Big 2 Energy Report: Energy Giant Helps Habitat

With nearly 30,000 employees worldwide, ConocoPhillips is among our countries largest energy companies. But the energy giant does more than supply energy across the globe, they also find time to help out non-profits across the U.S.

Over the past decade, it's become a company-wide trend, but it was started by employees right here in West Texas. ConocoPhillips engineer Ralph Castille tells Big 2, "It started out as a midland thing, but now ConocoPhillips does support all of Habitat for Humanity nationwide."

Thirteen years and thirteen houses later, local employees have helped Midland families get back on their feet and a roof over their head. "What really attracted us to Habitiat is it's not a hand out, but a hand up program to truly help somebody become more stable in the community and watch them help themselves," says Castille.

And while it's a great feeling to know they're helping out those in need, Castille says that's not the only reward they get from volunteering. "We see benefits within our company itself as far as team building and communitcation skills between the workers. When you have a vice president of a company working with a new engineer or a geologist or a secretary, working side by side on the work site, it really helps to build those relationships. "

ConocoPhillips doesn't require their employees to volunteer, but all they are given incentives to do so. They're offered one day off with pay to go and help Habitat build a home. So far this year, 68 local employees have accepted the offer.