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IN THIS ISSUE

PUBLISHED BY

Exolum

MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION

Mavi de Lamor
José Antonio Galán

CONSULTANCY, EDITING AND DESIGN

ATREVIA Publicaciones

IN THIS ISSUE

Antonio Almagro
Laura Blackburn
Richard Braulik
Jamie Cadden
Nacho Casajús
Yvette Davis
Amy Gibbons
Jorge Guillén
Rocío González
Mavi de Lamor
Steve Land
Jorge Lanza
Ángel Moreno
Pepa Muñoz
Laura Oliveros
Felipe Pizarro
Javier Ranera
Laura Rivas
Bernardo Santos
Andrés Suárez
Elena Valero
Cai Yufan

Editorial

Houston, driving our future

“We trust that we’re positioning ourselves as a reference in this new geographic market and in the energy transition”

The energy industry is going through a significant transformation driven by the need to mitigate its impact on the environment. The United States is playing a crucial role in the global energy transition thanks to its abundant and competitive natural resources, advanced infrastructure, specialist knowledge and investment capability. These advantages enable the development of energy products with low or zero carbon dioxide emissions, thus opening up opportunities for companies like ours. We’re committed to reducing emissions while developing and adapting infrastructures that not only meet internal needs, but also boost the exportation of energy products much like as has occurred with liquified natural gas where the United States has become the greatest world exporter.

Early this year, we concluded the acquisition of 50% of the company These developments

have led us now known as Vopak Exolum Houston (VEH). VEH owns and operates a (maritime and railway) pipeline terminal to receive, store and dispatch ammonia and liquified natural gas (LNG) used in the fertilizer sector and as raw materials in the chemicals industry. Although it currently handles grey ammonia, the company is working with other leading partners on one of the most advanced blue ammonia production, storage and export projects through which hydrogen is obtained from a gas reforming process with the capture of carbon dioxide emissions.

These developments have led us to open a new office in Houston, initially aimed at supporting and supervising VEH performance and developing new business opportunities for Exolum, in addition to eventually managing any new business developed. We are currently immersed in a recruitment process to hire four people to work out of this new office.

The business opportunities we’re exploring and developing are in line with our growth strategy in Europe and in the other countries where we operate. We’re focusing on the acquisition and development of logistics assets that allow us to manage chemicals, traditional aviation fuel as well as SAF, biofuels and raw materials for its production, in addition to hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia and methanol.

We’re enthusiastic about the future and trust that these steps will position us as a reference in this new geographic market and in the energy transition, driving sustainable growth and generating a positive impact on the environment and on society.

Andrés Suárez

Exolum America Lead

About us

WE MOVE ON

Five years at the Guayaquil Airport

Our international airport facility José Joaquín de Olmedo in Guayaquil is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Over the last five years, Exolum has consolidated its operations and reinforced its brand on the continent. Congratulations everyone!

We are thrilled to have reached this first five-year milestone at the Guayaquil airport, and be able to take a look back and share all the success achieved. In November 2019, and following Panama, Ecuador became the second country in the Americas where we have set up operations with a highly qualified team and strict operating standards.

Bernando Santos, the head of the airport facility in Guayaquil, highlights “the commitment to excellence and innovation, along with a focus on safety and teamwork”. Proud of all the achievements made, he mentioned how in 2021 they were recognized by the airline Jet Blue as “the best ‘Into Plane’ operator in the Americas, which proves the efficiency and quality of our services”. He also added, “Ecuador has been a strategic driving force that has helped Exolum earn new concessions, such as the Lima (Peru) airport”.

José Joaquín de Olmedo is one of the main airports in Ecuador in volume of activity. The Exolum facility manages around 200 million litres of fuel a year, and services some 120 daily flights, working with the major national and international airlines. Thirty-three highly-trained professionals work there. “We foster a collaborative working environment prioritizing safety and operational efficiency,” Bernardo stated.

The main activity is the reception, storage and supply of aviation fuel, guaranteeing quality and safety at all times. Bernardo shared a few more details: “We operate the WFS (World Fuel Services) fuel station, which was designed to efficiently supply vehicles performing ground handling services”. We also provide technical advising services to external companies supplying fuel in Brazil and Uruguay.

Evolution

The facility has evolved immensely over the last five years. “We’ve implemented improvements in our reception processes. And in terms of safety, we’ve increased the frequency of runway audits and have implemented the FVCC (Life-Saving Rules),” Bernardo explained. All of this has helped optimize our operational procedures and increase our safety and efficiency.

Over the coming years, efforts will be concentrated on “providing level 2 services to the airlines, facilitating the entry of new distributors and offering training on ATA and JIG standards to external fuel supply companies,” Bernando added. Congratulations to the team for their implication!

GET TO KNOW THE FACILITY

The facility occupies an area of 20,800 m² and is comprised of seven storage tanks with a total capacity for 6.8 million litres of fuel. The tanks are interconnected by means of a 4.5 kilometres hydrant network extending all the way to the commercial and cargo platform. In this area, we provide ‘Into Plane’ services using our specialized supply vehicles.

CELEBRATING AS A TEAM

This fifth anniversary was marked with a day of teambuilding, featuring sports and recreational activities. The event strengthened ties among colleagues with all these activities and a whole lot of fun, including sports competitions (football and volleyball), traditional games and food.

WHO WE ARE

We started up our first photovoltaic self-supply power plant in the United Kingdom

We continue to strengthen the sustainability of our activities. Our fifth photovoltaic self-supply power plant is already up and running as the first of its kind in the United Kingdom, specifically in Misterton. It will provide our facilities with clean energy.

“Misterton is a part of our commitment to
sustainability and the energy transition in order to reach carbon neutrality by 2040”

Steve Land, NWE Lead

We have inaugurated a new photovoltaic self-supply power plant at our terminal in Misterton (United Kingdom). With an installed capacity of 386 kWp generated through 840 solar panels, it will produce sustainable energy and reduce the carbon emissions associated with our operations. We will also be less dependent on the electricity market.

Thus, we’re taking a step forward in our strategy of reinforcing our company’s sustainability. The consumption of electricity is the main source of Exolum’s emissions and the energy supply from this new solar power plant will prevent the emission of 84 tonnes of CO₂ a year into the atmosphere, which is equivalent to planting 8,396 trees.

Ministry of Defence commitment

The project is being financed by the British Ministry of Defence and is in line with its climate change and sustainability strategy. At a time of increased environmental awareness, this public authority has committed to leading the fight against climate change in the United Kingdom through collaboration with the industry and international partners.

The inauguration of the new plant was presided over by Coronel Peter Skinsley, representing the Ministry of Defence Operational Energy Authority, and Steve Land, our NWE Lead, who emphasized that the Misterton solar power plant “contributes to the goal of abandoning all other energy sources and moving forward with Exolum’s commitment to sustainability and the energy transition to reach carbon neutrality by 2040”.

The self-supply power plant in Misterton is Exolum’s first in the United Kingdom, following the four already operating in Mora (Toledo), Huelva, Algeciras and Barcelona, in Spain. We’re also building another two plants at the Exolum facilities in Poblete (Ciudad Real) and Arahal (Seville), as well as another plant at our Hallen facility (United Kingdom).

How we work to reduce our emissions

The start-up of photovoltaic power plants for energy self-supply is one of the measures we’re implementing to lower our CO₂ emissions by 53% by 2030, and reach carbon neutrality by 2040, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this strategy, we’ve signed new renewable energy purchase agreements (PPA) and are diversifying our energy supply sources to guarantee they are emissions-free. We’re also committed to projects associated with the development of eco-fuels and other energy vectors, such as hydrogen.

Exolum Talks: Moving forward together towards new challenges

Our CEO, Jorge Lanza, updated us on the company’s evolution and the progress that has been made as concerns people, safety and the growth of the business during a new session of Exolum Talks.

Jorge Lanza began by talking about one of our priorities: “Fostering an inclusive work environment for people and their ideas, irrespective of gender, origin or sexual orientation”. To achieve this, he encouraged us all to build a more inclusive company by educating ourselves on the issues of Diversity and Equality and reporting any type of discrimination.

As far as safety, our main value at the company, he underlined how good the figures are proving to be. Nonetheless, he asked us all to keep our guards up because “we can always do a little more and that’s what we’ll continue to work on”.

To reinforce our efficiency, we’ve closed a new long-term deal for the purchase of renewable electricity. “66% of the electricity we consume from the Spanish grid is already renewable”.

As for our digital agenda, he emphasized the development of a new data strategy ensuring better information access and management.

Business Growth

We’re developing two key projects in Huelva and Tenerife in collaboration with Cepsa, which involve an investment of 300 million euros. In Aviation, our operations are at full performance in Lisbon and Shannon (Ireland). And we’ll soon begin operations at the airport in Lima and at Charles de Gaulle, in Paris.

With respect to diversification, we’ll keep on working on offering hydrogen storage and transport solutions. Jorge also highlighted just how well the ammonia business is going at the Houston terminal (in the United States).

‘Growing as One’: NWE Manager’s Conference sets sights on a thriving future

Exolum hosted its eighth NWE Manager’s Conference in October, with 120 people from across NWE and Spain joining together at Sopwell House in Hertfordshire, UK, to explore a programme built around 2024’s event theme: ‘Growing as One’.

The event programme was built around growth and new opportunities, proving ourselves to be a responsible and sustainable business, and setting ourselves up for success. Perhaps most importantly, the Growing as one message has its foundations set in delivering for our people and striving to become one global team working towards the same goals – a key focus going forward.

Day one was kicked off by behavioural safety expert, Professor Tim Marsh, who discussed the importance of culture in keeping everybody safe. Tim talked about the need to facilitate better habits and mindsets among our teams and the importance of positive health and mental wellbeing.

Jorge Lanza shared his belief that our position of strength in terms of our sector and performance – both traditional business and generating new opportunities – allows us to invest in the future with confidence. He noted the energy transition as a major opportunity and discussed the importance of culture and collaboration in achieving success.

Steve Land reviewed our performance and honed in our 2025 objectives, picking out the key focus areas for NWE as a region – safety first, simplification, AI and data, thinking bigger in terms of ambition and business development, and people development.

Yufan Cai provided a deep dive into our financial performance as well as what we can do to continue to grow beyond 2030 in the ever-evolving world of the energy transition. Ed Gill explored our existence in a fast-changing landscape where decisions by government and stakeholders affect us more than ever. Our goal is to become a leader in the thinking that influences those discussions, so we can lead not just in the field but also in the way our market is shaped.

Glyn Jenkins gave an insight into NWE projects as well as the importance of technology and teamwork in their delivery. Harnessing technology, AI and data to deliver projects, improve engineering delivery and increase efficiency will be key in shaping our future.

The evening saw guests arrive for an awards dinner, with Steve Land recognising those who celebrate landmark years of service with the business in 2024. Jamie Cadden picked up the Best of the Best Award for his work as the Chair of the NWE Mental Health First Aid Committee.

Day two was kicked off by Julian Fernandez, CEO of Fossa Systems, which provides satellite connectivity services to remote areas of the globe. Julian discussed how IoT process automation and asset management is an opportunity for increased safety, lower costs and improved maintenance.

Agnes Estay explored DE&I’s role in supercharging innovation, enhancing decision making, unlocking new market opportunities and facilitating business growth, as well as what we’re doing to drive meaningful progress on our inclusion journey.

Jorge Lanza encourages the private sector to take on a starring role in sustainability

Our CEO advocated a just and pragmatic energy transition at the Forética ESG Spain 2024 – Corporate Sustainability Forum.

During his speech at this leading business forum on the issue of sustainability, organized by Forética in Madrid, Jorge Lanza underlined the need to integrate ESG criteria in organizations’ strategies and day-to-day operations, and defended an energy transition comprised of three essential elements: supply safety, environmental sustainability and affordability for end users.

Participating in the ‘Increasing ambition in sustainability from executive management’ roundtable, our CEO stated that the social and environmental challenges are greater than ever and, therefore, “private sector initiatives must play an ever more relevant role”. He added, “As companies, we have gone from simply being engaged in philanthropy to incorporating CSR in order to implement a much broader view of corporate responsibility so as to achieve responsible leadership in the society in which we operate.”

Along these lines, Jorge Lanza mentioned that “the ESG agenda at Exolum is by no means separate from the rest of the company’s agenda” and underlined that our strategic plan emphasizes “not only what we do, but how we do it”.

Nichelle Poindexter, Vice-President of Membership Acquisition & Engagement for the Greater Houston Partnership, and Andrés Suárez, Exolum America Lead.

We have joined the Greater Houston Partnership

To strengthen our presence in the United States, we’ve become a member of the Greater Houston Partnership which is the main chamber of commerce in Houston. This strategic alliance marks a milestone as far as having a greater impact on this area. By cooperating with the Greater Houston Partnership, we wish to contribute to economic growth, innovation and sustainability efforts in the region. We can’t wait to begin collaborating with other members, sharing ideas and working together to make a positive change!

Let’s welcome our new hires in Peru

Little by little we’re rounding out our team of professionals who will be working at the new Jorge Chávez de Lima international airport fuel storage facility (Peru), where we’ll begin operations very soon.

The new airport facility in Peru has already got some thirty supply operators who are finishing up the onboarding process. During this new-hire phase, our new talents were welcomed by the plant manager, Mario González, who explained the basics of safe and efficient supply operations. They all participated in a group dynamics session during which they had to build tankers from recycled material to transport fuel. Thanks to everyone for letting their imaginations go wild and sharing this first of many great times together!

New horizons

The Lima international airport is the main airport in Peru in volume of activity, as it is the hub for the large majority of international and national flights in the country. Our company was responsible for building the new storage plant and the new hydrant network, and will handle all management of this new fuel distribution system.

We earned 97 out of 100 points on the GRESB sustainability index!

Our commitment to sustainability has been recognized yet once again. The GRESB Sustainability Index, one of the most important worldwide, awarded us the highest five-star rating in 2024 with a score of 97 out of 100 points. Therefore, we were able to repeat the results we achieved last year. Our company is still the leader of all the energy and water transport companies in the maintenance and operations section.

The companies evaluated by GRESB Infrastructure must provide data, evidence and key metrics on emissions, environmental protection, energy consumption, waste management and employee commitment, among other areas. Congratulations to the entire company for this incredible result!

OUR EXPERT

A new step towards the decarbonization of the carbon-intensive industry

Nacho Casajús, Global Strategy & Growth Lead

Exolum and Técnicas Reunidas have signed an agreement to provide industrial emitters with carbon management services covering everything from the capture to final storage thereof.

As part of our strategy to drive decarbonization, we recently signed a collaboration agreement with Técnicas Reunidas which will allow us to provide major industrial customers with carbon capture, transport and storage services. Our aim is to offer these emitters a comprehensive solution.

Through this alliance, Exolum will be providing our experience in logistics and operations while Técnicas Reunidas will contribute with its engineering capabilities and new services in the area of industrial decarbonization.

First steps

The first phase of this collaboration will focus on Spain, emphasizing port zones where Exolum is present. The objective is to develop carbon storage and transport logistics hubs based on this industrial implementation.

“At Exolum, we view this collaboration with Técnicas Reunidas as an excellent opportunity to develop technologies that boost the decarbonization of our economy. We’re basing our work on our solid experience in logistics and storage, and our firm commitment to innovation, circularity and the new energy vectors, which are aligned with the energy transition needs,” says Nacho Casajús, Global Strategy & Growth Lead at Exolum.

“This is another step in our commitment to innovation, circularity and the new energy vectors”

Taking a stand against climate change

Capturing carbon, along with its later storage and use, is a fundamental tool when it comes to the fight against climate change. The European Union estimates that, in order to achieve its decarbonization goals, 50 million tonnes will need to be captured by 2030, 280 million tonnes by 2040 and 450 million tonnes by 2050.

This technology is crucial to decarbonizing any economy, as there are no other alternatives in some industrial activities. For example, when it comes to the production of cement, there are no other technology options for up to 60% of the emissions. According to the Spanish National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, gross greenhouse gas emissions in Spain in 2022 totalled 247 million tonnes, 18% of which came from the industrial sector. This is the equivalent of approximately 45 million tonnes.

What excites us

EXOLUM-LIVE

Sherpa: Guiding talent

Sherpa scales up to reach new leadership summits. The ‘expedition’ continues for 175 professionals Some of them have shared their experiences with us. Find out here!

Our development programme known as Sherpa is moving forward to enhance our leaders’ skills and foster and guide talent on our teams. We have continued the training workshops and sessions and all participants have access to ongoing training and reinforcement through a specific site where the Global People team offers guides, additional resources, recommended readings, debate forums and materials associated with all the content.

This online community has been able to create a highly enriching place for meeting, conversation and reflection in a view to promoting the multiplying effect of collective learning. After all, Sherpa is committed to forward-looking leadership, which reflects the African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.

These are some of the Exolum sherpas that will help us conquer the highest summits. Find out about their experiences!

Colleagues at the top

STEVE LAND, NWE Lead

“My experience of the Sherpa Leadership Programme has been extremely positive. The sessions have allowed us to bond better as a team, supporting each other and developing and learning together

For me managing high-performing teams involves fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and clear communication to align the team’s strengths toward shared goals. As leaders we should provide continuous feedback, recognise achievements, and ensure all our colleagues are empowered to take ownership of their work”.

JORGE GUILLÉN, Spain Network & Aviation Lead

“For me, Sherpa is a series of sessions that help us take a different look at the way we work as a team every single day. My main learnings as far as how to manage high-performance teams have been, on the one hand, a recipe for awareness of how we lead and work within the team. On the other, a way to help us guide everyone in our team reflect upon the path to be taken in order to develop”.

ELENA VALERO, Tax Management Operations Lead

“It’s a very enriching programme, both personally and professionally. It’s helped me better understand how we can complement each other and make more strategic decisions. One of the main learnings has been just how fundamental it is to deal with conflicts as quickly as possible, and not just hope they will cool down. Actively listening to your team is essential. You have to find a point where everyone feels they are part of the solution.”

RICHARD BRAULIK, Global Quality Lead

“Participating in the Sherpa Leadership Programme has been a transformative experience that I deeply value for its impact on my professional development. I have learned to manage conflict effectively, promoting open communication and empathy. This knowledge has enabled me to improve my relationships with not only my colleagues but I have been able to use some of the skills learnt through the Sherpa program in my personal relationships. Overall a worthwhile experience where I have valued reconnecting to my inner Sherpa which has taken me back to the months spent roaming the Himalayas back in my 20’s with my Sherpa friends in Pakistan!”

MAVI DE LAMOR, BP/Operations Lead-Communication

“In this programme, we’ve talked about sustainable leadership and this has made me think about plants. I’m by no means an expert, but I like them and have several that I meticulously look after. Irrigation, protection from the heat and cold, fertilizer, soil… In the end, leadership involves doing things with care and that’s how I always try to do things at Exolum: caring about people and the company. I’m a rather emotional person, and I always put that effort into everything I do really.”

LAURA BLACKBURN, Maintenance Specialist

“The Leadership Programme Sherpa has been beneficial in giving me further insight into my particular leadership style and providing guidance on how to adapt conversations for people with different personalities and characteristics.

The emotional management tools that I’ve acquired have steered me in the direction to build a better relationship with my team and colleagues. I am now not only understanding and managing my own emotions better, but also recognising other’s emotions by getting to know people on a more personal level, and creating an empathetic and trusting environment to work in”.

BERNARDO SANTOS , Manager de la instalación de Ecuador

“My experience has been incredibly enriching. I’ve acquired valuable tools for personal and professional development, and I’ve connected within an inspiring community. This journey has strengthened my confidence and approach as a leader. I’ve learnt to identify and manage my emotions more effectively, which has improved by decision making. Empathy and communication when managing teams foster a more collaborative working atmosphere.”

MEETING...

“In my family, working at Exolum is almost a tradition that makes us proud”

Antonio Almagro’s father and grandfather worked at Campsa, the origins of our company, and he followed in their footsteps. He’s Exolum’s third generation. The Head of the airport facility in Bilbao feels “extremely proud to belong to this company” and be able to say that he has great friends here.

Today, we’re going to meet a good-natured and friendly guy who says he is “a serious person who is responsible on the job”, very family-oriented… and a bit of a romantic. Antonio Almagro has grown step-by-step at the company for more than 30 years, developing is entire career here just as his father, Antonio, and grandfather, Domingo, did before him.

“I’m proud to have started out as a fuel supplier working alongside my father in Barcelona, having later worked at facilities in different cities and collaborating with start-ups such as in Panama, Tenerife and Lisbon, and ending up for the time being (he laughs) in Bilbao,” he told us. He added one very important piece: “I couldn’t have done any of this without my travel companion, my wife Eli. She’s always been right there with me, giving me all the support I’ve ever needed in life”.

Left: With a group of colleagues at the Santiago de Compostela facility in 1992. Up: Antonio Almagro with his father.

Antonio Almagro

Airport Facility Head

Antonio Almagro receiving a watch for his 30th anniversary at the company.

Did your family ties influence your decision to work for our company?

Of course it did! For my family, getting myself hired by the company was a source of real joy. It was almost a tradition! In 1927, my grandfather started at Campsa as an apprentice, and he retired from this company at the age of 67.

How long have you been at Exolum?

My hire date was 1 April 1992 (with Campsa), but my official length of service date at the company is 1994. The first few years I was under contracts requiring external status. If you calculate the days worked from 1992 to 1999, which is the year I was signed to a permanent contract, my length of service at Exolum started on 18 March 1994; in other words, 32 years from my first contract with 30 years in length of service.

How did you start out?

I began at the airport in Barcelona, working as an aircraft fuel supplier. It was a six-month contract to cover the huge increase in operations at the Barcelona airport due to the 1992 Olympic Games. During that time, I was lucky to be able to work with my father, who was also an aircraft fuel supplier.

At how many facilities have you worked since then?

The facilities in Barcelona, Santiago de Compostela, Zaragoza and currently in Bilbao, always airport facilities.

Have the tasks you’ve performed at each one changed?

Yes. As I mentioned, I began as an aircraft fuel supplier in Barcelona. Later on, I was a shift supervisor and then I transferred to Santiago de Compostela performing superintendent duties (Head of Operations). For the next transfer, I was assigned to the Zaragoza facility as Head of Operations, and I’m currently working at the Bilbao facility as Facility Head.

What activities do you currently handle each day?

Supervision and management of Exolum airports in the north.

How do you imagine your future at Exolum?

Looking back and feeling satisfied and proud to have done my own little part for this great company.

What does working at Exolum mean to you personally? What’s the best thing about working in this team?

It’s a daily challenge. The best thing about working in this team is no doubt the people. We’re a very humanistic team and this makes all our day-to-day work much easier.

What hobbies do you have outside work and what would your perfect weekend look like?

My great passion is Spanish gastronomy. A perfect weekend for me would be my wife and I spending time with our children and their partners.

His grandfather Antonio’s Campsa ID card.

In four lines

A place:
Andalusia (Spain).

A food:
Oh my, that’s difficult! I think my father-in-law’s rice with snails.

A song:
El viaje, by Conchita.

A film:
Star Wars – Episode IV – A New Hope.

TransformACTION

GROW

Congratulations to Felipe Pizarro and Ángel Moreno, the newest winners of the One Exolum award!

Felipe and Ángel are the second and third quarter winners of these awards for which their own colleagues choose the people that best represent our values: Safety, Leadership, Innovation and Trust. Congratulations to both!

Felipe Pizarro, Shift Manager in Torrejón

Felipe is an example of enthusiasm and teamwork, one of those people who has incarnated our values for 17 years, ever since he first joined Exolum. He tells us that he likes “the sector and the activity involved”. And highlights something that’s quite important to him, which is the great working atmosphere. “I’d emphasize the support, respect, trust and solidarity everyone shows,” he says.

Our colleague is thrilled and confesses that it was a “wonderful surprise” to have won this award because there are many other people who also deserve it: “My colleagues voted for me, but they could have voted for anyone as we’re all a part of the same team and do our work with dedication and professionalism”.

Ángel Moreno, Administrative Officer at Exolum Aviation

Ángel has been at Exolum for 14 years and works with all the departments from headquarters to the airports. What he likes most is the fact that “we never get bored in Aviation. The sector is always evolving and generating new challenges”. He also underlines teamwork and a good environment, even in the tensest of times. “Personally, I have to thank all of my superiors for their trust”, he says.

Winning this award has been a ‘shot of energy’ for him. Above all, it makes him happy “because it comes from co-workers and feeling their appreciation is incredible”. He hopes they chose him because of how he views teamwork. “I always try to make the work easier for everyone by applying two basic rules: common sense and friendliness“.

Jamie Cadden crowned Best of the Best Award winner 2024

Asset Strategy and Reliability Analyst, Jamie Cadden, picked up the Best of the Best Award for 2024 at this year’s NWE Manager’s Conference in Hertfordshire, UK.

Jamie Cadden wins the award having embodied our Trust, Innovation and Leadership values through his work as the Chair of the Northwest Europe Mental Health First Aid Committee. He has taken the role and run with it, pushing boundaries to ensure we all champion the mental health message

and work more collaboratively around what is a hugely important subject.

Jamie has made a hugely positive impact in a short space of time as committee Chair, making great strides in his efforts to engage people and create an environment where we can all feel supported, listened to, and able to have open conversations without fear of judgement. He has shown true leadership and set an example to those around him, all the while going out of his way to support his colleagues and drive mental health awareness across the region.

The Best of the Best Award is the culmination of our Champions Award programme, for which people across the region have been nominating their colleagues for their successes, achievements, and great work during the course of the year. The scheme sees our people vote for those who have gone the extra mile to embody our Leadership, Trust, Safety and Innovation values.

Congratulations to Jamie, and to all of this year’s Champions Award winners for making the shortlist for the Best of The Best Award.

Jamie Cadden, right, receives the award from Steve Land, NWE Lead.

NETWORKING

How to telework safely

Teleworking has gained ground as a reality that makes it possible to balance work with personal wellbeing. But, do you know what to do to safely work from home? For everyone’s good, don’t let your guard down!

The hybrid formula combining in-person and remote work has been adopted by thousands of companies following the pandemic. In its report entitled “Working Time and Work-Life Balance Around the World”, the International Labour Organization (ILO) defends that working from home helps maintain employment all while creating a new space for professional autonomy.

For jobs where such arrangement is possible, teleworking is a way to foster wellbeing and a work-life balance. But in such a digital world, there must be extra protection to prevent cyberattacks, even from home. Here, we remind you of a few tips so we can all contribute to the security of our company.

1. Always use the devices supplied by Exolum to access company information.

2. Careful with emails from outside the organization! Before opening them, make sure they are from a reliable source.

3. Look out for unknown websites, emails from unreliable sources and social campaigns.

4. When sharing company information, always use secure collaboration tools.

5. Update your devices. Protect yourself from possible threats and don’t forget to update your operating system and antivirus programs.

6. Make periodic backup copies of important information to be able to restore data if needed.

7. Protect yourself with strong passwords that are difficult to identity and that only you know. Change them periodically.

8. Do not save passwords in your browser; instead, use a password manager to protect your credentials.

9. When connecting to the VPN (virtual private network) from a personal computer or a corporate device to access information, remember to also log out when the device is used for personal purposes.

10. Remember to encrypt information storage media as well, like pen drives.

Shield your router

Incibe provides lots of didactic and practical information through its blog. With regard to a home router, they recommend checking the configuration to prevent unwanted access to your household network. Plus, it’s a good idea to change the default admin credentials to make them more secure, and monitor all access to identify any odd behaviour.

Use your home Wi-Fi and reinforce access

Specialist entities such as the Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute (Incibe), one of the institutions ensuring cybersecurity in Spain, recommend preferably using a home network to telework, as you can have greater control over it. “The Wi-Fi network in one’s home should be equipped with a series of security measures which must be verified, such as using a password that is as strong as possible and disabling WPS or using WPA2 encryption at the very least,” they advise. Avoid public networks in places like airports and cafés. Cyber delinquency is much easier in those open places.

TRENDS

“Success is being happy with what you do and knowing how to make others happy”

PEPA MUÑOZ, CHEF AND FOUNDER OF ‘EL QÜENCO DE PEPA’

“Food unites us”. That’s what Pepa Muñoz thinks, and she’s a reference for traditional and sustainable cuisine in Spain and in a number of other countries where she speaks. Simple and authentic, just like her own gastronomy, Pepa encourages us in this interview to take care of the planet right from our kitchens.

The restaurant ‘El Qüenco de Pepa’ was opened in Madrid in 2003 with the determination and vision of two women, Pepa Muñoz and her business partner, Mila Nieto. Ever since then, it has made thousands of people happy with its own way of understanding gastronomy: honest, giving food the value it deserves, supporting farmers and small producers.

Its restaurants have seen the likes of presidents of the Government, members of royalty from around the world, a certain First Lady of the United States, famous artists and hundreds of anonymous citizens. All looking for the authenticity and simplicity it’s known for. Pepa is one of those self-taught people whose curiosity and perseverance have always taken her one step further. She’s earned the loyalty of her customers and respect within the profession in and outside of Spain.

She’s president of the Federation of Associations of Chefs and Pastry Chefs of Spain (Facyre), which represents and defends the gastronomy sector in addition to promoting its professionals, all while working with World Central Kitchen, the NGO run by her friend José Andrés.

How would you explain your way of understanding gastronomy to someone who doesn’t know you?

I’d say that gastronomy is my interpretation of life, of the countryside, where honesty, simplicity, sensitivity, dedication and passion are never missing in my dishes.

You learnt as a young girl, with your father as your reference. What was his most valuable lesson?

That work, work, work is a guarantee for success, and that you become successful when you’re happy with what you do and know you make others happy too.

'El Qüenco de Pepa' was already sustainable 20 years ago, even when that concept was not being used. Exolum is present in 11 gastronomically different countries. How can we be more sustainable from our own kitchens?

Firstly, understanding that it’s necessary, that the planet needs us, even though it needs us less than we need it. After that, simply adequately separating everything you don’t need at home (and I don’t mean just kitchen waste) is of great help, so the experts can correctly recycle it all. It is, or should be, a chain respected by everyone, from supermarkets to recycling plants. There’s still a lot left to do to this end.

On the other hand, and getting more to the kitchen, buying local foods has a major impact on sustainability.

In the part of the world where there is a lot of food waste, can we all practice ‘trash cooking’?

Of course. We must do it.

Your most charitable side is reflected through the World Central Kitchen, the NGO run by José Andrés. Has providing food in emergency situations made an impact on your life?

I think so, and I’d add that it’s been a ‘gift’. I’ve learnt so much and it’s helped me channel something we’ve always believed in around my house: showing solidarity.

You’re at the head of a team of nearly 50 people. What do you believe is the key to leading a project?

Mila, my business partner, really helps out with this. I’m fortunate in that she’s got a company that has been dedicated to this for more than 30 years. Her knowledge, her messages and the path she draws out with regard to leadership is infallible.

You’re the first woman to preside over Facyre. Is there still quite a bit left to do in making progress towards greater equality in the sector?

I think so, yes. And to a good extent, it depends on us, on making ourselves more visible. The capacity, quantity and quality of our work has always been there, and it’s also evolved.

Do you think the restaurant business is sensitive to sustainability?

Yes. I think we’re an exemplary sector. At Facyre, we’ve been working for years on this because we believe it’s vital.

Inspiration from the vegetable garden

For Pepa Muñoz, cooking is her life. She says she even spends her free time cooking: “I love organizing meals at home for friends and sharing with them”. Her favourite place of inspiration is her vegetable garden. “I go whenever I can and it’s quite inspiring and leads to a great deal of creativity. I always leave with some kind of idea for a new dish simply after observing, smelling and feeling everything we’re given by the land. It’s magic.”

Memories cooked slowly over low heat

‘Un puchero de verdades’ (A Pot of Truths) is the title of Pepa Muñoz’s gastronomy memoir. The book offers the memories of a young girl who would eat rice pudding with her grandmother and a young woman who once helped her father provide the catering for one of the most important films made in Spain in the 1980s. Always claiming gastronomy is a part of culture, and always faithful to her origins, working to bring back forgotten flavours.

Safety and health

Safety

Improving our safety culture

Safety is the most important value at Exolum and teamwork is one of our strengths. Thus has been deduced from the analysis on our culture of safety carried out in all the countries where we’re present.

We have analysed our global culture of safety at Exolum. The analysis included an online survey which was completed by approximately 50% of the company’s people around the world.

To deepen the analysis and understanding of the results, we also organized 15 focus groups with direct participation by 144 people, interviewed 41 managers and visited 20 worksites in Spain and the United Kingdom.

The primary conclusions drawn were common to all countries:

Most of the issues studied have improved or remained the same in comparison to the last survey, which was conducted three years ago.
Among our strengths, those surveyed identified Safety as our company’s most important value. They also underlined collaboration, teamwork and a good environment at our worksites. They stated that their relationships with their colleagues and immediate superiors is friendly and direct, which helps create a climate of trust, and helps them feel free to report all incidents.
As far as business opportunities, we’ll be reinforcing visits to facilities by senior management so they are more productive; we’ll continue to reduce the time it takes to bring on new hires, and streamline the bureaucracy and requirements for small contractors, which will shorten the completion times for some investments. Plus, we’ll encourage certain in-person courses and facilitate mechanisms so worksites can offer feedback on collaborating companies. We’ll also relaunch global safety projects, such as holding focus groups with Terminal Managers to boost the use of FVCC (Field Verification Critical Controls).

All of these topics were included in an action plan explained during two webinars presented by our Global HSSEQ Lead, Jesús Manso, with the participation of Ricardo Ribó, Spain Network & Aviation HSSEQ Lead, in Spain, and Alan Edwards, NWE HSSEQ Lead, in North West Europe. In Ireland, Germany, Holland, Peru and Panama, we will explain the results to workers in person.

View the webinar for Spain Network & Aviation

View the webinar for NWE

Prevent addictions for your safety and that of all others

Drinking alcohol and taking drugs pose a danger to yourself and others. By looking after your health, you’re also fostering safety at the workplace. Information and prevention are essential!

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that more than three million people, particularly men, die each year from the consumption of alcohol and other drugs and the International Labour Organization (ILO) attributes 25% of all workplace accidents to these addictions. One of our priorities at Exolum is people’s health and safety. That’s why we’d like to remind everyone that the consumption of alcohol and drugs seriously affects our physical and mental wellbeing, and that prevention and awareness are essential to preventing unexpected consequences.

The consumption of certain substances can create a false sense of security, minimize the perception of danger and increase the risk of accidents. In cases of addiction, recovery first involves admitting there is a problem. Our health experts recommend always asking an expert for help. No one should ever deny the reality and never think they can keep alcohol and drug use under control.

Alcohol and safety at the workplace

Everyone metabolizes alcohol differently. Its elimination is slower during sleep. If a person drinks a large amount of alcohol at night, there are likely to be remains of alcohol in the blood in the morning at the start of their workday. This can affect their safety and that of others around them.

Tips from our doctors

√ Maintain a healthy lifestyle and do exercise.

√ Get information on the risks involved with consumption.

√ Develop peer pressure resistance skills: learn to say NO.

√ Strengthen your capacity to face difficult situations: alcohol and drugs won’t solve them.

√ Do not normalize any type of consumption of alcohol or addictive substances.

√ Avoid places and environments that encourage consumption.

√ Do not believe you have control over the situation.

√ Always seek professional help.

WEllness

A culture of self-care Learn to treat yourself well

Physical and mental wellness begin with looking after one very important person: yourself. We take care of our families and friends, and look after our jobs and colleagues. But do we look after ourselves enough?

Did you know that there’s an International Self-Care Day? It’s 24th July, and although we’re still aways off from that date, it’s always a good time to remember just how necessary self-care is: it strengthens your physical, mental and emotional health to prevent diseases and fosters your overall wellbeing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of the importance of self-care, which it defines as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness – with or without the support of a health or care worker”. In short, it’s all about learning to take care of oneself to enjoy a better quality of life.

Self-care involves being responsible for oneself and naturally including —not by obligation— physical, emotional, cognitive and social care in our daily habits. It’s a holistic view where each of us takes an active role in ensuring our own wellbeing. Plus, the WHO advocates self-care as a means of prevention that lowers the burden on public health systems.

Psychologist Amparo Calandín, the director of Amparo Calandín Psicólogos, is an expert who defines herself as a “tools for living trainer”. In the article ‘Types of self-care and the many benefits’, Amparo underlines several highly useful recommendations. Tips like these help us become more aware of the need for self-care. Start today!

More information here

PHYSICAL self-care

EAT HEALTHY.
Develop a SLEEP ROUTINE.
Find time to REST during the day.
DO EXERCISE.
TAKE WALKS IN THE SUN, in nature, at the beach.
MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN, take a bath, get a massage.

EMOTIONAL self-care

WRITE A JOURNAL and be honest about your feelings. You’ll see which emotions you actually feel and in which situations and how you react to them.
EXPRESS what you feel.
MEDITATE.
ENJOY THE SILENCE.

COGNITIVE self-care

READ a book.
Do PUZZLES, CROSSWORDS, and play CHESS.
DEVELOP YOUR CREATIVITY: write, paint, play a musical instrument, do ceramics.
GET OUT OF A MONOTONOUS ROUTINE: take a different way to work, go to a new café, go to a different shop.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW, that activity you’ve always wanted to do but never have time.
Listen to an EDUCATIONAL PODCAST or one about a topic you’re interested in.

SOCIAL self-care

Hang out with FRIENDS.
MESSAGE someone who lives far away and you miss.
STOP SPENDING TIME with people WHO DON’T MAKE YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE.
Sign up for an activity to MEET PEOPLE who share your same interests.
Ask for HELP.
TALK about what you’re thinking.
LISTEN to others.
OFFER YOUR SUPPORT and understanding to those around you.

Involved

de&i

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS: LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

How do you relate to others? Do you get anxious when you have to make decisions? Do you know how to manage stress? It all depends on your emotional wellness. That’s why it’s important to pay attention, listen to yourself, care for yourself and ask for help.

At Exolum, we’re aware that mental health is as important as physical health. That’s why we organized two World Mental Health Day webinars to talk about the importance of taking care of ourselves, learning from experts on the issue and sharing experiences.

Javier Ranera, Exolum doctor; Mavi de Lamor, Communication Lead, and Laura Oliveros, psychologist and a member of the AUSMEN Association, presented for the Spain Network & Aviation while Jamie Cadden, Chair of Exolum’s NWE Mental Health First Aid Committee, and Amy Gibbons, Inclusive Employers Lead, did so for NWE.

Laura mentioned two signs of a possible mental health problem: “Many times the first thing to change are sleep patterns. It takes me a long time to fall asleep and I wake up several times during the night.” The other is apathy: “I don’t feel like getting together with anyone and I stop engaging in my hobbies”. To prevent and detect these situations, she recommended self-care: “Sleep well, eat well, do some exercise or take up a hobby.” We also heard about personal experiences like the one shared by Mavi who told us how she had to face a complicated situation when she was just 20 years old.

During the NWE webinar, Amy highlighted the importance of not closing yourself off and asking for help when needed. “I would urge people to just really talk, you know, talk about yourselves and your own experiences. Share those with your colleagues as well and just try and break down that barrier”, she said.

“The first step is sharing.
Talking to someone asking for help can be extremely powerful”

Amy Gibbons, Inclusive Employers Lead

View the webinar for Spain Network & Aviation here

View the webinar for NWE here

WIM: the power of sharing experiences

Our Women In Movement (WIM) network organized two digital gatherings under the slogan ‘The power of sharing experiences’. The aim is to smooth the way for women and connect our female employees with male allies.

The WIM network is currently expanding. A group of female colleagues at Exolum shared their own career success and challenges. They all emphasized the value of inclusive leadership, collaboration, transparency and a balance between work and one’s personal life.

For the Spain Network & Aviation, Rocío González, Global Operations Lead Procurement, and Laura Rivas, Global Engineering Lead, shared their thoughts in a session moderated by David Folgado, Global Finance Lead. For NWE, the participants were Cai Yufan, NWE Finance Lead, and Yvette Davis, Ireland HSSE Manager, in a webinar hosted by Shaneka Smith, NWE Customer Accounts Manager. This is what our female colleagues think.

Thanks everyone for participating!

View the webinar for Spain Network & Aviation here

View the webinar for NWE here

Rocío González

“There are two things that help when you come across barriers. The first is taking a look at and explaining the root cause well. The second is letting the entire team be a part of the solution.”

Laura Rivas

“There can’t be any secrecy within teams: there must be complete transparency.” “This is a company that is committed to diversity, equality and encouraging people to be ambitious and proactive.”

Yvette Davis

“I think asking for advice and really reaching out to people and connecting with people is great because we all have something to add and we all have something to share, which can be really, really helpful in our roles”

Cai Yufan

“As inclusive leader to me is very important that we’re professionals and that the work be judged by the actual deliver of that work, regardless of who does it, regardless of colours, the gender, the ages…”

Neuroinclusion network: supporting diverse minds

We’ve launched the NeuroInclusion Network, a network of employees who support the various ways our minds work. It’s a way to foster a more inclusive work environment for everyone at Exolum.

Our colleague Chris Turner, Pipeline Technician and President of the Representatives of Employee Safety (RoES) for NWE, led this initiative which is a part of the DE&I Plan under the area of ENABLE Inclusion for Disabilities, which helps people with disabilities and diverse capacities.

Neurodiversity proves there is no one ‘normal’ way for the brain to function. Each brain is as unique as one’s fingerprint. It is estimated that 20% of the population differs from the dominant standard in the way their brain learns and processes information.

We all believe and behave differently. Neurodiversity includes disorders such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. And we can only create a more supportive and inclusive work environment by understanding and valuing these differences.

To celebrate the launch of the NeuroInclusion Network, we organized an in-person session at the London office with Chris Turner, Javier Alonso, Global HSSE & Technology Lead and executive sponsor of Enable at Exolum, as well as expert Tania Martin, the founder of Pegsquared, a consulting firm that promotes job inclusion for people with neurodiversity. We’re moving forwards on the issue of inclusion!

Together against breast cancer

For International Day Against Breast Cancer, we gave out pink ribbons at headquarters and at some of our main facilities. We also encouraged people at the company to come dressed in pink to the office and connected to a webinar organized by the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) during which they discussed crucial issues, such as prevention and early detection.

FEEL GREEN

We’ve joined other companies to create the first airport hydrogen hub in Spain

We signed a collaboration agreement with Airbus, Aena, Air Nostrum, Iberia and Repsol to foster hydrogen-powered aircraft. Together, we can move forward even further.

We’re committed to driving the energy transition and have joined forces with another five large enterprises to collectively deal with the major challenges posed by the growth of hydrogen-powered aircraft in Spain. For the first time ever, an alliance is bringing together the entire value chain from energy production to hydrogen-powered ground operations with the participation of two airlines and a complete network of airports at the same time (managed by Aena).

Thanks to this collaboration, we’ll be able to get a comprehensive vision of hydrogen-powered aircraft and how they can be included in the airport ecosystem. The agreement covers the supply of hydrogen and the corresponding infrastructure, as well as the specific requirements of ground operations at the airports.

Moving forward to become carbon neutral

63% of our energy needs in Spain will be covered by new renewable energy agreements and the photovoltaic self-supply at our plants. At Exolum, we continue taking steps towards reducing our carbon footprint and reaching zero net emissions by 2040, as set out in our ESG Framework Plan. In line with this commitment, we have signed two new long-term renewable energy purchase agreements (PPA). The first will provide 7 GWh per year from 2025 to 2034. The second is our first wind-based PPA and will supply 60 GWh per year from 2026 to 2035. These contracts will prevent the emission of nearly 17,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year in addition to the other previous two. To become carbon neutral, we’re also committed to building new solar self-supply power plants in Spain and the United Kingdom, as explained in this issue. We’re working to self-supply ourselves with clean energy!

FEEL betteR

Supporting young talent from the Queen Sofia Higher Music School

“Music unites people,” says our CEO. We’re thrilled to share with you the agreement we’ve signed with this prestigious school to promote academics and art among young musicians.

t our company, we believe culture unites people and want to create synergies with relevant institutions focusing on innovation, a commitment to the SDGs and talent. The Queen Sofia Higher Music School is one of these entities, an international reference for the education of young musicians.

Jorge Lanza, CEO of the Exolum, and Paloma O´Shea, founding president of the Queen Sofia Higher Music School, have signed a collaboration agreement through which we have become a Corporate Friend of this school with the mission of supporting talent and bringing music closer to society.

Paloma O’Shea highlighted that having a “new Corporate Friend like Exolum helps us continue working to support young artists of the future as they grow artistically and personally”.

Our CEO added that this collaboration “reflects our commitment to education and culture, and is in line with our Sustainability Plan. Moreover, we fully identify with the search for excellence, which is one of the values exemplified by the School”.

Our excitement about this agreement was summarized by Jorge Lanza in just one sentence: “We firmly believe in the power of music to unite people and foster creativity”. Let’s support this harmony!

Team spirit champions at the Exolum Padel Tournament

Sportsmanship and a team spirit were the stars of our padel tournament in Madrid. Twenty-two pairs competed from Madrid, Huelva, San Roque and Barcelona. Francisco Javier Amores and Francisco José Ruiz won the championship with José Manuel Fernández and Javier Martínez placing second. Top place in the consolation bracket went to Koldo Álvarez and Javier Burgos with Álvaro Martínez and Félix Colorado placing just behind them. The day ended with a barbecue and the prizes being handed out by Cristina Jaraba, Global People Lead. Congratulations to everyone!

Partnering with ReachOut to support youth education

Exolum’s Cultural Diversity team have embarked on implementing a mentoring scheme in the London office and have partnered with a local charity called ReachOut to help them with this.

ReachOut is a national mentoring and education charity, rooted in local communities. Working in under-resourced areas, it supports young people to grow in character and confidence, sparking change in themselves and society. To find out more about Reachout Click here

On September 11^th 2024, Exolum’s Cultural Diversity team organised a 6km sponsored walk across some of London’s iconic bridges to help raise funds for ReachOut and the amazing work they do for young people. The walk was attended by Over 30 of our NWE colleagues as well as members of the ReachOut team. It was a great evening out, filled with lots of information, fun, talk and laughter!

We have so far raised just over £600!

Ecuador runs for a good cause

Our Ecuador colleagues once again demonstrated their commitment to children by participating another year in the charity 5K organized by the Ser Feliz foundation, which has been working since 2012 to promote integrated human development in children with cancer. The Exolum team ran each kilometre enthusiastically among the more than 1600 competitors. All of them were proud to be able to do their own little part for this noble cause.

Francisco Javier Game Delgado was our best representative. He came in 36 out of 181 in his category. Congratulations and thanks to all the runners!

Discover

Microalgae and bacteria to the planet’s rescue

Did you know some microorganisms work as cleaning brigades in ecosystems?

Microalgae are a part of this team. There are more than 50,000 species, and many process and eliminate water pollutants all while trapping and storing CO2: and that’s how they help stop climate change. They’re also a source of biofuels.

Other microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, serve an interesting purpose: bioremediation. They’re ‘healers’ because they can regenerate part of the damage to the environment: they ‘eat’ toxic substances in a process through which they purify and regenerate the soil and water.

They’re microscopic yet natural macro-activists!

Learning through the senses

We’re all unique and different, and so is our way of processing information. In fact, we gain new knowledge and skills depending on our predominant physiological, cognitive and emotional characteristics. Knowing what they are can help you learn more quickly and more effectively.

The VAK sensory classification, for example, indicates that a person can enhance their learning if they know which of their senses is most developed. To find out, answer this question: After meeting someone, do you more easily remember: their face (visual), their name (auditory) or the impression they left (kinaesthetic)?

Visual

Someone who can easily recall large quantities of information just by looking at something or reading. Their learning style is related to reading, doing summaries, taking notes and highlighting data.

Keys to better learning: diagramas, gráficos, diapositivas, esquemas o dosieres.

Auditory

Someone who can understand abstract concepts by speaking and listening. These kinds of people learn with oral explanations and have a talent for languages.

Keys to better learning: videos, conferences, podcasts and telephone conversations.

Kinaesthetic

This style is related to touching and doing. It all depends on feelings and movement, with these kinds of people preferring practical work over theory.

Keys to better learning: visits, meetings, teambuilding and storyboards.

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