Co-existence with the environment
With the intention to build a better society and
environment for the next generation, YKK AP is taking on the challenge
of creating new value and achieving zero environmental burden through technical innovation.
We strive not only to create environmental value in "research/development/verification," "materials
procurement," and
"manufacturing/logistics," but also to solve environmental issues at the "sales," "installation," and
"product use" stages.
In addition, we are strengthening efforts in each area with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality in 2050.
YKK AP Environmental Action Plan aimed toward 2050
Aiming to resolve environmental issues throughout the value chain
YKK Group has established the "YKK Group Environmental Vision 2050," which maps out the long-term orientation of our environmental initiatives. Under this policy, YKK AP has established a vision for 2050 to "achieve zero environmental burdensthroughout the entire lifecycles within our business activities." In the Mid-term Environmental Policy for 2021 to 2024, we have set environmental targets for the entire value chain with the aim of resolving and contributing to the resolution of the environmental issues of "climate change," "resource recycling," "water," and "biodiversity," and are working to achieve them.
As the structure for promoting these activities, the "YKK AP Environmental Policy Board Committee," chaired
by the president, formulates and approves environmental policy and strategy from a management perspective.
Under that policy, the "YKK AP Environmental Committee" incorporates the environmental policy into sales,
research & development, manufacturing, management, and overseas divisions. Further, in FY 2019, we agreed to
the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Based on it, we analyze scenarios of
climate-related risks and opportunities to determine the impact on our business and finances and incorporate
the findings into our management strategies.
To confirm the progress of these environmental policies and environmental compliance, we conduct annual
internal environment audits. We have also acquired ISO 14001 certification at all locations in Japan and at
ten locations overseas and are continually working to increase the level of environmental management.
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Taking on the challenge of carbon neutrality
Horizontal deployment of energy conservation and expansion of renewable energy
YKK AP has revised its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by FY 2030, from 30% to 50% (compared
to FY 2013). In February 2021, this target was certified by the international organization Science Based
Targets initiative (SBTi) as being "well below 2ºC" based on scientific evidence.
In FY 2017, we set the goal of achieving a 30% reduction by FY 2030. We achieved this early, in FY 2020,
and have therefore raised the target figure to an even more ambitious level. To achieve this, we have
nearly tripled our investment in renewable energy, and have otherwise taken our efforts to achieve
carbon neutrality in 2050 to an even higher level.
In addition, raw material procurement accounts for nearly 90% of our Scope 3 CO2 emissions. In
particular, the procurement of aluminum (mining, refining, and overseas transportation), which we use to
make aluminum window frames, etc., has a significant impact. In addition to increasing the ratio of recycled
aluminum use, we are promoting the market penetration of vinyl windows.
At the product-usage stage, we are helping to reduce CO2 emissions in offices and houses by
boosting the market penetration of vinyl windows. In FY 2020, our reduction contribution was 212% of the FY
2013 level, and we will contribute to further reductions by increasing the adoption of vinyl windows.
In regard to logistics, we have introduced double-trailer trucks for transportation over land, which
enhances loading efficiency by increasing the amount of cargo to 1.8 times the original load. We will
continue to reduce CO2 emissions through the introduction of modal shifts and large-capacity
trailers, etc.
About the Scopes
Scope 1...Direct greenhouse gases emissions from fuel burned by own company
Scope 2...Indirect greenhouse gases emissions from electricity used by own company
Scope 3...Indirect greenhouse gases emissions from across own company's supply chain (excluding Scopes 1 and
2)
Taking on the challenge of a circular economy
Engaging in effective use of resources and waste reduction
Our company is promoting in 3R activities* (reduce, reuse, recycle waste, etc.) in order to achieve a
circular economy.
In terms of waste produced in our business activities, we aim to "improve our recycling rate (zero
landfill)" and "reduce the production of waste by 40%," and are working to turn waste into valuable
resources, recycle waste, and improve yield rates.
As for "improvement of our recycling rate," we have already achieved a recycling rate of 100% for industrial
waste generated from manufacturing sites in Japan, and 91% at our overseas manufacturing sites. Through
these initiatives, for Japan and overseas in total, we have achieved a 99% recycling rate and zero emissions
as defined by our company (a recycling rate of at least 97% of waste generated in conjunction with our
business activities).
In regard to "reduction of industrial waste," we began focusing on reduction of plastic packaging materials
from FY 2020 and are promoting palletization and returnable packaging in distribution. Further, we are
promoting the conversion of waste to valuable materials by manufacturing RPF (refuse-derived paper and
plastic-densified fuel), which uses film, laminate, and other waste plastic as raw materials. Through these
initiatives, we reduced the combined total amount of waste product in Japan and overseas in FY 2020 by 33%
compared to FY 2016.
* 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
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Initiatives to reduce, reuse, and recycle water
We also promote 3Rs for water. We strive to achieve sustainable water usage through measures to conserve
water and control leakage. We also focus on expanding the recycling of cooling water and reuse of
washing water through advanced processing.
At YKK AP America's Dublin Factory, efforts to reduce factory water usage, etc., have been recognized,
and the company was selected in the "Clean Water Heroes," as an organization which aims to protect water
resources in the "Georgia's 2020 Clean 13 report." The report highlights activities that lead to clean
rivers, strengthened local communities, and a sustainable future for Georgia. YKK AP was the only
organization selected in the corporate manufacturing division.
Wastewater treatment system at Dublin factory
