| June 30, 2003 |
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| Olympus Publishes Environmental Report 2003 |
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| Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (President: Tsuyoshi Kikukawa) is pleased to announce the publication of its "Olympus Environmental Report 2003 (Japanese-language version, total of 39 pages)" which summarizes the Group's environmental activities during the last year. (April 2002 to March 2003) English-language and Chinese-language versions are scheduled for publication at the end of August. The report is available in printed format as well as online at Olympus Web site. |
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| The Report provides a general overview of the environmental conservation activities undertaken by the Olympus Group during the last year. Responding to suggestions in a survey on last year's report, we have included comments from company environmental administrators, together with their photographs, in this year's report. |
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| Below are the highlights from the Olympus Environmental Report 2003 |
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| 1. |
We conducted soil surveys for 16 domestic production sites, finding 15 sites to have of toxic substance levels below environmental standards. One site did exceed the environmental standards, however was found to have virtually no impact on the surrounding area. We will conduct more detailed surveys on the site found to be in excess and will initiate soil improvement and greenery works in the future.
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| 2. |
CO2 emissions data has been expanded to include our largest overseas production center (Shenzhen, China); up until last year CO2 emissions were only tabulated for domestic operations. CO2 emissions rose by approximately 6% year-on-year for domestic operations and approximately 10% year-on-year when Shenzhen is included, both a reflection of higher production volumes. CO2 emissions per unit sales were at the same level as last year.
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In the area of more environmentally conscious products, we include examples of Olympus' environmentally conscious products and green procurement, and we also provide an introduction to the new "Olympus Eco-products" program that began in April 2003.
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We provide more information on the efforts of Olympus plants to conserve energy and resources and eliminate toxic substances, including information on activities at overseas plants. Plant environment data has been expanded to include overseas operations as well.
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In the section on social contributions and environmental communications, we discuss a wide range of domestic and foreign volunteer and charity activities.
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| Since last year, Olympus Group conservation activities have been guided by the "02 Environment Basic Plan," a medium-term plan for the environment. Our priorities are on: "developing environmental technologies and environmentally conscious products," "challenge to achieve zero emissions," and "promotion of integrated environment management throughout the Olympus Group" As we pursue these goals, we will continue to publish annual environmental reports and enhance communications with our customers, shareholders and other interested parties. |
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*Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. was changed to OLYMPUS CORPORATION as of October 1, 2003.
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