Global Warming Prevention : Examples
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.
Our company has also adopted an "environmental model" for our plants. Our goal is to implement this model, which calls for the reduction of environmental burdens not only through the installation of facilities and equipment designed to reduce environmental burdens, but also through deliberate and continuing improvement initiatives by individual employees in the context of day-to-day operations. When the new Mishima Plant was built, care was taken to reduce energy consumption in air conditioning systems through the use of improved thermal insulation in the buildings and the installation of highly energy-efficient air conditioning equipment. Through these initiatives, we are working to prevent global warming, which is a particularly crucial environmental burden. Future efforts will focus on measures to reduce day-to-day environmental burdens, including the efficient operation of facilities based on control data and electric power monitoring data. In addition to this, we will provide environmental education to all plant employees.
Global Warming Prevention Initiatives
Use of Highly Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning Control Technology
Through the use of monitoring systems linked to a variety of monitors, we have been able to reduce CO2 emissions by 20%.
Upright Thermal Storage Tank
Diameter: 5m; Height: 25m; Capacity: 438m3
This system is based on the principle that the density of water varies according to its temperature, causing cold water to accumulate at the bottom of the tank. In summer, the water is cooled during the night using night-time electric power. In the daytime, cold water from the bottom of the tank is supplied to the chiller. The result is a highly efficient air conditioning systemNote1. The use of the heat storage tank allows the system to operate with four chillers. Without the tank, six chillers would be required.
Note1: Because winter temperatures are not extremely low in Mishima, the heating system has been set for a low capacity when it is required.
Recycling of Pure Water and Rainwater
Large quantities of pure water are used in various processes at the Mishima Plant, including the development and manufacture of analyzers. In the past, pure water production resulted in emissions of 30 tons of concentrated ion water per day. This waste water is now used to flush employee toilets.
Preventing Heat Transmission
Gradation Blinds
The Mishima Plant is equipped with the state-of-the-art thermal insulation devices including low-e double-glazed glass, and gradation blinds designed to admit the optimal level of external light.
Harmony with the Natural Environment
Other environment-friendly features of the Mishima Plant include a garden terrace with broadleaf trees to absorb nitrous oxides (NOx), and systems designed to make effective use of natural energy resources. (A 50kWh solar power systemNote2 is slated for installation in FY2007.)
Note2: Olympus decided to install the solar power system to take advantage of local conditions. The Mishima area receives 2.18 hours of sunshine per day, compared with the national average of 1.88 hours. The level of sunshine also tends to be stable throughout the year.
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