1969

• Our first wastewater treatment facility is installed at the Shiga Plant (now Shiga Higashiomi Plant)

1971

• An environmental management division is set up at the Shiga Plant (now the Shiga Higashiomi Plant)

1973

• A plating wastewater treatment facility is installed at the Kagoshima Plant (now the Kagoshima Sendai Plant)

1974

• We develop ceramic honeycomb filters for exhaust gas purification devices

1975

• Japan Solar Energy Corp. (JSEC) is established and begins development of solar cells

1977

• JSEC succeeds in the continuous pulling of silicon ribbon using the EFG process, and achieves a conversion ratio of 8% for silicon ribbon crystal solar cells
• We start mass production of our highly heat resistant and durable alumina heater for auto chokes

1978

• Kyocera receives an Important technology R&D subsidy from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Japan) for applied research into ceramic diesel engines
• A wastewater treatment facility is installed at the Kagoshima Kokubu Plant to remove lead used as a raw material

1979

• JSEC develops a medium-sized, ribbon crystal silicon solar cell module for power generation: the RSA-7540 (12W)
• JSEC establishes mass production technology for 50 mm-wide silicon ribbon crystals
• Solar modules are installed to power microwave relay equipment set up in the Andes Mountains, Peru
• The Solar System Division is established
• We begin development of a highly durable amorphous silicon photoreceptor drum

1980

• Our all-ceramic-activated-carbon honeycomb is put to practical use
• The CP-55, a small, lightweight and energy-saving copier, is released

1981

• Our natural circulation solar water heater SON OF SUN is released
• We begin joint research with Isuzu Motors, Ltd. on the practical use of a ceramic diesel engine
• We succeed in developing a ceramic glow plug for diesel engines
• Our SB-II portable solar cell is released
• 34 solar lights (practical lighting using solar cells) are installed along the "Nakaragi-no-michi" path on the Kamo riverbank 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

• We launch the world's first mass production of ceramic hot plugs
• Mass production begins of ceramic heaters for oxygen sensors used in reducing gas emissions

1983

• A community electricity system using solar power generation is set up in Kankoi Village, Pakistan
• Solar-powered lights are installed at the top of Mt. Fuji
• We begin mass production of components with superior thermal stability and corrosion resistance for use in processing molten aluminum

1984

• A 43 kW solar power generation system is installed at the Chiba Sakura Plant (now the Chiba Sakura Office)
• We commercialize the Acclesseye, an autonomic, light-emitting, solar-powered road stud
• The Solar Power Station forced-circulation solar water heater is released
• Development of amorphous silicon photoreceptor drums is a success and they go into mass production

1985

• The Environmental Management Division is established at Kyocera Headquarters

1986

• Toluene recovery equipment is installed at the Kagoshima Sendai Plant to recycle toluene and reduce emissions
• Mass production begins of multicrystalline solar cells
• We launch a development project for gas turbine components using the superior thermal resistance of ceramics
• The world’s smallest laser printer, the F-1010, is released

1987

• We achieve the world’s highest conversion ratio,15.1%, for 10-cm-square multicrystalline silicon solar cells

1989

• We begin implementing measures to restrict chlorofluorocarbon use
• Kyocera and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) jointly install a hybrid power system (solar power 30 kW) at the Kagoshima Prefectural Institute of Industrial Technology
• We develop our first prototype high-performance solar-powered car, the SEV-1
• Mass production begins of ceramic turbo rotors

1990

• The Kyocera Corporation Green Committee (KCGC) is established, chaired by the Kyocera president

1991

• The Kyocera Group Green Committee (KGGC) is established
• A director in charge of environmental management is appointed
• We begin recycling used paper
• The Kyocera Environmental Charter is enacted
• The Gas Turbine Engine Development Group receives the Japan Fine Ceramics Association’s Technology Advancement Prize for
  the “application of ceramics in small-scale gas turbine rotors”
• We begin mass production trials of ceramic components for fuel cells

1992

• The three-year 1st Environmental Protection Promotion Plan is launched
• The Kyocera Group Environmental Management Standards are formulated
• The Kyocera Eco-Label Certification System is established
• We designate June as Kyocera Environmental Awareness Month and begin rolling out various environmental protection activities
• We begin environmental inspections at plants to ascertain the state of environmental management and raise the level of management awareness
• We prohibit the use of all controlled chlorofluorocarbons etc.
• The world’s first non-cartridge LED printer, the ECOSYS FS-1500, is released
• Mass production begins of a ceramic cam roller for diesel engines

1993

• Our ECOSYS printer becomes the first office automation (OA) equipment to receive Eco Mark Certification
• Mass production begins of silicon nitride control valves for automobiles
• We release the industry’s first solar power generating system for residential use

1994

• We prohibit the use of methyl bromide and trichloroethylene

1995

• We prohibit the use of tetrachloroethylene and HCFC-141b
• We begin mass production of the 3rd-generation ceramic glow plug (high-temperature, self-saturation type), which helps to reduce exhaust gas emissions

1996

• The 2nd Environmental Protection Promotion Plan is launched
• The Mie Plant (later the Mie Ise Plant / Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. Tamaki Plant) receives ISO14001 certification
• We achieve the world’s highest conversion ratio,17.1%, for 15-cm-square multicrystalline silicon solar cells

1997

• 10 plants obtain ISO14001 certification
• The Solar Energy Division receives the Director General of the Environment Agency Prize for “contributions to the prevention of global warming”
• Compound intermediate processing equipment is 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 become the first printers in the world to receive the German eco-label, the Blue Angel

1998

• We begin green procurement
• The Kyocera Headquarters Ecology Building is completed, an environmentally friendly building with a 214 kW solar power generating system

1999

• Six non-manufacturing locations receive integrated ISO14001 certification
• The 3rd Environmental Protection Promotion Plan is launched
• We receive integrated ISO14001 certification for all 42 Kyocera locations
• We completely eliminate use of chlorofluorocarbon substitutes, 20 years before the stipulated deadline
• We receive 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 Celsius
• We receive the Fuji Sankei Group Award, at the 8th Global Environment Awards sponsored by the Fuji Sankei Group

2000

• ISO14001 integrated certification is expanded to cover the Kyocera Group (in Japan)
• We start publishing environmental reports on the Internet
• In April 1999, Kyocera sets goals for the abolition of small incineration furnaces. All such furnaces are phased out by December 2000
• ECOSYS printers win the 46th Okochi Memorial Foundation Technology Prize for their long-life xerography process and commercialization of environmentally friendly printers
• We receive 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 our development of ceramic components used in gas turbines

2001

• The Kyocera Environmental Awareness Month is expanded company-wide to become the Kyocera Group Environmental Awareness Month
• We announce our support for the “e-mission 55” initiative endorsing implementation of the Kyoto Protocol
• We complete the necessary raising and elevation of underground facilities, based on the standards for handling underground facilities (enacted in 1996)
• We begin the switch to natural gas (LNG) from LPG to reduce CO₂ emissions

2002

• The 4th Environmental Protection Promotion Plan is launched
• We adopt environmental accounting
• Processing equipment is installed at the Kagoshima Sendai Plant to recycle resources by sintering green-sheet scrap (industrial waste)
• We succeed in developing the industry’s first technology to eliminate lead from the manufacturing process of the ceramic packages used in semiconductors
• We develop the first ceramic application for LEDs: a surface-mount ceramic package for high-intensity LEDs.

2003

• We launch our Eco-Lessons initiative
• We issue the Sustainability Report
• Kagoshima Kokubu Plant receives the 1st Japan Sustainable Management Award (Outstanding Prize for Environmental Management)
• We start to adopt KGEMS, Kyocera’s self-certification system based on the ISO14001 standard
• We release the SAMURAI, a residential-use solar module that combines stylish design and excellent performance
• We release the ECONONAVIT, an indoor unit to monitor solar power generation that helps to boost awareness of energy conservation. We are the first in the industry to use a wireless format and large, color LCD
• We develop a ceramic heater core, featuring higher temperature durability and rapid temperature increase, for ceramic glow plugs.
• We develop a solar module that uses lead-free solder
• We achieve 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

• We issue the Sustainability Report
• We begin holding Social Responsibility and Environmental Report Meetings to facilitate communication with local communities
• The environmental accounting period is changed to every quarter
• The KYOCERA MITA Corp. (now Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.) Tamaki Plant receives the 2nd Japan Sustainable Management Award (Outstanding Prize for Environmental Management)
• We develop an environmentally friendly, industrial-use LCD that complies with the RoHS Directive

2005

• The 5th Environmental Protection Promotion Plan is launched
• We start Sustainability Report Reading Assemblies to explain CSR concepts and activities to employees
• Kyocera International, Inc. (U.S.A.) installs a 279 kW solar power system over the company parking lot (named the Solar Grove due to the rows of supports holding up the panels, which resemble trees)
• An energy-saving, low-cost refrigeration system is installed 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
• We release the KM-6230RM, an environmentally friendly high-speed digital multifunctional product. This machine has a mass ratio of more than 80% recycled components
• Kyocera and Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. begin joint test operations of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for residential use
• We install a 240 kW solar power system at Chubu International Airport. This system is used as an auxiliary cabin power source by aircraft waiting on the tarmac

2006

• We establish our global policy on the RoHS Directive and strengthen our management of chemical substances used in products
• We introduce an Environmental Friendliness Product Assessment System mandating that a life-cycle assessment be performed when developing products and technology
• We start full-scale environmental safety inspections at overseas facilities
• Turbo refrigerators are installed at Shiga Yohkaichi Plant, Kagoshima Sendai Plant, KYOCERA KINSEKI Yamagata Corp. (now the Yamagata Higashine Plant), and International Golf Resort KYOCERA
• Closed processing equipment for treating wastewater contaminated with cyanogens from the plating processes is installed at Shanghai KYOCERA Electronics Co., Ltd.
• We achieve the world’s highest energy conversion ratio,18.5%, for 15-cm-square multicrystalline solar cells
• We develop a multilayer piezoelectric element for injectors in the diesel engine fuel injection system, based on our proprietary raw material and structural design technologies

2007

• The number of schools targeted for Eco-Lessons is increased to 12

2008

• We begin the full-scale replacement of company vehicles with hybrid models, as a measure to prevent climate change
• We create the “Eco-Life at Home Notebook”, a booklet encouraging employees and their families to take action to protect the environment,
  and distribute it to all Kyocera Group employees in Japan
• A recycling system that removes 100% of lead from wastewater is installed at the Kagoshima Kokubu Plant
• The 6th Environment and Safety Promotion Plan is launched, and expanded to cover the entire Kyocera Group
• The number of schools targeted for Eco-Lessons is increased to 25
• Environmental management standards are established for Kyocera Group companies in Japan
• We start using biodiesel fuel derived from waste cooking oil at the Shiga Gamo Plant and Shiga Yohkaichi Plant
• “Green curtains” of climbing plants are grown at five of our bases in Japan
• The Kyocera Green Supplier Certification System is launched
• We release a high power output (208.4 W) solar module using a new type of 156 mm×156 mm solar cell, for public facilities and industrial use
• We participate in a trial implementation of emissions trading in the domestic integrated market, as promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

2009

• The Kagoshima Sendai Plant and Kagoshima Kokubu Plant receive the 2008 PRTR Grand Prize (Incentive Prize), sponsored by the Center for Environmental Information Science
• The Shiga Gamo Plant and Shiga Yohkaichi Plant receive the 7th Japan Sustainable Management Award (Outstanding Prize for Environmental Management)
• Kyocera, Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation and Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. agree to jointly develop a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cogeneration
  system for residential use
• We supply Toyota Motor Corporation with solar modules for use with its solar ventilation system, an optional feature for their
  Prius hybrid vehicle
• We successfully develop the world’s first bio color toner that combines environmental friendliness with high picture quality

2010

• We participate in "The Declaration of Biodiversity by Keidanren" Promotion Partners
• The Kagoshima Sendai Plant receives the 8th Japan Sustainable Management Award (Outstanding Prize for Environmental Management)
• The total number of students that have participated in Kyocera Group Eco-Lessons exceeds 20,000
• The Kagoshima Sendai Plant is 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 wins the Minister of the Environment Award for the Promotion of Measures to Cope with Global Warming in 2010
• We develop and launch the Solar Cycle Station, an eco-friendly charging station which uses solar cells to
  charge power-assisted bicycles

2011

• Our CSR Report 2010 receives the Excellence Award in the environmental reports category of the 14th Environmental Communication Awards sponsored by the Ministry of the Environment
• We complete the installation of solar power generating systems at all 10* of our manufacturing plants in Japan (*at that time)
• The 7th Environmental Protection Promotion Plan is launched
• A high efficiency heat utilization system that uses a high temperature dust collector (ceramic filter) jointly developed by Kyocera and TAKUMA CO., LTD. receives the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the 37th Excellent Environmental Equipment Awards
• The Shiga Gamo Plant and Shiga Yohkaichi Plant receive the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the 13th Green Procurement Awards
• The Shiga Gamo Plant and Shiga Yohkaichi Plant receive the 2011 Environment Minister's Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity (implementation of countermeasures category)
• We participate in "The United Nations Global Compact".

2012

• The Fukushima Tanagura Plant (as it was then) receives the 10th Japan Sustainable Management Award (Outstanding Prize for Environmental Management)
• We develop and release an energy management system (EMS) that combines solar power generation with a storage system
• We develop a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. and JX Nikko Nisseki Energy Co., Ltd and release it under the name ENE-FARM Type S
• The Fukushima Tanagura Plant (as it was then) receives the 2012 Environment Minister's Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity (implementation of countermeasures category)

2013

• We release a new type of Li-ion storage battery system, with Japan’s highest capacity
• At 1.5 MW, the largest solar power generating system installed on a Kyocera Group facility is completed at the Kyocera Chemical Corporation Koriyama Plant (now KYOCERA Corporation Fukushima Koriyama Plant)
• Japan’s largest solar power plant, the Kagoshima Nanatsujima Mega Solar Power Plant, comes into operation
• The Kagoshima Sendai Plant receives the 2013 Environment Minister’s Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity (implementation of countermeasures / dissemination category)

2014

• We achieve a conversion ratio of 18.6% for multicrystalline silicon solar cells
• Following on from our multicrystalline silicon solar cells, we launch our monocrystalline silicon solar cells for residential use in Japan
• Kyocera TCL Solar LLC launches its floating mega solar power plant business
• We start Japan’s first demonstration test that automatically reports power-saving results via demand response
• The Kagoshima Kokubu Plant receives the 2014 Environment Minister’s Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity (implementation of countermeasures / dissemination category)

2015

• We commercialize two types of Li-ion storage battery systems for residential use: a multi DC link type, and a high capacity type
• The total number of students that have participated in Kyocera Group Eco-Lessons in Japan and overseas exceeds 100,000
• The Shiga Yasu Plant receives the 2015 Environment Minister’s Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity (implementation of countermeasures / dissemination category)

2016

• We develop a hybrid storage battery system for residential use in Japan that is installed with the industry’s smallest high-capacity 12 kWh class Li-ion storage battery
• We release RoofleX, a residential-use solar power generation system with seven types of module (the most in the industry) that boosts the capacity installed on a single roof
• The Hokuriku region’s first solar power plant, the Fukui Mikuni I and Mikuni II Mega Solar Power Plant, comes into operation. Kyocera TCL Solar LLC is involved in this project
• The Kyoto Ayabe Plant receives the 2016 Environment Minister’s Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity (implementation of countermeasures / dissemination category)

2017

• We release NAVIfitz, a new HEMS that utilizes AI to support efficient use of energy in the home
• The ENE-FARM Type S solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system receives the 2016 Energy Conservation Grand Prize (product and business model category)
• We release a 3.2 kWh Li-ion storage battery system, the smallest and lightest in the industry
• We release the Smart Energy House Storage Battery System, a Li-ion storage battery system that can be linked up with the ENE-FARM Type S
• Kyocera Document Solutions receives the Sustainable Brand of the Year German CSR Award
  in recognition of its CSR initiatives
• The Hokkaido Kitami Plant receives the 2017 Environment Minister’s Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity (implementation of countermeasures / dissemination category)

2018

• The Yamaguchi Hagi Mega Solar Power Plant (21.1 MW) comes into operation
• The Chiba Yamakura Floating Mega Solar Power Plant (13.7 MW) comes into operation
• The Tottori Yonago Mega Solar Power Plant (29.2 MW) comes into operation
• The Miyagi Kurokawa Mega Solar Power Plant (28 MW) comes into operation
• The Nagano Okaya Plant receives the 2018 Environment Minister’s Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity (implementation of countermeasures / dissemination category)

2019

• Kameoka Furusato Energy Co., Ltd. starts to buy electric power from the mega solar plant in the city
• A VPP advanced technology test begins at Kyocera's Yokohama Nakayama Office
• We launch the Enekari with KYOCERA and Chanto Good! services, which enables people to install Kyocera solar power generating systems and storage batteries in their homes at no initial cost
• Kyocera and BYD Japan launch a new integrated renewable supply-demand energy business collaboration utilizing solar power generating systems and EV buses
• Our invention of the fuel cell, which is a key component of SOFC systems that are durable, compact and very efficient at power generation, is awarded
  the Invention Prize at the 2019 National Commendation for Invention
• The Kyocera Group’s greenhouse gas emissions targets for FY2031 are certified as SBT (Science-Based Targets)
• Kyocera EPA LLC is established to lease our solar power generating systems to businesses such as new electrical power companies
• We successfully develop the world’s first long-life, highly stable, low cost clay-type Li-ion storage battery, and commercialize our Enerezza
  energy storage system for residential use
• Ene-Farm Mini, the world’s smallest high-efficiency household fuel cell cogeneration system is released
• The Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. Mie Tamaki Plant receives the 2019 Environment Minister’s Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity (implementation of countermeasures / dissemination category), the 10th year running that the Kyocera Group has won this award

2020

• In Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan's first test of a renewable energy system utilizing storage batteries started
• First CDP Supplier Engagement Leader Board
• Upholding the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
• Invested approximately 50 billion yen in a solar power generation project (maximum output of approximately 480 MW) with agricultural facilities on Ukushima Island, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture
• The Kanoya Osaki Solar Hills Solar Power Plant, one of the largest in Kyushu with a capacity of approximately 100 MW, began commercial operations at a site spanning Kanoya City and the Town of Osaki in Kagoshima Prefecture
• Endorsed the Keidanren Declaration of Biodiversity and Action Guidelines (revised version)
• Participated in a virtual power plant construction demonstration project utilizing energy resources on the consumer side from a Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry subsidiary project
• Start of Energy Utilization Advice Service
• Joint Research Agreement on Energy Management in Microgrid in Heki City, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Adopted as a regional microgrid construction project utilizing renewable energy in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Kyocera Yokohama Nakayama Plant begins demonstration tests for electricity trade using peer-to-peer (P2P) renewable energy
• Selected for the first time in the CDP's Climate Change A List, the highest rating

2021

• Selected for CDP's Supplier Engagement Leader Board for the second consecutive year
• Selected for the DJSI Asia Pacific, a global ESG investment index
• Kyocera's Shiga Yasu Plant (Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture) and Kyoto Ayabe Plant (Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture) received the Kinki Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Director-General's Prize and the Japan Greenery Research and Development Center Chairman's Prize
• Selected for the highest rating, "A List for Climate Change," in the Climate Change Survey by CDP for two consecutive years

2022

• Selected for the CDP Supplier Engagement Leader Board for three consecutive years
• Kyocera Group's greenhouse gas reduction target (1.5°C level) received "Science Based Targets (SBT)" certification
• Selected for the DJSI Asia Pacific, a global ESG investment index
• Selected for the "Gold" rating, awarded to the top 5% in EcoVadis.