Green Product Lifecycle
Environment
- The Konica Minolta Group strives to reduce CO2 emissions from every perspective of transport & merchandising including improvement of efficiency in distributions and introduction of electric cars as our service vehicles.
Shift to transportation which produces less CO2 emissions
Conversion to means of transportation which have a lower environmental impact is generally called “modal shift.” The Konica Minolta Group has been promoting a modal shift to change long-distance means of transportation for products and parts from airplane and truck to railroad and ship, modes which emit less CO2 and NOx.
Reducing CO2 emissions by optimizing distribution
The Konica Minolta Group has been working to reduce CO2 emissions during product distribution through worldwide efforts to optimize distribution, including integration of distribution centres and joint transportation. One example is the integration office equipment distribution centres in Europe. The Group used to have two distribution centres, one in Germany and one in Belgium, and these two centres were integrated into a new distribution centre in Emmerich, Germany in June 2008. This reorganization contributes to shortening the overall transport distance in terms of distribution across the entire Group, and consequently links to reducing CO2 emissions.
Introduction of electric service vehicles
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Japan Co., Ltd. frequently sends service engineers to customers for product maintenance. The company introduced electric-powered vehicles which have a lower environmental impact than ordinary gasoline and diesel vehicles as service vehicles to be used for such visits.
Group participation in “Team Minus 6%”
Figure: Team Minus 6% Logo Mark
“Team Minus 6%” was established to achieve Japan’s target under the Kyoto Protocol - a 6% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels by fiscal 2010. The Konica Minolta Group supports the objective of the campaign, and has enrolled as a member of “Team Minus 6%.” Specific measures implemented by the enter Group include: setting air conditioning at 28ºC in summer and 20ºC in winter by adopting Cool Biz (dress down in summer) and Warm Biz (dress warmly in winter); using stairs instead of elevators when going up two floors and down three floors; turning off lights and OA equipment when not needed; and not engine idling in company-owned vehicles. Employees are also encouraged to save power consumption at home, and participate in events such as downlight campaigns.
Support for a zoo and museum in Denmark
Figure: The Fisheries and
Maritime Museum, Esbjerg
Figure: Aalborg Zoo
Aalborg Zoo and the Fisheries and Maritime Museum in Esbjerg are famous sightseeing spots in Denmark also known for their diverse activities such as providing a wide range of information and knowledge about nature and wildlife protection. Konica Minolta Business Solutions Denmark a/s sponsors the Zoo and the Museum in an effort to contribute to environmental conservation in Denmark.
Support for the activities of the French National Forestry Association
Figure: Walking trail
As part of the “close contact with nature for all activities” program promoted by the French National Forestry Association, wheelchair-accessible nature trails are being developed along the coast and in forest areas across France. Konica Business Solutions France S.A.S. is taking part in these activities and the company co-sponsored a seminar on nature and wildlife observation and environmental issues in the Rambouillet forest near Paris, and has been fostering momentum for activities by inviting their customers to such events.
