Yamaha 2005 Annual Report Download - page 39

Yamaha Annual Report 2005 37
Targeting of zero emissions
The Yamaha Group aims to make effective use of waste as resources while targeting zero emis-
sions to ease pressure on landfills. This policy entails reductions in waste generation alongside pro-
moting the re-use of waste items as far as possible at each manufacturing site—for example, by
studying new waste sorting and recycling methods. Using such methods, the target of zero emis-
sions (the state where the volume of final disposal at a landfill is 1% or less of that of total waste
generation) has already been achieved at Yamaha Kagoshima Semiconductor Inc. and the plants at
Toyooka and Kakegawa. Yamaha aims to achieve zero emissions at all manufacturing sites by the
end of 2005.
Prevention of global warming via energy conservation
Yamaha Group sites in Japan and overseas are engaged in various programs to cut energy con-
sumption, which is believed to prevent global warming by reducing CO2emissions. The present tar-
get for the Yamaha Group is to reduce CO2emissions from manufacturing sites by March 2011 to
94% of levels recorded in the year to March 1991. In the year ended March 2005, Yamaha installed
a rooftop photovoltaic power generating system at its head office, which became operational in
January 2005. With a generating capacity of about 70,000kWh, this facility will result in estimated
annual primary fuel savings of 17,000 liters in crude oil equivalents, for a reduction in CO2emissions
of approximately 46 tons per year.
Management of chemical substances
The Yamaha Group is introducing above ground chemical storage tanks with double-hulled struc-
tures to prevent chemical leakages. The company has also upgraded its processing facilities for
wastewater by installing emergency holding tanks to hold unprocessed wastewater. Yamaha
undertakes regular site training programs to ensure that all site personnel are prepared to take swift
action in the event of any emergency, and that all communication and control systems are in place
and well maintained.
Separately, the Yamaha Group continues to work to cut emissions of chemicals covered by the
PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register) system. The company aims to achieve a 20%
reduction in usage of PRTR chemicals by March 2007, relative to usage levels for the year to March
2003. Measures being implemented include installation of exhaust gas recycling equipment, pro-
grams to reduce usage of specific substances, and the introduction of alternative chemicals with
lower environmental impact.
Environmental communications and social contribution activities
Yamaha Group companies disclose a variety of environment-related information and share this data
with local communities to promote harmonious relations. Many Yamaha Group employees partici-
pate in local cleanup and community beautification programs as part of efforts to protect the natural
environment. One example is an ongoing annual campaign to clean up Lake Hamana, which is situ-
ated near Yamaha’s corporate headquarters. The 26th such event attracted 6,000 volunteers from
towns and villages near the lake—including 300 members of families of Yamaha employees—to
collect empty cans and other garbage. Similar campaigns happen at other Yamaha plants and
operating sites.
Visitor facilities at some Yamaha sites feature exhibitions on environmental activities aimed at
increasing local understanding of the company’s efforts. Yamaha also publishes booklets on the
environment for distribution to local elementary and middle school pupils.
Standards for Chemical Content in Products
and Green Procurement Standards
A booklet on the
environment for school pupils
Clean-up campaign at Lake Hamana
Wastewater treatment system
Photovoltaic power generating system at
Yamaha’s head office