction of the PTP pipeline. We have raised these concerns at PTP’s board, who have been working with local authorities to review compensation processes, which was granted early 2024. For more information, please refer to our 2023 Sustainability Report.
Trading
Controls are embedded within the KYC processes. This allows us to allocate a certain level of risks to the counterparties we trade with. All counterparties go through a rigorous KYC process, which includes human rights screenings. When a specific risk or impact is identified, the case is escalated to the sustainability team to advise on further steps. This may mean further engagement with the counterparty, insertion of specific clauses in the contracts and in some cases, where the risk or impact is too high and is not adequately mitigated, refraining to engage in commercial activity with the counterparty.
Engagement, perspectives from communities and access to remedy
Assets
In our assets, communities have several channels of communication with the sites. If a member from a community reports an impact, we immediately investigate the issue. We also ensure continuous communication through dedicated publication (Ingolstadt refinery). Local legislation also ensures that we engage with communities through them. Communities can lodge a complaint through a direct line. Complaints regarding noise and smell are immediately investigated.
Effectiveness of engagement and remedy is regularly reviewed with monthly KPIs indicating nature of complaints, solution brought and follow-up.
Joint ventures
Through human rights assessments of joint ventures, we ensure that communities can engage directly with the company.
Trading
Understanding the perspectives of communities in our trading supply chain requires a more indirect approach. In 2024, we have engaged suppliers of Palm Oil Mill Effluent and metals to understand how they are managing human rights due diligence. This assessment includes community focus. Communities’ perspectives are also gathered through desktop research at KYC step, including recurring controversies. We pay specific attention to potential impacts on indigenous people and how our counterparties are managing potential impacts.
CASE STUDIES
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