Mitsubishi 2004 Annual Report Download - page 66

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64
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
In 2002, MMC formulated the Environmental Sustainability Plan, a five-year internal action plan that contains a variety
of measures aimed at promoting environmental conservation. The plan sets specific performance objectives in four main
categories: environmental management, recycling, prevention of global warming and environmental pollution.
Performance is being monitored internally in all these areas, which are outlined below.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
DfE (Design for Environment)
The DfE system ensures that reduced environmental impact is built into new products at the earliest concept stages. This
includes efforts to increase recyclability and reduce weight. The aim is to minimize the environmental impact of products
over the entire life cycle so that the MMC development process generates eco-conscious vehicles.
Supplier cooperation: Green purchasing
MMC initiated green purchasing initiatives in November 2000 to ensure that procurement is eco-conscious. MMC
requires that all its materials and parts suppliers obtain ISO 14001 certification for their environmental management
systems by March 2005.
Subsidiaries and affiliates
MMC is promoting the establishment and operation of environmental management systems at dealers and domestic and
overseas production affiliates.
Enhancing communications on the environment
In addition to continuously publishing environmental reports, MMC strives to enhance communication about its environ-
mental activities by issuing the environmental pamphlet The Environment and Manufacturing Automobiles, providing
support for environmental education by dispatching teachers to schools, and creating web sites for elementary school chil-
dren and offering consulting services about automobiles.
RECYCLING
Promotion of vehicle recycling in Japan and overseas countries
The End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Law was passed in Japan in July 2002 and will come fully into force in January 2005.
MMC is working proactively to comply with these regulations as they pertain to car manufacturers as detailed below.
• Collection and recycling of fluorocarbons, airbags, and shredder dust residue
• Determination and publication of recycling fees (published on our Web site on July 23, 2004)
• Design and manufacture of vehicles that give due consideration to recycling and the environment
• Provision of information on the construction, parts and materials of vehicles
In Europe, MMC is promoting the construction of an effective system for end-of-life automobile collection in confor-
mity with European recycling legislation. MMC is now working to conduct a preliminary investigation of the details and
costs of collection and recycling methods for end-of-life vehicles in Europe.
Reduction of waste emissions and improved resource conservation at the production stage
Waste generated during the production stage is reduced, reused, and recycled wherever possible. As a result, MMC has
eliminated the disposal of any waste sent to landfills at all its domestic plants since the end of March 2002 and continues
to maintain this zero-emission status.
PREVENTION OF GLOBAL WARMING
Improvement of vehicle fuel efficiency
MMC is increasing production of gasoline vehicles that comply with 2010 domestic fuel efficiency standards, such as the
COLT, LANCER CARGO, and GRANDIS, in order to meet these standards by 2005.