Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Front-Line ActivitiesAs Olympus manufactures compact precision equipment, we use comparatively little energy in our business activities and CO2 emissions are also low. However, as described below, we are determined to contribute to the prevention of global warming by reducing CO2 emissions through product, manufacturing and transportation innovations.
I Product Innovation: Product-Based Activities
Reducing Energy Consumption in Digital SLR Cameras
We have significantly reduced energy consumption in the"E-620" while also enhancing its functions. By developing innovative systems and devices, we were able to cut the camera's energy consumption by 39% as compared with earlier models. We also saved resources and lightened the environment load resulting from transportation by reducing the weight and volume of the packaging used for the camera body by about 15% and 18% respectively. Other examples of our efforts to protect the environment include the use of eco-glass, which is free of lead, cadmium and arsenic, to manufacture optical lenses.
The "E-620" digital single-lens reflex camera
The "OER-3" -An Energy- Efficient Endoscope Cleaning and Sterilization System
Endoscopes must be cleaned and sterilized whenever they are used. The "OER-3" features an innovative cleaning system that reduces rated power consumption by 42% as compared with earlier models. In addition, the amount of water consumed per scope has been halved. Another environmental enhancement is the use of a sterilization solution that breaks down into hydrogen peroxide (*) and acetic acid.
* Because hydrogen peroxide breaks down into acetic acid and hydrogen, experts believe that it can be released without causing significant environmental impacts.
The "OER-3" endoscope cleaning and sterilization systems
Environmental Benefits from Industrial Videoscopes
The "IPLEX FX" industrial videoscope, used to inspect facilities, systems and other structures, has a number of environment-friendly features that contribute to environmental protection and the prevention of global warming (see table below). The use of white LED lighting has increased the operating time of the system and reduced power consumption by around 90% as compared with earlier models. The "IPLEX FX" is also dramatically lighter than other models and has the mobility to withstand use under harsh conditions on construction sites. In addition, we have achieved a significant resource saving by reducing the weight of the product by 70% and its volume by 87%.
The "IPLEX FX" industrial videoscope
Environmental Benefits of Industrial Videoscopes
| Area of Use | Main Method of Use | Anticipated Environmental Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Electric power, gas, water | Internal inspection of pipes for cracks and corrosion | - Reduction of resource inputs through extension of economic life - Maintenance and management of environmental protection infrastructure, such as sewage facilities |
| Engines | Internal inspection of engines | - Reduction of greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions through inspections at various stages |
| Boilers, heat exchangers | Checking for corrosion and blockage | - Prevention of incomplete combustion, though measures to remedy deteriorating thermal efficiency |
| Power generation, cogeneration | Inspection of turbine blades and compressors | - Measures to remedy deteriorating thermal efficiency and fuel efficiency |
| Air conditioning ducts | Checking for dirt inside ducts | - Prevention of particle dispersion |
| Program production, etc. | E.g. observation of insect life inside trees | - Field observation of natural systems and wildlife for research and ecological protection activities |
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