Mercy Odochi Agho leads Conceptual Model for Carbon Footprint Reduction, sustainable procurement in offshore energy

As the world’s energy needs grow alongside heightened environmental concerns, the offshore energy industry stands at a critical crossroads. Balancing operational efficiency with sustainability has become an imperative rather than an option. Rising to this challenge, a distinguished team of researchers—including sustainability champion Mercy Odochi Agho—has introduced a groundbreaking model designed to integrate carbon footprint reduction and sustainable procurement practices within offshore energy operations.

Published in the International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, the research paper titled “Conceptual Model for Integrating Carbon Footprint Reduction and Sustainable Procurement in Offshore Energy Operations” represents a significant step forward in reshaping how offshore energy businesses align profitability with environmental responsibility. Authored collaboratively by David Chinalu Anaba, Ekene Cynthia Onukwulu, Peter Ifechukwude Egbumokei, and Ms. Agho, the study offers both theoretical insights and practical solutions to one of the sector’s most pressing challenges.

The Urgent Need for Sustainable Transformation in Offshore Energy

Offshore energy operations—especially in the oil and gas industry—have long been known for their substantial carbon emissions and environmental impact. From extraction and transportation to processing and distribution, every facet of these operations contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption, and marine ecosystem degradation. With regulatory frameworks tightening and global sustainability targets looming, there is a clear demand for the industry to rethink its traditional methods.

Speaking about the motivation behind this collaboration, Ms. Agho stresses the urgency for change. “Offshore energy companies cannot afford to operate in isolation from sustainability goals,” she emphasizes. “Our research focuses on closing the gap between two areas—carbon reduction and procurement—that are too often treated separately. We want organizations to see procurement decisions as a critical part of their carbon strategy.”

The research highlights how procurement—historically focused on cost and timely delivery—has a significant influence on a company’s overall environmental footprint. Supplier selection, fuel sourcing, equipment procurement, and maintenance decisions all impact emissions levels throughout the supply chain.

The Innovation: A Holistic Conceptual Framework

At the heart of the team’s research is a comprehensive conceptual model designed to unify emissions management and sustainable procurement. Unlike conventional strategies that address emissions reduction in isolation, the model proposes a synergistic approach—embedding environmental considerations directly into procurement processes.

The framework consists of three main pillars: emissions management, sustainable procurement, and technology integration, supported by real-time analytics. These interconnected modules ensure that procurement choices align seamlessly with broader emissions reduction objectives, creating a continuous feedback loop.

Ms. Agho explains, “One of the fundamental issues we identified is that procurement teams and emissions management teams often operate in silos. Our model encourages integrated decision-making, where every procurement decision contributes measurably to carbon footprint reduction.”

Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategies: Moving Beyond Compliance

The model’s first pillar centers on emissions management, focusing on both identifying sources of emissions and implementing mitigation strategies. Offshore energy operations typically generate emissions from fuel combustion, flaring, transportation, and machinery operation.

The research outlines actionable strategies such as adopting hybrid power systems, electrification of platforms, and incorporating renewable energy sources where possible. However, the most innovative element is the use of advanced diesel additive technologies, particularly Excellium Pro Concentrate™️, which improve fuel combustion efficiency and reduce particulate matter emissions.

Ms. Agho underscores the value of incorporating fuel additives as an immediate, cost-effective solution. “Investing in infrastructure upgrades or renewables integration can take time,” she explains. “Diesel additives like Excellium Pro Concentrate™️ allow companies to realize quick wins—lower emissions, better engine performance, and fuel cost savings—all achievable in the short term.”

Studies cited in the paper reveal that these additives can reduce particulate emissions by up to 50%, improve fuel efficiency by approximately 5%, and extend the lifespan of machinery. These benefits go beyond environmental compliance, contributing to operational reliability and financial resilience.

Sustainable Procurement: Embedding Environmental Responsibility

The second pillar of the model is the sustainable procurement module, which emphasizes integrating environmental criteria into procurement policies, vendor selection, and supply chain relationships. Rather than treating procurement purely as a cost center, the framework repositions it as a strategic function with the power to drive sustainability.

Drawing from international standards like ISO 20400:2017 Sustainable Procurement Guidelines, the model outlines how organizations can assess supplier emissions profiles, material sustainability, recyclability, and adherence to environmental regulations.

Ms. Agho reflects on her experience in sustainability-driven procurement, stating, “We wanted procurement teams to see themselves as key players in their company’s sustainability journey. By making informed, responsible procurement choices, they can significantly reduce emissions and strengthen supplier relationships.”

Through supplier engagement, contract clauses, and lifecycle assessments, the model ensures that sustainability principles are embedded from the outset—rather than addressed retroactively.

The Role of Technology: Analytics for Informed Decision-Making

Integral to the model’s success is the third pillar—technology integration. Specifically, the model advocates for the use of procurement analytics platforms, machine learning algorithms, and predictive data models to support sustainable procurement and emissions tracking.

Procurement analytics enables organizations to evaluate supplier sustainability performance, forecast emissions outcomes, and optimize procurement strategies based on real-time data. By providing visibility into the entire procurement lifecycle, companies can identify inefficiencies, mitigate risks, and ensure continuous improvement.

Ms. Agho emphasizes the transformative role of data: “Data gives procurement professionals the ability to track environmental impact, assess supplier compliance, and make data-driven decisions. Without it, sustainability efforts become reactive rather than proactive.”

She also highlights that procurement analytics are scalable, offering solutions not only to large multinational corporations but also to smaller offshore operators looking to implement sustainability strategies without overhauling existing systems.

Real-World Validation: Case Studies in Offshore Operations

To validate the conceptual model, the research team analyzed two real-world case studies, demonstrating how the framework can deliver tangible results.

In one case, an offshore drilling platform integrated Excellium Pro Concentrate™️ into its fuel supply chain. The platform reported a 10–15% reduction in CO₂ and NOx emissions, along with an 8% improvement in fuel efficiency. Maintenance downtime decreased due to improved engine performance, enhancing operational reliability.

A second case study focused on a leading offshore energy company’s application of procurement analytics. By evaluating supplier carbon footprints, waste reduction efforts, and compliance with environmental standards, the company improved sustainable sourcing practices by 20% and reduced procurement costs by 12%.

Ms. Agho is optimistic about these results, remarking, “These case studies show that aligning procurement with emissions reduction strategies is not just theory—it works in practice. Companies can achieve both environmental and financial gains.”

Overcoming Barriers to Adoption: Practical Solutions

While the benefits are clear, the research acknowledges potential barriers to implementing the model. High upfront costs, organizational resistance, and a lack of technical expertise can hinder adoption, particularly among smaller operators.

Ms. Agho offers practical solutions to mitigate these challenges. “We recommend a phased approach—starting with pilot programs, engaging suppliers early, and integrating analytics incrementally. Leadership commitment and transparent communication are also crucial to overcoming resistance.”

She emphasizes that the long-term return on investment, through improved fuel efficiency, reduced regulatory risk, and enhanced stakeholder trust, far outweighs the initial financial outlay.

Scalability and Global Applicability

One of the standout features of the conceptual model is its scalability. Whether applied to major international energy corporations or regional offshore operators, the model’s modular structure allows customization to suit specific operational contexts and regulatory environments.

Ms. Agho is confident about the framework’s global relevance. “Sustainability challenges are universal,” she affirms. “Our model is adaptable. It can help offshore operators in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and beyond to meet evolving environmental standards without compromising operational efficiency.”

She adds that the model’s emphasis on collaboration—both within organizations and with suppliers—makes it applicable across diverse cultural and regulatory landscapes.

Future Directions: AI Integration, Policy Recommendations, and Industry Expansion

Beyond the immediate framework, the paper outlines several avenues for future research and application. The authors recommend further exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) integration into procurement analytics to enhance decision-making accuracy and speed. AI-driven tools can analyze vast data sets to anticipate supply chain risks, forecast emissions, and optimize procurement schedules dynamically.

Ms. Agho is particularly enthusiastic about AI’s potential, stating, “Artificial intelligence will revolutionize procurement by making sustainability outcomes more predictable and actionable. It will allow companies to pivot quickly in response to market or regulatory shifts.”

The research also calls for stronger policy support. Policymakers are encouraged to create incentives—such as tax benefits, grants, or regulatory credits—for companies that demonstrate leadership in integrating sustainable procurement and emissions reduction strategies.

Additionally, the researchers highlight the broader applicability of the model beyond offshore energy. Industries such as shipping, logistics, construction, and manufacturing—all of which face substantial environmental footprints—can adopt similar frameworks to improve sustainability while maintaining profitability.

Mercy Odochi Agho’s Final Reflections

Throughout the paper, Ms. Agho’s collaborative contributions shine, reflecting her deep commitment to advancing sustainable procurement practices and environmental responsibility. Though keen to highlight the joint effort, she remains vocal about the model’s potential impact.

“Sustainability is not a buzzword—it’s the foundation of future-proof businesses,” she concludes. “Our collaborative model shows that procurement and emissions reduction are not isolated goals. By integrating them strategically, offshore operators can meet regulatory demands, reduce costs, and contribute meaningfully to global environmental efforts.”

Her call to action is clear: “Now is the time for industry leaders to rethink procurement’s role in sustainability. The tools and frameworks are in place—it’s up to companies to take the next step.”

With the combined expertise of Ms. Agho and her co-researchers, this conceptual model sets a new standard for how offshore energy operations can balance operational excellence with environmental responsibility. As global attention increasingly focuses on sustainable development, their work offers a timely, practical blueprint for energy companies ready to lead by example.