NHK Spring Group upholds reduction targets for energy use and CO2 emissions as we engage in global environmental conservation activities. Until fiscal 2020, we managed our CO2 emissions per unit of sales, but from fiscal 2021, we will manage our CO2 emissions based on total emissions in order to achieve carbon neutrality. We will also continue to compare our past activities on a per unit of sales basis.

CO2 reduction activities in Fiscal 2020

In fiscal 2020, CO2 emissions decreased in NHK Spring, domestic and overseas Group companies. On a per-unit-of-sales basis, CO2 emissions in NHK Spring and domestic Group companies slightly increased or decreased from fiscal 2019. Although simple comparisons cannot be made due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to reduce the impact by reallocating production line of products to efficiently produce them.

In production plants, we are also optimizing the air ratio in heating furnaces, improving thermal insulation and compressor operation, using motor inverters, and renewing LED lighting. At our offices such as sales offices, we are turning off the power of all absent departments and thinning out the lights.

Also, we are promoting work within regular hours and working from home, as our workstyle innovation. Reduced overtime work and increased home working have reduced the electric consumption in the office.

To achieve carbon neutrality, we will save energy thoroughly and electrify our facilities more than ever before.

CO2 emission rate of electricity is 0.453 tons / 1,000 kWh

CO2 emission rate of electricity is 0.453 tons / 1,000 kWh

CO2 emission rate of electricity is 0.453 tons / 1,000 kWh

Sharing of CO2 saving methods (Awards for CO2 Reduction Activity)

Our Group is taking various measures to promote CO2 reduction. In order to share these technologies Groupwide, we hold annual CO2 Reduction Activity Awards. Business sites compete with each other on countermeasures technology, and effective countermeasures technologies are shared throughout the Group.

FY2020 Awards

1. President’s Award: “Saving electricity by optimizing hydraulic pump discharge pressure” Atsugi Plant, Precision Spring & Components Division

When using a hydraulic testing machine in conjunction with a durability test, it used to be an excessive operation as it was set to the maximum load. We achieved a significant cut in CO2 emissions (181 tons/year) by adjusting the hydraulic pressure to the optimum level.

A durability testing machine

2. Chairperson’s Award for Global Environmental Measures: “Power saving by restructuring compressor number control” Yokohama Plant, Suspension Spring Division

All 10 compressors have been renewed as planned since fiscal 2017. The number control program was also revised and all units were upgraded to inverter type, thereby increasing operational efficiency which has significantly reduced CO2 emissions (126 tons/year).

The entire NHK Spring Group will continue to actively exchange opinions and make all-out efforts to continuously reduce CO2 emissions to protect the global environment.

CO2 reduction of 4,544 tons over the past five years 　(Total amount of CO2 reduction from 2016 to 2020)