Biodiversity and Water Resources
Consideration of Biodiversity/Water Resources in Production Activities
Consideration of Biodiversity at Production Sites
Initiatives Leveraging Guidelines and Global Assessment Tools
Golden orchid (Cephalanthera falcata) under protection at the Tokyo Site Hino.
Konica Minolta promotes its biodiversity initiatives through its Green Factory Certification System, which comprehensively evaluates the environmental activities of its production sites.
At sites with high water usage, the Green Factory guidelines require management and reduction of water withdrawal. Furthermore, when rare or endangered plant species are discovered on factory premises, the Company takes appropriate action by installing signage and fences to ensure proper protection and management.
Konica Minolta has introduced AQUEDUCT,* a comprehensive water risk assessment tool developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI), to evaluate water-related risks at production and R&D sites as well as with key suppliers. This analysis confirmed that none of its sites fall under the “extremely high” risk category, with only one site classified as “high risk,” accounting for less than 1% of the Group’s total revenue. Additionally, the Company has verified that it does not operate any facilities in areas designated as Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance.
* AQUEDUCT: A global water risk evaluation platform utilizing geographic information systems (GIS), developed and maintained by the World Resources Institute.
Efforts to Reduce Water Resources Use
Konica Minolta monitors and manages the volume of water use at each site and sets reduction targets for total water consumption to advance initiatives aimed at reducing usage. Environmental experts work together with staff at each site to analyze and simulate the effects of reduction measures. These efforts also serve as on-site coaching and training programs to foster awareness of environmental improvement, through the identification and implementation of water-saving measures.
At production sites, key measures include recycling of wastewater (such as process drain water), introduction of automatic cleaning systems, and use of rainwater for cooling purposes. At non-production sites, efforts include installing water-saving faucet valves and managing and repairing water distribution piping to make effective use of water resources. At sites that use groundwater, measures are taken to reduce consumption, such as stopping the supply of cooling water during periods of production suspension.
Efforts in Wastewater Management
Konica Minolta regularly conducts compliance assessments on a global basis to confirm the status of compliance with laws, ordinances, agreements, and other relevant regulations related to effluent, with the aim of preventing water pollution from effluent.
In the 2010s, at sites where factory effluent was discharged into rivers, the Group implemented WET* assessments using bioassays. In cooperation with the National Institute for Environmental Studies of Japan, tests were conducted using aquatic organisms such as algae, crustaceans, and fish, and confirmed that no adverse effects, including growth inhibition, inhibition of reproduction, or reduced hatching and post-hatching survival rates, were observed in the test organisms. Currently, the Group has confirmed that there have been no major changes in its operations since the time of the evaluation. Going forward, Konica Minolta will continue to consider re-evaluations and new evaluations in line with business changes.
* WET (Whole Effluent Toxicity): A method that evaluates the toxic impact of wastewater on aquatic life through biological responses, rather than analyzing individual chemical substances.
Consideration of Biodiversity in Procurement
Konica Minolta clearly states in its Procurement Policy that the Group will take the lead in efforts to minimize its impact on ecosystems. It has also established the Konica Minolta Supply Chain Code of Conduct and, based on its CSR Procurement Program, requests that business partners cooperate in minimizing negative impacts on natural resources.
In addition, through its Carbon Neutral Partner Activities, Konica Minolta promotes the consideration and implementation of measures to reduce water use by sharing its environmental technologies and expertise with suppliers.
Furthermore, Kinko's Japan Co., Ltd., a sales subsidiary in Japan, has acquired FSC® Chain of Custody (CoC) certification, which certifies the proper management of FSC®(Forest Stewardship Council) processing and distribution processes. The Company offers printed materials bearing the FSC® certification mark through on-demand printing.
