Beyond Due Diligence in Acquisitions: An EHS Life Cycle Analysis Tool

摘要

Duke Energy has found that going "beyond due diligence" to include a more comprehensive evaluation of all environment, health and safety (EHS) risks and opportunities in asset acquisition can provide competitive advantage. It helps integrate the complexities of EHS management and supports solid EHS performance that, in turn, positively affects our reputation. The Project Life Cycle Framework provides a platform for a common language and usage, as well as a shared understanding of a process that, under routine circumstances, involves many different people and functions. The real value of the tool is a function of the robustness of the discussions that it can generate while conducting the acquisition evaluation. We believe that we have refined the acquisition or project life cycle assessment process for the energy business in ways that add significant value for our employees, customers and shareholders. EHS matters can have a major impact on a company's strategy, liabilities and reputation. The tool that we are applying at Duke Energy is already paying dividends in heightened awareness of EHS matters throughout the organization, the quality of our project evaluation process and the ultimate valuation of projects considered for acquisition.