Our History
TotalEnergies’ history can be defined by three keywords: rich, unique and exhilarating. The Company’s history tells of an industrial saga and a human endeavour set against the backdrop of social, technological and geopolitical changes. Its history also relates the story of a company that was created from scratch back in 1924 under the name Compagnie française des pétroles with the aim of ensuring France’s energy independence. Over the years, it has evolved into an international organization that is actively involved in addressing the global energy challenges of the 21stcentury.
Ever since it took its first steps in oil production in Iraq back in 1927, our Company has continually transformed and forged a reputation for its pioneering spirit, whether extending its geographical reach or innovating and pushing back the boundaries of technology. This ability to constantly adapt has also been demonstrated over the years through its successful partnerships with such companies as Petrofina, Elf Aquitaine and, more recently, Saft, Maersk Oil and Direct Energie.
In an effort to meet the challenges of a largely net zero future, we are pursuing a new strategy to become a multi-energy company by developing our activities in electricity, mainly renewables, which will play a key role in the energy system of tomorrow’s world.
By changing our name to TotalEnergies in 2021, we have ensured that our identity reflects the strong ambition driving our Company at the dawn of our new century, namely to be a world-class player in leading the energy transition and reaching net zero by 2050, together with society. The pioneering spirit that has powered us since day one continues to guide us in achieving this transition.
TotalEnergies, pioneers for a Hundred Years
“100 Faces” for 100 years of TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies operates in a large number of countries with diverse, complex economic and sociocultural environments. This situation can expose us to safety, security, health, environmental and ethical risks. For this reason, states and civil society have particularly high expectations with regard to our industry.
Each and every day, we therefore rely on our values to guide our actions and relationships with our stakeholders, taking a collective approach to achieve our ambition of being a world-class player in the energy transition.
Our Business Principles, rooted in our values
We apply and comply with all national and international laws and standards in all of our host countries. Beyond rules, we have made our values – Safety, Respect for Each Other, a Pioneer Spirit, the need to Stand Together and a Performance-Minded attitude – the beacons that guide our actions day after day.
Our two core values, Safety and Respect for Each Other, form the basis of our Code of Conduct.
Safety: Untiring collective vigilance
Because we work in an industry that can never be completely risk-free, Safety is the cornerstone of our operational efficiency. Safety is also the foundation of our collective commitment to operate sustainably and establish relationships based on trust with our host countries. To meet our goal of zero fatal accidents, we need to enhance our risk management, both on work stations and in our facilities.
Safety is a daily battle that is waged with humility and vigilance. Safety rules always need to be followed, but people should also step in if they feel a situation is unsafe.
Safety is also an essential criterion in choosing our business and industry partners. We place particular emphasis on their ability to apply a policy equivalent to ours.
Respect for each other: Central to our collective principles
For TotalEnergies, exemplary behavior starts by listening to and respecting all of our stakeholders. It means showing unwavering integrity, but also respecting human rights in all circumstances and protecting the environment and human health.
Our values, our reference standards and our collective and individual principles are set out in our Code of Conduct, which serves as our reference document. It is intended primarily for our employees and managers, who must adhere to it in their daily activities. We are convinced that our development is intrinsically rooted in the confidence and respect that exists between TotalEnergies and our employees and among the employees themselves.
Our Code of Conduct also sets out our commitments and expectations with regard to our other stakeholders, including shareholders, customers and suppliers, so that our continued growth benefits everyone while helping to drive economic and social development in all of our host countries.
Our Ethics Committee: Ensuring Compliance With Our Principles
Since 2001, the Ethics Committee has been responsible for monitoring the application of our Code of Conduct. Importantly, it is also responsible for supporting and advising TotalEnergies’s employees and stakeholders and for listening to their concerns.
Employees and stakeholders may contact the Committee to:
- Ask a question or request advice concerning the application of or compliance with the Code of Conduct
- Report any matter that poses serious risks in areas such as corruption, fraud, anti-competitive practices, discrimination, workplace harassment, workplace health, hygiene and safety, and environmental protection.
