BHP Billiton does not think it can save the planet from global warming single-handedly, but it does believe in leading by example.

As such, the world's largest diversified resources and mining company aims to help stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations by first making improvements to its own products, according to its revised Climate Change Policy, which it announced on June 18.

The company, the diversified minerals and medals sponsor of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said in its policy release that it will work with governments, industry leaders and stakeholders to seek out lasting solutions to this environmental threat.

This includes trimming the level of energy and greenhouse gases released by its products by 13 percent and 6 percent, respectively, by 2012.

The company previously cut its output of greenhouse gases by 12 percent from 1996-2000.

"As a leader in the natural resources industry we have an important role in meeting the world's growing energy and resources needs," said CEO Chip Goodyear.

"At the same time, we have an equally important role in minimizing the impact of our activities on the global environment and supporting our customers' efforts to do the same."

As well as promoting awareness of global warming among the public and its administrative and business partners, the Australia-based multinational also plans to give pressing environmental concerns more weight in its decision making.

BHP Billiton now requires carbon pricing sensitivity analysis to be undertaken in capital decisions on assets of $100 million or more, or in cases where the assets emit more than 100,000 tons of CO2 equivalent per annum. It will also commit $300 million to this area over a four-year period from 2008-12.

As one of the sponsors of the 2008 Games, the company will provide financial support, as well as raw materials for the Olympic medals. It has also been accredited by BOCOG, the Beijing Games organizing committee, for supporting Paralympic sports in China.