Sustainability

E: Environment Initiatives to Reduce Environmental Impact

S: Social Strengthen Ties with Stakeholders

G: Governance Corporate Value Improvement through Stronger Governance

Disclosure of information based on the recommendations of the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures)

Status of CSR Promotion

Disclosure based on TCFD recommendations

Status of CSR Promotion

In accordance with the CSR Guidebook (revised edition as of April 2010) issued by the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association (JAPIA), Akebono maintains a list of its ongoing CSR activities.
By making those activities more visible and managing them in a systematic manner, Akebono is ensuring that its CSR activities are steadily implemented. Akebono also utilizes an internal inspection system based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ISO 26000 management system to evaluate CSR activities conducted in each business segment. By doing so, Akebono works to clarify its CSR management issues from a global perspective and thereby improve overall CSR activities.

The status of CSR promotion in fiscal 2024 is as follows. For details on our environmental initiatives, please refer to “Environmental Management.”

Status of CSR Promotion x SDGs (for fiscal 2024)

Explanatory note:
A: 5.0 points, B: from 4.9 to 3.5 points, C: from 3.4 to 2.1 points, D: 2.0 points and below
Points represent result of self-evaluation on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0 points that was implemented in reference to the “CSR Check Sheet (revised version as of April 2010)” formulated by JAPIA.

1. Safety and quality
Related SDGs
1-1	Initiatives
	Understanding customer needs, providing products that benefit society
	Responsible Organization
	Sales Division, R&D Division, Quality Assurance
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Establish and implement a system to check market needs and development goals at the commencement of basic development Establish and implement a system to check customer needs at the start of application development Establish and operate a system that defines workflows for handling inquiries and quotation requests received from customers, utilizing the intranet network system to share this information with relevant internal departments Acquire customers' latest requirements and develop a system to incorporate them into relevant internal departments
1-2	Initiatives
	Providing information on products in an appropriate manner
	Responsible Organization
	Sales Division, Quality Assurance, Production sites
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Establish and operate disclosure standards and workflows for providing technical information during the development phase to customers Develop and operate a system for disclosing and providing product information based on customer requirements, legal regulations, and frameworks such as IMDS (International Material Data System for the automotive industry). Establish and operate a system for collecting, analyzing, and communicating information on non-conforming products
1-3	Initiatives
	Ensuring product safety
	Responsible Organization
	R&D Division, Quality Assurance, Production sites
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Establish procedures for verifying the safety of products prior to commercialization Establish and implement a system to check the impact on products of usage conditions and the environment, and to verify failure mode using FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis) and FTA (fault tree analysis) to determine their usefulness prior to supplying them to customers Compliance with legal regulations and safety standards. Establish and operate a system to confirm and review compliance with market and customer needs during the development stage. In the event of a non-conformity occurring after commercialization, define and operate a workflow specifying the procedures for addressing it, from analysis through to corrective action Develop and implement a global non-conformity information network to achieve rapid dispersal of information to facilities worldwide
1-4	Initiatives
	Ensuring product quality
	Responsible Organization
	Quality Assurance, Production sites
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Conduct in-house management system audits (once per year for every site)
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Establish and operate an organizational structure for quality management activities and a quality management system Set annual quality objectives and continuously improve by implementing the PDCA cycle Standardize and operate the milestones of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) in the product realization process across global production sites To ensure quality assurance, establish and operate systems for production equipment development and global production support Ongoing strengthening of the quality management system to meet customers' needs and requirements
Self-evaluation		B

2. Human rights and working environment
Related SDGs
2-1	Initiatives
	Abolishment of discrimination (ensuring equal employment opportunity)
	Responsible Organization
	HR Department
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Remuneration structure and performance review systems are gender neutral Gender is eliminated from items verified at the review process for pay raises and promotion
2-2	Initiatives
	Respect for human rights (prevention of harassment)
	Responsible Organization
	HR Department, Compliance Committee
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Conduct training (once a year)
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Conduct training on harassment and raise awareness within the company Establish and announce company-wide an internal consultation service Protect the anonymity of persons consulting the service under prescribed company regulations
2-3	Initiatives
	Abolishment of child labor
	Responsible Organization
	HR Department
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Demand newly recruited employees to submit documents to identify their age under the rules of employment
2-4	Initiatives
	Abolishment of enforced labor
	Responsible Organization
	HR Department
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Although employee passports may be checked for proof of identity, the submission of the passport itself is not required
2-5	Initiatives
	Appropriate wages
	Responsible Organization
	HR Department
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Confirmation of minimum wage set forth by local governments (once a year)
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Compare wage levels and the minimum wage set forth by each prefecture to ensure compliance with the law (utilizing a wage database system)
2-6	Initiatives
	Working hours
	Responsible Organization
	HR Department
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Managerial training on appropriate management of employee hours (once a year)
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	In accordance with an agreement with the labor union, require that notification of overtime work exceeding prescribed baseline hours must be submitted and permission gained in advance Utilize an attendance management system to verify that working situations comply with the Labor Standards Law Conduct regular training on the appropriate management of labor/working hours
2-7	Initiatives
	Communication and consultation with employees
	Responsible Organization
	HR Department
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Set forth in the labor agreement the frequency of union-management consultations as well as matters to be consulted
2-8	Initiatives
	Creating a safe and healthy working environment
	Responsible Organization
	Safety Promotion Office, Safety Promotion Section
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Zero incidents of serious workplace accidents
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	In accordance with Akebono's management system regulations, conduct activities to ensure safety in the workplace and deal with workplace accidents that have occurred Have the Central Safety and Environment Committee, which is held twice a year, confirm the current status of disaster and health management at all facilities, clarify issues, and establish activity plans and responsible persons to prevent accidents from occurring Appoint Safety Leaders overseas to communicate with Japanese counterparts and develop measures Establish facilities such as a medical office and develop and implement an annual activity plan for health
2-9	Initiatives
	Human resources nurturing
	Responsible Organization
	HR Department
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Conduct annual training programs by job level and job function
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Established the Ai-Village training center as a facility to nurture globally capable human resources Consolidate internal training programs online in an LMS to provide training opportunities for all employees Create the Akebono Standard Package use as a common global educational material Develop and implement training programs using a matrix system organized by level and job type. (Annually implement level-specific programs once each: New Employee Training, 3rd-Year Training, 7th-Year Training, Management Candidate Training, Newly Appointed Manager Training, Newly Appointed Department Head Training)
Self-evaluation		B

3. Environment
Related SDGs
3-1	Initiatives
	Environmental management
	Responsible Organization
	EMS secretariat, General Affairs Department, Environment Office
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Renewed the ISO 14001 certifications Environmental education promotion
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Renewed ISO 14001 certifications Enhance environmental education through the development of environmental training for all employees
3-2	Initiatives
	Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
	Responsible Organization
	R&D Division, Manufacturing Division, General Affairs Department, Environment Office
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Fiscal 2030: Reduce total CO₂ emissions by 50% or more compared to fiscal 2013 Fiscal 2050: Achieve carbon neutrality
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Consolidate production processes and implement activities to reduce standby power by 3.7% from the previous fiscal year
	Responsible Organization
	Manufacturing Division
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Reduction of CO₂ emissions through improvement of transportation efficiency [Target peformance] Energy consumption: -1% CO₂: -1% Energy consumption per unit: -1%
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Improve long-distance transportation efficiency through domestic initiatives, promotion of modal shift, and the establishment of a budget and performance management process [Actual performance (compared to the previous year)] Energy consumption: 808kl (-5%) CO₂: 2,150t-CO₂ (-5%) Energy consumption per unit: 0.246 (+3%)
3-3	Initiatives
	Prevention of environmental pollution in air, water, and soil
	Responsible Organization
	R&D Division, Manufacturing Division, General Affairs Department
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	In all business activities, comply with relevant laws and regulations such as Air Pollution Control Law, Water Pollution Control Law, Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law, Noise and Vibration Regulation Law, PRTR Law, Mercury Pollution Control Law, Fire Service Law, and CFC Emission Control Law Continuously monitor related values, visualize results, and report them at monthly Environment Committee meetings
3-4	Initiatives
	Resource saving, waste reduction, and reducing environmental impact
	Responsible Organization
	R&D Division, Manufacturing Division, General Affairs Department, Environment Office
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Promotion of waste reduction and proper disposal Continuation of activities to reduce environmental impact
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Promote environmentally conscious production activities by introducing a wastewater treatment system
3-5	Initiatives
	Chemical substance management
	Responsible Organization
	R&D Division, Manufacturing Division, Environment Office
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Regulations on copper in friction materials in California and Washington State, U.S.A. [January 1, 2025 Friction materials containing more than 0.5wt% copper are prohibited in new vehicles] Further expansion of application to regions where regulations are not currently in place Application to replacement friction materials (full implementation)
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Begin mass production of copper-free friction materials (0.5wt% or less) for both front and rear applications (Started in 2014). Continue development of friction materials to achieve further performance improvements and apply them to non-regulated regions Since 2007, replacement friction materials for the domestic market have been transitioned to copper-free friction materials. (Currently, 80% of domestic sales have been converted to copper-free materials, aiming for full conversion) Calculate and monitor Substances that fall under the PRTR Law for newly developed materials
Self-evaluation		B

4. Compliance
Related SDGs
4-1	Initiatives
	Compliance with laws and regulations
	Responsible Organization
	Compliance Committee
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	At the beginning of each fiscal year, formulate and implement annual compliance activity measures Hold individual meetings between each department or production site and the secretariat of the Compliance Committee to confirm the implementation status of the measures Hold Compliance Committee meetings twice a year and discuss relevant issues and initiatives Conduct surveys to investigate the actual situation regarding compliance
4-2	Initiatives
	Compliance with competition laws
	Responsible Organization
	Corporate Governance Office, Purchasing Planning Department
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Conduct training (once a year)
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Establish in-house regulations on prevention of cartels and bid rigging Conduct video training on cartels and subcontracting lawrs which specified employees are required to take once a year
4-3	Initiatives
	Corruption prevention
	Responsible Organization
	Corporate Governance Office
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Create and implement bribery prevention guidelines
4-4	Initiatives
	Control and protection of secret information
	Responsible Organization
	Corporate Governance Office
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Audit and review of trade secret management on an annual basis Conduct training (once a year)
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Conduct regular audits and review of the status of trade secrets management (once a year) Conduct video training which specified employees are required to take once a year
4-5	Initiatives
	Control of export transactions
	Responsible Organization
	Corporate Governance Office
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Conduct training (once a year)
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Establish management systems and operational flows within in-house regulations, and audit and confirm their implementation status Submit "Export Control Regulations for National Security" to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and register as an exporter Conducd video training which specified employees are required to take once a year
4-6	Initiatives
	Intellectual property protection
	Responsible Organization
	Intellectual Property Office
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Patent guarantee (non infringement of others' patents): Implement patent guarantees for products during the product design and development process using patent examination sheets Patent Committee: Formulate and operate patent strategies that contribute to business by discovering inventions, managing owned patents, and reviewing others' patents for each technical field within development
Self-evaluation		B

5. Information disclosure
Related SDGs
5-1	Initiatives
	Information disclosure
	Responsible Organization
	Corporate Communications Office
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Appropriately disclose information to stakeholders, giving sufficient consideration to the content and the timing. Disclose matters such as financial conditions, performance and business activities through such media as TD net and EDINET pursuant to the rules of information disclosure set forth by such media Continuously update company websites as needed, making improvements for clarity and ensuring the latest information is disclosed Produce corporate reports to deepen stakeholders' understanding of the company
Self-evaluation		B

6. Risk management
Related SDGs
6-1	Initiatives
	Companywide risk management structure
	Responsible Organization
	Risk Management Committee
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Companywide identification and monitoring of critical risks
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Establish risk management regulations and a Risk Management Committee, chaired by the President, as an organization to promote risk management activities. Currently, the head of each business division is appointed as a member of the Risk Management Committee Have the Risk Management Committee determine priority risks and policies to address them, issue instructions on countermeasures, and monitor the implementation status and effectiveness of the countermeasures. Have these activities regularly reported to the Board of Directors
6-2	Initiatives
	Enhance Business Continuity Management (BCM)
	Responsible Organization
	Safety Promotion Office, Safety Promotion Section
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	(1) Company-wide inspection (twice a year) (2) Disaster prevention drills (once a year) (3) Revision of the risk/crisis management manual (once a year)
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Through comprehensive inspections, clarify issues related to workplace accidents and crisis response in each department, and conduct improvement activities to address these issues Prepare action manuals in case of crises such as earthquakes, and clarify issues through disaster drills and workshops, improving these manuals through the PDCA method
Self-evaluation		B

7. Social contribution
Related SDGs
7-1	Initiatives
	Contribution to local communities
	Responsible Organization
	General Affairs Department, Each site
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	Meeting with local residents for exchanges of opinion (once a year or more) Conduct social studies tours and work-study programs for elementary and junior high school students (three times a year or more) Voluntary cleanup activities at the local areas (twice a year)
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	With the easing of COVID-19 measures and the return of government events, manage various events while maintaining appropriate infection control
Self-evaluation		D

8. CSR promotion structure
Related SDGs
8-1	Initiatives
	Structure for developing CSR activities inside the Group
	Responsible Organization
	Corporate Communications Office
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	Compile the status of internal CSR promotion and disclose it on the website
8-2	Initiatives
	Structure for developing CSR activities involving suppliers
	Responsible Organization
	Purchasing Division
	Numerical Targets (if applicable)
	-
	Structure for Promotion, Action Taken and Degree of Attainment
	In addition to striving to build better partnerships with suppliers on a global basis through compliance with relevant laws and regulations and fairness in business opportunities, we revised Green Procurement Guidelines in February 2012, and in 2013 we began conducting surveys on conflict minerals in our supply chain to further strengthen our procurement of parts and materials in consideration of the global environment and human rights protection In January 2014 we launched the Supplier Whistleblower Hotline on the corporate website and set up systems to grasp and improve on issues in business dealings
Self-evaluation		B

* In our self-evaluation, we used the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association CSR check sheet (revised April 2010). It was conducted to verify PDCA is being internally promoted for each item.

The SDGs consist of 17 goals and 169 targets that have been determined to achieve a sustainable world by 2030.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan / JAPAN SDGs Action Platform

Disclosure based on TCFD recommendations

※Please see the “Global Operations” website under the “Corporate Information” section for the official names of Group members and bases.

Corporate Information Top

Products & Technologies Top

Investor Relations Top

Sustainability Top

Careers Top

Sustainability

Status of CSR Promotion

Status of CSR Promotion x SDGs (for fiscal 2024)