Basic Approach
The Olympus Group is implementing a variety of environmental activities while assessing the environmental impact of its business activities with precision and with awareness of the scale of the impact on and risk to the environment. Also, following the diversification in our suppliers and with an awareness of climate change as a major environmental issue impacting our business activities, we continue to implement measures to assess information on energy conservation and regulations on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and responding to sudden flooding damage. At the same time, we actively develop and market environmentally conscious products that contribute to resolving issues with climate change and water risk.
Initiatives
* Figures for each fiscal year are calculated using figures from the Medical Business (excluding the imaging business and scientific solutions business) only, including past information.) only, including past information.
Material Balance(FY2023)
Resource and Energy Input |
Business Activities |
Discharge of Environmentally Harmful Substances |
Energy (Total) |
271,527 MWh (-0.2%)★ |
Electric power |
37,515MWh (-62%)★ |
Gasoline |
3,956kL (-10%)★ |
City gas |
5,322 thousand m3 (-1%)★ |
Hot water |
1,512GJ (-34%)★ |
LPG |
1,360t (-2%)★ |
District heat |
2,280MWh (0%)★ |
LNG |
0t (-100%)★ |
Green electricity |
95,488MWh (227%)★ |
Heavy fuel oil |
200kL (-1%)★ |
Solar power [internal] |
620MWh (18%)★ |
Kerosene |
32kL (-11)★ |
Solar heat [internal] |
382GJ (-16%)★ |
Diesel fuel |
814kL (-6%)★ |
Chemical Substances [PRTR Substances Handled]
* Production sites in Japan only |
31t (-13%) |
Water (Total) |
707 thousand m3 (7%)★ |
Piped water |
336 thousand m3 (17%)★ |
Ground water |
371 thousand m3 (0%)★ |
Raw Materials and Sub-Materials * Production sites in Japan only
Metal: |
Steel, alminium, brass |
Plastics: |
Optical plastics, ABS, PC, polyethylene, polypropylene |
Office Supplies
Transporation Fuel
Transportation: |
Gasoline, diesel fuel, etc. |
Packaging Materials (Total) |
905t(9%) |
Cardboard |
514t (12%) |
Paper |
188t (6%) |
Plastic |
180t (5%) |
Metal |
0t (0%) |
Glass |
0t (0%) |
Others |
23t (-12%) |
|
Development and Manufacturing
(Research)Development

Production

Sales and Logistics Logistics

Sales

Repair and Service
|
Greenhouse Gases (Total) |
46,341t-CO2e (-39%)★ |
CO2 generated from energy |
46,338t-CO2e (-39%)★ |
CO2 not generated from energy |
3t-CO2e (93%)★ |
Substances Emitted
NOx |
26t (-41%) |
SOx |
0.3t (-1%) |
Chemical Substances (PRTR substances emitted and transferred)
* Production sites in Japan only |
10.6t (-10%) |
Discharge to Water Systems (Total) |
707 thousand m3 (7%) |
Water discharged (public waters) |
242 thousand m3 (-1%) |
Water discharged (sewage) |
465 thousand m3 (12%) |
BOD(t) |
0.8t (14%) |
Discharge (Total) |
5,311t (17%)★ |
Amount recycled |
4,362t (13%)★ |
Other waste |
949t (40%)★ |
Landfill |
220t (137%)★ |
Hazardous waste |
207t (10%)★ |
CO2 Emissions during Transportation (Total) |
50,543t-CO2e (31%) |
Product Shipments |
Main products (Total) |
27,302t (9%) |
|
|
Note: Percentages in parentheses indicate changes from the same period of the previous year.
★ Indexes certified by external assurance.
|
Energy/Atmospheric Release
Internal (Scope 1, 2) Results
FY2023 Targets |
FY2023 Results |
Main Measures |
FY2024 Targets |
Greenhouse gas emissions: achieving carbon neutrality (FY2031)
Renewable energy rate: 100% (FY2031)
|
Greenhouse gas emissions: reduced by 45.7% compared to FY2020
Renewable energy rate: 71.9%
|
- Ongoing implementation of manu facturing improvement activities
- Introduction of energy saving eq uipment
- Ongoing implementation of ener gy-saving activities on a daily ba sis, including switching off lights and adjusting air-conditioning te mperatures
- Introduction of environmentally c onscious cars
- Effective use of renewable energy
|
Greenhouse gas emissions: reduce by 55% compared to FY2020
Renewable energy rate: 75%
|
In May 2021, the Olympus Group set a target of achieving carbon neutrality for greenhouse gas emissions from its site operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030. While continuing to promote manufacturing improvement activities and energy-saving measures, we are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the introduction of renewable energy at our operation sites. In addition, at sites where energy use is high, we are promoting initiatives by appointing our own experts and establishing a system to promote energy conservation.
In FY2023, continual improvements in manufacturing, energy-saving measures, updates company cars to environmentally conscious cars and the use of renewable energy were implemented at its sites around the world. Aomori Olympus installed static electricity removal sheets in its air conditioning equipment to improve operating efficiency and is taking action to reduce energy losses by installing air flow meters to identify air leaks and implementing countermeasures. KeyMed (Medical & Industrial Equipment) Ltd. in Europe switched some of its company vehicles used for sales activities to electric vehicles.
In April 2022, we converted 100% of the electricity used at major development and manufacturing sites in Japan (10 sites) to electricity derived from renewable energy sources. Also, Olympus Terumo Biomaterials Corp. introduced and started operation of solar power generating facilities under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in February 2023 and converted 100% of the electricity it uses to electricity derived from renewable energy sources in April 2023. In the Americas, Olympus Surgical Technologies America (Gyrus ACMI, Inc.) converted 100% of the electricity it uses at its Redmond site to electricity derived from renewable energy sources in April 2023.
When building new sites or renovating existing sites, Olympus constructs structures that take the environment into consideration. In Europe, Olympus Medical Products Portugal, Unipessoal LDA, constructed a new building at its medical repair site and installed energy-saving lighting, air conditioning, and other equipment and introduced electricity derived 100% from renewable energy sources.
For broader use of renewable energy, studies are focusing on widespread adoption, economic feasibility and other factors in each country. The renewable energy use rate vis-á-vis the total electric power consumption increased substantially to 71.9% (compared to 23.3% in the previous year).
Olympus Corporation participates in the Carbon Neutral LNG Buyers Alliance as a part of new initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and has started to introduce carbon neutral LNG*1 to the Hachioji Facility.
*1 Carbon neutral LNG: A type of LNG that offsets greenhouse gases generated in the processes from the extraction to the burning of natural gas with carbon credits created by environmental conservation projects.
Carbon Neutral LNG (Only in Japanese) 
Solar power generating facilities at Olympus Terumo Biomaterials

Green Energy Certificates

Olympus Europa SE & Co. KG (Germany)

KeyMed (Medical & Industrial Equipment) Ltd. (UK)

Algram Group Ltd. (UK)

Olympus Medical Products Portugal, Unipessoal LDA (Portugal)

Olympus Surgical Technologies America: Redmond (Gyrus ACMI, Inc.) (USA)

Olympus Surgical Technologies America: Bartlett (Gyrus ACMI, Inc.) (USA)
Logo for the Carbon Neutral LNG
Greenhouse gas emissions/intensity (Scope 1, 2)

★ Indexes certified by external assurance.
External (Scope 3) Results
The Olympus Group ascertains and calculates greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire supply chain for each category and is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the entire supply chain through green procurement, improvement of logistical efficiency, development of environmentally conscious products, and other measures. These efforts have been highly evaluated, and Olympus was selected by CDP,* an international non-profit organization, as a CDP 2022 Supplier Engagement Leader, the highest rating in the Supplier Engagement Rating (SER). This was the second consecutive year in which Olympus was selected.
Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions account for approximately 90% of all Olympus Group supply chain greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) and are vastly higher than the emissions from its site operations (Scope 1 and 2). Among Scope 3 emissions, the percentages from purchased goods and services (category 1), capital goods (category 2), and upstream transportation and distribution (category 4) are high.
In FY2023, we address purchased goods and services (category 1) by analyzing and evaluating the impact of CO2 for each supplier with which we do business and requested the cooperation of suppliers in Japan with measures to set environment targets with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality (targets in line with the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement) and curtail greenhouse gas emissions. In the future, we will continue our efforts to ascertain and manage greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain and collaborate with suppliers to set voluntary reduction targets, support decarbonization efforts, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
* CDP is an international non-profit organization founded in the United Kingdom in 2000. CDP collects, analyzes and evaluates information on the environmental activities of major companies around the world, and discloses the results of these to institutional investors

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Scope 3)

★ Indexes certified by external assurance.
Category 4: Upstream Transportation and Distribution Results
FY2023 Results |
Main Measures |
Greenhouse gas emissions: increased by: 25.1% (compared to FY2020) |
- Enhanced loading efficiency by improving packaging size and strength
- Reduced transportation weights by improving packing and packaging methods
- Shortened lead times and transportation distances by improving logistics routes
|
The Olympus Group is engaged in reducing logistics-related greenhouse gas emissions at each of its sites. We continue with improvements, including optimizing the loading efficiency of transportation containers by products type and shape, consolidating logistics sites for transportation efficiency and direct shipping by reviewing logistics routes. In FY2023, greenhouse gas emissions rose due to increased transportation of products in conjunction with higher sales, but we were able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated during transportation by switching some of the air and charter flights used for domestic transport to JITBOX charter flights* and taking other measures.
* JITBOX Charter Service: A service that allows customers to request pallets of roll box cargo and combine them with other companies' cargo for transportation at a high loading rate.
ESG Data
Water/Emission
Water Use/Wastewater Results
FY2023 Targets |
FY2023 Results |
Main Measures |
FY2024 Targets |
Water use intensity: improve by 1% compared to FY2022 |
Water use intensity: improved by 8.6% compared to FY2022 |
- Improvements in water use processes
- Implementation of measures against water leakage during equipment inspections
- Implementation of secondary use of water
|
Water use efficiency: improve compared to FY2023 |
The Olympus Group uses water mainly in production processes, such as for cleaning components and cooling, as well as in its dining halls. We implement thorough wastewater control by adopting stricter standards than the legal requirements in each region, and we continue to reduce water consumption and wastewater emissions by setting targets in those sites that have high water consumption. We are also acting to conserve water resources under collaborations with local communities at each site.
In FY2023, we assessed the water risks at each of our sites using water risk assessment tools (e.g. Water Risk Filter, Aqueduct), hazard maps, and their water usage. In Japan, our Nagano Facility makes effective use of waste water from the purification of deionized water by collecting it for secondary use in the manufacturing process, the Shirakawa Facility has reduced water consumption by shortening the time required for washing with hot running water after surface treatment in the manufacturing process; and Aizu Olympus has reduced water consumption in the painting process by changing the cleaning process from small lot processing to batch processing and introducing water-saving shower washing machines in a separate process. KeyMed (Medical & Industrial Equipment) Ltd. in Europe purifies and reuses water from the painting process.
At our Nagano Facility, with the consent of the local fishery cooperative, wastewater is continuously monitored, and regular inspections of water treatment facilities are carried out to ensure strict water management so as to minimize the impact on the ecosystem. The Nagano Facility also helps maintain the local forest that serves as a water source for the area under a Forest Fostering Agreement concluded with the Monzen Forest Association and Tatsuno Town in Nagano Prefecture. Olympus Surgical Technologies America (formerly Gyrus ACMI, Inc.) in the U.S. received a Gold Award* in recognition of long-time efforts to maintain compliance with the industrial wastewater discharge permit requirements set by King County, Washington.
To preserve water resources, wastewater is continuously monitored and regular inspections of water treatment facilities are carried out at our Nagano Facility with the consent of the local fishery cooperative to ensure strict water management so as to minimize the impact on the ecosystem. The Nagano Facility also helps maintain the local forest that serves as a water source for the area under a Forest Fostering Agreement concluded with the Monzen Forest Association and Tatsuno Town in Nagano Prefecture. Olympus Surgical Technologies America (formerly Gyrus ACMI, Inc.) in the U.S. received a Gold Award* for the second consecutive year in recognition of long-time efforts to maintain compliance with the industrial wastewater discharge permit requirements set by King County, Washington. In Europe, Olympus Medical Products Portugal, Unipessoal LDA introduced a water treatment system for industrial wastewater and reuses all treated water to water gardens to effectively use water resources.
* Presented to companies that have met the standard of the Gold Award set in the program of industrial wastewater discharge permit requirements by King County, Washington.
Commitment-to-Compliance Award 
Water Use

★ Indexes certified by external assurance.
Water Use
ESG Data
Wastewater Results
ESG Data
Emission Results
FY2023 Targets |
FY2023 Results |
Main Measures |
FY2024 Targets |
Emission intensity: improve by 1% compared to FY2022 |
Emission intensity: improved by 0.8% compared to FY2022 |
- Reduction of process defects
- Promotion of recycling by thorough separation
- Promotion of reusing package materials
- Extracting valuable materials from wastes
|
Emission recycling rate: at least 85%
|
The Olympus Group is working continually on reducing losses in manufacturing processes by making improvements to them and efficient use of resources, including thorough waste separation to reduce waste discharge, extract valuable materials and promote recycling.
In FY2023, paper usage was significantly reduced at our development sites and offices due to digitalization associated with increased remote working progressed by our Work Style Reform. In Japan, we are working to reduce the amount of corrugated cardboard used by making products without packaging, reduce waste by using returnable containers and expand the reuse of cushioning materials. The Olympus Medical Systems’ Hinode Plant is converting production equipment into valuable resources at the time of disposal, and when the building at the Hachioji site in Tokyo was refurbished, excess fixtures were donated to a non-profit organization, thereby promoting the effective use of resources. Olympus Surgical Technologies America Inc. provides an intra-company awareness raising program to help employees increase the recycling rate, and at the Bartlett sites, PPE waste (personal protective equipment used at medical facilities, etc.) is now being recycled. In addition, the Bartlett site signed up to the "Tennessee Recycling Coalition"* to explore new ways of recycling, develop and expand the reuse and recycling market, and continue to study ways to further reduce waste. In Europe, Olympus Surgical Technologies Europe is reducing waste by promoting recycling of paper towels.
In FY 2023 hazardous waste emissions increased by 10% compared to the previous fiscal year due to higher production at sites in various countries around the world as well as higher usage of cleaning agents and other materials during production and repair processes in conjunction with the start of operations at a new repair site in Europe, but we are transitioning to the use of safe chemical substances and properly managing waste at each site.
* Tennessee Recycling Coalition: A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting recycling and sustainable materials management practices in Tennessee, U.S.
Recycling of PPE waste (personal protective equipment at medical sites, etc.)

Emission/Landfill
ESG Data
Hazardous waste discharged
ESG Data
Emission/Landfill

★ Indexes certified by external assurance.
Chemical Substance Safety and Control
FY2023 Results |
Main Measures |
Emissions and Movements of PRTR Class 1-Designated Chemical Substances: Reduced by 36.5% (compared to FY2020) |
- Substitution of PRTR-designated chemicals with other substances through material developments
- Reduce usage of PRTR-designated chemical substances
|
The Olympus Group is striving for appropriate management and emissions reduction of chemical substances subject to the PRTR regulations and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in order to minimize the impact on people and the environment.
Emissions and Movements of PRTR Class 1-Designated Chemical Substances
|
FY2019 |
FY2020 |
FY2021 |
FY2022 |
FY2023 |
Emissions and Movements of PRTR Class 1-Designated Chemical Substances |
15.9 |
16.7 |
12.9 |
11.8 |
10.6 |
* Scope: Manufacturing and development sites in Japan
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions
|
FY2019 |
FY2020 |
FY2021 |
FY2022 |
FY2023 |
Volatile Organic Compound (V OC) Emissions (t) |
65.9 |
67.3 |
39.0 |
41.1 |
44.7 |
* Scope: Manufacturing and development sites in Japan
Product Life Cycle Assessments
The Olympus Group works to develop products and production technologies that show consideration for safety and for the environment. Having in FY2004 established its Eco-Products Administration Rules, a voluntary standard relating to the environmental considerations of our products, we continue to certify our products as Olympus Eco-Products.
In addition, a life cycle assessment (LCA) is performed at each stage of a product's life cycle to assess its impact on the environment at the product development stage and from procurement through manufacture, distribution, use and final disposal. Clarifying the environmentally conscious aspects that differ for each product, we have set them as items for the environmental consideration standard.
We are working to reduce the use of containers and packaging materials, and promoting effective use of resources.
Examples of Environmentally Conscious Products
Olympus Eco-Products created in FY2023 are presented.

EVIS EUS ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND CENTER OLYMPUS EU-ME3
- EVIS EUS ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND CENTER OLYMPUS EU-ME3
< Main Product Features >
- Focused on your expertise
- Improved diagnostic imaging
- Seamless integration
- Simplicity of use
- Customizable to your needs
< Environmentally Conscious Aspects >
- Standard power consumption is approximately 10% lower compared to earlier models.