|
Environmental Conservation Activities Undertaken by Shimadzu
 Environmental Reports
Supplying environmentally friendly products
We aim to develop and manufacture products whose impact on the
environment is minimized. As a first step, design guidelines
for recycling have been created to promote the usage of recyclable
and re-usable materials in our products. This is being steadily
applied to our new products to improve the recycling rate. The
second stage of our efforts consists of advancing the introduction
of the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) Method. This method aims to
reduce the environmental impact of a product over its entire
life cycle, from the procurement of raw materials to the manufacturing,
retail, use, and disposal of the product.
The complete elimination of ozone depleting substances
The ozone layer which spreads across the stratosphere fulfills
the vital role of protecting the flora and fauna on the ground
from harmful ultraviolet rays. Lately however, this layer has
been greatly depleted due to the massive release of CFC's into
the atmosphere. This company worked to completely eliminate CFC
cleaning agents and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. This was accomplished
at the end of December 1994. In addition, we have strongly requested
collaborating companies to stop using CFC's and are working towards
early elimination to further improve the environment.
Reducing the amount of usage of packaging materials, and promoting
the adoption of recycling
As well as promoting the recycling/re-use of the parts that are
re-usable in product packaging (molded styrofoam components) to
utilize limited resources efficiently, we are also working to make
transportation materials like palettes, wooden boxes, and wooden
bases returnable. In addition, we are increasingly choosing to
use highly recyclable materials such as corrugated cardboard over
styrofoam in our packaging as part of our move to use materials
with less environmental impact.
Energy saving activities
In order to help achieve the global target of reducing CO2 emissions,
which causes global warming, Shimadzu is working to reduce the
usage of electricity as this comprises the greater part of our
energy consumption. As an overall theme for the Sanjo Works,
the operation of the production facilities is monitored with
electricity monitors. Furthermore, energy saving activities are
being strongly promoted through the appointment of energy saving
leaders with responsibility over the air-conditioning facilities,
lighting, and office automation equipment etc.
Reduction of waste products Waste separation/recycling campaigns
The recycling of recyclable resources is strongly promoted by appointing
a leader for every 20-30 workers at every workplace, and thoroughly
separating and recycling waste products.
Discharge reduction campaigns
Campaigns are being implemented to reduce the gross volume of waste
products and the amount of use and storage of toxic substances.
Activities to prevent environmental pollution
We are striving to prevent environmental pollution by carrying
out periodic measurements of noise, atmosphere, and water quality
to comply not only with the regulations, but our self-imposed
standards as well. In addition, employees undergo periodic education
and training to maintain their levels of readiness for emergency
situations.
Support for the United Nations University
In 1996 the United Nations University began a three year project
entitled "Environmental Monitoring and Analysis in the East
Asian Region: Technology Transfer and Environmental Governance" with
the aim of tackling the worsening environmental pollution around
the world. Shimadzu supported this project with a donation of
funds (approx. 86 million yen), the loan of 6 types of Analytical
Instruments (approx. 70 million yen), and the provision of support
for analytical work. The aim of this project is to standardize
the analytical technology required to monitor the concentration
of chemical pollutants present in the drinking water, foods,
soil and atmosphere of the East Asian region. Eight countries
- Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia,
Malaysia and Vietnam - are participating in this project.
|
