| Kyocera Environmental Charter |
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Established: October 1, 1991
Revised: January 1, 2006 (Latest revision) |
| Preface |
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Technological progress and economic development in industrialized countries have given rise to affluent societies with high standards of living. At the same time, they have led to the mass consumption of natural resources and mass discharge of chemical substances — which, in turn now threaten to destroy the earth's ecosystem. In addition, explosive population growth and widespread poverty in developing countries have aggravated these environmental problems with large-scale deforestation. The social and economic activities of both advanced and developing countries are intertwined, and with all parties intent on greater material consumption, nature's recuperative powers have been exceeded. As a result, the Earth's natural capacity for recycling has been damaged on a global scale.
One of our major premises up to this time — that the earth's ecosystem is infinitely large — is now being rejected in favor of the idea that the Earth is a closed ecosystem. Such a change in view affects the very foundation of humankind's existence and demands a re-evaluation of the quality and quantity of the products used by humankind. This, in turn, will lead to a fundamental change in the industrial / technological system within which such products are manufactured.
In the course of history, humankind has witnessed three eras of rapid development: the Agricultural Revolution, the Industrial Revolution and the Information Revolution. It is generally felt that the current environmental movement will someday be regarded as humankind's fourth era of rapid development: the Environmental Revolution.
Our future thus requires new policy goals. These should state that development and economic growth may be pursued only when proper consideration is given to the balance between nature and society. In view of the fact that small acts by each of the more than six billion people on this planet could result in complete environmental destruction, it is essential to establish a basic philosophy of coexistence and co-prosperity between the developed and developing countries, between business and government, and between individuals and societies. All must be viewed as participants in the stewardship of "Mother Earth," not as opposing forces with conflicting interests.
The greatest responsibility for promoting the Environmental Revolution lies with the advanced countries. In particular, businesses in such countries play a vital role, as they control production technologies and are directly engaged in industrial activities. |
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| Basic Management Philosophy |
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| In accordance with our corporate motto — "Respect the Divine and Love People" — Kyocera has long complied with its management philosophy, "To provide opportunities for the material and intellectual growth of all our employees, and through our joint efforts, contribute to the advancement of society and humankind." We try to conduct business in harmony with the life-giving force of our universe. Kyocera had early insight into the mindset that today's global environmental problem demands of every business enterprise. This mindset implies that business should uphold the dignity of man and contribute to the sustainable development of human society. Based on the management philosophy stated above, Kyocera and its domestic and overseas affiliates will adopt comprehensive measures of environmental preservation — including energy conservation, global warming prevention, resource conservation, the development of environmentally friendly products, and improvements that contribute to global environmental protection in a sustainable manner. |
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| Environmental Management Policies |
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In the course of business activities, Kyocera will take a serious view of global environmental protection in compliance with the Company's basic management philosophy, stated above, and will emphasize the following points:
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Compliance with internal environmental standards that make global environmental protection our first priority; |
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Most efficient utilization of resources and development of innovative processing technologies; |
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Development of Earth-friendly products in two categories: (A) Environmental Improvement Products that will make a positive contribution and improve the global environment; and (B) Environmentally Gentle Products, that will impose a reduced impact on the global environment. |
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Cooperation with government environmental policies, and participation in or support of social contribution activities. |
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| Environmental Management Objectives |
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| 1. |
In order to minimize impact on the natural environment and any harmful effects on the ecosystem, Kyocera will establish and comply with internal standards which are more stringent than those specified by applicable international agreements, or the regulations of regions where the Company's facilities are located. |
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At all levels, Kyocera will scientifically study and evaluate the effects of business activities on the environment, and then take the necessary protective measures. |
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Kyocera will develop processing technologies and production facilities that will have maximum resource and energy efficiency in all production activities. At the same time, the Company will aim to reduce raw material and chemical consumption in all processes. |
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Kyocera will promote in-house energy conservation activities, such as more efficient use of electricity and fossil fuels, the introduction of high efficiency equipment, and the reutilization of thermal energy. At the same time, the Company will promote measures for global warming prevention. |
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Kyocera intends to purchase recyclable materials which contribute to resource conservation while maximizing resource-utilization efficiency by establishing recycling systems for wastewater and waste materials. The Company will take aggressive steps to recycle, decontaminate and reduce the volume of all waste. |
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Kyocera will increase its research, development and production of "Environmental Improvement Products" that make a positive contribution to the enhancement of the global environment. |
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Kyocera will increase its research, development and production of "Environmentally Gentle Products" that are gentle to the Earth and place a lighter burden on the environment at every stage of production, sales, distribution, consumption and disposal. |
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Kyocera will promote the "greening" (forestation) of its facilities in an organized effort to create grounds which are lush and inviting. At the same time, the Company will participate in and support social contribution activities. |
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| Internal Organization |
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| 1. |
Establishment of a Green Committee
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In order to comply with the Kyocera management philosophy, which makes global environmental protection a priority, and to review internal environmental policy measures, Kyocera will establish a "Green Committee" consisting of the president and corporate division managers. |
| (2) |
Kyocera will establish the following subcommittees of the Green Committee: an "Environmental Preservation Section," which will aggressively promote global environmental preservation; an "Energy Conservation and Global Warming Prevention Section," which will promote energy saving and measures for global warming prevention; a "Resource Conservation Section," which will promote effective utilization of resources; and a "Global Environmental Products Section," which will promote the development of products which make a positive contribution to the environment and/or impose a reduced overall environmental burden. |
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Environmental Compliance Organization
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Kyocera will appoint Environmental Director(s) from its top management team, and establish both an "Environmental and Safety Management Committee" and an environmental organization to take charge of all environmental matters for the entire Kyocera Group. In addition, Kyocera will facilitate and simultaneously establish an internal system for assigning environmental and safety responsibilities to a designated person. |
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For the purpose of environmental management, an "Environmental and Safety Compliance Committee" consisting of staff from production departments and environmental specialists will be established at each facility or corporate division as the need arises. |
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Preparation of Environmental Rules
Kyocera will prepare environmental and safety control manuals and rules to encourage complete implementation of environmental protection measures. |
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Environmental Audit
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To ensure compliance with legal and governmental environmental regulations, and internal environmental standards, an internal audit team and various sections reporting to the Green Committee will conduct audits on both a regular and an "as needed" basis. |
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The Environmental Director, Corporate Division Manager, Facility Manager and Environmental Specialists will implement an independent auditing system regarding environmental protection at both the headquarters and each facility. |
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| Application |
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| The Kyocera Environmental Charter will be applied to Kyocera Corporation's facilities and to its domestic and overseas affiliates. |
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| Related Information |
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