October 26, 2026
The British Drilling Association (BDA) officially launched its Sustainability Sub-Committee at the BDA Conference 2026 on 21 October, with Sub-Committee Chair, Alison Randall, inviting BDA members to help shape its priorities and support practical environmental improvements across the drilling industry.
The launch, during the conference at the Institution of Civil Engineers in London, marked a clear invitation for BDA members to get involved. The Sub-Committee will meet quarterly to share experiences, explore realistic solutions, identify opportunities for improvement and support drilling businesses in developing their own sustainability initiatives. It is intended to be a collaborative forum in which businesses of every size can contribute.
In her presentation, ‘Beneath the Surface: Driving Sustainability in the Drilling Industry’, Alison explained why sustainability is becoming increasingly important to clients and how expectations are influencing procurement and everyday decisions on projects. She emphasised that sustainability extends well beyond carbon reduction, encompassing climate change, energy efficiency, waste, resource management, biodiversity and other environmental impacts.
Practical opportunities discussed included understanding and reducing fuel consumption, improving site logistics to avoid unnecessary journeys and idling, maintaining equipment efficiently, considering alternative fuels or power sources where appropriate, and reducing waste through better planning, storage and recycling. Measuring and recording the benefits of changes can also help businesses demonstrate progress to clients.
Alison also recognised that smaller drilling businesses often face particular challenges, especially as reporting expectations grow and client requirements vary. Sharing experience and identifying proportionate, achievable approaches will therefore be central to the Sub-Committee’s work. Its official conference launch builds on the BDA’s earlier Sustainability Working Group, which was established as a formal Sub-Committee this year.
The BDA is encouraging members at every stage of their sustainability journey to take part. Specialist expertise is not required: ideas, examples of good practice, lessons learnt and the practical challenges businesses encounter are all valuable. The aim is to turn collective knowledge into meaningful action that reflects the realities of drilling operations.
To express your interest in joining the BDA Sustainability Sub-Committee, please email: sustainability@britishdrillingassociation.co.uk