Initiatives at the Toda Factory
Employee Education
Workers at the Toda Factory receive "Toda Factory Manner Training." This aims to raise employee awareness of environmental conservation themes, and covers topics ranging from the separation of garbage to the proper response to chemical leaks.
Reduction of Paper
We are working to cut the use of backup paper in the printing and binding process. Our first prerequisite in ordering paper is to secure quality. We order the lowest lot and attempt to cut costs and stored inventories.
Energy Conservation Measures
We have introduced electricity surveillance software, which makes electricity usage more visible and controllable, and we are using it to raise awareness of the savings among employees in Toda Factory. When equipment has been stopped or is in standby mode, we ensure that power is shut off at the source. We are also reducing inefficiency by reviewing the way of facilities and machinery are maintained and managed. As for lighting, we are thorough about turning off lights not in use and reducing light fixtures in areas where there is no impact on safety.
Recycling of Waste Material
We promote reduced material use and recycling. Since the Toda Factory started operating in 2010, we have achieved a success rate of 99%–100% in maintaining zero emissions, and during the fiscal year ended March 2016 our recycling rate was a favorable 99.4%. The cutting scraps produced during the bookbinding process forced to be discharged due to the printing specifications, but we are recycling these scraps into a new, high-quality material. In each stage of the manufacturing process, we gather discarded paper and separate it by type and level for recycling.
Promoting Use of Environmentally Friendly Materials
In procuring our main materials—paper and printing ink—we are proud to actively choose environmentally friendly products.
Regarding paper, following acquisition of the chain of custody by the FSC®*certification scheme, we periodically undergo both external and internal audits. We have continued with this certification and recommend the use of FSC®-certified paper to our clients. In the fiscal year ended March 2016, 61.4% of the paper we used was FSC® certified.
We give consideration to both the in-house environment and our larger surroundings in choosing other materials, such as printing ink and cleaning materials. We give priority to environmentally friendly plant-based inks. In the fiscal year ended March 2016, 66.7% of the ink we used was environmentally friendly. When it comes to solvents, we use organic solvents officially designated as Type 3 or lower. Persons in charge of handling these solvents receive a specialized health checkup twice annually. Ventilation is carried out in a way that helps to maintain employee health and a favorable working environment, but also gives due consideration to the surrounding community.
- * The FSC® certification system comprises forest management (FM) certification, which sets standards for responsible forest practices, and chain of custody certification, which ensures that FM-certified and non-certified products are not mixed together.
- * Zero emissions : A recycling rate for waste materials of 98% or greater. (As defined in the Environmental Manual)
Initiatives at Head Office
We promote recycling and implement energy conservation practices to ensure that disposals of office equipment and furnishing do not increase.
Workspace Air Quality Measurement and Reporting
Once every two months, our indoor air quality is subjected to environmental measurement, and we consult with our building management company when necessary to ensure that CO2 and humidity levels are kept within standards. Air conditioning settings are maintained at appropriate levels.
Server Virtualization Saves Electricity
We began virtualizing our computer servers about currently in operation to integrate existing equipment. In fiscal 2016 (ended March 2016), we implemented about as many integrations as in the previous term, which have helped to cut electricity consumption.
Cool Biz
As in fiscal 2015, we enacted a "Cool Biz" period, to help reduce electricity consumption by limiting the use of air conditioning and wearing lighter clothes in office for about half of the year, from early May to end-October 2016.
Initiatives at ASP Communications Co., Ltd.
The same air conditioner settings, PC standby mode recommendation, and Cool Biz have been introduced here as at the PRONEXUS head office.
Lights in the operation room are turned out during break time, and motion sensors have been installed to control lighting in some hallways, resulting in energy savings.
Used paper from printers and copiers is treated with solvents and recycled.
Forest resource protection activities
PRONEXUS Forest Activities
Second Five-Year Plan Begun
Through our forest resource protection activities (PRONEXUS Forest) we provide financial support to a fund for Doshi Forest Development conducted in Doshi Village. The activities are carried out as a joint undertaking by four entities: PRONEXUS; an international nongovernmental organization (NGO), the Organization for Industrial and Spiritual, and Cultural Advancement-International (OISCA); Doshi Village in Yamanashi Prefecture; and forest owners.
In fiscal 2015, the first five-year plan of activities that began in fiscal 2011 was completed without incident. In fiscal 2016, we began the second five-year plan. We selected new areas for the plan and will mainly thin and trim trees and collect wood.
From the first plan , we have planned and operated participatory forest maintenance activities twice a year, in summer and winter. The aims are to build employee environmental awareness and offer a recreational event as part of employee welfare. The summer “family event” has become established as a regular event in which many employees and their families participate. From the second plan, the event will be based out of the Minamoto Taikenkan, an educational facility in Doshi Village. This has made it easier to have BBQs when it is raining and to conduct woodworking events for children.
Thinned wood from the forest is provided to Doshi Village’s hot spring, where it is put to good use as fuel. Thinned wood is also made into stationary items through an NPO called KiNet Yamanashi. PRONEXUS uses these items in PR for forest resource protection activities and in employee awareness building.