Environment Protection Activities

Kyocera has long advocated clean energy generated through solar-cell technology, and established a solar energy business in 1975. In 1980, Kyocera supported the creation of the New Energy Foundation, governed by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy in Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Kyocera supported the world exposition on environmental issues held in Aichi Prefecture in 2005, and installed a 200-kilowatt solar power generating system at the EXPO 2005 site. The project was entrusted to Kyocera by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology General Development Organization (NEDO), an independent administrative institute, and generated Earth-friendly electricity for the event’s facilities.

As the result of a resolution at the UN Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit) in 1992, an international children’s conference known as the “Children’s World Summit for the Environment” has been conducted around the world under the UN Environment Program (UNEP). Kyocera co-sponsored the sixth Children’s World Summit for the Environment in Japan during Aichi EXPO 2005.

As a result of the UN's 1992 Earth Summit, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development was established to achieve a sustainable society by focusing on three main points: economic growth, ecological balance and social progress. Kyocera shared the same commitment and supported the activities of the Council.

The "Gaia Symphony" is an uplifting documentary that depicts the awe-inspiring Earth through the beauty of nature and the abilities of creatures. Kyocera shares the same view and supported the production and screening of the Symphony II in 1995 and the Symphony III in 1997.

The "World Water Council (WWC)" was established in 1996 as a think tank for world water policy to solve pressing issues related to global water resources. When the WWC hosted the "3rd World Water Forum" mainly in Kyoto, Kyocera supported holding the Forum.

The Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Foundation was established in 1993 to protect the rich natural environment of Japan's Yakushima Island and to develop an island community cohabiting in harmony with nature. Kyocera agrees with this mission and supported the Foundation in 2005.

Kyocera supports world-famous adventurer Mitsuro Ohba, who has been working since 2004 on his six-year "Global EdVenture." During the journey, Ohba gives a report about his activities to elementary, junior and high schools in Japan through the Internet. Kyocera has provided him with a portable solar power generation system that produces the electricity for his communications.

Kyocera has donated solar panels to local elementary schools located near its facilities.
They are used for both environmental preservation and energy conservation education for students. These schools are able to take advantage of clean energy for their lighting systems.

Since 2001, as part of its effort toward environmental education for elementary school students, Kyocera employees have taught environmental lessons at several locations. The aim is to emphasize the importance of environmental preservation and heighten children’s interest through hands-on experience with solar panels and the mechanism through which solar electricity is produced.

Kyocera donated solar power systems to un-electrified villages in Kankoi, Pakistan, in 1983; and in 1985 to Yuanzi village, Lanzhou, in China’s Gansu Province. Kyocera contributes to the betterment of human life through environmentally friendly rural electrification with independent power supply systems.