Adaptation to Climate Change

While “mitigation” through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is important in addressing climate change, it takes time for its effects to become apparent. To minimize the impacts of climate change that are already being felt, Konica Minolta is promoting “adaptation” and working to enhance the resilience of society and its business operations.

To ensure that product supplies to customers are not disrupted by supply chain interruptions caused by large-scale natural disasters, Konica Minolta maps the supply routes for critical parts and raw materials for which no substitutes are available, tracing them back to the raw-material level. The Company works to mitigate risks by securing multiple procurement sources and considering alternative materials.

Konica Minolta has introduced analysis using “Aqueduct^*,” a comprehensive water risk assessment tool, at its production and R&D sites and has confirmed that none of its sites are assessed as having “Extremely High” water risk. One site was assessed as having “High” water risk. For this site, Konica Minolta conducted interviews with local personnel to assess the impact on operations and the outlook for future water supply, and confirmed that there are no significant impediments to business continuity. This site accounts for less than 1% of the Group’s total sales. In addition, similar assessments have been conducted for 50 major suppliers, with the results used in assessing risks to business activities.
Konica Minolta will continue to reassess water risks in light of changes in its business activities and water risk conditions and implement measures based on the assessment results.

*Aqueduct: A global water risk assessment tool using geographic information systems (GIS), developed and operated by the World Resources Institute (WRI).

Konica Minolta believes it is important not only to enhance its own water risk management but also to contribute to raising awareness of water risk assessment and advancing initiatives across industry as a whole. Going forward, the Company will continue to promote sustainable water resource management by sharing assessment methodologies and expertise.

Konica Minolta has established business continuity plans (BCPs) with a global perspective encompassing the entire supply chain to ensure that critical operations can continue even in the event of a large-scale natural disaster and, if interrupted, can be resumed as quickly as possible. In addition to its mainstay digital workplace business and medical equipment, for which demand is high in the event of a disaster, Konica Minolta has established an initial response system for gathering information on the extent of damage immediately after a disaster and determining whether to activate its BCPs.

As climate-related disasters such as storms and floods become more severe and frequent, procurement and logistics in affected areas could be disrupted, potentially making it difficult to maintain product supplies. To prepare for such climate-related disaster risks, Konica Minolta’s Digital Workplace Business and Professional Printing Business operate production and filling sites for consumables (parts and printing toner) in Japan, Europe, and North America. Through this regional production network, the Company strives to maintain a highly resilient supply chain that enables supply in the regions where products are consumed.

In disaster-affected areas, medical care may need to be provided without access to electricity or fuel. Konica Minolta’s AeroDR Mobile Solution is an X-ray imaging solution that can continue to be used even when the power supply is cut off. Highly portable, it is also useful for imaging in field and outdoor settings. Captured images can be viewed on the spot, and the system can be charged while on the move.

In preparation for large-scale natural disasters, Konica Minolta, Inc. has established a system for securing well water using its own power generation equipment. The Company has also established a system for supplying water to disaster base hospitals and other facilities in neighboring communities through its “Spring of Relief” disaster-preparedness water resource initiative, thereby contributing to local disaster preparedness.