History of Environmental Activities

 Japan
| 1960- | 1970- | 1980- | 1990- | 2000- | 2010- |

 1960-
1969 · The first discharge water treatment facility was installed at the Shiga Plant (now Shiga Gamo Plant).

 1970-
1971 · An environmental management division was set up at the Shiga Plant (now Shiga Gamo Plant).
         
           
1973 · A plating discharge water treatment facility was installed at the Kagoshima Plant (now Kagoshima Sendai Plant).
         
           
1974 · Developed ceramic honeycomb filters to clean gas emissions at facilities.
         
           
1975 · Established Japan Solar Energy Corporation (JSEC) and began development of solar cells.   Photo: Established Japan Solar Energy Corporation (JSEC)
         
           
1977   · JSEC succeeded in the continuous pulling of silicon ribbon using the EFG process, and achieved a conversion ratio of 8% for silicon ribbon crystal solar cells.
       
    · Mass production of alumina heaters for auto chokes with superior thermal resistance and durability.
         
           
1978   · Received an Important technology R&D subsidy from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Japan) for applied research into ceramic diesel engines.
           
    · A discharge water treatment facility was installed at the Kagoshima Kokubu Plant to remove lead used as a raw material.
           
           
1979 · JSEC developed a medium-sized, ribbon crystal silicon solar cell module for power generation: the RSA-7540 (12W).
       
  · JSEC established mass production technology for 50mm-wide silicon ribbon crystals.
       
  · Solar modules were installed to power microwave relay equipment set up in the Peruvian Andes Mountains.   Photo: The first, large-scale solar system made by the EFG process. installed in Peru in 1979
       
  · Kyocera set up a Solar System Division.
       
    · Started development of a highly durable amorphous silicon photoreceptor drum.

 1980-
1980 · Practical application of an all-ceramic-activated-carbon honeycomb.
       
    · The CP-55, a small, lightweight and energy-saving copier was introduced for sale.
           
           
1981 · The natural circulation solar water heater SON OF SUN was introduced for sale.
       
    · Kyocera began joint research with Isuzu Motors, Ltd. on the practical application of a ceramic diesel engine.
       
    · Developed ceramic glow plug for diesel engines.   Photo: ceramic glow plug
       
    · The portable solar cell SB-II was introduced for sale.
       
    · Kyocera installed 34 solar lights — practical lighting using solar cells — along the "Nagaraki-no-michi" path on the Kamo river bank in Kyoto.
       
    · Successful test drive of the world's first vehicle powered by a ceramic engine with high thermal efficiency (televised by NHK on January 4, 1982).
           
           
1982   · World's first mass production of ceramic hot plugs.
           
    · Mass production of ceramic heaters for oxygen sensors used in reducing gas emissions.
           
           
1983   · Set up a community electricity system using solar power generation in Kankoi Village, Pakistan.   Photo: Set up a community electricity system using solar power generation in Kankoi Village, Pakistan.
           
    · Installed solar-powered lights at the top of Mt. Fuji.
           
    · Mass production of components with superior thermal stability and corrosion resistance for use in processing molten aluminum.
           
           
1984   · Installed a 43kW solar power generation system at the Chiba Sakura Plant (now the Chiba Sakura Office).
           
    · Commercialization of the "akuresuai," an autonomic, light-emitting, solar-powered road stud.
           
    · Introduced the Solar Power Station — a forced-circulation solar water heater.
           
    · Successful development and mass production of amorphous silicon photoreceptor drums.
           
           
1985   · The Environmental Management Division was established at Kyocera Headquarters.
           
           
1986   · Installed a toluene recovery facility at the Kagoshima Sendai Plant to recycle toluene and reduce emissions.   Photo: toluene recovery facility
           
    · Began mass production of multicrystalline solar cells.
           
    · Launched a development project for gas turbine components using the superior thermal resistance of ceramics.
           
    · The world's smallest laser printer, the F-1010, was introduced for sale.
           
           
1987   · Achieved the world's highest conversion ratio: 15.1%, for 10-cm-square multicrystalline silicon solar cells.
           
           
1989   · Began implementing measures for reduction of chlorofluorocarbon use.
       
    · Kyocera and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) jointly installed a hybrid power system (solar power 30kW) at the Kagoshima Prefectural Institute of Industrial Technology (Japan).
       
    · Developed a high-performance prototype solar-powered car, the SEV-1.
       
    · Began mass production of ceramic turbo rotors.

 1990-
1990 · Launched the Kyocera Green Committee (KCGC), with Kyocera president as committee chair.   Photo: Green Committee Task Force Meeting
           
           
1991 · Launched the Kyocera Group Green Committee (KGGC).
           
    · Appointed an Environment Director.
           
    · Began recycling used paper.
           
    · Enacted the Kyocera Environmental Charter.
           
    · The Gas Turbine Engine Development Group received the Japan Fine Ceramics Association's Technology Advancement Prize for the "application of ceramics in small-scale gas turbine rotors."
           
    · Developed a dynamic-drive micro-LED printhead.
           
    · Began mass production trials of ceramic components for fuel cells.
           
           
1992   · Launched the three-year 1st Environmental Protection Promotion Plan.
           
    · Established Kyocera Environmental Management Standards.
           
    · Introduced the Kyocera Eco-Label Certification System.
           
    · Appointed June as Kyocera Environment Month and began deployment of diverse environmental protection activities.
           
    · Began environmental inspections at plants to ascertain the state of environmental management and raise the level of management awareness.
           
    · Abolished use of all specified chlorofluorocarbons and other materials.
           
    · Released the world's first non-cartridge LED printer, the ECOSYS FS-1500.   Photo: the world's first non-cartridge LED printer, the ECOSYS “FS-1500”
           
    · Began mass production of a ceramic cam roller for diesel engines.
           
           
1993   · ECOSYS printer becomes first office automation (OA) equipment to receive Eco Mark Certification.
           
    · Began mass production of silicon nitride control valve for automobiles.
           
    · Began selling the industry's first solar power generating system for residential use in Japan.
           
           
1994   · Prohibited use of methyl bromide and trichloroethylene.
           
           
1995   · Prohibited use of tetrachloroethylene and HCFC-141b.
           
    · Began mass production of the 3rd-generation ceramic glow plug (high-temperature, self-saturation type), which contributes to reduction of vehicle emissions.
           
           
1996   · Launched the 2nd Environmental Protection Promotion Plan.
           
    · Established the Kyocera Award for Contribution to the Global Environment.
           
    · Mie Plant (now the Mie Ise Plant / KYOCERA MITA Corp.(now KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.) Tamaki Plant) received ISO14001 certification.
           
    · Achieved the world's highest conversion ratio: 17.1%, for 15-cm-square multicrystalline silicon solar cells.
           
           
1997   · 10 plants obtained ISO14001 certification.
           
    · Kyocera's Solar Energy Division received the Director General of the Environment Agency Prize for "contribution to prevention of global warming."
           
    · A compound intermediate processing facility was installed at the Kagoshima Sendai Plant to process dioxins and to dry sludge using waste furnace heat.
           
    · The 3rd-generation ECOSYS FS-1700 and FS-3700 became the first printers in the world to receive the German environmental test mark, the Blue Angel.
           
           
1998   · Began green procurement.
           
    · Completion of new Kyocera headquarters — an environmentally friendly building with a 214kW solar power generating system.
           
           
1999   · Obtained integrated ISO14001 certification for 6 non-manufacturing locations.
           
    · Launched the 3rd Environmental Protection Promotion Plan.
           
    · Obtained integrated ISO14001 certification for all 42 domestic Kyocera locations.
           
    · Completely eliminated use of chlorofluorocarbon substitutes, 20 years before the deadline stipulated by the Kyoto Protocol.
           
    · Received the New Energy Foundation Chairman's Prize, one of the Grand Prizes sponsored by the New Energy Foundation.
           
    · The ceramic gas turbine jointly developed by Kyocera and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. achieves the world's highest thermal efficiency of 42.1% at an inlet temperature of 1,396 degrees C.
           
    · Received the Fuji Sankei Group Award, at the 8th Global Environment Awards sponsored by the Fuji Sankei Group.

 2000-
2000 · ISO14001 integrated certification was expanded to cover the Kyocera Group (Japan).
           
    · Began disclosing environmental reports on the Internet.   Photo: disclosing environmental reports on the internet
           
    · In April 1999, Kyocera set goals for the abolition of small incineration furnaces. All such furnaces were phased out by December 2000.
           
    · ECOSYS printers won the 46th Okochi Memorial Foundation Technology Prize for their long-life xerography process and commercialization of environmentally friendly printers.
           
    · Received the Gas Turbine Society of Japan Technology Prize, the Japan Fine Ceramics Association Outstanding Achievement Prize, and the Ceramic Society of Japan Technology Prize for development of ceramic components used in gas turbines.
           
           
2001   · The Kyocera Environmental Awareness Month was expanded companywide to become the Kyocera Group Environmental Awareness Month.
           
    · Announced support for the "e-mission 55" initiative endorsing implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.
           
    · Completed raising and elevating underground facilities as necessary, based on standards for handling underground facilities (enacted 1996).
           
    · Began switching to natural-gas use (LNG) from LPG to reduce CO2 emissions.
           
           
2002   · Launched the 4th Environmental Protection Promotion Plan.
           
    · Introduced environmental accounting.
           
    · Installed a processing facility at the Kagoshima Sendai Plant to recycle resources by sintering green-sheet scrap (industrial waste).
           
    · Succeeded in developing the industry's first process for eliminating lead from manufacturing of ceramic packages used in semiconductors.
           
    · Developed the first ceramic application for LEDs: a surface-mount ceramic package for high-intensity LEDs.
           
           
2003   · Began Eco-Lessons.   Photo: Began onsite environmental classes.
           
    · Issued the Sustainability Report (now the CSR Report).
           
    · Kagoshima Kokubu Plant received the 1st Japan Sustainable Management Award (Outstanding Prize for Environmental Management).
           
    · Began introducing KGEMS, Kyocera's self-certification system based on the ISO14001 standard.
           
    · Released the SAMURAI, a residential-use solar module with both design and performance features.
           
    · Released the ECONONAVIT, an indoor solar power monitoring unit for residences, which shows the state of solar power generation and contributes to higher awareness of energy conservation. First in the industry to use a wireless format and large, color LCD.
           
    · Developed a ceramic heater core, featuring higher temperature durability and rapid temperature increase, for ceramic glow plugs.
           
    · Developed a solar module that uses lead-free solder.
           
    · Achieved the world's highest level of power generation efficiency: 54% at the low-operating temperature of 780 °C for a 1kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC).
           
           
2004   · Began publishing Social Responsibility / Environmental Reports (now the CSR Report).
       
    · Began holding Social Responsibility / Environmental Report Meetings (now the CSR Economic, Social and Environmental Report Meetings) to build communication with local communities.
       
    · Increased the environmental accounting period to every quarter.
           
    · KYOCERA MITA Corp. (now KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.) Tamaki Plant received the 2nd Japan Sustainable Management Award (Outstanding Prize for Environmental Management).
           
    · Developed an environmentally friendly, industrial-use LCD complying with the RoHS Directive.
           
           
2005   · Launched the 5th Environmental Protection Promotion Plan.
           
    · Began Social Responsibility / Environmental Report Reading Assemblies (now CSR Report Reading Assemblies) to explain the CSR concepts and activities to employees.
           
    · Installed solar power generating systems — about 440kW in total — at the Mie Ise Plant, Shiga Yohkaichi Plant, Kagoshima Kokubu Plant, and Kagoshima Hayato Plant.
           
    · KYOCERA International, Inc. (U.S.A.) installed a 279kW solar power system over the company parking lot, which is named the "Solar Grove" due to the rows of supports holding up the panels, which resemble trees.
           
    · Introduced an energy-saving, low-cost refrigeration system at the Kagoshima Kokubu Plant. The system has three types of equipment that can be operated in combination according to plant requirements: an absorption refrigerator, a cogeneration system and a turbo-refrigerator.
           
    · Introduced an environmentally friendly high-speed digital multifunctional product, the KM-6230RM. This machine has a mass ratio of more than 80% recycled components.
           
    · Kyocera and Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. began joint test operations of solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs) for residential use.
           
    · Installed a 240kW solar power system at Chubu International Airport. This system is used as an auxiliary cabin power source by aircraft waiting on the tarmac.   Photo: Central Japan International Airport Centrair(Aichi) 240kW
           
           
2006   · Established global policy on the RoHS Directive and strengthened management of chemical substances used in products.
           
    · Introduced a Environmental Friendliness Product Assessment System that mandates a life-cycle assessment be performed when developing products and technology.
           
    · Start of full-scale Environmental Safety Inspections at overseas facilities.
           
    · Installed turbo refrigerators at Shiga Yohkaichi Plant, Kagoshima Sendai Plant, as well as KYOCERA KINSEKI Yamagata Corp. (now KYOCERA Crystal Device Yamagata Corp.), and International Golf Resort KYOCERA.
           
    · Installed a closed processing facility at Shanghai KYOCERA Electronics Co., Ltd. for treating discharge water contaminated with cyanogens from the plating processes.
           
    · Achieved the world's highest energy conversion ratio: 18.5%, for 15-cm-square multicrystalline solar cells.
           
    · Developed a multilayer piezoelectric element for injectors in the diesel engine fuel injection system, based on Kyocera's unique raw material technology and structural design technology.
           
           
2007   · Increased the number of schools targeted for Eco-Lessons to 12.
           
           
2008   · Began full-scale replacement of company vehicles with hybrid models, to aid in the prevention of climate change.   Photo: Hybrid car
           
    · Prepared the Eco-Life Notebook — a booklet for environmental protection activities in employees' homes; distributed the booklet to all Kyocera Group employees in Japan.   Photo: ECO-LIFE NOTE
           
    · Installed a recycling system for removing 100% of lead from discharge water at the Kagoshima Kokubu Plant.
           
    · Launched the The 6th Environment and Safety Promotion Plan — expanded to cover the entire Kyocera Group.
           
    · Increased the number of schools targeted for Eco-Lessons to 25.
           
    · Established environmental management standards for the domestic Kyocera Group.
           
    · Began using biodiesel fuel derived from waste cooking oil at the Shiga Gamo Plant and Shiga Yohkaichi Plant.
           
    · Grew "Green Curtains" using climbing plants, at five domestic bases.
           
    · Began using the Kyocera Green Supplier Certification System.
           
    · Released a high power output (208.4W) solar module using a new type of 156mm2 solar cell, for public facilities and industrial use.
           
    · Participated in trial implementation of emissions trading in the domestic integrated market, as promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
           
           
2009   · Kagoshima Sendai Plant and Kagoshima Kokubu Plant received the 2008 PRTR Grand Prize (Incentive Prize), sponsored by the Center for Environmental Information Science.   Photo: received the “2008 PRTR Grand Prize (Incentive Prize),”
           
    · Shiga Gamo Plant and Shiga Yohkaichi Plant received the 7th Japan Environmental Management Grand Prize (Environmental Management Excellence Prize).
           
    · Kyocera, Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Corp. and Aishin Seiki Co., Ltd. agreed to jointly develop a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cogeneration system for residential use.
           
    · Began offering "Eco-Lessons" in China.
           
    · Kyocera began supplying Toyota Motor Corp. with solar modules for use with its solar ventilation system — an optional feature for Toyota's Prius hybrid vehicle.
           
    · Succeeded in development of the world's first bio color toner combining environmental friendliness and high quality.
 

 2010-
2010 · Participated in Promotional Partners for Declaration of Biodiversity by the Nippon Keidanren.
           
  · Kagoshima Sendai Plant received the 8th Japan Sustainable Management Award (Outstanding Prize for Environmental Management).
           
  · The total number of students having participated in Kyocera Group "Eco-Lessons" exceeded 20,000.
           
  · The Kagoshima Sendai Plant was awarded an Excellence Award in the Eco-Driving Contest 2010 sponsored by the Ministry of the Environment.
           
    · A high-power solar module for domestic public and industrial use won the Minister of the Environment Award for the Promotion of Measures to Cope with Global Warming in FY2011.   Photo:A high-power solar module for domestic public and industrial use won the Minister of the Environment Award for the Promotion of Measures to Cope with Global Warming in FY2011.
           
    · Developed and started the sale of the Solar Cycle Station, an eco-friendly charging station which charges power assisted bicycles using solar cells.
           
           
2011 · The CSR Report 2010 received the 14th Environmental Communication Awards (Excellence Award in the environmental reports category).
           
    · Completed installation of solar power generating systems at all of Kyocera's 10 manufacturing plants in Japan.
           
    · 7th Environment and Safety Promotion Plan.
 
 
* Descriptions of world records in the chronology above are based on the achievements at that time.
 

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