Initiatives in Production
Initiatives to Reduce CO2 Emissions and Water Usage
Akebono Brake Group has been promoting an energy and CO2 reduction project since 2007, improving onsite facilities at all sites to help reduce CO2 emissions and implementing energy conservation activities. Considering the importance of managing water to reduce usage, we have ascertained our water usage and continue to prioritize activities to reduce this.
Akebono Brake Group's CO2 emission volume worldwide in fiscal 2021 increased by approx. 9,000 tons to a total of 188,000 tons of CO2 from the previous year due to an increased production and other factors. Our water usage was increased from the previous year by 60,000 m3 to 1,110,000m3 through the promotion of preventative leak inspections and the recycling of discharged cooling water.
We have conducted analysis of factors of those increase from the previous fiscal year and continue to prioritize activities to reduce them.
Total CO2 Emission and CO2 Emissions per Sales (Akebono Brake Group Worldwide)
Water Usage and Water Usage per Sales (Akebono Brake Group Worldwide)
Continuation and Improvement of Zero Emission Initiatives
In order to eliminate waste material generated by our business, Akebono Brake Group continuously promotes zero emission initiatives. In 2004, we achieved our goal of no landfill disposal of industrial waste in our main domestic locations. Zero emission goals promoted by Akebono (no direct landfill disposal or incineration) was achieved by all Akebono Brake manufacturing sites in 2007, marking the successful implementation of the zero emission plan in all our facilities.
Akebono Brake Group will keep contributing to the creation of a recycling-oriented society and will continue the research in efficient usage of recycled resources as well as reduction of waste disposal costs and optimization of disposal methods. In addition, we keep strengthening our efforts to achieve the goal of no emissions while further promoting “reduce, reuse, recycle” - the basic objective behind the zero emission concept.
Waste Generated in Fiscal 2021 (primary operations in Japan)
Fiscal 2021 Volume of Waste Generated and Recycling Ratio (major operations in Japan)
- * Since fiscal 2007, we eliminated landfill waste completely..
Change in Total Volume of Waste Generated and Total Volume Generated per Sales (major operations in Japan)
- * Total volume of waste generated includes resources of value, such as metals.
- * The right axis is the figure obtained by dividing the total generated volume (major operations in Japan) by domestic sales.
Introduction and enhahcement of Wastewater Treatment Systems
Akebono Brake Group has introduced and enhanced wastewater treatment systems and is carrying out environment-friendly production activities.
In FY2020, Guangzhou, China achieved certification by the Environmental Impact Assessment Agency (EIA) after meeting strict effluent standards with the introduction of a new wastewater discharge station. In addition, in FY2021, an online water quality monitoring system for wastewater outlets will be put into operation to further improve environmental maintenance management.
In FY2020, Suzhou, China introduced automatic water quality measuring equipment and an online wastewater measurement system to strengthen wastewater treatment management, and in FY2021, installed wastewater vacuum evaporation and drying equipment and modified the water quality control tank to comply with voluntary standards that are stricter than legal requirements.
Establishment of a production line that takes sustainability into consideration of manpower and goods
The Production Engineering Department is aiming for "reusable design," "design with high material yield," "design with low energy consumption," and "design with consideration of environmental impact” when designing production equipment and jigs and tools.
1. manpower saving through automation
We are focusing on promoting automation of production lines. In addition to anticipating a future shortage of human resources, we are contributing to the reduction of energy consumption for lighting, air conditioning, etc. through labor savings.
2. high-yield production line design
We are working to improve material yields in machining and casting processes through the use of CAE. We are also working to reduce energy consumption by establishing high-operation-rate lines that do not produce defective products.
Most recently, we have been working to reduce the amount of cutting oil carried off the machine due to the oil adhered to product, etc., and are contributing to the environment and safety by reducing the frequency of cutting oil refills and preventing oil from dripping onto floor surfaces.
3. Other steady activities
- Reduction of energy consumption by electrification of actuators and selection and adoption of energy-saving and high-efficiency equipment
- Reduction of CO2 emissions through on-line production preparation support
- Energy saving in facilities (mainly in casting and painting processes) through the use of highly heat insulated materials
