Monitoring and enhancing local ecosystems at Saras

Saras operates its coastal Sarroch refinery in Sardinia with a clear focus on minimising environmental impacts and preserving biodiversity. Surrounded by significant natural areas, such as the Gutturu Mannu Regional Natural Park, Saras has implemented long-term initiatives to monitor and enhance these local ecosystems.

For over two decades, Saras has partnered with the University of Cagliari to monitor air quality using innovative bio-monitoring techniques. Moss bags containing aquatic mosses are deployed over large areas around the Sarroch hinterland to detect pollutants such as heavy metals. Year after year, the findings consistently confirm that air quality is good and that polluting substances have bio accumulated at levels lower than the annual national and European averages. This reflects Saras’ commitment to responsible operations.

In addition to monitoring, Saras has also undertaken restoration efforts through its Green Barrier project. Completed in 2024, this initiative transformed 93 hectares of land around the refinery into a biodiverse green space. Over 6,000 Mediterranean trees and bushes were planted, and an olive grove was expanded, creating a natural buffer that benefits both biodiversity and the local community.