Toshiba 2003 Annual Report Download - page 25

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TOSHIBA CORPORATION
TOWARD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND A RECYCLING-BASED SOCIETY
materials procurement, manufacturing and
distribution, through to consumption and
eventual disposal. These guidelines call for en-
vironmentally conscious design,
environmental assessment of all products, and
full disclosure of environmental impacts and
other information.
Toshiba promotes environmentally con-
scious design grounded in the principle of the
“5Rs”: design to achieve reduction, reuse, re-
cycling, reduction of energy consumption and
reduction of substances with an environmen-
tal impact. In establishing its
“Environmentally Conscious Product Design
Guidelines” and “Eco Material Selection
Guidelines,” Toshiba promotes the use of
lead-free solder, green procurement, and the
development of an environmentally conscious
design support system.
In the area of environmental assessment of
products, Toshiba has introduced “Product
Assessment Guidelines” for its complete prod-
uct range, to clarify the extent to which the
environmental impact of a contemplated
product is reduced compared with that of the
previous model. In particular, Toshiba has in-
corporated a lifecycle assessment (LCA)-based
quantitative evaluation in the product assess-
ment of mass-produced mainstay models. The
application of LCA is expected to increase
over a broader range of products in the future.
Toshiba applies stringent standards in the
disclosure of environmental performance. The
Company has adopted a leading position in
the industry, adopting 13 criteria, including
the “5Rs,” in its “voluntary environmental
standards.” Toshiba products that comply
with all of the Company’s voluntary standards
and that have gained eco-labels, Toshiba
Group’s environmental performance self-dec-
laration mark in compliance with ISO 14021,
are introduced on the Company’s Web site.
A prime example of Toshiba’s environmen-
tally conscious products is the “New Super
Power Eco,” an air conditioner used in large
stores. Equipped with Toshiba’s unique dual
inverter system for simultaneous control of
two inverter compressors, and using a new
high-efficiency refrigerant, R-410A, this new
product has achieved an air-conditioning sys-
tem that cuts power consumption to 40% of
earlier models and was awarded the Director-
General’s Prize from the Agency for Natural
Resources and Energy in the 2002 Energy
Conservation Awards.
Recycling Activities
Recycling is another essential aspect of Toshi-
ba’s activities. All Group companies focus on
the development of technologies that recycle
discarded products and the materials from
which they are made. Emphasis is also placed
on the reduction of waste and costs. In accor-
dance with Japan’s recycling law, which
requires manufacturers to take back TVs, re-
frigerators, washing machines and
air-conditioners at the end of their life, Toshi-
ba recycled 1,560,000 units during fiscal
2002. In preparation for the introduction of
recycling laws in Europe in 2005, Toshiba has
established a European Environmental Divi-
sion in Germany.
Activities for Society and Local
Communities
Toshiba Group companies actively contribute
to the communities in which they operate,
and for the betterment of society as a whole.
Opened in 1961, the Toshiba Science Mu-
seum welcomes more than 120,000 visitors
each year to view the Company’s latest tech-
nologies. The museum also serves to increase
interest in science as a place for people to in-
teract with science displays, and offers
personal computer courses for beginners.
In addition, Toshiba has three charitable
foundations around the world, including the
Toshiba International Foundation and Toshi-
ba America Foundation, which support
cultural and educational activities. Toshiba
also works closely with regional groups in Ja-
pan to hold events in tune with the needs of
local communities.
Toshiba believes it is essential to disclose
its activities and results in protecting the envi-
ronment based on environmental
management systems to as many people as
possible through open communication both
within and outside the Company. To this end,
the Company publishes an Environmental
Report and discloses related information on
its Web site.
For more information on Toshiba Group
environmental protection activities, please vis-
it our Web site at: http://www.toshiba.co.jp/
env/english/index.htm.
The dual-inverter system and new
coolant of the New Super Power
Eco achieve an air-conditioning
system that cuts power
consumption to 40% of earlier
models. Its performance won the
Director-General’s Prize from the
Agency for Natural Resources and
Energy in the 2002 Energy
Conservation Awards.
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