Environmental Load Reduction
Changes in Energy Consumption/CO2 Emissions
The Company is working to rationalize its energy use based on the Act on the Rational Use of Energy (Energy Efficiency Act). In fiscal 2020, operations started in the new headquarters factory area in the Kumamoto Plant, so both energy consumption and energy consumption per unit of output increased significantly. In terms of environmental targets, having set fiscal 2020 as the base year, we adopted a 3% reduction in our energy consumption per unit of output by fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2021, energy consumption per unit of output was reduced by 2% compared with fiscal 2020 following the installation of energy-saving equipment, such as the renewal of air conditioners, and due the increase in production output.
In terms of environmental targets concerning CO2 emissions, for which we also deem fiscal 2020 as the base year, we adopted a 3% reduction in CO2 emissions per unit of production by fiscal 2023. Despite having been able to achieve a reduction in energy consumption, CO2 emissions per unit of production increased by 4% in fiscal 2021 due to an increase in the electric power company CO2 emissions factor (basic emissions factor). In the years to come, we will contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions by installing and updating energy-saving equipment as well as by reducing our energy consumption.
Efforts to Conserve Water Resources
To conserve water resources, the Company is reducing water usage and monitoring factory wastewater. As an initiative to reduce water usage in fiscal 2021, we reviewed the settings of the cooling water circulation system to reduce the amount of cooling water used at the Kumamoto Plant and were thereby able to further reduce the amount used. We conduct analyses of the wastewater from all our plants every year to confirm that it satisfies legal requirements and voluntary management standards.
Approach to Resource Recycling
To help in the realization of a sustainable society, we are working to create products that show we have given consideration to resource recycling at each stage of the life cycle (the procurement of materials and parts, design, production, and disposal after use). Through eco-friendly design, we are promoting the reduction of raw materials used in product manufacturing and the provision of products that can be recycled at the time of disposal. We are also working to reduce the packaging materials, reduce waste in production activities, and promote recycling for some equipment imported from overseas suppliers.
Efforts to Reduce Industrial Waste Outputs
Managing Chemical Substances
To respond to chemical substance-related laws and regulations in Japan and overseas, including the European RoHS Directive1 and the REACH Regulations2, we will strengthen the management of the chemical substances contained in our products.
We ask our suppliers to submit information through chemSHERPA3 and cooperate with our surveys of the chemical substances contained in our products. We will continue to work on managing the chemical substances contained in our products.
The chemical substances used in-house are evaluated before use and, based on the evaluation results, we undertake management necessary to comply with laws and regulations.
1 Regulations on chemical substances in EU
2 Chemical substance management regulations in EU
3 Format for providing data on chemical substances contained in products in a supply chain