Global Warming Prevention : Activities in FY2008
Olympus emits greenhouse gases as a result of the use of energy in its business operations, and also from the use of CFC substitutes.One of our most important tasks is the suppression of greenhouse gas emissions to prevent global warming, which is becoming more serious. We are now energetically working on the prevention of global warming.
Results for FY2008
Energy-related CO2 emissions (per unit of sales) reduced by 26% compared with FY1990 level
We are working to reduce energy consumption at our business sites through day-to-day energy conservation activities, the replacement of equipment with more energy-efficient versions, and the improvement of manufacturing methods. In addition, systems installed in newly constructed buildings are improving energy efficiency by 30% compared with conventional systems. We are also expanding our use of energy forms that reduce emissions of greenhouse gas, including a shift from fuel oil to gas and natural energy technologies.
In fiscal 2008, our energy-related CO2 emissions per unit of sales were 26% below the level in fiscal 1990. Total CO2 emissions were reduced by 2,360 t-CO2 (2%) from the fiscal 2007 level through fuel conversions and wide-ranging energy conservation measures at business sites, but this was not sufficient to offset the effect of the decline in sales.
In fiscal 2008, we implemented fuel conversions at the Tatsuno Plant and Ina Plant. We also used energy-efficient designs in new buildings, and introduced an electric power monitoring system as part of increased efforts to reduce energy losses at plants in China. We are determined not only to achieve our existing fiscal 2010 target for CO2 emissions per unit of sales, but also to reduce total CO2 emissions. We will further intensify our efforts to cut CO2 emissions, including the reduction of energy consumption in manufacturing processes, and the use of clean energy.
Change in Emissions of CO2 from Energy Systems and CO2 Emissions per unit Sales
Note1: Change of all manufacturing sites only
Note2: The Greenhouse Gas Protocol conversion coefficients are as follows.
Japan: Calculations for items other than electric power were based on the conversion coefficient stipulated in the Greenhouse Gas Emission Methodology and Reporting System. Conversion coefficients published each year by the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan were used for electric power. The electric power figures for FY2008 were calculated using the FY2007 coefficient.
Overseas: Calculated using the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) protocol conversion coefficient officially announced(http://www.ghgprotocol.org)
Reducing of Non-Energy Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Non-energy CO2 emissions down 69% year-on-year
The Olympus Group uses non-energy greenhouse gases, such as HFC, PFC and SF6, for various purposes, including cleaning materials and semiconductor etching processes. We are reducing the amounts of these solvents used and switching to alternative substances, while continually monitoring product quality. Other measures include the use of extraction systems to remove and break down greenhouse gases contained in exhaust gases.
Non-energy greenhouse gas emissions in fiscal 2008 were 69% below the fiscal 2004 level. This reflects the replacement of some cleaning agents with products that have lower greenhouse coefficients. We will continue to work toward our 2010 target through technology-based initiatives including reductions in the use of cleaning agents, and the introduction of products with lower greenhouse coefficients.
Change in CO2 emissions from non-energy-systems
Note3: Calculated using the figures stipulated in the enforcement order for the Law Concerning the Promotion of the Measures to Cope with Global Warming
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