Reducing environmental load

Reducing environmental load (Reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions)

EMS (Environmental management system)

We conduct internal audits twice a year and undergo an external examination by a certification body once a year to confirm that we are effectively using the ISO international standards as a tool for improving our business by maintaining and continuously improving our environmental management system.

In addition, to secure an adequate number of internal auditors and maintain their high level of competence, we regularly conduct ISO Internal Auditor Skill Improvement Training and Internal Auditor Training.

Establishment of our special environmental groups

Initiatives to reduce environmental load—such as reducing waste, increasing energy efficiency, and developing products that improve the environment—typically entail a cross-organizational effort. Tangible progress can be difficult to achieve in this area without collaboration across the entire company, or at least across multiple departments. Toward this end, we have identified important issues to be addressed in our Environmental Action Guidelines and have established three groups—the Environmental Preservation Group, Energy Efficiency Group, and Logistics & Packing Group—to promote our environmental initiatives.

Company-wide initiatives of our special environmental groups

The Environmental Preservation Group is engaged mainly in initiatives intended to raise awareness about the environment, such as waste reduction and recycling, as well as community support activities. The Energy Efficiency Group is concerned with enhancing the efficiency of our consumption of energy, water, and raw materials and actively promotes eco-friendly production. The Logistics & Packing Group is concerned with improving transportation efficiency and reducing the use of packaging materials. We are engaged in a wide variety of environmental impact reduction efforts through the activities of each of these groups.

Moreover, our Environmental Management Committee manages and summarizes the progress of the activities of the three subcommittees and conducts management reviews on a regular basis.

Environmental initiatives

Burnable waste (domestic solid waste) generated

While there is decreased production at the Kyoto Plant, a slight recovery was observed due to an increase in employee attendance. The Shiga and Azuchi Plants are showing an increase due to increased production.

CO₂ emissions

Although production at the Kyoto Plant decreased, emissions increased due to a rise in the emission coefficient. At the Shiga Plant, both production levels and the emission coefficient increased, leading to higher emissions. Meanwhile, at the Azuchi Plant, while energy consumption decreased, emissions still rose due to an increase in the emission coefficient.

Electricity consumption

Production at the Kyoto Plant decreased due to a drop in output. In contrast, the Shiga Plant saw an increase, driven by higher production levels, the electrification of compressors, and a greater load on air conditioning equipment. Meanwhile, the Azuchi Plant experienced a slight increase, despite a rise in production.

Water consumption

Although there was decreased production at the Kyoto Plant, there was a slight increase in water consumption. At the Shiga Plant, there was increased production, but water consumption saw a significant decrease due to the suspension of discharge from fire protection water tanks and the shutdown of cogeneration power generators. At the Azuchi Plant, there was increased production, but water consumption remained the same.

Summary of environmental impact (fiscal 2023)

INPUT

Output