Conoco Gulf Coast Lubricant Plant Achieves ISO 14001 Certification.

Business/Energy Editors & Environmental Writers

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 7, 2002

The Conoco (NYSE:COC) Gulf Coast lube plant in Lake Charles, La., has been recognized internationally for demonstrating effective environmental management while improving performance. It is the first North American Conoco facility to have its Environmental Management System certified as ISO 14001 efficient, by the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The ISO 14001 is a best practices, proactive management system that focuses on integrating business priorities and environmental issues. According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Conoco Gulf Coast Lube Plant is only the third U.S. petroleum plant to receive ISO 14001 certification. ANSI records also indicate that only one out of every 400 manufacturing sites in the United States is ISO 14001 Certified.

"This milestone could not have been accomplished without the efforts of all the employees at our plant. This work resulted in a step change in knowledge of environmental aspects and reinforces our site's commitment to conduct operations without leaving a footprint on the environment," said Elizabeth Thorn, Conoco Gulf Coast Lube Plant manager.

The certification process took approximately 10 months to complete and was achieved at a cost substantially below forecasts based on experience at other sites. The cost savings were realized by avoiding an interim conformance assessment, holding on-site internal auditor training, conducting phone/net meetings versus traveling and working compliance issues through Conoco's own environmental group versus utilizing an outside firm.

"The new environmental management system means that environmental aspects are now considered in the same way management considers the quality, safety, cost and performance aspects of other decisions," said Robbie Primeaux, Conoco Gulf Coast Lube Plant quality team leader. "This will affect the selection of chemicals, equipment and various plant design concepts. It is a commitment to full compliance with regulations, pollution prevention and continual improvement in environmental areas."

Achieving ISO 14001 is not an end in itself, but a platform from which Conoco will derive considerable ongoing benefit. Financial gains are already being realized through recycling of materials, minimization of energy consumption and the minimization and proper handling of waste.

Conoco is a major, integrated energy company based in Houston and active in 40 countries. The company offers a full line of premium hydrocracked finished lubricants to industries ranging from automotive and heavy-duty trucking fleets to injection molding, mining, construction and power generation as well as private label customers.

www.lubes.conoco.com