Environmental Sustainability Report 2002 · 2018-03-28 · motors, factory automation systems, electric motors, hoists, electro-magnetic circuit break-ers, no-fuse breakers, earth

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Environmental Sustainability Report 2002

Addressing Environmental Matters…Core Environmental Policy & Environmental Code of Practices

Cooperative Creation – Ensuring the Development of a Sustainable Society

Corporate Profile

Outline of Corporate Environmental Management

3rd Environmental Plan - Targets and Results

Environmental Activity Highlights of Fiscal 2001

Environmental Accounting Fiscal 2001

ECOrates - The Integrated Environmental Information System

Eco-Products

Design for the Environment

"Factor X" - Trial Computation of Eco-efficiency

Promoting Green Procurement & Products Information Disclosure

Eco-Product Results in FY 2001

Eco-Products - A Part of Daily Life

Eco-Products - Spreading throughout Society

Recycling System for Used Products

Logistics - Targets and Results

Employee Education and Awareness

Cleaner Production

Effective Use of Resources

Addressing Energy Conservation

Appropriate Control and Emission Reduction of Chemical Substances

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Environmental Risk Management

Actions of Affiliated Companies

Environment-related Business

Environmental Communication Activities

Effort to Improve the Environmental Sustainability Report

Notice to our customers in Japan

Recycle

Disposal

R&D Design

Procurement

ProductionUse

Effective use of resources［ Resource conservation, recycling, waste reduction ］

Reduce use of substancespotentially harmful to the environment［ Chemical substance control ］

Efficient use of energy［ Prevention of global warming ］

SustainableSociety

MATERIAL

ENERGY

Do

Check

Action

Plan TOXICITY

Environmental Management System

Core Environmental Policy/Environmental Code of Practices

Environmental Action Objectives

Addressing Environmental Matters…The “MET” flower symbolizes the blooming of innovative measures that contribute to global environmental management.The Mitsubishi Electric Group is working to reduce the environmental impact of the entire life cycle of its products by considering not only production processes, but also procurement measures, recycling (during and after use), and waste policies. In this report, we specify these areas of concentration with the keyword, “MET.”

M: Materials — Effective use of resources E : Energy — Efficient use of energy T : Toxicity — Reduce use of substances potentially harmful to the environment

After establishing concrete numerical targets for products and production processes with regard to these three areas, we commence a PDCA (Plan→Do→Check→Action) cycle of activities. These voluntary efforts have been built into the corporate organization under the framework of a company-wide environmental plan. The Environmental Plan has three main pillars: a core environmental policy/environmental code of practices, a set of environmental action objectives and an environmental management system. We believe that, by moving steadily forward with the Environmental Plan, we will nurture the MET flower, and in doing so, help achieve the promise of a sustainable society.

Core Environmental Policy Under the international principle of "sustainable develop-ment," the Mitsubishi Electric Group is committed to protecting and improving the global environment through all business activities and employee actions utilizing knowledge accumulated in the past as well as tech-nologies yet to be developed.

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Environmental Code of PracticesWe will strive to reduce any negative environmental impact resulting from our products and activities. We will develop technologies and processes that are compatible with the environment. Products will be fully assessed over their entire lifecycle, and our facilities will promote resource efficiency, conservation and recycling.

We are committed to understanding environmental problems and contributing to a universal awareness of the need for businesses to integrate their activities with the natural cycles of nature.

We will establish environmental management systems at all of our business sites and operate them according to accepted standards. At the same time, we will continually improve environmental controls through environmental audits and similar methods.

We will educate, train and motivate employees to be good environmental stewards in their own right, as well as support employees when they engage in activities that promote environmental protection.

We will foster active communication and cooperation regarding environmental protection worldwide.

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EnvironmentalManagement

System

CoreEnvironmental

Policy/Environmental

Codeof Practices

EnvironmentalAction

Objectives

Environment

Environmental PlanThe basic structure of the Mitsubishi Electric Group in actively promoting volunteer activities and making contributions to the environment through business operations

Tangible numerical targets for activities to

reduce negative environmental impact

Constructed to uphold the core

policy and achieve action objectives

Cooperative Creation -Ensuring the Development of a Sustainable Society

Entering the 21st century, people around the world began expressing the common recognition that asocio-economic system capable of progressing harmoniously without causing harm to the globaleco-system is indispensable. The desire to create a “sustainable society,” a social system where neg-ative impact on the natural environment is minimized to the furthest possible extent and limitedresources are utilized more effectively, has led to the planning and implementation of a multitude ofprojects throughout the globe. The Mitsubishi Electric Group is contributing towards the realizationof a truly sustainable society in the 21st century through the promotion of environmentally safe busi-ness operations and the manufacture of products and systems that utilize original, state-of-the-artsolutions and technologies.

Maintaining the group’s initial stance of systemizing and promoting independent projects that resultin improvements to the environment and answers to related problems, as stated in the corporate“Environmental Plan” introduced in 1993, we are committed to the promotion of global environmen-tal protection without compromise. Among other things, every member of the group is striving toensure the effective utilization of resources and energy in manufacturing processes, products andadministrative activities and the reduction or abolition of substances harmful to the environment. Todate, our operations have made positive contributions to the realization of a sustainable society, suchas the development of technologies that led to our entry into business areas such as high-densityozonizer systems, photovoltaic power generation systems, fuel cell systems and environmental man-agement systems for factories and commercial operations.

A new corporate statement, “Changes for the Better,” was introduced in 2001 as a part of theMitsubishi Electric Group’s resolve to “Reform for the purpose of continual improvement.” This is areflection of our commitment to manufacture products with originality, high added value and mini-mal environmental impact.

To achieve this, although we have made and continue to make great advancements in product devel-opment and manufacturing process technologies, we are determined to raise our standards evenhigher, and have thus introduced a new “Factor X,” an index that indicates the degree of improve-ment in eco-efficiency. We are aware that it is our duty as a company and as a member of society tosteadily improve Factor X in every product of every business group, utilizing means like evolvingproduct recycling tendencies and designs that better conform to current environmental circum-stances.

In the Environmental Sustainability Report 2002, information on, and the results of, the environmen-tal protection efforts made by the Mitsubishi Electric Group in fiscal year 2001 are reported. In orderto actualize a sustainable society within today’s rapidly changing socio-economic environment,change must be recognized in advance of its occurrence so that we may consider the optimum coun-termeasures, and then we must implement them without hesitation.

The Mitsubishi Electric Group gives wholehearted consideration to all elements, customers, stock-holders, suppliers, employees and society, and strives to obtain their full understanding and supportso that it can work together with them to provide cooperative creation that will ensure the develop-ment of a sustainable society.

President and CEO

Environmental Sustainability Report 2002 02

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This report is a compilation of the environmental activities conduct-ed by the Mitsubishi Electric Group in fiscal 2001 in accordance withthe "Environmental Reporting Guidelines" prepared by the Ministry ofthe Environment in Japan. As with last year's report, this year wehave divided the report into four sections that explain the Company'senvironmental management polices, actions to reduce the negativeenvironmental impact of products, actions to reduce the negativeenvironmental impact of production processes and other miscella-neous environmentally related articles.An attempt has been made to make descriptions and page layoutsmore reader friendly, including the addition of an environmentalactivities digest in the form of the "Fiscal 2001 EnvironmentalActivities Highlights" section (pages 9-10) and a list of the propernames for laws mentioned in this report (page 26). We hope that youfind this year's report informative, and look forward to your candidcomment and opinions.

Editorial PolicyName: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationHead Office: Mitsubishi Denki Building, 2-2-3 Marunouchi,

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8310, JapanDate Established: January 15, 1921Paid-in Capital: 175.8 billion yen (non-consolidated)Employees: 116,192 (consolidated)

38,363 (non-consolidated)Sales: 3.6489 trillion yen (consolidated)

2.4093 trillion yen (non-consolidated)

Company Outline (as of March 31, 2002)

Period: April 1, 2001 ～ March 31, 2002Companies: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and 83 domestic andoverseas affiliated companies (67 domestic, 16 overseas)○Mitsubishi Electric Building Techno-ServiceCo., Ltd.Kodensha Co., Ltd.Mitsubishi Electric Engineering Co., Ltd.Kita Kodensha Corp.Mitsubishi Electric System & Service Co., Ltd.Mitsubishi Electric Control Software Co., Ltd.Ryoden Kouki Engineering Co., Ltd.Mitsubishi Electric Micro-Computer ApplicationSoftware Co., Ltd.Mitsubishi Electric Mechatronics SoftwareCorp.

Ryoden Semiconductor System EngineeringCo., Ltd.

Fukuryo Semiconductor Engineering Co., Ltd.BCC Corp.○Advanced Display Inc.○SPC Electronics Corp.○Mitsubishi Precision Co., Ltd.OSRAM-MELCO Ltd.Nippon Injector Corp.○Mitsubishi Electric METECS Co., Ltd.Nihon Kentetsu Co., Ltd.Toyo Takasago Dry Battery Co., Ltd.○Mitsubishi Electric Logistics Support Co.,Ltd.○Mitsubishi Electric Lighting Corp.○Mitsubishi Electric Home Appliance Co., Ltd.Miyoshi Electronics Corp.○Ryoden Asahi Technica Co., Ltd.○Soryo Electronic Devices Corp.○Tada Electric Co., Ltd.○Mitsubishi Electric Kumamoto Semiconductor

Corp.○Mitsubishi Electric Nagano SemiconductorCorp.

○Toyo Electric Co., Ltd.○Ryosan Industry Corp.○Ryoden Kasei Co., Ltd.

Mitsubishi Electric Documentex Co., Ltd.○Nakayama Kikai Co., Ltd.Ryohoku Electronics Corp.○Ryoden Electro Mechanics Corp.○Koryo Electric Co., Ltd.○Koshin Electric Co., Ltd.Seiryo Technica Co., Ltd. MELCO Mechatronics System EngineeringCorp.

○Sanwa Electric Co., Ltd.○DB Seiko Co., Ltd.Choryo Media Inc.○Taku Electric Co., Ltd.Nagasaki Ryoden Technica Co., Ltd.Meiryo Technica Corp.○Shoryo Electronics Corp.○Sowa Technica, Inc.○Toyo Engineering Co., Ltd.○Ryosai Technica Co., Ltd.MELCO Airtech Corp.Himeryo Technica Co., Ltd.Inaryo Technica Co., Ltd.Ryoma Technica Co., Ltd.Sanryo Technica Co., Ltd. Tsuryo Technica Corp. Uemori Denki Co., Ltd.Waryo Technica Co., Ltd.Rakuryo Technica Co., Ltd.Ryoei Technica Co., Ltd. Setsuryo Technica Co., Ltd. Churyokouki Technica Co., Ltd. ○Melco Technolex Co., Ltd.Mitsubishi Electric Life Service Corp.○Mitsubishi Electric Logistics Corp.Hyper Cycle Systems Co., Ltd.○Ryoden Elevator Construction Co., Ltd.(Circle denotes 30 companies included inenviron-mental accounting.)

○Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. (US)○Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, Inc. (US)○Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. (US)○Melco de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)○Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe Ltd. (UK)○Mitsubishi Electric Telecom Europe S.A. (France)○Mitsubishi Semiconductor Europe, GmbH. (Germany)○Mitsubishi Electric Consumer Products (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Thailand)○Mitsubishi Elevator Asia Co., Ltd. (Thailand)Mitsubishi Electric Thai Auto-Parts Co., Ltd. (Thailand)○Mitsubishi Electric (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator Co., Ltd. (China)○Shanghai Mitsubishi Electric & Shangling Air-Conditioner and Electric Appliance Co., Ltd.(China)○Mitsubishi Electric (Guangzhou) Compressor Co., Ltd. (China)○Mitsubishi Electric Dalian Industrial Products Co., Ltd. (China)○China Ryoden Co., Ltd. (China)

(Circle denotes 14 companies included in environmental accounting.)

Report Coverage

Turbine generators, water-wheel generators,nuclear-power equipment, electric motors,transformers, power electronics equipment, gascircuit breakers, gas insulated switchgears,switchgears, supervisory control and protectionsystems, transportation equipment, elevatorsand escalators, others

Energy and Electric Systems

Programmable controllers, inverters, servomotors, factory automation systems, electricmotors, hoists, electro-magnetic circuit break-ers, no-fuse breakers, earth leakage breakers,distribution transformers, electric meters, indus-trial sewing machines, computerized numericalcontrollers, electrical-discharge and laser-pro-cessing machines, industrial robots, car audio,car navigation, electrical automotive equipment,engine management systems, clutches, others

Industrial Automation Systems

Wireless communication equipment, mobilehandsets, wire communication equipment,satellite communication equipment, satellites,radar equipment, antennas, defense equipment,ultrasonic inspection meters, medical electronicequipment, broadcasting equipment, datatransmission equipment, mainframe comput-ers, servers, office computers, personal andmobile computers, peripheral devices, others

Information and Communication Systems

Memory ICs (DRAMs, SRAMs, non-volatilememory), logic ICs (MCUs, system LSIs, ASICs),display monitors, CRTs, plasma displays, LCDdevices, printed-circuit boards, others

Electronic Devices

Color televisions, projection televisions, videoprojectors, VCRs, room air conditioners, pack-age air conditioners, refrigerators, fan heaters,electric fans, washing machines, ventilators,photovoltaic power generating systems, electricwater heaters, fluorescent lamps, lighting fix-tures, compressors, freezers, humidifiers, dehu-midifiers, air purifiers, air conditioning systems,commercial refrigeration units, vacuum clean-ers, microwaves, others

Finance, distribution, real estate, advertising,material procurement and other services, mate-rials, others

Home Appliances

Others

FOMA* D2101VLeading the world with third-generationservice capability and real-time 2-waycommunications. *FOMA is a registered trademark of NTTDoCoMo of Japan.

High-performance LSIsBluetoothTM* Chip SetEnables wireless data exchangebetween computers, home appliances,mobile telephones, etc.*BluetoothTM is a registered trademark ofBluetooth SIG, Inc., of the United States ofAmerica.

Room Air-ConditionerComfort Sensor - KirigamineSensors maintain the desired temperature with automatic heating and cooling for year-roundcomfort.

Factory and Building AutomationSystemSA1Web browser-based remote monitoringand control of electric power usageconditions and facilities operations infactories or buildings.

40,00030,00020,00010,0000

28,11535,013

27,70737,940

27,05037,742

29,32641,294

24,09336,489

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

Energy and Electric SystemsIndustrial Automation Systems

Non-consolidatedFiscal Year

(100 million yen)

Consolidated

Information and Communication SystemsElectronic DevicesHome AppliancesOther

Consolidated

Non-consolidated

22.8%

14.8%

18.8%

11.6%

17.9%

14.1%

Energy and Electric SystemsIndustrial Automation SystemsInformation and Communication SystemsElectronic DevicesHome Appliances

28.7%

20.9%20.9%

15.7%

13.8%

JapanNorth AmericaAsiaEuropeOther

73.7%

8.9%

9.4%

6.0%

2.0%

■Sales

■Sales by Division

■Sales by Region

03 Environmental Sustainability Report 2002 Environmental Sustainability Report 2002 04

Corporate ProfileImage Information Network SystemTrain VisionContributing to better passenger ser-vice with high-resolution LCDs

DVD Car Navigation System CU-V7000RVPEnjoy movies and live performances as well as games and other entertainment using JavaTMTechnology*. *JavaTM Technology: Java is the name of an application program (registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc., ofthe United States of America).

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Outline of Corporate Environmental ManagementThe basic polices and measures taken by the Mitsubishi Electric Group regarding environmental problems are finalized inmanagement meetings in the presence of the Environmental Director, and are then relayed to the environmental managersat the Environmental Manager's Meeting for implementation throughout each business group.

■Organization Chart

Management at the MitsubishiElectric Group

Organization for CorporateEnvironmental Management

Businesssites

Affiliatedcompanies

Environmental Manager's Meeting

Environmental Director

Corporate Environmental Management Planning

Department

Businesssites

Affiliatedcompanies

Business groups (Environmental Committee)

Business groups (Environmental Committee)

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President

■Corporate Environmental Management Planning Department

The Corporate Environmental ManagementPlanning Department works with the envi-ronmental managers of each businessgroup and business site to enforce and sup-port the activities stated by theEnvironmental Director for the purpose ofupholding the basic environmental policesand directives of the Mitsubishi ElectricGroup. This report and other announce-ments regarding the environmental activi-ties of the Mitsubishi Electric Group areprovided to promote environmental com-munications within the group as well as torelease information of ongoing matters tothe public.

■Environmental ManagerThe position of “Environmental Manager”has been established in each businessgroup, and at each business site and affili-ated company.

■Environmental Manager’s MeetingThe environmental managers from eachbusiness group, business site and affiliatedcompany convene together twice a year toevaluate their activities, exchange informa-tion and make adjustments in order toachieve the environmental objectives ofthe Mitsubishi Electric Group.

■Environmental Technologies CommitteeThis committee is an advisory organ to theEnvironmental Director that addressestechnological topics necessary for meetingenvironmental objectives and promotes thedevelopment of evaluative techniques andcommon technologies that can be used

throughout the company. The EnvironmentalTechnologies Committee has three sub-committees: Design for the Environment,Waste Disposal and Recycling, and EnergyConservation.

■Engineer’s SocietyFormed as an engineer’s society related toenvironmental matters, researchers andengineers involved in the group’s environ-mental activities promote mutual exchangefor the purpose of self-enlightenment inorder to excel in their work. Activitiesinclude seminars and study tours regardingthe latest environmental technologies, aswell as meetings to announce researchresults. The society was reorganized inApril 2002 and expanded from a special-ized society related to one area of environ-mental preservation to include six differentareas (please refer to page 27 for details).

Environmental management within theMitsubishi Electric Group is carried oututilizing a two-column strategy: one man-agement column covers the company andthe other covers business sites and affiliat-ed companies. These two columns operatein unison to carry out what we call thePDCA (Plan→Do→Check→Action) cycleand promote environmental activitiesthroughout the entire group.

The Environmental Plan and other relatedpolices and measures for the MitsubishiElectric Group are stipulated by theEnvironmental Director, made known tothe environmental managers at theEnvironmental Manager’s Meeting andfurther developed within the EnvironmentalCommittee of each business group. Asrequested in the policies and measures,each business site and affiliated companyworks under the guidance of its relatedbusiness group to draft, implement andpromote a new action plan each fiscal year.

The progress of the promotional activitiesbeing carried out by the business sites andaffiliated companies is checked periodical-ly in the form of an environmental auditconducted by the Corporate EnvironmentalManagement Planning Department(Mitsubishi Electric head office) with thecooperation of the environmental managerfrom each business group. Each businessgroup also submits an “EnvironmentalResults Report” to the EnvironmentalDirector each year, the results of which areutilized to produce this report.


Integrated Environmental InformationSystem - Introducing “ECOrates”The information related to environmentalmanagement activities is both complicatedand extensive. It was therefore decided toconstruct an integrated in-house informa-tion management system that is easy tomanage and simple to use. MitsubishiElectric began company-wide use of thesystem, nicknamed “ECOrates,” in July2001. Plans are to introduce the system tothe company’s main domestic affiliatedcompanies in fiscal 2003. Presently, ECOrates accumulates and storesfive types of data, such as PRTR informa-tion. The inclusion of “Environmental AuditInformation” is also planned. (Please referto page 13 for details.)

PRTR Information

Green Procurement Support Information

Waste Management Information

Energy Management Information

Environmental Good PracticeReference Information

Environmental Accounting Information

Environmental Information

Database

Environmental Management

Support System


Support System


Support System AffiliatedCompany

Business Site

Headquarters

■Joint Environmental Information Network and Increased Efficiency in Environmental Management

"ECOrates": Integrated EnvironmentalInformation System

Business Site EnvironmentalManagement

Business sites and affiliated companieseach construct environmental manage-ment systems based upon the internation-al environmental system standard,ISO14001, and promote their environ-mental management activities according-ly.

In addition to being subject to internalaudits called for by the ISO 14001 stan-dard, each business site works to continu-ously improve its environmental effortsthrough regular evaluations by outsideauditors. In fiscal 1998, all manufactur-ing sites, the plant engineering & con-struction division and research facilities(27 sites in all) received ISO 14001 certi-fication, and the sites of all major affiliat-ed companies, both domestic and over-seas, received certification by fiscal2000. As of the end of fiscal 2001,ISO14001 certification has been acquiredby 37 companies and 40 sites domestical-ly and 10 companies and 10 sites over-seas.

C O L U M N

Corporate Environmental Management Planning Department Plans for Expanding Environmental Awareness via Company OperationsI joined the Corporate EnvironmentalManagement Planning Department about ayear and a half ago. Before this assign-ment, I worked on improving processesand productivity at the ManufacturingEngineering Center. It wasn't easy to realizein my former position, but I gained a newawareness of how important it is toincrease resource and energy use efficiencyand substitute less harmful substances forharmful materials in production processes,and it's basically the same for improvingproductivity, too. The awareness of envi-

ronmental concerns is spreading not onlyvia the activities of our business sites, butthrough the operations of the entire com-pany; it's growing in administrative, mar-keting, procurement, R&D and designdepartments, just to name a few. I believean important task of the CorporateEnvironmental Management PlanningDepartment is to help people realize clearlyonce again the connection between theirwork and environmental preservation activ-ities as well as further expand awareness ofenvironmental concerns via corporate

operations. Fiscal year 2002 is the final yearof the 3rd Environmental Plan*. We willcontinue striving to raise the environmentalconsciousness of allemployees as we workto achieve the goalswe have establishedand draft the 4thEnvironmental Plan.

Susumu HoshinouchiGeneral Manager, Corporate EnvironmentalManagement Planning Department

Business siteenvironmental

managementCompany-wide environmental management

Draft new environmental plan based on these results

Mitsubishi Electric

Group

ReportReport

Audit

Environmental Sustainability

Report

Environmental Plan

Headquarters Environmental

Audit

Second-term Corporate

Environmental Manager's

Meeting

An action plan is drafted at each business site based on the Environmental Plan

Environmental Action

Plan

Environmental Results Reports

Internal Environmental

Audit

First-term Corporate

EnvironmentalManager's

Meeting

Business Sites &

Affiliated Companies

■Environmental Management System

■ISO14001 Registered Site Map

Domestic Business Sites ････27Affiliated Companies ･････40

North America ･･･････1Europe ･･･････････････････2China･･････････････････････2Other Asian Regions ･･･････5

International Total･････10

Domestic Total ･･･････67

*Please refer to page 7 forthe 3rd EnvironmentalPlan.

Products Manufacturing Processes


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3rd Environmental Plan – Targets and ResultsThe Mitsubishi Electric Group drafted mid-term voluntary initiatives for improving corporate environmental managementand systematically introduced them as the “Environmental Plan.” Running from fiscal 2000 through fiscal 2002, the 3rdEnvironmental Plan has, as its major objectives, the following five themes.

Environmental Action ObjectivesThe Environmental Action Objectives of the 3rd Environmental Plan are listed below. Whether a product or a manufacturingprocess, tangible numerical targets have been set for each MET category.


age format, began company-wide in fiscal2001. The system is scheduled for intro-duction to the company’s main domesticaffiliated companies in fiscal 2003.

■Promotion of EnvironmentalInformation Disclosure

Through the process of publishing environ-mental reports and posting information onwebsites, Mitsubishi Electric is working tomake detailed information regarding theenvironmental activities of the entiregroup, including data on environmentalaccounting and the environmental perfor-mance of products, freely available tointerested parties.

to details in the chart below.)

■Creation of Eco-ProductsThe 3rd Environmental Plan further clari-fies the “Core Principles regarding Designfor the Environment” and the “Design forthe Environment (DFE) Guidelines,”*3

which were initially drafted in fiscal 1999.Mitsubishi Electric has introduced “FactorX”*4 as an additional tool for quantitative-ly evaluating the eco-efficiency and degreeof social contribution each product has.These three items are applied in promotingthe development of eco-products. (Pleaserefer to page 15 for details on “DFEGuidelines” and page 16 for details on“Factor X.”)

■Preparation of an EnvironmentalInformation System

The utilization of “ECOrates,” an integrat-ed environmental information systemdesigned to enable more efficient environ-mental activities by providing relatedinformation in an easy to retrieve and man-

■Strengthening EnvironmentalManagement

In support of the environmental policies ofthe Mitsubishi Electric Group and tostrengthen related activities, the 3rdEnvironmental Plan identifies MitsubishiElectric subsidiaries and major affiliatedcompanies as “companies targeted for appli-cation” *1 of the Environmental Plan.Additionally, those affiliated companieswhose activities are deemed to have a rela-tively large impact on the environment areauthorized as “plan-drafting companies.”*2

These companies will introduce environ-mental management systems and draftannual implementations that will be intro-duced in order to meet the action objectivesstipulated in the 3rd Environmental Plan.

■Setting New Action ObjectivesIn addition to expanding the objectives ofthe 2nd Environmental Plan (initiated infiscal 1996), the 3rd Environmental Planincorporates new objectives introducedbased on the M.E.T. concept. (Please refer

*1) Companies targeted for application (as ofApril 2002): 105 domestic companies, 39overseas companies.

*2) Plan-drafting companies (as of April 2002): 46domestic companies, 16 overseas compa-nies.

*3) DFE Guidelines: Outline for tangible designand evaluation of eco-products.

*4) Factor X: Standard for evaluating a product’seco-efficiency, calculated by MitsubishiElectric based on the M.E.T. concept.

Promote consideration of designs that are environmentallyfriendly.●Set targets that reduce the negative environmental impact of prod-

ucts that have reached the end of their service life by assessing theprocessing required for each product at the end of its life (EOL*1).●Conduct LCAs*2 that specify a product's specific impact on the

environment so that materials can be chosen and productionprocesses adjusted accordingly, thus resulting in verification ofreduction in environmental impact.●Promote "green" procurement. Reduce negative environmental

impact from the procurement stage by assessing the chemical con-tent of composite components and determining the suitability ofusing recycled materials for new products.

Tangible Targets Main Results Evaluation

●Environmental assessments of products have been used tointroduce disposal management systems at EOL.Application to a vast range of product groups has begun.●LCA is being used on representative models to verify

improvements and to set targets for reducing negative envi-ronmental impact further.●In the Information and Communication Systems Group, in

accordance with the original Chemical Substance ControlSystem, minimization of environmentally harmful sub-stances in products and procured materials at the productdesign level is being enforced.

●Taking back and recycling used home appliances as a busi-ness concern has begun.●Higashihama Recycle Center is now recycling plastic parts

to be used in the manufacture of new products.●Determining overall product design and shortening disas-

sembly time. In addition, not only identifying the plasticmaterials used but also indicating screw positions and howmany of them are used. ●Reduction targets set for product packaging materials. 17%

reduction compared with fiscal 1998, achieving target setfor fiscal 2002 one year early.

●Established a target with suitable characteristics to match awide range of product groups. Made advancements inreducing the power consumption of active and standbymodes in various products.

●We have succeeded in securing the same level of relialibitywith lead-free solder using any application form (flow,reflow or manual) as provided with the existing method(lead solder) and have introduced lead-free solder technolo-gy as an in-house standard; this is an industry first.*4 It willbe applied to mass production products (air-conditioners,refrigerators) beginning in fiscal 2002. ●The refrigerant used in some of the thermal units of heat-

ing/cooling products was changed from HCFC to HFC*3 inthe fiscal 2001 season. For the volume of refrigerant used,please refer to page 34.

ResourceConservation/Recycling &Waste Reduction

Make sincere efforts to recycle materials and ensure theeffective use of resources for products and packaging mate-rials.●Use standard compound resins, etc., to reduce the kinds of

materials used.●Simplify and shorten disassembly times.●Promote the reuse of used parts and re-manufacturing of

used products.●Increase the use of recycled materials.●Provide content information on products with plastic parts.●Reduce the amount of packaging material used per product●Reduce company-wide use of packaging materials by 10%

(compared with fiscal 1998 levels) by fiscal 2002.

Maintain close control of chemical substances used in prod-ucts—make progress in reducing/substituting substancesthat are harmful to the environment.●Maintain close control of chemical substances used in prod-

ucts—promote reduction/substitution of substances harm-ful to the environment such as heavy metals (lead, cadmi-um, mercury, hexavalent chromium), polybrominatedbiphenyl (PBB) flame retardant, vinyl chloride resins, ozonedepleting substances, greenhouse gases, etc.●Design products so that, in cases where it is technologically

difficult to use a substitute, the harmful substance is madeclearly distinguishable and easy to remove during disassem-bly.●Eliminate the use of HCFC*3 in air-conditioning and refriger-

ation equipment as a foaming agent by the end of fiscal2004 and as a refrigerant by the end of fiscal 2010.

Improve energy efficiency and reduce power consumption inthe active and standby modes of individual products.●Set targets for reducing power consumption in the active

and standby modes of individual products. Please refer to details onpage 14 and thereafter.

M

Prevention ofGlobal Warming

E

CommonObjectives

MET

Control ofChemicalSubstances

T

Consider resource conservation and recycling, and reducethe generation of wastes.●Shift from end-of-pipe waste reduction policies (post-disposal)

to source reduction (pre-disposal: design) policies (i.e., promotemeasures integrated in product development, etc.).

●Assess emission levels related to the manufacturing processesof leading products by the end of fiscal 2000 and set targets foremissions control and resource reuse.

●Reduce the waste handled by waste removal services by 30%(compared with fiscal 1998 levels) by fiscal 2002. Reduce theamount of waste disposed of by waste removal services toless than 10% of total waste by fiscal 2002.

●Set specific targets for reduction/reuse of each type of wastematerial.

Tangible Targets Main Results Evaluation

●For mass-production products, 19 targets were set foremissions control or reuse of resources in 18 representativemodel groups. Of the 19, 16 were achieved, with 3 remain-ing. ●Consigned disposal companies removed 8,100t in fiscal

2001, a reduction of more than 30% compared to fiscal1998. The volume is 9.6% of total emissions, thus achiev-ing the target set for fiscal 2002 one year early.●All business sites set targets to reduce the amount of

waste plastic and wastepaper. As a result, waste plastic vol-ume was reduced 21% and wastepaper volume by 16%(both compared to fiscal 2000 volumes). For those businesssites that create sludge or waste oils, targets for reducingvolumes have also been set.

●CO2 emissions have been reduced by 4% and 7% com-pared to the volumes emitted in fiscal 2000 and 1990,respectively. However, taking the lower sales figure intoaccount (down 18% compared to last year), there was anincrease of 17% considering the carbon-equivalent energyconsumption to net sales. (The increase compared to fiscal1990 is 0.1% and has leveled off.)

●The volumes and emission transfer amounts of the chemicalsubstances targeted for management by the MitsubishiElectric Group were set utilizing PRTR. Emission transferdropped by 23% compared to fiscal 1997.●Total emission of toluene, xylene and styrene into the atmos-

phere was reduced by 10% compared to fiscal 1999.●Emission of HFC and HCFC was 0.65% of total volume used.●Emission of PFC gas was reduced by 6.5% compared to fis-

cal 1998, and that of liquid PFC was reduced by 50% com-pared to fiscal 1995. Continual improvements in manufactur-ing processes allowed achievement of the target early on.●The emission of SF6 was 8.5% of the total volume pur-

chased.

ResourceConservation/Re-cycling & WasteReduction

Minimize CO2 emissions through activities to reduce energyconsumption.●Reduce CO2 emissions by 25% by fiscal 2010 (compared to

the fiscal 1990 level of carbon-equivalent energy consump-tion to net sales).●Target a total improvement of over 1.5% per year at

Mitsubishi Electric manufacturing sites.●Target a total improvement of over 1% per year at other

Mitsubishi Electric facilities and affiliated companies.

Reduce emissions of chemical substances by controllingtheir use in production processes.●Prepare for the operation of PRTR*5 and move forward with

early implementation plans.●Reduce the release of toluene and xylene group substances

into the open atmosphere.●Set reduction targets for greenhouse gas (GHG)*6 emissions

(excluding CO2 emissions).

・HFC+HCFC: Maintain plant emissions below 0.2% of thetotal amount handled by fiscal 2002.・PFC: Reduce factory emissions of PFC gas by 6% by fiscal

2002 (compared with fiscal 1998 level); reduce factory emis-sions of liquid PFC (total greenhouse effect value) by 10%(compared with fiscal 1995 level).・SF6: Maintain emissions of plants/equipment below 3% of

the amount at the time of installation by fiscal 2005.

Please refer to details onpage 33 and thereafter.

M

Prevention ofGlobal Warming

E

Control ofChemicalSubstances

T



Please refer to the detailson page 14 and there-after.



*1) EOL: End of life*2) LCA: Life Cycle Assessment*3) HCFC: Hydrochlorofluorocarbon

HFC: Hydrofluorocarbon

*4) As of June 2002*5) PRTR: Pollutant Release and Transfer

Register (mechanism for determining emissionsof chemical substances)

*Evaluation standards set by the Mitsubishi Electric Group

Extremely Good Good Must Try Harder

■Major Awards

Communication Systems Center

Power Device Division

Kitaitami Administration Center

Nagoya Works Shinshiro Factory

Kumamoto Factory

Gunma Works

Fukuyama Works

Energy & Industrial Systems Center

Nagoya Works

Energy & Industrial Systems Center

Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Systems Works



Nakatsugawa Works

Transmission & Distribution, Transportation Systems Center

Shizuoka Works

Communication Systems Center

Shizuoka Works

Sagami Administration Center

Kamakura Works

Fukuyama Works

Superior Energy Conservation Award, The Energy Conservation Center Chairman’s Prize

Factory Energy Management Excellence Award (Electrical Dept.), Agency of Natural Resources and Energy Director’s Prize

Factory Energy Management Excellence Award (Electrical Dept.), Kinki Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Chief’s Prize

Factory Energy Management Excellence Award (Electrical Dept.), Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Chief’s Prize

Factory Energy Management Excellence Award (Heating Dept.), Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Chief’s Prize

Energy Conservation Grand Prix Award (Energy-efficient Machinery/System), Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Grand Prize

Meritorious Work in Energy Management Award, The Energy Conservation Center’s Chugoku Branch Manager’s Award

Superior Energy-Conserving Machinery Award, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Superior Energy-Conserving Machinery Award, The Japan Machinery Federation Chairman’s Prize



Power Load Standardization System Award, Heat Pump & Thermal Storage Center Promotion Prize

Japan Society of Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers Prize, Technology Award

New Energy Grand Prix, New Energy Foundation Chairman’s Award

Commendation for the Promotion of Recycling, Council for Promotion of Recycling Chairman’s Award

Commendation for the Promotion of Recycling, Council for Promotion of Recycling Chairman’s Award

Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture Award

The Patent Office Director’s Prize, Kanto Regional Invention Award

River Beautification Cleaning Volunteer Commendation

Ministry of Labour and Welfare Award of Excellence

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award

The Energy Conservation Center







The Japan Machinery Federation




Heat Pump & Thermal Storage Center

Japan Society of Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers

New Energy Foundation

Council for Promotion of Recycling

Council for Promotion of Recycling

The Hyogo Industrial Association

Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation

Kanagawa Prefecture Sagami River Preparation Center

Kanagawa Bureau of Labor

Japan Electrical Construction AssociationInc.(Fiscal 2001 Densetsu Industrial Product Exhibition Competition)

Completion of energy-efficient technology building

Energy conservation through centralization of all employees in Fukuoka district

Long-term energy conservation efforts

Noteworthy energy conservation investment

Promotion of energy conservation through improved energy management

Mitsubishi Eco-Cute Hot-Water Heater (SRT-HP711) with natural refrigerant heat pump

Remarkable achievement in energy management and promotion of energy conservation awareness

GCT inverter (MELBEC-3000C)

High-output YAG laser system with LD excitation (remarkable energy savings effect)

700m ultrahigh-head high-speed, large-capacity pumped-storage hydroelectric generator system (Kunogawa Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company)

Scroll compressor with condenser unit (UB Series)

MEL ICE SYSTEM, low-temperature thermal-ice storage system

Scroll compressor (UMJ Series)

Photovoltaic power system for hip roof

Contributions to recycling activities through waste reduction and recycling of resources

Contributions to recycling activities through waste reduction and recycling of resources

Achievements in waste reduction through fraction elimination and informative internal meetings

Non-reciprocal oil application technology for HFC refrigerant-complaint refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment

Volunteer cleaning activities along Sagami River

Promotion of non-chrome and non-cyanogen plating, pre-evaluation of chemical substances, labeling

Supporting energy conservation activities and concern for the environment (use of recyclable materials, ending use of vinyl chloride, labeling of materials used), WSSeries circuit breakers (including MDU model)

Main Results Award Name Awarding Organization

*6) Greenhouse Gases (GHG)HCFC: HydrochlorofluorocarbonHFC: HydrofluorocarbonPFC: PerfluorocarbonSF6: Sulfur hexafluoride


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Environmental Activity Highlights of Fiscal 2001Highlights of the environmental activities conducted by the company in fiscal 2001 are listed below. For a more detailedaccount, please refer to the page specified in parentheses. For information regarding affiliated companies, please refer topage 37.


■Providing Public to Access to Product Environmental Information (page 17)Providing access to environmental information about products that the group manufac-tures is a vital part of our activities. Information like a list of products compliant with theGreen Procurement Law, which provides customers the opportunity to compare andselect environmentally friendly products, and the "MET-Profile" (i.e., quantitative environ-mental information about products) is openly available to the public and posted on theMitsubishi Electric website. The list of targeted product models scheduled for release isbeing expanded as well. ■Product Eco-efficiency Index (“Factor X”) Calculated and Introduced at

Eco-Products 2001 (page 16)“Factor X” is a newly introduced index that is being carefully watched by many. Utilizingthe Factor X formula, a product’s degree of social contribution to the environment (i.e.,improvement through reducing negative environmental impact) can be calculated and ispresented as a numerical value. Trial calculations were carried out for a number of prod-ucts and the results released to the public at the Eco-Products 2001 Exhibition. The com-pany will continue studying Factor X and its application for the purpose of learning how tobetter utilize the new eco-efficiency index as well as improve its accuracy.

■Environmental Account(Non-consolidated)

■Resources Input & Emissions Output to the Environment

■Trend in Waste Generation ■Trend in CO2 Emissions ■Mitsubishi Electric’s PRTR

In parallel with the enactment of the Home Appliances Recycling Law,Mitsubishi Electric began home appliance recycling activities in which ittakes back used home appliances, disassembles them and uses therecyclable materials to manufacture new products. Various productparts, such as the baseboard that holds the electrical components of ourcommercial-use air-conditioners, are now being made from plastic that iscollected from used appliances at the Higashihama Recycle Center. Weare focusing great effort on accelerating the materials recycling programand applying recycled materials to mass-produced products.

Effective Use of Resources (page 23)M

In addition to the devices specified (home appliance products) in theEnergy Conservation Law, we are continuously working to reduce prod-uct energy consumption in all of our product groups, especially in theareas of power generation/conversion systems, industrial machinery andelectronic devices. In fiscal 2001, a number of our products received highevaluations for their impressive energy-efficient operation.

Efficient Use of Energy (page 8 and after page 18)E

Through joint efforts with other manufacturers, we have developed alead-free solder that can be used for flow, reflow and manual solderingand provides reliability equivalent to that of lead-based solders (patentpending). Use of the new solder has been standardized throughout thecompany. The lead-free solder technology was used to develop lead-free plates and balls for the semiconductor Group. Mass production ofthese components has already begun. The technology is also beingused in the manufacture of room air-conditioners and refrigerators thatwill reach the market in the fall of 2002. Plans are to fully integrate it intomass production (i.e., several 100,000 units scale) and use it for all mod-els in the Home Appliances Group.

Reduce Use of Substances PotentiallyHarmful to the Environment (page 15)T

Results regarding Products

Business area activities

Pollution prevention

Global environmental conservation

Resources circulation

Activities up/downstream of production

Environmental management activities

R&D activities for environmental conservation

Social activities

Environmental restoration

Total

Profit

Savings

Total

75.1

31.5

18.9

24.7

6.6

22.4

18.9

0.2

1.3

124.5

6.0

26.1

32.1

Item Cost (100 million yen)IN OUT

Water 15.21 million cubic metersElectricity 1.6 billion kWhGas 27 million cubic metersNatural gas 2,400tOil (crude oil conversion) 22,100klChemical substances 3,431t

ReuseWater 5.49 millioncubic meters

MitsubishiElectric

Emissions to WaterWater 15.16 million cubic metersChemical substances targeted for control 9tCOD (Chemical oxygen demand) 78tBOD (Biological oxygen demand) 78tNitrogen 147tPhosphorus 8t

Emissions to AtmosphereCarbon dioxide (CO2) 810,000t-CO2

Chemical substances targeted for control 565t (excluding amounts contained in other wastes)

Of those -Volatile organic compounds (VOC) 481tGreenhouse gases(HCFC, HFC, PFC, SF6) 450,000t-CO2

Ozone depleting substances (HCFC total) 0.35ODP-t

SOx 9tNOx 130t

Wastes: Disposal volume 84,600tRecyclable resources 73,600tWaste disposal services 8,100t (including final disposal amount of 900t)Internal reduction 2,900t

Results regarding Manufacturing Processes

Key Environmental Data

In line with the reduction in production andintegration of businesses, the total wastegenerated decreased to 84,600t in fiscal2001, a drop of 7,800t compared to fiscal2000. The volume of waste consigned fordisposal companies was 8,100t, a reductionof 2,100t compared to fiscal 2000 and 9.6%less than all emissions total, thus achievingthe target of the 3rd Environmental Plan oneyear ahead of time. Furthermore, the recy-clable resources ratio increased another 2points (rising to 87%) since last year.

Effective Use of Resources (page 29)M

As sales decreased by 18% compared tofiscal 2000, the influence on carbon-equiv-alent energy consumption/net sales ratewas an increase of 17%. However, owingto the many various energy conservationactivities undertaken, the total amount ofenergy consumed last year fell by 4%compared to the last fiscal year. In the cate-gory of greenhouse gases, the reduction inCO2 emissions was 810,000t (7%) comparedto fiscal 1990. In terms of energy consump-tion/net sales, there was an increase ofonly 0.1% compared to fiscal 1990, so thathas leveled off.

Efficient Use of Energy (page 31)E

Efforts to reduce the emission of chemicalsubstances targeted for control continue,and we have been monitoring and record-ing the emissions transfer volume sincefiscal 1997. The emissions transfer amountin fiscal 2001 fell by 23% compared to fiscal1997. Activities targeting the reduction ofchemicals with large emissions into theatmosphere (i.e., toluene, xylene andstyrene) began in fiscal 2000. By rationaliz-ing processes, implementing substitutionmethods and introducing combustion con-trol and filtering systems, emissions trans-fer was reduced 10% compared to fiscal1999.

Reduce Use of Substances PotentiallyHarmful to the Environment (page 33)T

List of Products Compliantwith Green Procurement Law

Plastic separation system Electrical component baseboard(recycled plastic)

Superior Energy-Conserving Machinery Award,The Japan Machinery Federation Chairman'sPrize from The Japan Machinery Federation

Scroll Compressor with condenser(UB Series)

MET-Profile

■Acquirement of ISO14001 CertificationAll of the Mitsubishi Electric production sites and the majority of its affiliated companies (37 companies and 40 sites domestically, 10 companiesand 10 sites overseas) have acquired ISO14001 certification.

Energy Conservation Grand Prix Award (Energy-efficientMachinery/System), Ministery of Economy, Trade andIndustry Grand Prize from The Energy Conservation Center

Mitsubishi Eco-Cute Hot-water Heater (SRT-HP711) with natural refrigerant heat pump

6

0

7

6.5

7.5

8

8.5

9

9.5

10

10.5

11

11.5

12

0

100

75

95

90

85

80

70

65

60

55

50

'91 '98 '99 '00 '01

Recyclable Resources Ratio Consigned disposalInternal removal/treatmentRecyclable resources

Tota

l was

te (1

0,00

0t)

Perc

enta

ge o

f rec

ycla

ble

reso

urce

s (%

)

(Fiscal year)0

200

400

600

800

1000

60

70

80

90

100

110

’90 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01

CO2 emissions (1,000t-CO2)Energy consumption/net sales (compared to fiscal 1990)

CO2 e

mis

sion

s (1

,000

t-CO2

)

Energ

y con

sump

tion/n

et sa

les(%

comp

ared t

o fisc

al 19

90)

(Fiscal year) 0

200

400

600

800

900

1000

700

500

300

100

’01’00’99’98’97

Waste removed from sitesReleased in sewage systemsReleased in water systemsReleased into the atmosphere

Rele

ase

and

tran

sfer

of c

hem

ical

subs

tanc

es ta

rget

ed fo

r con

trol

(t)

(Fiscal year)

Lead-free products inSemiconductor Group

Packaged air-conditioners man-ufactured using lead-free tech-nology

External plating External ball

Sn-Pb → Sn-Cu Sn-Pb → Sn-Ag-Cu

Environmental Sustainability Report 2002 1211Environmental Sustainability Report 2002

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Environmental Accounting Fiscal 2001Environmental accounting provides a quantitative view of the cost involved in environmental management activities as well as an under-standing of the effect the activities have made. Following draft guidelines received from the Ministry of the Environment, Mitsubishi Electricdrafted a set of environmental accounting standards that stipulate the extent to which environmental accounting is to be applied.

Guidelines – Fiscal 2002 Edition, publishedand distributed by Japan’s Ministry of theEnvironment. Details are provided below andon the next page.

terms of effect on environmental protection,the emissions of greenhouse gases and ozonedepleting substances were reduced in termsof materials to net sales ratio.*2 The econom-ic effect of the group’s environmental man-agement activities fell 30% to 4.74 billionyen. These figures are based upon classifica-tions in the Environmental Accounting

The environmental management cost forMitsubishi Electric and 44 of its majordomestic and overseas affiliated companies*1

was 15.74 billion yen in fiscal 2001, a reduc-tion of 16% compared to fiscal 2000. Ofthis, facilities investments totaled 4.13 billionyen (down 19%) and development invest-ments were 1.9 billion yen (down 44%). In

*1) Among the companies (plan-drafting companies) working toachieve the objectives of the 3rd Environmental Plan, only the mainaffiliated companies targeted for having a significant environmen-tal impact in the course of business operations are included.

*2) Absolute amount (materials)/net sales

Upper row (Black): Mitsubishi Electric Group／Lower row (Blue): Mitsubishi Electric (non-consolidated)／(Unit: 100 million yen)

*3) Under the entry ”Activities upstream and downstream of production” in the above chart, for “the costs related to the recycling, collection, reuse and proper processing of productsproduced and/or sold” and their related effects, the earnings figures of recycling business conducted inside the Mitsubishi Electric Group have been excluded.

*4) The costs for enabling access to environmental information and environment-related advertising, as well as those for environmental improvement measures such as nature conser-vation, greening, beautification and landscape maintenance in and surrounding business sites, which are included in “Environmental management activities” above, were includedin “Social activities” in fiscal 2000.

*5) Regarding R&D expenses, only costs related to the development of basic technologies that reduce negative environmental impact are included; the development costs of specificproducts are not included in these calculations.

■Environmental Protection ExpendituresCapital

Investment Item

R&DCosts*5

OperationalExpenses

Total Main ContentCompared to Previous

Fiscal Year

Business area activities

Pollution prevention

Global environmental conservation

Resources circulation

Activities up/downstream of production*3

Environmental management activities*4

R&D for environmental conservation

Social activities

Environmental restration

Total

Compared to previous fiscal year

37.928.6

12.28.7

22.217.4

3.52.5

2.92.7

0.30.0

0.00.0

0.00.0

0.20.2

41.331.5

▲9.4▲8.0

19.018.9

19.018.9

▲14.7▲14.2

Expansion and maintenance costs for facilities for treat-ing exhaust gases and wastewater emissions; expan-sion costs for dioxin countermeasure facilities, etc.Costs for introducing facilities for energy countermeasures such asthermal-ice storage air-conditioning systems and preparation ofmanufacturing systems compatible with HCFC substitutes, etc.Costs associated with expansion of facilities for recov-ering wastewater, water recovery/reuse, waste reduc-tion, treatment and recycling, etc.Costs associated with the expansion of facilities for therecovery of HCFC utilized in products, efforts to reduceand reuse packaging, etc.Costs associated with the maintenance and operationof environmental management systems, employee envi-ronmental education, etc.Development of technologies for HCFC refrigerant substitutes, lead-freeproduct technologies, recycling methods for waste plastics, developmentof technologies for analyzing gases harmful to the environment, etc.

Regional volunteer activities, etc.

Expenses related to environmental surveys and clean-up activities, etc.

－－

－－

－－

－－

－－

－－

－－

－－

0.00.0

97.174.1

▲6.6▲8.7

0.20.2

2.01.1

61.946.5

28.622.8

2.71.5

30.622.2

4.13.9

28.922.4

19.018.9

157.4124.5

▲30.7▲30.9

0.20.2

2.21.3

99.875.1

40.831.5

24.918.9

34.124.7

7.06.6

29.222.4

▲16.5▲14.5

▲30.7▲30.9

▲8.6▲7.5

▲2.6▲2.9

▲9.0▲11.8

▲2.2▲1.4

▲8.2▲10.9

1.40.5

▲1.8▲1.1

7.86.9

■Environmental Protection Effect*1

Upper row (Black): Mitsubishi Electric Group Lower row (Blue): Mitsubishi Electric (non-consolidated)(Unit: 100 million yen)■Economic Effect of Environmental Protection Activities

AmountItemCompared toPrevious Fiscal Year

Main Content

Profit

Savings

Total

8.16.0

39.326.1

47.432.1

Profits generated from recycling, such as the sale of scrap metal, etc.

Savings from reductions in electricity charges through energy conservation, water charges through waterreuse, disposal charges through waste reduction, chemical expenses through reductions in the use of chemi-cal substances, the costs of new items through the reduction/reuse of packaging, etc.

▲2.9▲2.7

▲17.4▲19.8

▲20.3▲22.5

■Circumstances by Business Group ■Environmental Protection Expenditures ■Economic Effect of Environmental Protection ActivitiesBusiness Group




Electronic Devices

Home Appliances

Other

Environmental Protection Cost (100 million yen)

22.013.76.6

41.724.915.6

Economic Effect (100 million yen)

3.34.20.8

20.43.20.2

Effect UnitFiscal 2001

ResultsCompared to Previous

Fiscal Year*6

Compared to Previous Fiscal Year’s Unit/Net Sales*6

t 6,672 ▲2,356 84%3,431 ▲2,389 72%

●Decrease indicates reduction in negative environmental impact○Increase indicates reduction in negative environmental impact

●PRTR*3 targeted substances usedEnvironmentally harmful substance use

10,000GJ

2,353 ▲112 108%1,880 ▲82 117%

●Total energy usedEnergy use

10,000m3

1,823 ▲88 108%1,521 ▲50 118%

●Water used

t-CO22,177,000 ▲550,000 90%1,668,000 ▲546,000 92%

●Greenhouse gases emitted*4

ODP-t0.35 ▲0.95 30%0.35 ▲0.85 36%

●Emission of ozone depleting substances

t 793 ▲95 101%565 13 125%

●PRTR*3 targeted substances used

t 680 ▲80 101%480 ▲50 110%

●VOC (volatile organic compounds)

t 9 －－130 －－

●SOx (sulfuric oxide)t●NOx (nitrogen oxide)

Water use

Emitted toatmosphere

10,000m3

1,769 329 139%1,516 276 149%

●Total wastewater

t 10 ▲83 12%9 ▲4 84%

●PRTR*3 targeted substances used

t 78 －－147 －－

●COD (chemical oxygen demand)

8 －－126,600 ▲7,300 107%

●Nitrogen t●Phosphorus t

40,400 ▲5,000 －●Packaging material used t

Emitted towater/ground

t84,600 ▲7,800 111%

●Total wastes emitted

t 473 40 124%131 ▲59 84%

●PRTR*3 targeted substances used (waste transfer amount)

％81 ▲187 2

○Percentage of resources reusable, recyclable or capable of thermal recovery in total wastes emitted

68 －％○Percentage of reusable amount in used products collected*5

Emitted aswastes

Negative environ-mental impact attime of disposal

Resources introduced into businessactivities

Negativeenvironmentalimpact andwastesfrom businessactivities

Property and ser-vices from busi-ness activities*2

Bu

sin

ess

Are

aIn

tern

alA

cti

vit

ies

Up/

dow

nstr

eam

Act

iviti

es

*1) Excluding overseas affiliated companies.*2) Product negative environmental impact calculated using company’s Factor X index; refer to page 16 for details.*3) Substances targeted for control by Mitsubishi Electric (including substances targeted by PRTR Law).*4) CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions excluding CO2 (CO2 conversion) were tabulated together.*5) The average value of the recyclable resources ratio for Mitsubishi Electric’s home appliances (air-conditioners, TVs, refrigerators and washing machines) as defined by the Home

Appliance Recycling Law.*6) "—": Not compared to previous fiscal year as there is no record for previous year. Red-framed box means reduction in negative environmental impact compared to previous fiscal

year.*7) This fiscal year’s negative environmental impact – Previous year’s negative environmental impact x (Present fiscal year’s net sales / Previous fiscal year’s net sales).

Environmental Accounting Standards of the Mitsubishi Electric GroupIn December 1999, Mitsubishi Electric drafted and adopted a set of environmental accounting standards that includes clear definitions of expenditure items to be calculat-ed and the range to which the standards would be applied. The important principles of the company's standards are listed here. Even though the environmental account-ing in fiscal 2001 was calculated in accordance with the classification in the Environmental Accounting Guidelines - Fiscal 2002 Edition, our principles have not changed.

The costs for lowering the negative impact on the environment in the company’sbusiness activities (centering on manufacturing activities) are calculated. However,costs for environment-related business like photovoltaic power generation or thedevelopment and production expenses of Eco-Products or proceeds from theirsales are not included.

The revenues and expenditures of environmental businesses and productsthat are designed to reduce negative environmental impact are not included.

There are many activities with the compound objectives of increasing productionefficiency and reducing environmental impact, however, our basic policy is to iso-late and count only the portion intended to reduce the negative impact on the envi-ronment. When it is impossible to make clear distinctions, judgment is determinedby the main objective of development.

The entire value of a capital investment is included in the figures for the year in which theinvestment is implemented, and calculations for depreciation are not made. If the results ofa particular investment will continue to provide returns over multiple years, an estimate ofthe expected results for up to a maximum of three years will be added to the total of the firstfiscal year in which the results are realized.

We do not include hypothetical calculations of risk avoidance effects (so-called “equivalen-cy effects”) such as estimates of the compensatory value of not pursuing a particular envi-ronmental policy. Instead, we only include the results that are actually achieved,such assavings from energy conservation activities or sales profits achieved due to the reuse ofresources.

1

Coverage is limited to activities whose main purpose is toreduce negative environmental impact.2

The entire value of a capital investment is included in thetotal of the year in which it was actually implemented.3

Revenues are limited to those that can be calculated onthe basis of reliable supporting data.4

Upper row (Black): Mitsubishi Electric Group／Lower row (Blue): Mitsubishi Electric (non-consolidated)／Only one row: Mitsubishi Electric (non-consolidated)

18%

11%

33%

20%

13%

5%

Energy and Electric SystemsIndustrial Automation SystemsInformation and Communication SystemsElectronic DevicesHome AppliancesOther

10%

13%

63%

10%1%

3%Energy and Electric SystemsIndustrial Automation SystemsInformation and Communication SystemsElectronic DevicesHome AppliancesOther

Compared to Previous Fiscal Yearafter Adjustment for Net Sales

▲1,305▲1,350175268134230

▲232,684▲150,929▲0.80▲0.64

8112845－－497497▲72▲2－－－

8,2818,68890▲25

－

*6

*7


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■ECOrates Display ScreensMain FunctionIndividual System Names

①PRTR System

②Environmental Good PracticeReference System

③Waste Management System

④Environmental InformationSharing System⑤Green Procurement Support

System

Control purchase, emission and transfer amounts of substances targeted by the PRTR Law; MSDS*3

information is simultaneously placed in a database that can be accessed by group members.Waste reduction and energy conservation examples of each business site are compiled into adatabase, utilized for storing knowledge of the entire company (180 cases in fiscal 2001).In addition to listing waste emissions and materials by type, cost of disposal and data on disposal service companies,management of manifest voucher circumstances and publication of an electronic manifest is made more efficient. October 2000

August 2000

April 1999(functions upgrade in March 2002)

July 2001

January 2002

Business site version automatically extracts data for amounts of energy, water, types of paper used, wastes and chemical substances used byprocess, department and business site. The company-wide version manages and lists comprehensive numerical values in time sequence.Database of environmental management information provided by suppliers capable of being accessed internally and bymember companies of the group. Circumstances regarding a supplier’s acquisition of ISO14001 can be referenced.

System Introduction Date

■ECOrates Display ScreensEnergy and water resources information, wasteand recycling information, and chemical sub-stances information are calculated for each busi-ness site and integrated in the EnvironmentalInformation Sharing System. Numerical valuemanagement is conducted at the company-wide level.

ECOrates – The Integrated Environmental Information SystemThe massive amount of data involved in administrative and managerial issues related to the environmental managementbusiness requires the utilization of various information systems. To improve the efficiency of its environmental manage-ment activities, Mitsubishi Electric has developed and introduced an integrated environmental information managementsystem designed to promote the achievement of environmental action objectives throughout the group.

The company began operating theECOrates integrated environmental infor-mation system in July 2001 with the aimof achieving the environmental actionobjectives of the entire group in a con-certed manner. The ECOrates system canprovide a quantitative description (i.e.,numerical values) of the amount ofchemical substances and energy used orwaste emissions from a particular works,factory, or business group, thus making iteasy to understand the environmentalmanagement activities at different levelsthroughout the entire company. All ofthe data is accessible to employees viathe company’s Intranet, making it com-mon property and enabling environmen-tal management operations to be runmore efficiently.

Unification of EnvironmentalInformation

ECOrates is a combination of five differ-ent systems: 1) PRTR*1 System, 2)Environmental Good Practice ReferenceSystem, 3) Waste Management System,4) Environmental Information SharingSystem, and 5) Green ProcurementSupport System. Of the five systems, theEnvironmental Good Practice Referenceand Waste Management systems are cur-rently being introduced to affiliated com-panies as well, and plans are to introducethe entire ECOrates system to majordomestic affiliated companies by March2004. It is planned to improve the data-base for negative environmental impactinformation on parts and materials of thecurrent Green Procurement SupportSystem, and development for inclusion ofthe Environmental Accounting System isunderway.

The 5 Functions of ECOrates

The Mitsubishi Electric headquarters,Corporate Total Productivity Management& Environmental Programs Group and 15business sites set up a close network andstarted partial operation of the ECOratessystem for the purpose of improving sys-tems design for manufacturing processes.Now, three years later, the ECOrates systemis in use throughout the entire company.Because of its convenience for providingdetailed information regarding emission lev-els, costs and waste disposal services, othercompanies have been utilizing the WasteManagement System since fiscal 2001.Beginning in fiscal 2002, plans are toactively market each of the ECOrates sys-tems to other companies as ASP*2 servicesoffered by Mitsubishi Electric ApplicationServices Co., Ltd.

Manufacturing Process SystemDesign

*1) PRTR: Pollutant Release and TransferRegister

*2) ASP: Application Service Provider

*3) MSDS: Materials Safety Data Sheet

Reduce Use of Substances Potencially Harmful to the Environment

(Chemical substance control)

TOXICITYT

Efficient Use of Energy

(Prevention of global warming)

ENERGYE

Use

Sustainable Society

Eco-Products

Information Disclosure

Reuse/Recycle Disposal


(Resource conservation, recycling, waste reduction)

MATERIALM

Design

Procure-ment

SustainableConsumption

Distribution

Manufacturing


Eco-ProductsCombine all of the latest-model air-conditioners* recently shipped by Mitsubishi Electric, add up the annualtotal electricity saved through energy-efficiency technologies introduced, and the savings could providepower to 60,000 average-sized homes in Tokyo for a full year.

Mitsubishi Electric is contributing to the creation of a sustainable society through the manufacture of Eco-Products; goods and systems designed and built giving undivided attention to saving energy and resources,and reducing the use of environmentally harmful substances.

Eco-Products

*Annual electricity savings of 1,041kWh (1 Mitsubishi Electric MS2-WX28J air-conditioner, recent shipment of 200,000 units)Calculation conducted byMitsubishi Electric based upon electricity consumption of average-sized home in Tokyo: electricity use and power fee for one average-sized home provided byTokyo Electric Power Company.


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Design for the EnvironmentIntroducing an environmentally conscious design requires that consideration be given not only to resource conservation andrecycling, but also to the negative environmental impact over a product's entire lifecycle. Mitsubishi Electric has developedand implemented evaluation criteria for each phase, from procurement through manufacture to distribution and disposal.

Mitsubishi Electric's DFE Guidelineshave led to the successful development ofa number of leading-edge technologies.One such example is introduced in thefollowing.

■DFE in Product DisassemblyEconomic efficiency is not achieved if allscrews must be removed and all parts dis-assembled. Prototype products beingdeveloped at Mitsubishi Electric aretaken into the Higashihama RecycleCenter and data such as the time requiredfor disassembly, materials balance, etc. isobtained so that an optimal design con-sidering negative environmental impactand economy can be determined. Technologies that make it possible to useinexpensive and quick disassemblyprocesses, such as labeling of housingstructures that explains materials and dis-assembly procedures so that anyone caneasily identify them, ensure that efficientdisassembly is possible many years laterwhen the home appliances are returned tothe recycling plant.

■ Lead-free Soldering TechnologyWe have successfully addressed the prob-lem of reducing the use of lead, a mainingredient in conventional solder, in

products. Since the melting point of lead-free solder is higher than lead solder, wewere faced with the challenge of improv-ing facilities and soldering techniques. Acompany-wide project team was estab-lished to head the conversion to lead-freesoldering. In order to suppress develop-ment costs, a new solder material (patentpending) was jointly developed with asolder manufacturer. In fiscal 2001, webegan utilizing the new lead-free solderfor flow, re-flow and manual solderingprocesses after proving it has a reliabilityequivalent to that of lead-based solders.Use of the joining technology and identi-fication indicators has been standardizedcompany-wide. To further reduce thetotal amount of lead utilized by theMitsubishi Electric Group, future tech-nologies will be published in manualsand instructional videotapes.The lead-free soldering techniques arecurrently being utilized in parts of com-mercial-use air-conditioners and ventila-tion fans. The technology is being used inthe manufacture of several hundred thou-sand residential-use air-conditioners andrefrigerators that will reach the market inthe fall of 2002. Plans are to fully inte-grate it and use it for all types of productsin the Home Appliances Group by fiscal2004. Meanwhile, aiming to eliminate theuse of lead entirely by 2004, theSemiconductor Group also developedlead-free plating and lead-free balls.After confirming the performance of thecomponents, mass production was start-ed.

regarding the negative environmentalimpact of waste disposal from theHigashihama Recycle Center*5, and isaddressing the development of assess-ment techniques, including ways to veri-fy the effects of product improvement.From fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001, in effortto improve the quality of product assess-ment, a manual for those conductingLCA, the “LCA Evaluation Guidelines,”was prepared and distributed throughoutthe company.

In fiscal 1999, the EnvironmentalTechnologies Committee drafted the“Design for the Environment (DFE*1)Guidelines” to clarify design objectivesand prepare for the assessment of next-generation products. Although conven-tional assessments focus on EOL*2 issuessuch as resource conservation and recy-cling, the DFE Guidelines expand therange of evaluation to include all stagesof a product’s lifecycle, from procure-ment and manufacture to transportation,use and disposal, doing so using quantita-tive evaluation of environmental designeffects from the viewpoint of MET.

■Implementation of 3-R ProductAssessment

The DFE Guidelines were fully revised inOctober 2001 in preparation for the imple-mentation of the Reduce, Reuse andRecycle (3-R) Product Assessment plan.This revision is fully compliant with therequirements of the “Revised RecyclingLaw” enacted in April 2001. It stipulatesthat clear targets be specified for 3R design,and that 3R product assessments should becarried out, not only for designated prod-ucts, but for all products manufactured byMitsubishi Electric. The guidelines stipu-late quantitative evaluation of 14 large and51 smaller intermediate items. We havealso introduced the new “Factor X*3”index, an eco-efficiency indicator that cal-culates the overall environmental improve-ments in a product, thus allowing compre-hensive judgments to be made.

■Establishment of LCA Implementation Manual

LCA*4 is one of the evaluation items uti-lized in 3-R Product Assessment. TheAdvanced Technology R&D Center hastaken the initiative in accumulating data

Introduction of DFE Guidelines

Technologies for Creating Eco-Products

Plan

ning

and

Dev

elop

men

t

Des

ign

Reject (NG)Packaging Logistics

Productsafety

Recovery/Transport

Disassemblypotential/Materialsseparationpotential

LCA

Product crushingpotential

Informationdisclosure

Resource reuse

Energy conservation

Increasedservice life

Weightreduction

Reusability

Manufacturingprocess

14 Quantitative Evaluation Items

DFE Guidelines

Design results are verified through assessment.Those not meeting the specified level are rejected and returned for redesigning.Products must pass assessment evaluation before they can be manufactured.

Ass

essm

ent

Pass (OK) Pr

oduc

tion

Eco-

Prod

ucts

*1）DFE: Design For Environment. Design of productsor services with minimal negative environmentalimpact.

*2）EOL: End of life, end of product's service life.*3）Please refer to page 16 for details on Factor X.*4）LCA: Life Cycle Assessment.*5）Please refer to page 23 for details on the

Higashihama Recycle Center.

External plating External ball

Sn-Pb → Sn-Cu Sn-Pb → Sn-Ag-Cu

Lead-free products in Semiconductor Group

Identification indicator on semiconductor package


“Factor X”–Trial Computation of Eco-efficiencyThe actualization of a sustainable society requires that the suppression of materials usage and economic growth happen simultaneously in a com-patible manner; thus the challenge is to improve the eco-efficiency of products. Mitsubishi Electric has introduced and applied “Factor X,” an indexthat indicates the overall eco-efficiency of its products, and has publicly announced trial computations conducted on some of its products.

Since its introduction, Factor X has receiveda great deal of attention for its ability to beutilized as a management index for a nega-tive environmental impact of products, sinceit indicates a product’s overall improvementin terms of eco-efficiency. The larger thevalue, the greater the product’s contributionto reducing negative environmental impact.

In December 2001, during the Eco-Design2001 Conference held in conjunction with theEco-Products 2001 Exhibition, MitsubishiElectric announced the Factor X evaluationmethod and other factor values of 14 of itsproducts attained in a one-year study. Thecompany is a member of the eco-efficiencyInvestigation Committee, established by theJapan Environmental ManagementAssociation for Industry (under the jurisdic-tion of the Ministry of Economy, Trade andIndustry), where further research is to be car-ried out in fiscal 2002.

Contrary to lifecycle assessment, whichrequires the utilization of a vast database,Factor X provides a simple, clear productevaluation, making it a most noteworthyindex for utilization as a product developmenttool and when releasing environmental com-munications externally. Among knowledge-able scholars, a factor of 2-4 for home appli-ances and a factor of 10 for semiconductorshave been proposed as example targets for theyear 2050 (products compared to 1990 mod-els). With these forecasts in mind, MitsubishiElectric is diligently at work developing tech-nologies and methods that will furtherincrease product eco-efficiency ratings basedon Factor X.

Management Index for NegativeEnvironmental Impact of Products

Factor X Computation

Value Forecast for the Year 2050

Standardization of the computation and eval-uation methods has only just begun and thetechnology itself is still at the trial and errorstage at the global level. Mitsubishi Electric,however, introduced a specific computationmethod based on its MET concept, and thisapproach is driving a unique breakthrough inenvironmental related activities under thesupervision of Dr. Ryoichi Yamamoto, gen-eral manager of the Center for CollaborativeResearch, The University of Tokyo. Wishing

to contribute to the standardization of envi-ronmental management indices, the companychose not to wait until Factor X had beenstandardized, and in Japan in 2001, proac-tively announced environmental informationabout its products based on the unique tech-nique. The trial computation value was pre-sented as “degree of social contribution” andwas the measurement of various products’overall improvement in eco-efficiency.

I　　　　　　　　　　　　 = 12+1

2+1

2=1.73

I　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 = 0.962+0.48

2+0.54

2=1.20

　　　 =（1/I02）/（1/I90）　　　 =（1/1.20 ）/（1/1.73）　　　 = 1.44

1 1 10.96 0.48 0.54

Example : Room air-conditioner

Standardproduct

Presentproduct

MSZ2800 (1990 model)

MSZ-WX28J (2002 model)

Improvements

M: Effective use of resources E: Efficient use of energyT: Reduce use of substances

potentially harmful to the environment

Weight 4% reductionUsage of lead soldering 24% reduction

52% reductionElectricityconsumption Usage of ozone depleting substances 0

90 (negative environmental impact of standard product)

02 (negative environmental impact of present product)Negative Environmental impact of present product

Factor = Eco-efficiency of present product / Eco-efficiency of standard product

Nagative Environmental impactof standard product

Degree of social contribution

Reduction inResources UsedResources 400t

Reduction inElectricity Consumption

1,874GWh

※1 ※2※3

Reduction inPotentially

Harmful Substances0.8t (lead)

※1 Reduction in Resources Used: Amount reduced per unit x Quantity of units shipped.※2 Reduction in Electricity Consumption: Amount reduced per unit x Quantity of units shipped x Estimated years of present product’s durability※3 Reduction in Potentially Harmful Substances: Amount reduced per unit x Quantity of units shippedIn the above computations, 200,000 units was utilized as the one-year figure for "Quantity of units shipped” and 9 years was utilized as the "Estimated years of present product’s durability.” The latter figure was determined from the minimum inventory holding period of air-conditioner repair parts used for performance (as stated in the "Investigation on Trends of Newly Purchased Durable Consumer Goods," published by the Economic Planning Agency).

Eco-Products – Contributing to aSustainable Society

Eco-products with high eco-efficiency will play asignificant role in actualizing a sustainable soci-ety. Factor X is based on the concept that wemust reduce the utilization of natural resourceswhile simultaneously improving conveniencesin daily life. The benefit of utilizing Factor X onthe side of the consumer is that it provides asimple way of understanding how much a spe-cific technology has contributed to the progressof an environmentally friendly product.

(Chief Secretary, LCA Japan Forum, JapanEnvironmental Management Association for Industry;chairman of various other committees; consultant)

● Comparison is made with standard product (as a rule, manufactured in 1990).● Do not take performance improvements into account.● Improvement in negative environmental impact is calculated utilizing the combined improvements from each MET category.Product eco-efficiency = 1 / Negative environmental impactFactor = Eco-efficiency of present product/ Eco-efficiency of stan-

dard product

■Basic Factor Computation

Dr. Ryouichi Yamamoto (The University of Tokyo)General Manager, Center forCollaborative Research

The computation of eco-efficiency is gener-ally made by determining the degree ofimprovement in negative environmentalimpact and performance using the followingequation: Eco-efficiency = Product perfor-mance ÷ Negative environmental impact.However, if innovative improvements aremade in a product's performance while thereduction of negative environmental impactis minimal or remains unchanged, the valuegiven for eco-efficiency may rise, but inappearance only. This results in ambiguitywhen factoring negative environmentalimpact. We therefore decided to introduce a“factor” from the eco-efficiencies of old andnew products based on the MET concept(refer to equation at right). First, the vectorlength of the present product and standardproduct (as a rule, manufactured in 1990) iscalculated to obtain the negative environ-mental impact. The factor value is thenobtained from the equation: Eco-efficiencyof present product ÷ Eco-efficiency of stan-dard product. The MET evaluation itemsare product weight, energy consumptionand use of substances potentially harmful tothe environment.


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The MET-Profile is not included in our official environmental website in English. The sample page shownhere is a translation of the MET-Profile page of that site.

Promoting Green Procurement & Products Information DisclosureEnvironmentally conscious materials procurement is a vital factor for improving the eco-efficiency of operations.Mitsubishi Electric published the “Green Procurement Standards Guideline” in fiscal 2000 to promote green procure-ment throughout the group, and has recently enhanced information disclosure efforts by making environmental infor-mation regarding its products available to the public via “MET-Profile” on the corporate website.

Environmental information on our prod-ucts is listed in the “MET-Profile” on thecorporate website. The public has freeaccess to the information, allowing cus-tomers the opportunity to compare andselect products from the viewpoint ofenvironmental protection. Approximately40 items of environmental information,such as the main materials for construc-tion, recyclable materials usage, leadusage and power consumption, can beviewed for each product. In April 2002,the number of main products in the pro-file was increased to 120, and plans are toexpand it to 200.

Reducing negative environmental impactshould start from the procurement process.The company maintains its stance onenvironmental protection when purchas-ing office supplies, parts and other mate-rials in addition to its traditional focus oncost and delivery time. We printed the“Green Procurement StandardsGuideline” in fiscal 2000 and distributedit throughout the group and to suppliers,and have since requested every supplierto consider the MET concept when pro-viding materials to us. In support of ourefforts towards greater eco-efficiency, weinvestigate suppliers’ environmentalinformation and circumstances and feedback the results of the investigation.Doing so, we have built close partner-ships with our suppliers, which helps topromote green procurement further.

Promoting Green Procurement

Providing Public Access to MET-Profile

With the enactment of the GreenPurchasing Law (effective April 2001),national and local governments in Japanare required to practice green procure-ment, and companies and residents arerequested to support it as well. TheMitsubishi Electric Group created a listof its products that are compliant with thelaw and made it public by posting it onthe corporate website. There are current-ly more than 250 products listed, such asinformation equipment, household appli-ances, lighting fixtures and other mer-chandise.

Product List Compliant withGreen Purchasing Law

■Example of Product Environmental Information Disclosure (MET-Profile)

■Procurement Activities in theCommunications Systems Group

The Communications Systems Groupintroduced the “Environmental ProtectionSubstance Control System” in March2001 to promote environmental confor-mance in the design process by creating adatabase of environmentally harmful sub-stances found in materials utilized in theproduction process and making the infor-mation available for reference. The sys-tem is equipped with a rapid and accurateinformation retrieval system that is usedin requests for the disclosure of environ-mentally harmful substances contained inproducts delivered to customers. Thedatabase continues to grow, thanks topartnerships fostered with our customersin the communications infrastructure andmobile communications business. Plansfor the future include increasing the vol-ume of information and improving thesearch function.

■Green Procurement in theSemiconductor Group

The Semiconductor Group conducted aninvestigation of the environmental man-agement activities of 517 of its main sup-pliers in fiscal 2000-2001 and checkedthe type and amount of environmentallyharmful substances contained in each ofthe 3,000 different manufacturing materi-als it uses. The results and the group’sevaluations have been compiled into adatabase complete with a search functionand placed on the company’s Intranet,with access available from February2002. Being able to reference such infor-mation makes it easier for the Design andDevelopment Division to select the mostenvironmentally efficient materials, thusenabling reductions in the negative envi-ronmental impact of a product that needto be achieved at the procurement stageto be realized.

Addressing Environmental Matters

〔 Return to MET-Profile Product Environmental Information 〕

MET-Profile Environmental Information Data Sheet


Eco-Product Results in FY 2001Activities for improving the environmental performance of Mitsubishi Electric products are based upon aproduct’s entire lifecycle and specific targets independently established under the MET concept. For fiscalyear 2001, 801 improvements were completed in 90 product groups.

In the area of reducing power consump-tion during normal operation or standbystate, a total of 85 improvements weremade in 62 product groups. Reductions in power consumption duringoperation were achieved for the VL-908HPF ventilation heat pump system, acontinuous airflow range-hood fan and awall-mount Lossnay ventilation system,each attaining an energy savings of 33%(for cooling), 29% and 23%, respectively. In the area of reductions in standbypower consumption, impressive resultswere obtained for the VL-908HPF venti-lation heat pump system (78%) and theJT-SB116D and JT-SB216DS model JetTowels (50%).

The main chemical substances targetedfor evaluation included lead, mercury,cadmium, hexavalent chromium, green-house gases, vinyl chloride and brominat-ed flame retardant. In terms of reducingutilization, preventing leakage and reduc-ing the emissions of the above-mentionedsubstances, there were 302 improvementsmade in 52 product groups. A printed circuit board assembled usinglead-free solder is a component of thecompany’s new City-Multi ICE Yp icestorage packaged air conditioner, andgood results were reported for mass pro-duction. The lead-free soldering technol-ogy will be consecutively introduced toother multi-unit air-conditioning systems,with all models ultimately using it in thenear future. Introduction of the printedcircuit board technology has also led tothe designing of lead-free circuit boardsto be used in refrigerators and video copyprocessors.In yet another area, the use of vinyl chlo-ride resin in an air-cooled heat pumprefrigeration unit was reduced by 25%.For the company’s next-generationmachine-room-less elevator, the vinylchloride resin used in the architecturaldesign of the cage was reduced by 80%and halogen-based flame-retardant mater-ial by 50%.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Energy and Electric Systems（23 product groups）

Home Appliances

（23 product groups）

Electronic Devices


Information and Communication Systems（13 product groups）



M

E

T

(Improvements)

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400(Improvements)

T

E

M

Home Appliances

Electronic DevicesInformation and Communication SystemsIndustrial Automation SystemsEnergy and Electric Systems

*1）Number of fastenings refers to screw set-tings, snap-fitting, etc.

■Results for Fiscal 2001

Effective use of resourcesM Efficient use of energyE Reduce use of substances poten-tially harmful to the environmentT

Breaking down the 90 product groups to whichimprovements were introduced into businessgroups, 23 groups each belonged to the Energyand Electric Systems Group, and to the HomeAppliances Group, 20 groups belonged to theIndustrial Automation Systems Group, 13 groupsbelonged to the Information and CommunicationsSystems Group and 11 groups belonged to the

Electronic Devices Group.Classifying the 801 improvements (of which 1 was aproduct information disclosure effort)according tothe MET categories, 413 improvements were relatedto effective use of resources (M), 85 improvementswere related to efficient use of energy (E), and 302improvements were related to reducing the use ofsubstances potenially harmful to the environment (T).

A total of 413 successful results wereobtained in 80 product groups, includingimprovements such as shorter disassem-bly time, fewer parts and fasteners*1

required, use of less corrugated cardboardand Styrofoam in packaging, increaseduse of recycled materials, and lighterweight. Specific improvements include a 50%reduction in disassembly time for an air-conditioning ventilator, a 16% weightreduction as the result of installing aMELFLEX Series wide-area surveillanceand control system, and a 50% reductionin parts for an IC-based fingerprint verifi-cation system.

C O L U M N

Balanced Contribution with MET and ProductInformation Disclosure

are industry-leading standards and havebeen inspected by the company's InternalAuthorization Committee, making the cam-era qualified to receive the EnvironmentalMark.

Factor1.47

Hitoshi Tamayama, Technology Division 4th SectionVisual Communication Systems DepartmentKoriyama Works

The development of such a complex integratedcamera was a first-time experience for everymember of the developing team. The actualiza-tion of this product required the integration andfusion of original knowledge from each mem-ber. Saying it in a good way, “It's because itwas a new product that it turned out so well.”

Degree of Social Contribution: Resources reduction 13.8t, energy reduction49.3kWh*2 and chemical substance reduction (lead) 0.58kg.

*2) Assuming operating time oftwo hours per day for 5 years.

The CIT-7300 Roboty, a complex integratedsurveillance camera, was conceived withthe utmost attention being given to energyconservation, preventing the emission ofsubstances harmful to the environment,miniaturization and weight reduction, andthen the resultant design was verified byproduct assessment. Specifically, in mak-ing comparisons with the previous model,miniaturization realized a weight reductionof 63%, and motor power consumptionwas reduced by 27% to 36.9W. Reducingthe dimensions of the printed circuit boardresulted in a 15% reduction (to 3.8g) in leadusage. The improvements described above

Color Television


Developed Aiming at Adapting to the EnvironmentAutomatic Washing Machine

Refrigerator

Power Consumption and Insulation Material Weight Reduced

The MAW-V8SP automatic washing machine operates usinga water misting technology that results in the effective useof water resources. Utilizing the "Mist Gravity" system, thewater volume required to run this model one time is less thanhalf that (245l→119l) of the AW-A89V1 model made in 1991.Considerations for operation control and power use resultedin the amount of electricity used per load to drop from 219 to82Wh, thus achieving remarkable energy savings*.

Improvements to the 25T-D101S color television include the addi-tion of a special standby mode with less power loss and a newenergy-saving electric circuit for the power source section.Compared to our 25C-X30 model produced in 1996, annual elec-tricity consumption has been reduced 37%, from 203→128kWh.Furthermore, because of a reduction in Styrofoam insulationowing to an improvement in the foam expansion rate from 60 →70 times, the weight of the new model has been reduced 20%.

Factor

1.33Degree of Social Contribution :Styrofoam reduction 3.16t, Energy reduction 31.6GWh, Lead reduction 0.04t,Brominated flame-retardant material reduction 12.3t

Factor

2.00Degree of Social Contribution : Resources reduction5,700t, Water resource reduction 230 million liters,Energy reduction 90GWh, Lead reduction 3t

Yuichi HasebeTechnology Section No.1, Laundry Technology DepartmentNihon Kentetsu Co., Ltd.

We worked very hard searching for the proper amount of water,and optimum nozzle shape, position and direction in order to spraythe mist over all of the clothing during high-speed rotation.

TomoyukiHayashiTV Technology Group, TVManufacturing DepartmentKyoto Works

I was in charge of designing the Styrofoaminsulation. I repeated drop tests and vibrationtesting many times in an effort to reduce vol-ume. I worked diligently until the TV passedassessment and made it to mass production.

MAW-V8SP

*）Operation one time per day at rated capacity.

MR-Y40B

Impressive Energy Savings via Precise Inverter andRefrigeration Control

Degree of Social Contribution : Resources reduction 176t,Energy reduction 176GWh, Ozone Depleting Substancesreduction 70.4t

Factor

1.54Inverter control has been added for better control of the highly efficient com-pressor equipped in the MR-Y40B refrigerator. The temperature of each com-partment is controlled precisely using thermal sensors. Compared to an existingmodel (made in 1993), a 40% reduction in electricity consumption has beenachieved. The general lifetime of a refrigerator is said to be 10 years, so a num-ber of improvements were made in consideration of recycling in the future.They include parts disassembly, materials unification and thorough labeling.

Kouichi NakagawaTechnology Section, Refrigerator Manufacturing DepartmentShizuoka Works

Our aim is to make products that are environmentally friendly, and a part of that task ismaking designs that make recycling easy. Thinking from the viewpoint that all raw materi-als may be important resources in 10 years, we question ourselves about what we can donow.

116%Annual Electricity Consumption

128kWh/yr

2003 Energy ConservationStandardAchievement

115%Annual Electricity Consumption

360kWh/yr


Kerosene Fan Heater

Lighting Fixture


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The electricity consumption of the Kirigamine MSZ-WX28J air-con-ditioner has been reduced to 959kWh (i.e., less than half that of thesame series 10 years ago). In addition to the installation of a largeair-purification filter, energy consumption throughout the air-condi-tioner's entire lifecycle has been reduced. This enables the productto provide superior air purification, prevents dust from making itsway into the air-conditioner, and helps maintain product perfor-mance. The structure of the indoor unit allows easy dismantling,enhances cleaning ease and promotes the recycling of materials.

Energy Savings throughout the Product Lifecycle

Eco-Products – A Part of Daily LifeMitsubishi Electric applies Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3-R) product assessment in its design process andadds product assessment based upon the MET concept to it before continuing to the manufacturingphase. Introduced below are a few of our eco-products utilized in the home.

Air-ConditionerYoshihiro TanabeTechnology Section, Room Air-Conditioner Manufacturing DepartmentShizuoka Works

The tighter enforcement of regulatory systems, in addition to the EnergyConservation Law, has led to the situation where designers abide by the laws.Starting from the customer's viewpoint, we worked hard designing this productfor compatibility with regulations and operation ease.

Factor

1.44Degree of Social Contribution :Resources reduction 400t, Energy reduction1,874GWh, Lead reduction 0.8t

Microwave Oven

Reducing Standby Power to Zero

Factor

1.27Degree of Social Contribution:Resources reduction 66.4t, Energyreduction 15.9GWh

In addition to reducing the standby power of the RO-LE1microwave oven to "0," power loss in circuits wasreduced by revising the magnetron drive system of theinverter power source. Compared to the RO-340AF modelmade in 1990, annual electricity consumption has beenreduced 28%, from 291.8 to 210kWh. Increases in perfor-mance efficiency and output have resulted in shortercooking times as well.

Unique Compatibility - Larger Tank Capacity and Smaller Design

Factor

1.73Degree of Social Contribution :Resources reduction 326t, Energy reduction 26.9GWh, Completeelimination of trichloroethylene, 0.4t

Our new KD-D32B kerosene fan heater is a uniqueproduct created in response to customers' conflictingneeds of wanting a smaller product manufactured andwanting a larger capacity fuel tank. Compared to theKD-285D model manufactured in 1990, the new heateris smaller (10% reduction in product weight, 13.4→12.1kg), but has a larger tank (1.8 times larger, 5→9l),so refilling is less frequent.

Improved Fixture and Control System Achieves Amazing Energy Savings

Factor

2.44Degree of Social Contribution :Resources reduction 37t, Energy reduc-tion 24GWh, Lead reduction 0.116t

The characteristics of the EasyecoSuper lighting fixture arehigh efficiency, high output and modular light adjustmentcapability. A newly developed automatic lighting fixturecontrol system, MELSAVE SYSTEM III, enhances the day-light use, luminance correction and time switch functions,among others. Compared to the FB45123 Rapid MagneticLighting Fixture of fiscal 1998, the EasyecoSuper-MELSAVESYSTEM III combination actualizes a 58% savings in energyconsumption and approximately 50% in resources as deter-mined by weight comparison.

Koki IwatsuboFixture Technology Department, Mitsubishi Electric Lighting Co., Ltd.

We examined improvement measures, such as analyzing deficiencies in matching the delicatechanging of lamp luminance with daylight and the light sensor, repeatedly in trial-and-error fashionwhen developing the control system. We finally developed an original countermeasure and wereable to make the product.

EasyecoSuper YB4002A &MELSAVE SYSTEM Ⅲ

KD-D32B

Yasumitsu ToudaHeater Technology Section, Heater ManufacturingDepartment, Gunma Works

There were a number of candidate sizes, like 6, 7 or 9 liters,when considering a larger tank size, so we were worriedwhich one would be best. We actually made a full-sizedmodel out of cardboard before solving the problem.

MSZ-WX28J

115%COP=Co-efficient of Performanceenergy rating:


5.64

Naoya SugiyamaRange Technology GroupCooking Technology DepartmentMitsubishi Electric HomeAppliances Co., Ltd.

I was in charge of designing the inverter power source. In viewof having to consider such limited power, I worked hard oncompatibility for efficient control of the magnetron so that therecould be high output, yet reliable circuits would be ensured.

RO-LE1

25T-D101S

Information & Communication Systems


Mobile Telephone Drastic Reduction in Resin Use


Compared to the company's 1991 Analog Mova D, the Digital Mova D211i is approxi-mately half the volume and is only about one-third as heavy. This is the result of inte-grating internal components, utilizing a high energy-density battery and other mea-sures. By switching the molded body resign from PC*1 to PC+ABS*1 and introducing athinner body design that is about half the thickness on average, the amount of resinused has been reduced remarkably as well.

Factor

2.97Degree of Social Contribution :Resources reduction 68.9t, Energy reduction 266GWh,Lead reduction 0.33t Satoshi Okamoto

Technology Section No.1, MobileTelephone R&D Department No.1Mobile Terminal Center

Being a portable terminal, strongresistance to shock is required incase it is dropped. We achievedthis using a combination methodfor the main body and installing areinforcement rib. I worked dili-gently to design and verify theoptimum rib position and size.

Motor

Factor

1.17Degree of Social Contribution :Energy reduction 78.9GWh

Industry-Leading Energy Savings Achieved

Hitoshi Kanagawa Technology Group No.3, Measurement ControlManufacturing Department, Fukuyama Works

I was in charge of circuit design. In addition toconcentrating efforts on designing the mea-surement time so that accuracy could bemaintained, I also struggled with a circuitdesign that would allow the number of partsin the analog circuit to be minimized.

EcoMonitor

Factor

2.62Degree of Social Contribution :Resources reduction 5.4t, Energy reduction6.45GWh, Lead reduction 54kg

Measurements of Six Units Possible by One

Keiichi AkizukiFA Basic Systems R&D SectionFA System Department, Nagoya Works

I was in charge of the core calculationsportion of the CPU. We had a very difficulttime developing the proper high-densitymounting required for the printed circuitboard as well as the ASIC, which has agate scale fivefold that of the previousmodel.

ProgrammableLogic Controller

Factor

1.44Degree of Social Contribution :Resources reduction 1.8t, Energy reduction18GWh, Lead reduction 0.45t

Next-Generation Model Created Using the Latest Technologies

Yukihiro OkimotoCar Electronics Design Section No.2, Car ElectronicsManufacturing Department, Sanda Works

We worked very hard to make the productmore compact and reduce costs while main-taining the specifications demanded by ourcustomers. Development of the ASIC*2 used tointegrate the circuits took a particularly longtime.

Airbag Controller

Factor

1.39Degree of Social Contribution :Resources reduction 10.5t, Energy reduction

2.52GWh

Weight Reduction Contributes to Enhanced Fuel Efficiency

Efforts to integrate parts in the company's Airbag Control Unit led toimprovements in the circuit layout and a substantial reduction in printedcircuit board size. Overall product size has been reduced to 71% of thestandard product (made in 1998), electricity consumption is 60%, andswitching packaging materials enabled weight to be reduced to 64%.These results also contribute to better fuel efficiency for the vehicles inwhich the product is installed.

The EMU-B7P4-6 EcoMonitor is an energy conservation support device. Itdivides the measurement time of electric power into minute packets andallots electricity input processing using multiple circuits. This makes it pos-sible for one unit to process measurements equal to the work of six EMU-B395 units (company's previous model, made in 1998). The power consump-tion for 1 unit has been reduced from 128 → 20kWh per year, an amazingenergy savings. Additionally, the number of parts in the measurement cir-cuit has been reduced 75%, allowing for product miniaturization.

The Superline Eco-Series SF-HR motor is built utilizing an originalsheet steel, new wire winding method, and optimized slot shape andcombination. Compared to the standard product (made in 1990),power loss was reduced 20-30%. In fiscal 1999, the series was pre-sented the Superior Energy-Conserving Machinery Award,Chairman's Prize from The Japan Machinery Federation, andacquired EPAct certif ication number CC012A from the U.S.Department of Energy.

*2）ASIC: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

Received the Ministry of InternationalTrade and Industry Award at theFiscal 2000 Densetsu IndustrialProduct Exhibition Competition

*1）PC: Polycarbonate; ABS: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Copolymer

Yuji KurataElectric Motor Design SectionShinshiro Factory, Nagoya Works

I am proud that we were able to create anoptimal design and develop new materialsfor the motor. This was achieved by utilizingthe latest magnetic field analysis technolo-gy and verification of the actual product. Asa result of our efforts, an exceptional lossreduction technology was established.



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Eco-Products---Spreading throughout SocietyIn addition to home appliances, Mitsubishi Electric is pressing on with the development of Eco-Productsin the fields of energy and electrical systems, electronic devices, information and communications sys-tems and industrial automation.

TransformerEnergy & Resource Conservation throughElement Technology

Elevator

Factor

2.02Degree of Social Contribution :Resources reduction 1,500t, Energy reduction 800GWh,Lead reduction 12.6t

Compact Machine-Room-Less Elevator Design Utilizes Less Lead

Electronic Devices

Semiconductors/Microcontrollers

Factor


Promoting Compact, Lead-free, Low-noise Products

The ELEPAQ-i" machine-room-less elevator is designed to be more compact, narrower andrequire fewer resources than conventional elevators. A comparison of the present productto the 1983 model (standard product) reveals an overall size reduction of 28% and a reduc-tion in electricity consumption of approximately 60%. For even larger energy savings, thecompany has introduced "ELESAVE," which provides additional energy conservation ofmore than 20%. In the area of environmentally harmful substances, the installation methodfor the traction motor has been changed from that of a suspended body to a wedge-like sys-tem, resulting in a reduction in the amount of lead utilized in the manufacturing process.

The total high- and low-voltage windings (windings group no.) in our new steel-cased transformer has been reduced to half that of the standard product (madein 1996). Combining the new winding reduction technology and new insulatingstructure, the overall product weight was reduced to 76% and electricity con-sumption to 88% that of the standard product. Other important environmentalfactors include a 50% reduction in the amount of lead used and a 37% reductionin the amount of toluene and xylene used.

The core of the MC16 family of microcontrollers (MC16C/62P group) is anoriginal high-performance CPU developed by Mitsubishi Electric. By sup-pressing operation frequency and power source voltage, the utilization of alower power source voltage was made possible. Furthermore, we wereable to expand the family by offering another model with faster processingspeed, which was achieved by increasing the operation frequency.Understanding our customers' concern for negative environmental impact,careful attention is paid to environmental protection through activities likeproduct miniaturization, producing lead-free products and reducing noise.

Takanori KomatsuTraction Motor Development SectionR&D Department, Inazawa Works

I was in charge of designing thethinner traction motor. Weworked extremely hard on ensur-ing that the new motor was com-patible with previous motors interms of high quality and reliabili-ty. Of course, special attentionwas given to maintain the com-fortable ride Mitsubishi elevatorsare renowned for.

Shoji NakatsukaPlanning Section, Transformer ManufacturingDepartment, Transmission & Distribution,Transportation Systems Center (Ako)

I was in charge of functionaldesign for the main body of thetransformer. Reducing the wind-ing group number causes anincrease in thermal load and levelof severity on mechanical compo-nents. We were able to overcomethe problem by developing a newelement technology.

Akitoshi OsakiSection 2, MCU Second DepartmentSystem LSI Division

There were many conflicting fac-tors in the designing process,such as the needs for low cost,compatibility between new andold products, fast processingspeed, noise characteristics,development timeframe, etc.Everyone involved thought veryhard about how we were going tomake the best product.

Akira OkugakiNVM 3 GroupSystem Memory No.1 DepartmentMemory IC DivisionEven though the number of stor-age devices was increased, wemanaged to keep the number ofpins required to a minimum. Thisenabled us to keep the packagesize down to an increase of 9%compared to the standard prod-uct.

Flash memoryGold wiring

SRAM

Mold resin

SRAM

Leads

Die bed

Flash memory

Semiconductor/Memory

Factor


Substantial Reduction in MemoryMounting Area

The utilization of S-μMCP memory has enabled the realization of a four-chip multi-layered (stacked multi-chip) packaged memory consisting offlash memory and SRAM* with large-capacity memory and low elec-tricity consumption characteristics. The memory mounting arearequired on the circuit board has been reduced considerably, thusenabling further miniaturization and weight reductions in mobilephones. Additionally, by reducing operation voltage, lower electricityconsumption has been realized. A substantial reduction in the amountsof mold resin and soldering material has been achieved as well.

Degree of Social Contribution :Resources reduction 2,400t, Energy reduction 246GWh, Leadreduction 6kg, Toluene/Xylene Reduction 3.7t

Factor

1.34

*）SRAM : Static Random-Access Memory

PM gearless traction motor

Control board

Hoist way

By making the control board and traction motor thinner, both can be mounted inside the elevator shaft between the hoist way and elevator car, thus eliminating the need of a machine room.

The MELSEC-Q Series Programmable Logic Controller is a next-generation gen-eral-purpose model developed under the concept of "evolution and inheritance."The development and incorporation of high-density mounting technology and alarge-scale ASIC*2, and a notable reduction in product components hasenabled us to reduce the overall size of the programmable logic controller to60% that of the standard product (made in 1990). Other improvements includeremarkably enhanced operation ease, reduction in energy consumption andeasier recycling of resources as the result of labeling plastic materials.

Environmental Sustainability Report 2002 2423 Environmental Sustainability Report 2002

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Recycling System for Used ProductsIn 1999, Mitsubishi Electric established a recycle center for used home appliances and information processing equipment,and in doing so constructed an efficient system for reusing resources. In the year 2001, it began offering a reusableresources service that targets recycling commercial-use personal computers that are no longer being used.

Ministry of the Environment. We haveconfirmed that operations in all of theother processing facilities comply fullywith the regulations stipulated by law, andunderstand that it is our duty to supportthe management of recyclable productsubcontractors in order to prevent such aproblem from recurring.

Mitsubishi Electric established theHigashihama Recycle Center*1 inIchikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, prior tothe enactment of the Electrical HomeAppliances Recycling Law in April 2001.The center operates as an environmentallyconscious processing facility for theremanufacture of used home appliancesand acquired ISO14001 certification inApril 2001. In addition to this project, inan effort to promote the recycling of usedhome appliances, Mitsubishi Electric andfive other companies*2 collaboratedtogether to create a home appliances recy-cling system that reaches across the nationwith 15 processing facilities. The results of our fiscal 2001 efforts torecycle products are listed below.① No. of used home appliances collected

at specified sites (in weight): 764,000units (30,651t)

②Weight of recycled materials: 21,077t③ Percentage of recycled materials (4-

product average; ②÷①): 68.8%④ Weight of substances such as chloro-

fluorocarbon refrigerant decomposed :71,195kg

In February 2002, Kansai RecycleSystems Co., Ltd.,*3 one of the above-mentioned processing facilities, conductedoperations in violation of the law when achlorofluorocarbon refrigerant was emit-ted into the atmosphere while beingremoved from a specific product. As aresult, 16 companies (including MitsubishiElectric) were reprimanded for responsi-bility as a subcontracting manufacturerand given recommendations for correctiondated March 20, 2002, from the Ministryof Economy, Trade and Industry and

Addressing Home ApplianceRecycling

Recycling Waste Plastics intoOur Products

The total amount of waste plastics gener-ated nationwide in one year is estimatedto be approximately 9,760,000t*4, ofwhich 270,000t is waste materials fromused home appliances. The amount ofwaste plastics from used home appliancesis a small percentage of the total; howev-er, it characteristically has more high-grade resins than container package plas-tics.The Home Appliances Recycling Lawrequires manufacturers to establish sys-tems to ensure the stable circulation ofhigh-grade resins. In taking costs, nega-tive environmental impact and other fac-tors into consideration, in our plan toimprove the recyclable products ratio, weare working to create a materials recy-cling system where high-grade resins willbe included directly and reused alongwith other items in the materials recy-cling process. However, components made from resinsthat are brought to home appliance recy-cling plants have metals like screws andhinges attached to them, or other foreignmatter like labeling seals or spongysound-absorbing materials stuck to them.An easier, more efficient, less costly wayof removing such materials must befound.

A Challenge for Home ApplianceRecycling Plants

Refrigerator

Air-conditioner

Personal computer

Television Washing machine

Parts, ComponentsReduce Reuse

Final Disposal

Incineration reclamation

Chemical recycling（blast furnace reductant）

Materials recycling（recyclable plastics）

Mitsubishi Electric

MitsubishiElectric DFEGuidelines

Higashihama Recycle Center

Waste Disposal Processing Companies

Collection and Transportation Companies

①Collection request (by web, tel, fax)

①Estimation　⑦ Invoice

②

②

③ ③

④ ⑤

⑥

Confirmation of progress on the Web

Recycling achievement percentage, etc.

Issuance of disposal certification (fee charged)

Was

te D

ispo

sal C

ompa

nies (

cust

omer

s )

Recovery sites

Logistics information site

Collection sites

Information Device Recycling Center (system operations)

Personal Computer Manufacturer

Reusable Resources Site

Flow of personal computers, etc. Flow of requested information (web, tel, fax) Flow of processing reports (web, etc.)

Information is exchanged with theHigashihama Recycle Center inan effort to develop and designproducts that are easy to reduce(disassemble), reuse and recycle.

Plastic SeparationSystem

*1）Higashihama Recycle Center is the gener-al name for Hyper-Cycle Systems Co.,Ltd.(Paid-in Capital: 490 million yen;Mitsubishi Electric, 67.3%), and Green-Cycle Systems Co., Ltd. (Paid-in Capital:110 million yen; Mitsubishi Electric,100%).

*2）Fujitsu General Ltd., Hitachi, Ltd., SanyoElectric Co., Ltd., Sharp Corporation andSony Corporation (in alphabetical order)

*3）Paid-in Capital: 300 million yen(Mitsubishi Electric, 3.3%)

*4）This figure was cited from the 1999Manufacturing Framework Commission,1999 Ironworkers Statistics Survey andMinistry of International Trade andIndustry Data for 1999.

*5）This technology was developed by sup-port from the New Energy and IndustrialTechnology Development Organization(NEDO）in receiving the Fiscal 2000Cyclical Society Construction PromotionTechnology Development Aid Grant

■Information Device Recycling Service Concept (compliant with the Law for Promotion of Effective Use of Resources)

Small secondary batteries being recov-ered include Ni-Cd, Ni-H, lithium ionand other small sealed lead-cell batteries.There are approximately 30,000 specifiedrecovery sites (Rechargeable BatteryRecycling Cooperatives of the BatteryAssociation of Japan) located throughoutthe country. The Mitsubishi ElectricGroup itself has 96 sites carrying out thisactivity.

The Law for Promotion of Effective Useof Resources (enacted in April 2001) andrelated ministry regulations require thatmanufacturers recover and reuseresources from used personal computersutilized for business. In response to thelaw, the Mitsubishi Electric Group joinedtogether with other manufacturers andestablished a nationwide resource recov-ery and reuse network with the aim ofproviding an efficient recycling systemfor used personal computers and otherdevices. The network began operating inAugust 2001. Those manufacturers thatdo not have a recycling management sys-tem for information equipment areallowed to use the network for a fee. The fundamental foundation of the ser-vice is “DiaRCS+,” an informationdevice recycling management systemdeveloped and operated by Diamond PCCo., Ltd.*6 The system is characterizedby the fact that it connects disposal com-panies, personal computer manufacturersand other collection/transportation com-panies and recycle management compa-nies participating in the system’s opera-tions via the Internet. In addition to beingable to provide timely estimations ofwaste removal requests and issuance ofmanagement vouchers, companies canview ongoing processes via websitescreens and arrange to optimize theirremoval, storage and reclamation activi-ties.

Personal Computer RecyclingService

The Law for Promotion of Effective Useof Resources also requires the manufactur-ers of small secondary batteries, as well asthe manufacturers of devices that usethem, to conduct recovery and resourcerecycling activities. As a member of the Battery Associationof Japan’s Small Secondary BatteryResource Recycling Promotion Center,the Mitsubishi Electric Group has beganrecovering the small secondary batteriesused in the products made by the group.In doing so, it utilizes the Used SmallSecondary Battery Collection Systemoperated by the above-mentioned center.

Recovery of Small SecondaryBatteries

C O L U M N

Environmentally Friendly Personal Computer Design – Apricot Series Notebook

We sell the Apricot Series Pedion SL200Notebook Computer. Even with theinstallation of a high-performance CPU,an impressive level of energy savingshas been successfully achieved com-pared to the standard product (MAXYNOTE H model made in 1992), giving it aFactor rating of 1.99. Electricity use hasbeen reduced from 0.227 to 0.013W/Mtops,*7 which when converted intoeffect as a result of quantity shipped, isequivalent to a drop from 809.3MWh to449.6MWh over a 5-year use period. Theoverall effect is a social contribution of

360MWh in the category of energy con-servation.

Isamu FunakoshiP Manufacturing DepartmentMitsubishi Electric Information Technology Co., Ltd.

Improving energy efficiency is by no means an easy task.The better results in this case were achieved throughsuccessfully conquering a rather big technologicalchallenge.

Traditionally, it has been both time-con-suming and costly to remove foreign mate-rials stuck or attached to resins because ithas been a manual process. In answer tothis problem, we developed the PlasticSeparation System,*5 which polishes resinsurfaces clean without the use of water,thus enabling the creation of an inexpen-sive high-quality materials recycling sys-tem capable of processing flame-retardantresins. Some of the flame-retardant resins recov-ered at the Higashihama Recycle Center gothrough the Plastic Separation System, areprocessed into pellets and then reusedagain as a 100% pure reclaimed resourcein manufacturing processes, such as in thebaseboards that hold the electrical compo-nents of our commercial-use air-condition-ers (see photo below). We will continue topromote activities that expand the reuse ofplastics in products that are mass-producedwith the aim of increasing the ratio of recy-clable products.

Foreign matter stuck to plastic parts

Degree of Social Contribution:Resources reduction 3.1t, Energy reduction 360MWh, Lead reduction 0.02t

Baseboard for holding elec-trical parts (recycled plastic)

Refrigerator Washing machine

*6）Diamond PC: Paid-in Capital: 100 millionyen (Mitsubishi Electric, 72%)

*7）Mtops: Compound theoretical calculation performance stipulated in the Energy Conservation Law.

Factor1.99

Labeling seal

Metal fastener

■From Wooden Pallets to Steel and Paper Pallets


and reduce the number of vehiclesrequired for transporting products inorder to further reduce the negative envi-ronmental impact related to distribution.Some 40,000 shipments were deliveredusing 10t or larger trucks in fiscal 2001.We are also conducting joint transporta-tion activities not only with affiliatedcompanies in the Mitsubishi ElectricGroup, but with other companies as wellin an effort to further reduce the emissionof CO2 and other gases, and applying theuse of battery-driven forklifts (in place ofthe gas engine-drive type) at businesssites and warehouses.

clarification of departure and arrival times,redesigning of containers to improve load-ing efficiency (reconsideration of heightlimitations) and ensuring substitute routesshould the planned route be blocked at thetime of a disaster.

■Promoting Use of Transport by SeaFor the transport of large-sized productssuch as power generators and transform-ers as well as products shipped to distantlocations, we are promoting the use oftransportation by sea, including the use offerries. Since fiscal 1998, we shippedapproximately 20,000t via sea transporta-tion, and in fiscal 2001 alone producttransportation via sea was nearly 20,000t.

■Other Activities for the Reduction of CO2

In addition to the shift to the use of JRcontainers and sea transportation, wehave started using large-sized trucks (10tand over) to improve loading efficiency

We are focusing on reducing the creationof greenhouse gases and other harmfulsubstances by developing more efficientlogistics. Activities include increasing themodal shift*1 in transportation, reducing


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Improving the efficiency of the company's distribution system plays an important part in the activities car-ried out to reduce negative environmental impact. In the area of logistics, we are reducing the amounts ofpacking materials used and working on the emissions control of gases such as CO2 and NOx.

Even though the use of packaging materi-als is required to ensure the safe deliveryof products to customers, the amountused and resulting wastes thereof must bereduced to an absolute minimum in a sus-tainable society. Important factors forconsideration here are product durabilityand transportation system characteristics,as well as using lighter materials andsimpler packing processes. In terms ofwaste disposal, we are actively promot-ing the return of packaging used and theutilization of a single material rather thancombinations of materials to simplifyfinal waste disposal processing.Mitsubishi set the goal to reduce packag-

ing materials 10% from the fiscal 1998level by fiscal 2002, and as the result, theamount of materials used in fiscal 2001was approximately 40,000t, achieving areduction of 17% compared to fiscal1998 and a 35% reduction compared tofiscal 1995.

Reducing Packing Materials

In order to protect their forest resources,countries like China, Europe and theUnited States have stipulated strict regu-lations for using wood as packagingmaterial for export products in order toensure that wood-damaging insects areexterminated. The targeted wood is theconiferous tree, which is used widely for

export packaging, and the targeted insectis the pine weevil. Effective wood treat-ment processes include heat treatment orhot kiln drying, so the importing coun-tries required that the wood be treated byheat. As a result, we have switched fromusing the wood of coniferous trees to theutilization of other materials such as ply-wood, steel and cardboard.New Packaging Materials for

Exported Freight

Reducing Negative EnvironmentalImpact Due to Transportation

(Fiscal year)

Packing Styrofoam Cardboard Wood Total of other materials

Cons

umpt

ion

(10,

000t

)

Chan

ge in

con

sum

ptio

n (%

)

8 100

80

60

40

20

0'95 '96 '97 '98 '99 '00 '01

6

0

4

2

Change in consumption (compared to fiscal 1995 level) 3rd Environmental Plan

100% 99%

94%

85%

80%78%

68%

■Change in Consumption of Packaging Materials ■Improvement in Wood Packaging

■Motor Packaging

■Reducing Negative Environmental Impact Using by Increasing Shipping Efficiency

Increasing modal shift to container freight

Use of sea transportation

Large trucks increase transportation efficiency by reducing CO2 and NOx

*1）Modal shift: Change in means of trans-portation. Here, the term means switch-ing from the use of trucks to railway orsea transportation for middle to long-dis-tance transfer, and improving energy effi-ciency in the distribution process.

*2）JR: General name for the seven compa-nies of Japan Railway Group.

Previous: Wooden pallet New: Steel pallet New: Paper pallet

Photos: Railway Freight Association

Cathode ray tube packaging (returnable container) Transportation to and storage in JR container station Container train loading process

Wood crate

Page9, 12, 239, 16, 469, 19, 2412, 13, 3315, 24343436, 463636

List of Formal Names of Laws Utilized in this ReportName Used in ReportHome Appliance Recycling LawGreen Procurement LawEnergy Conservation LawPollutant Release and Transfer Register LawRevised Recycling LawAir Pollution Control LawWater Pollution Control LawPCB Waste Disposal Special Measures LawWaste Disposal LawSpecial Measures Against Dioxin Law

Formal NameLaw for Recycling of Specified Kinds of Home Appliances Law on Promoting Green PurchasingLaw Concerning the Rational Use of EnergyPollutant Release and Transfer RegisterLaw for the Promotion of Utilization of Recycled ResourcesAir Pollution Control LawWater Pollution Control LawSpecial Measures Law for Promoting Adequate Treatment of PCB Waste DisposalWaste Disposal and Public Cleaning LawLaw Concerning Special Measures against Dioxins

■Reducing Negative Environmental Impact Using JR Container Transportation

BeforeCardboard

After

Wood crate

BeforeCardboard (cut model)

After

Logistics – Targets and Results

the number of vehicles used and sharingtransportation with other companies.

■Shift to JR*2 Container ShippingThe use of trucking is the main methodused to transport products from the compa-ny to the customer. Especially in the firsttransfer of goods from the production siteto distribution centers located more than400km away, however, we have imple-mented a modal shift to JR containers.Using the 5t container as the basic mea-surement unit, we have increased the num-ber of units shipped using the new methodfrom approximately 6,000 in fiscal 1998 toapproximately 10,000 in fiscal 2001. Ourenvironmental effort was reported in “JRFreight,” a monthly magazine published bythe Railway Freight Association. Since wehave begun increasing our use of JR con-tainers, we have made various requests toJapan Freight Railway Company. Theseinclude shortening transportation time,


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Employee Education and AwarenessContinuously raising employee awareness is a key factor in developing products and promoting a business that isconscious of the environment. Mitsubishi Electric focuses on raising its employees’ consciousness year-round througheducation and enlightenment activities such as technology seminars, broadcasting of lectures via satellite and meet-ings of the Engineer’s Society.

The company holds two comprehensiveseminars a year for the purpose of dissem-inating knowledge regarding the latestenvironmental and recycling activities.The total number of attendees at bothseminars since fiscul 1997 exceeded1,200 employees.

Technology Seminars

ments proposed during the training courseare fed back to related departments forconsideration in Eco-product designs.In fiscal 2001, the students that completedthe course were promoted to instructor,and they are now studying to rise to thelevel of technician.

■Practical LCA* Evaluation Technologies

An annually held seminar entitled “PracticalLCA Evaluation Technologies” was estab-lished in fiscal 2000. Presentations focus onteaching the knowledge necessary for LCAand participants get firsthand experienceusing analytical software. Each participantbrings the development data for the productthat he/she is currently in charge of and usesit to examine and verify proposals forimprovement. The results are then fed backto the actual product development site.

*LCA: Life Cycle Assessment

Reorganization of the EnvironmentalEngineer’s Society

Practicing disassembly processes at technologyseminar

MBS course broadcasted over satellite communi-cation network

At Business SitesCompany-wide●Developing managerial staff responsible for

anti-pollution and energy management issues●Education of internal auditors●Training classes

- New employees, group leaders●Training of new managers, supervisors,

- newly appointed department heads, new section managers and new group leaders

■DFE TechnologyThe company has been holding a 3-dayDFE(Design For Environment)TechnologySeminar that is open to all employeesevery year since 1997. Participants learnthe basics of DFE by studying laws andregulations, social trends and the latesttechnologies. They are also given theopportunity to utilize a design support sys-tem—developed by the IndustrialElectronics & Systems Laboratory, whichhas been absorbed by the AdvancedTechnology R&D Center—to practiceactual evaluation of disassemblability andrecyclability using the company’s products.The curriculum includes a tour of theHigashihama Recycle Center and a presen-tation given by one of the technicians fromthe center. The visit to the recycling centeris a very important part of the training, as itpresents a common understanding of sub-jects and know-how of an actual recyclingsite to all participating designers.Additionally, suggestions for improve-

Environment-related Education

The Engineer’s Society reorganized into11 different committees where engineerscan exchange subject-specific informa-tion independently through opportunitiessuch as announcements and presenta-tions. There are currently more than30,000 members in total.The committees concentrate on the techni-cal aspects of manufacturing process andcore product technologies. For example,the Maintenance and ReplacementTechnologies Committee discusses mattersregarding maintenance, the EOL (End OFLife) period of products and businessmodels in three separate sub-committees.The R&D and Systems TechnologiesCommittee runs the EnvironmentalManagement sub-committee, the Designand Reliability Technologies Committeeruns the DFE sub-committee, and theManufacturing Technologies Committeeruns the Eco-Process sub-committee. Thisorganization actively promotes informationexchange and self-enlightenment.

■Satellite Communications Applications

The company’s satellite communicationsnetwork is an important part of theemployee education program. A specialstudio broadcasts information via satelliteto the audio-visual facilities of each com-pany site, thus making it possible for alarge number of employees, even if notlocated in the same facilities, to attend apresentation at the same time. The abilityto have interactive discussions allowsquestions and answers to be exchanged. On June 5th (Environmental Day), aMitsubishi Business Seminar (MBS)course entitled “Corporate Managementand Environmental Challenges in the 21stCentury—Product EnvironmentalChallenge Activities of MitsubishiElectric” was broadcasted using the satel-lite communications network.

■Engineer’s Society Organization

Manufacturing Process Technologies● R&D and Systems● Design and Reliability●Manufacturing●Maintenance and Replacement

Core Product Technologies● Information and Software● Communications ●Media● Electronic Devices●Measurement Control ● Electrical Devices and Energy ●Machinery

BOXIncreasing Awareness ofEnvironmental Laws andRegulationsEnvironment-related education is importantnot only for manufacturing operations.Employees that meet with customers on adaily basis in the process of sales, mainte-nance, replacement services, etc., must befully aware of matters as well. Informativemeetings are also held for the purpose ofeducating sales and construction personnelabout environmental laws and regulations.

●Engineer's Society- Announcements, presentations, etc.●Technology seminars

- Seminars (elemental technologies and skills)●MBS (Mitsubishi Business Seminar) courses●Other

- Informative meetings for sales and construction personnel, etc.


Cleaner ProductionAll phases of manufacturing, from materials procurement through product and waste disposal, are carefullydesigned and monitored for environmentally safe operations, including activities like the reduction and elimina-tion of substances that are potentially harmful to the environment., energy conservation, increasing the use ofrecyclable resources and waste reduction.

Cleaner Production

Reduce Use ofSubstances Potentially

Harmful to the Environment(Chemical substance control)

TOXICITYT

Efficient Use of Energy (Prevention of

global warming)

ENERGYE


(Resource conservation, recycling, waste reduction)

MATERIALM

IN

Eco-Products

Zero Emissions

OUTCleaner Production

Diposal

Materials


In total, Mitsubishi Electric used15,210,000m3 of water resources duringfiscal 2001, 500,000m3 less than in fiscal2000. Of the amount used, 5,490,000m3

was reused making the percentage of waterreused 26%. When broken down by busi-ness group, the Electronic Devices Groupreused the largest amount, being some97%. This is because the group’s total useof water is the largest among others in thecompany due to the large volumes of waterneeded for cleaning parts, coolingmachines and so on.For the effective use of paper resources,we have introduced efforts to scale-downprinting, use both-sided printing, reusepaper that has only been printed on oneside and other practices that help reducepaper use such as encouraging the use ofE-mail and Intranet/Internet communica-tions. In addition, we promote internalgreen procurement for copy paper, cata-logues, pamphlets, business cards, toiletpaper, etc., contributing to the use of recy-cled paper containing a high proportion ofwaste paper whenever possible.Separation and recovery activities for usedpaper are always conducted giving great

ing out thorough separation and reuseactivities. MKS established a recyclingsystem together with a cooperative of sixcompanies and has nearly achieved thelevel of zero emissions for its industrialwaste disposal.

■Internal Recycling of Office Chairs, Etc.The Kitaitami Administration Center ispromoting the reuse of office chairs, elec-tric hot water pots and telephones. Theused office equipment is manually disas-sembled, repaired and reused, while thedisposable wastes are thoroughly separat-ed and considered for reuse even thoughthey had been traditionally scrapped as is.

■Recycling of Occupational SafetyRelated Items

The Fukuyama Works advocates totalrecycling of occupational safety relateditems. Members at the works have beenrecycling their work uniforms (sinceApril 2000) and used safety shoes (sinceNovember 2001). In safety shoes alone,some 660 pairs (approx. 462kg) are usedand then taken to a waste treatment plantfor recycling each year. Other itemsplanned for recycling and to cut downwaste reduction include helmets, safetyglasses and masks.

In the 3rd Environmental Plan we set aquantitative target value to be achieved bythe end of fiscal 2002 for each product asa means for actively promoting reductionsin waste generation and the reuse ofresources upstream in the design and man-ufacturing of products as well as down-stream where recycling and disposal areconsidered. In fiscal 2001, we gave par-ticularly special attention to addressing 18typical types of products, most of whichare produced in mass-production process-es (see table at right).For example, we raised the rate for reuseof wasted plastics from 39% to 55% in theareas of gas-insulated switchgear and vac-uum circuit breakers, reduced waste by29% through improving faulty insulation


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Effective Use of ResourcesApplying the motto “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle,” Mitsubishi Electric is working towards achieving zero-emission operations, and in doing so is suppressing the exploitation of resources and the disposal ofwastes into the natural environment.

promoting reductions in sludge and wasteoils according to their specific targets anddepending on the degree of waste generat-ed.

was reduced 16% as compared to their fis-cal 2000 amounts. These results reflect theefforts of the targets established at all busi-ness sites. Some business sites are also

of wastewater sludge into raw materials forcement and that of waste plastics into com-bustibles for cement baking. For fiscal2002, we are aiming at reducing the

amount of wastes for final disposal to lessthan 1% of total emissions and achieving100% full re-utilization sometime in thefuture.

The total amount of waste in fiscal 2001was 84,600t, a reduction of 7,800t com-pared to the previous fiscal year. The over-all amount of waste has continued on adownward trend since 1991, the base yearin our environmental plan (see graph). Theamount of waste consigned for disposalwas 8,100t, a decrease of 2,100t comparedto fiscal 2000. Out of the total waste fordisposal, the amount of reusable resources,including that earmarked for incineration(thermal recycling), was 73,600t, animprovement from 54% in fiscal 1991 to87% in fiscal 2001 in terms of percentageof reusable materials. In addition, the volume of waste plasticswas reduced 21% and that of wastepaper

Mitsubishi Electric’s many business sitesare taking their own initiatives towardsensuring that resources are used effec-tively. A few examples are listed here.

■Commendation for Contributing to thePromotion of Recycling

The Shizuoka Works, the Transmission& Distribution, Transportation SystemsCenter and Mitsubishi ElectricKumamoto Semiconductor (MKS) Co.,Ltd. were presented the Commendationfor the Promotion of Recycling, Councilfor Promotion of Recycling Chairman’sAward. The Shizuoka Works was highlyevaluated for its contribution to advocat-ing the “Zero Loss to Zero Emissions”concept and cost reductions related to theestablishment of the six grades of recy-cling and promoting the reuse of materi-als. The Transmission & Distribution,Transportation Systems Center, on theother hand, was highly evaluated for con-ducting visitations and meetings for thepurpose of raising awareness and carry-

According to the 3rd Environmental Planprepared by the company in 2000, we willreduce the amount of consigned waste dis-posal by 30% of the total reported for fis-cal 1998, and maintain it at a volume ofless than 10% of the total amount of wastegenerated. The amount consigned for dis-posal includes that earmarked for incinera-tion, disposal as landfill and intermediateprocessing. The overall total was reducedto 8,100t in fiscal 2001 (the final disposalof which was 900t). As a result, theamount consigned for disposal was only9.6% of the total wastes, achieving the tar-get value set for the 3rd EnvironmentalPlan one year early. This reduction wasparticularly attributable to the conversion

Summary of Achievements inFiscal 2001

Recycling Activities at BusinessSites

Consigned Waste Disposal TargetAchieved One Year Early

Setting Reduction Goals for EachProduct

Energy and Electric SystemsIndustrial Automation SystemsInformation and Communication Systems

Electronic DevicesHome Appliances

6

7

6.5

7.5

8

8.5

9

9.5

10

10.5

11

11.5

12 100

75

95

90

85

80

70

65

60

55

50

0 0'91 '98 '99 '00 '01 (Fiscal year)

Tota

l was

te (1

0,00

0t)

Reus

able

Res

ourc

es (%

)

Consigned disposal

Reusable resourcesInternal removal/treatment

Percentage reusable resources

25%

15%

10%

29%

21%

Consigned disposal 8,100t

Internal waste reduction

2,900t

73,600tWaste metals Wastepaper Waste oil Sludge Waste plastics Others

51,200t6,000t4,700t3,600t2,900t5,200t

Total Wastes: 84,600t

Reusable Resources

Consigned Disposal 8,100t

Intermediate treatment 7,200t

Final disposal900t

Waste metal Wastepaper Waste oil SludgeWaste plastics Others

700t1,600t

600t700t

2,200t2,300t

■Trend in Waste Emissions Over Time

■Waste Generation and Treatment Results for Fiscal 2001

■Waste Disposal by Each Business Group

Effective Use of Forest and WaterResources

Tap waterIndustrial-use waterUnderground waterReused water

10%

41%

23%

26%

■Water Use


Energy and Electric SystemsIndustrial Automation Systems

Electronic DevicesHome AppliancesOthers

3.3％ 6.6％ 9.7％ 9.6％

70.1％

0.7％

■Water Use by Business Group

care to the possibility of paper beingreused. Such efforts made during fiscal2001 saved forest resources equal to about290,000 trees (14cm diameter and 8mheight).

molding materials of refrigerators and aprototyping method, and reduced sludgegeneration by 9% per CRT surface area byintroducing a new cleaning method forCRTs. We achieved 16 out of the 19 tar-gets for 18 products, including reducing

the solvent for joining superconductingmagnets, the reuse of packaging materialsby improving the parts packaging forvideo copying processors, and the reuse ofchemical polishers in the manufacture ofprinted circuit boards, etc.

C O L U M N

Endangered Species ofFreshwater Fish Found AliveIn May 2001, a freshwater fish (i.e.,Japanese bitterling) listed in the Regulationsfor the Conservation of Wild Living Animals(Hiroshima Prefecture) was observed in theriver adjacent to the Fukuyama Works. Theaverage size of the fish is 3-4cm in lengthand is the smallest of the bitterling family. Itis known to be found only in parts ofOkayama and Hiroshima prefectures, andthere is concern of its becoming extinct. TheFukuyama Works and local community havecollaborated together over the past 15 yearsmaking efforts to keep the quality of thewater high in the river through variouscleaning activities, and now knowing of thebitterlings, concerted efforts will continue inorder to protect the natural environment sothat such rare species can live there.

New recycling center at the Transmission & Distribution,Transportation Systems Center.

Chairs are disassembled and separated for recycling.

■Main Product Targets Achieved in Fiscal 2001Product Targeted Main Waste Generation Process Fiscal 2001 ResultsGenerator Waste plastics (insulating material) Generator construction process Waste plastics reduced by 58%Gas-insulated switchgear Polyethylene tubes Gas leakage testing Reuse of polyethylene tubes, 100%Superconducting magnet Nitric acid (waste acid) Melting copper for connecting superconducting wire Copper solvent reduced 10%70kV gas-insulated switchgear, 3kV/6kV vacuum circuit breaker Waste plastics (insulating material) Injection molding process Reuse of waste plastics, 55%Elevator Painting sludge Painting booth Painting sludge reduced, 23%Refrigerator Waste plastics (faulty outer packaging foam) Urethane packaging Faulty molding reduced, 29%Videocopy Processor Shipping materials cardboard Mechanicals, chassis ASSY-VCP process Reuse of shipping cardboard, 53%Electric water heater Water heater tank material, shipping materials Tank machining Returnable shipping materials, 40%CRT (Braun tube) Dehydrated sludge Wastewater treatment facility Sludge from CRT wastewater processing per cubic meter reduced 9%Programmable logic controller, Inverter Waste plastics (printed circuit board edge material) Printed circuit board fabrication Reuse of part of printed circuit board edge material, 80%General-use printed circuit board Sulfuric acid Chemical polishing process Reuse of chemical abrasive, 100%Geared motor Water-soluble cutting oil Machining Emissions reduced 5%Transformer Resin Injection molding process Reusable portion, 62%Car electronics equipment Wastepaper Electronic components mounting process Reusable portion improved 4 pointsCompressor Waste oil Machining Emissions reduced 6%Emergency power supply control board Waste paint, waste solvent Painting process Emissions reduced 20%

Environmental Sustainability Report 2002 3231 Environmental Sustainability Report 2002

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Addressing Energy ConservationMitsubishi Electric is exercising energy conservation efforts in order to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emis-sions that are a main cause of global warming. This activity will contribute to the reform of corporatemanagement through cost reduction.

The company independently encouragesenergy saving activities with the aim ofreducing CO2 emissions. The amount ofCO2 emitted in fiscal 2001 was 810,000t,a reduction of 4% compared to fiscal2000. However, as a percentage of ener-gy consumption to net sales, it increased17% per sales unit due to decreasingsales. The target for greenhouse gasreductions in Japan was set forth in theKyoto Protocol at 6% of the 1990 level inthe year 2010. Out of the greenhousegases, the CO2 emitted from our compa-ny during fiscal 1990 was 870,000t, thusmaking the figure for fiscal 2001 a 7%reduction. That marks a 0.1% increasefrom the fiscal 1990 level when viewedas percentage of energy consumption tonet sales.

■Breakdown of Energy UseElectricity use was 1.6 billion kWh peryear, making up 84.9% of the energy uti-lized company-wide, down 3% comparedto fiscal 2000. For the other energysources, the shares of city gas, LPG andheavy fuel oil decreased slightly, whileuse of kerosene increased accordingly.Each of our business sites is promotingconversion to energy sources that haveless negative environmental impact byintroducing co-generation or solar powergeneration, etc.

■Energy Use by Business Group Of all the groups making the manydiverse products manufactured byMitsubishi Electric, the ElectronicDevices Group, where semiconductorsare produced, utilized 60.2% of all theenergy consumed by the company. Thenext largest share was 13.6%, which wasconsumed by the Industrial AutomationSystems Group, where industrial equip-ment is manufactured.

Energy Conservation Results

Mitsubishi Electric promotes energy con-servation activities on a continual basis,and encourages the same type of individ-ual activities at the business site level.

■Agency of Natural Resources andEnergy Director’s Prize

The Power Device Division, located inthe Fukuoka region, was awarded theAgency of Natural Resources and EnergyDirector’s Prize in fiscal 2001. The divi-sion first started IC production in 1976and currently manufactures power mod-ules and semiconductor equipment uti-lized for manufacturing semiconductors.As the result of switching from a high-pressure reverse osmosis (RO) mem-brane-type* water purifier to an ultra-lowpressure system, power consumption wasreduced 73% compared to that of con-ventional units. For the cooling tower, a66% reduction in energy use wasachieved by switching the material of theheat exchange section from steel to cop-per and employing a smaller cooling fanand water-spraying pump than conven-tionally utilized. The other energy con-servation activities include stopping theuse of power facilities on holidays,downsizing facilities and improving thepreparation of chilled water for the cool-ing tower during the winter months. Thisattributed to a reduction of 1,070t in CO2

emissions during fiscal 2001 alone.

■Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade andIndustry Chief’s Prize

The Kumamoto Factory received theFactory Energy Management ExcellenceAward as the Chief’s Prize from theKyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and

Continuous Promotion of EnergyConservation Activities

Industry (Heating Department) in fiscal2001, marking the second consecutiveyear for winning the award. All employ-ees in the Kumamoto Factory act in con-cert on energy conservation activitiesunder their ISO 14001-compliant envi-ronmental management system. Theaward for 2001 was given in recognitionof their continuous activities in the areasof promoting the reduction of negativeenvironmental impact and reducing costs.The main energy conservation activitiesincluded the integration of existing boil-ers into smaller circulating boilers, result-ing in a reduction of 780t of CO2, areduction of 210t of CO2 from improvingair-conditioner operation performance byreducing emissions from manufacturingequipment, and a reduction of 140t ofCO2 emissions owing to regular inspec-tions for leakage utilizing a vapor trap-ping diagnostic system. Other works andfactories that received the Factory EnergyManagement Excellence Award forFiscal 2001 include the KitaitamiAdministration Center (ElectricalDepartment, Kinki Bureau of Economy,Trade and Industry Chief’s Prize) and theNagoya Works’ Shinshiro Factory(Electrical Department, Chubu Bureau ofEconomy, Trade and Industry Chief’sPrize). For awards received by affiliatedcompanies, please refer to page 39.

■Sanda Works Energy ConservationActivities

The entire plant of the Sanda Works isinvolved in promoting energy conserva-tion activities. In addition to convention-al energy savings primarily focused onpower supply equipment, the worksextends activities into production lineswhere the use of electric power is strictlymeasured and analyzed, and then theenergy truly required for manufacturingis separated from other energy. The aimis to reduce any loss. Examples of ener-

gy-saving activities being conducted bySanda Works are shown in the figureabove. These activities led to a reductionof 1,000t of CO2 during fiscal 2001.

■FA Development Center's EnergyConservation Measures

The FA R&D Center of the NagoyaWorks is busy at work devising new con-cepts and activities that promote energysavings. The center, which is utilized bysome 1,000 designers, is equipped withadvanced energy-saving facilities like a300kW-rated thermal-ice storage air-con-ditioning system, 10kW-rated photo-voltaic power generation system andlighting fixtures that are controlled auto-matically. The center also utilizes ascheduling system for turning premiseslighting on and off and has a cooling sys-tem that utilizes outdoor air.The combined improvementsof these activities resulted in aCO2 conversion-equivalentreduction of 520t in fiscal2001.

■Latest Technologies Included in New Building Design

In fiscal 2001, the CommunicationEquipment Works constructeda new building applying theconcept of creating an “earth-friendly factory” where newtechnologies and ideas for uti-lizing natural energy wereproactively applied. The formerbuilding housed the communi-

cations system design and R&D divisionsas well as the testing division, eventhough the work environments are differ-ent in nature. The new layout provides anoptimal arrangement with proper work-ing environments for each specific area.Building construction utilized sandwich-type thermal insulation panels and eavesinstalled on external walls to preventheating by direct sunlight, and thermallyinsulated roofing and flooring materialswere utilized as well, giving the buildingan energy conservation efficiency ratingof 26% compared to standard buildingstructures. Inverter-equipped lighting fix-tures and automatic lighting controlachieve a 43% reduction in conventionalpower usage, and a high-efficiency trans-former achieved a 23% reduction. A(10kW) photovoltaic power generation

system has been installed for naturalenergy generation. The air-conditioningsystems include the company’s own“Building Multi Air-conditioningSystem,” known for superior air-condi-tioning management, a thermal-ice stor-age air-conditioning system that shiftspeak power operations to utilize night-time power rates, and a Lossnay heatexchanger. Integrating air-conditioningdemand control, electricity power man-agement functions and the deluge light-ing feature with the other technologiesmentioned achieved an energy savingsof 640t (converted to CO2-equivalentvalue) in fiscal 2001.

■Energy Use by Each Business Group■Trend in CO2 Emissions

84.9%

7.0%

0.9%5.4% 0.2%

ElectricityCity gasLPGHeavy fuel oilsKeroseneOthers

1.7%

0

200

400

600

800

1000

60

70

80

90

100

110

’90 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 (Fiscal year)

CO2 emitted (1,000t-CO2)

CO2 e

miss

ion to

tota

l net

sales

(com

pare

d to f

iscal

1990

) (%)

CO2

em

itted

(uni

t: 1,

000t

-CO2

)

CO2 emission to total net sales (compared to fiscal 1990)

9.9%

13.6%

6%60.2%

8.5%

1.7%

Energy and Electric SystemsIndustrial Automation SystemsInformation and Communication SystemsElectronic DevicesHome AppliancesOther

Sanda Works Energy Conservation Map

Energy conservation technologies for new building of Communication Equipment Works

■Energy Use by Source

Durability test equipment

Mold presses

Reflow furnace

Compressors

High-temperature aging furnace

Module processing line

G-mechanized assembly line

Water temperature sensor

Printed circuit board line

〈Durability test facilities〉

〈Factory building〉

〈Power Distribution Systems Area〉

〈Cafeteria〉〈Administration building〉

〈Measuring equipment〉

〈Mold Press Factory〉

Ryowa Hall

〈Power generating room〉

Sanda Works Energy Conservation Map

Alternating voltage transformer

Ceiling light fixtures and dimming light fixtures

Model energy efficient facilities

Interchangeable production system modules

Energy conservation enlightenment activitiesEnergy conservation campaignsEnergy conservation slogan announcements

High-temperature aging furnace with thermally insulated direct exhaust

Patrol light LED facilities

Durable air-conditioning system testing facilities using outdoor-air ventilation

Cleaning tower intermittent operation

Automaticpower-efficiency

equipment

Air-conditioning/heating AD controller

Thermal-ice storage

air-conditioning system

Inverter-equipped lighting fixtures

(Hf lighting)

Outdoor-air natural cooling system

Fan coil-type automatic temperature control

Window blind facilities for

administrative building

Outdoor-air natural cooling system

MELSAVE lighting fixtures

Reflow thermal insulation system

Multiple compressor control

Closed airpipe system

Sensor-controlled lighting for toilets

Outer wall thermal insulation

Thermal insulationpaint for drying furnace

Switch from oil-pressure to electric-motor driven

mold presses

Energy-efficient air-conditioners

Sensor-controlled lighting system

〈Sales offices〉

Chiller unit

External cooling system

Machine room

Lossnay heat-exchange system

Comprehensive network testing roomBuilding management system

Entrance hall

Design and R&D Division

Communication systems testing room

Power distribution facilitiesThermal-ice storage air-conditioning system

External machinery facilitiesHighly efficient transformer

Shaft for incoming-air

Photovoltaic power-generation system

Thermal insulation for external walls

External wall thermallyinsulated sandwiched panels for heating and lighting control

Automatic sensor-activated system

Highly efficient Hf lighting MELSAVE automatic light adjusting system

Toilet cleaning, use intermediate water supply

Building-Multi air-conditioning system with separately controlled units

Building Building construction cost

Communication Equipment Works Photovoltaic power-generation system panels mounted on rooftop.

Nagoya Works (FA R&D Center)Photovoltaic power-generation system panels mounted on rooftop.

*RO membrane: Reverse Osmosis, utilized toseparate ions, organic matter and particu-lates in water.


The Kumamoto Factory began operationof a facility that removes ammoniumnitrate in October 2001 for the purpose ofreducing the amount of ammonia beingreleased into its drainage system. As theresult, the concentration was reduced toless than half that stipulated for thedrainage criteria (30mg/l) under theWater Pollution Control Law. Treatmentinvolves a heating process in which theammonium nitrate is separated and trans-formed into harmless nitrogen gas andwater using a catalyst. The thermal ener-gy generated while processing the ammo-nia is recovered and reused, thus con-tributing to energy savings as well.

*3 NOx: Nitrogen oxide, SOx: Sulfuric oxide,COD: Chemical oxygen demand,BOD:Biologicaloxygen demand.

*4 Only top ten substances released into the atmos-phere are listed. Please visit the corporate websitefor the results of all chemical substances.

In fiscal year 1999, Mitsubishi Electriceliminated the use of 10 types of organicchloride compounds from its operationsas a means of reducing volatile organiccompounds (VOCs) said to cause soiland groundwater pollution. The compa-ny’s domestic affiliated companies (sub-sidiaries and their manufacturing sites)also stopped utilizing the same sub-stances in the spring of 2001.Additionally from fiscal 2001, the entireelectrical and electronics products indus-try is focusing on chloroform as a signifi-cant chemical substance to be controlledin the movement to reduce environmen-tally harmful air pollutants. The amountof chloroform handled by the MitsubishiElectric Group was 0.03t in fiscal 2001,less than one-tenth that of the 0.34t han-dled in fiscal 1998.


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Appropriate Control and Emission Reduction of Chemical SubstancesWe utilize a variety of chemical substances in manufacturing processes, and it’s therefore essential for usto manage and control the possible risks created due to using them. Mitsubishi Electric has established acustom management system that works to control both the substances stipulated in the PRTR Law andadditional substances chosen on a voluntary basis.

Since 1997, Mitsubishi Electric has pro-hibited the use of 27 types of chemicalsubstances and targeted another 488chemical substances for the company’svoluntary control system.

In September 2000, we prepared the“Mitsubishi Electric Chemical SubstanceControl List,” to which substances likeCFC alternatives and SF6 (sulfur hexaflu-oride) were added in addition to thosestipulated in the PRTR Law*1. It is thatlist to which Mitsubishi Electric and itsaffiliated companies refer when consider-ing the control of chemical substances.To further our efforts in this area, begin-ning in April 2001 we began to analyzeand study the amounts of each substancehandled by us and learn how much isemitted into or transferred to the naturalenvironment. The results gathered arecompiled and stored in the company’sChemical Substance Control System, amanagement system database built fromthe transactional data accumulated ineach business site when purchasing mate-rials and from the chemical manufactur-ers MSDS*2 data, which describes thetype and content of chemical substancescontained in the purchased materials.

Based on a summary of the MitsubishiElectric Chemical Substance ControlList, we determined that the materialsbalance of chemical substances con-trolled and utilized throughout the com-pany in fiscal 2001 is shown in the figurebelow. In total, 88 different chemicalsubstances were used during fiscal 2001,and the total amount handled was 3,431t.

Framework for ChemicalSubstance Control

The amount of emissions released intothe environment (e.g., into the atmos-phere or water) was 570t, and that trans-ferred as waste and released into sewagesystem was 135t.

■Trend in Release and TransferAmounts

For the chemical substances that appearon our control list, the total amountreleased or transferred into the environ-ment during fiscal 2001 was 705t, adecrease of 23% as compared to fiscal1997 (refer to chart below). Most of thesubstances were released into the atmos-phere or transferred as waste materials, atrend not unlike that in the past. Of thesubstances released into the atmosphere,62% was toluene or xylene, with the topthree substances, toluene, xylene andstyrene, sharing that same order in termsof volume. These three together com-prised 85% of the total substancesreleased or transferred during fiscal 2001.As for the substances released or trans-ferred into water, large amounts of“hydrofluoric acid and its water-solublesalt” and “boron-based compounds” werereported.

Fiscal 2001 Overview

2000, but the reason for this is a slump inproduction. The Home Appliances Groupreleases a rather small amount comparedto the large amount treated there, and thisis because products are shipped with thesubstance as an internal part, for exam-ple, refrigerators charged with refriger-ant, etc. To maintain our efforts of reduc-ing the emissions of controlled chemicalsubstances that are potentially harmful tothe environment, processes and designswill be continuously reviewed, the use ofmaterials that contain such chemical sub-stances decreased, and where possible,the use of alternative substances will beimplemented.

■Quantities Handled and Emitted byBusiness Group

The Home Appliances Group handled thelargest amount of controlled substances.Following it in order were the Energyand Electric Systems, IndustrialAutomation Systems, Electronic Devices,and Information and CommunicationSystems groups. In terms of release to theexternal environment, the groups indescending order are Energy and ElectricSystems, Industrial Automation Systems,Home Appliances, and Information andCommunication Systems (see figureabove at right).The percentage shared by the ElectronicDevices Group is smaller than fiscal

*1 PRTR: Pollutant Release and TransferRegister

*2 MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet. MSDSdata is provided by the chemicals manu-facturer.

■PRTR Results*4 (unit: t)

Rank

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Substance NameTotal

Released/Transferred

Toluene

Xylene

Styrene

Hydrofluoric acid and its water-soluble salt

Sulfur hexafluoride

Ethyl benzene

HFC + HCFC

Ethylene-glycol-monoethyl-ether

1,3,5-trimethylbenzene

PFC

204.3

179.3

132.2

33.1

17.7

15.8

32.5

10.0

5.5

3.3

AmountTreated

329.4

250.6

302.2

78.1

212.9

20.4

1696.2

10.0

5.9

4.7

183.8

167.2

129.8

21.2

17.7

14.7

11.0

9.9

3.6

3.3

0

0

0

1.0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

183.9

167.2

129.8

22.2

17.7

14.7

11.0

9.9

3.6

3.3

20.5

12.1

2.4

7.2

0

1.0

21.5

0

2.0

0

0

0

0

3.7

0

0

0

0

0

0

20.5

12.1

2.4

10.8

0

1.0

21.5

0

2.0

0

17.6

9.0

152.9

16.1

191.8

0.5

1659.0

0

0

1.0

2.2

3.6

10.9

12.8

2.6

0.6

0

0

0.3

0.4

IntoAtmosphere

Into Public Water System Into Soil Total

Released

Amount Released

As Waste Into PublicSewage

Amount TransferredTotal

TransferredConsumed Properly

Treated

105.3

58.7

6.2

16.1

0.7

3.5

4.5

0

0

0

Recycled

VOCs Elimination

Each of the manufacturing sites ofMitsubishi Electric has established, andmanages on its own, criteria that are

Items Related to PreventingPollution

Toluene, xylene and styrene are VOCswhose release amounts into the atmos-phere are relatively high. Beginning infiscal 2000, we have worked continuous-ly to reduce amounts released by stream-lining processes, utilizing alternative sub-stances, and introducing an incinerationsystem that decomposes harmful chemi-cals. In fiscal 2001, the total combined

Reductions in Toluene and Xylene

Improving Removal of Fluorinefrom Wastewater

learned the total amounts of NOx, SOx,COD and BOD*3 utilized and releasedannually and included them in the com-pany’s environmental impact index.

equal to or more stringent than the regu-lations required to comply with laws suchas the Air Pollution Control and WaterPollution Control laws, and the regula-tions adopted by local governments.Beginning from fiscal 2001, we have

Facilities for ReducingAmmonium Nitrate

Released into the atmosphere565t

2,335t

131t

3,431tChemical substances handled

Shipped as product

Transferred as waste

Released into public water system 5tReleased into sewage system 4t

Removaltreatment 55t

Recycled 336t

Relea

se an

d tra

nsfe

r of c

hem

ical s

ubsta

nces

targ

eted

for c

ontro

l (t)

0

200

400

600

800

900

700

500

300

100

’01’00’99’98’97

Transferred as wasteReleased into sewage systemReleased into public water systemReleased into the atmosphere

(Fiscal year)

Materials Balance of Controlled Chemical Substances

Mitsubishi Electric PRTR

(Fiscal year)0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Total

StyreneXyleneToluene

’01’00’99

Rele

ase

into

the

atm

osph

ere

(t)

Overall view of treatment facilities

Southeast view

Radiationtower

Radiationtower

Catalyst tower

Liquidheater

Processinggas

Heatexchanger

Northeast view

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

BODCOD0

30

60

90

120

SOxNOx

Amou

nt re

leas

ed (t

)

To Water（COD,BOD ） To Atmosphere（NOx,SOx ）

Home AppliancesElectronic DevicesInformation and Communication SystemsEnergy and Electric SystemsIndustrial Automation Systems

53%

1%

10%

20%

16%

Home AppliancesElectronic DevicesInformation and Communication SystemsEnergy and Electric SystemsIndustrial Automation Systems

12%

12%

2%

40%

34%

Released into the Environment (705t)

Amounts Released into the Water and Atmosphere

Quantity Handled in Fiscal 2001 (3,431t)

Trend in Toluene, Xylene and Styrene Reduction

Note: Errors have been introduced to some totals by rounding off to the nearest tenths decimal place.

release of toluene, xylene and styreneinto the atmosphere was reduced by 10%compared to fiscal 1999 (see figure below).

The Kochi Factory has reduced the levelof fluorine concentration in its sewagesystem to less than 8mg/l. In July 2001, asupplement, “Wastewater Standards,”was added to the Water Pollution ControlLaw as a revision requiring the drainagecriteria for fluorine content to be changedfrom 15 to 8mg/l. The factory according-ly installed an advanced fluorine affluenttreatment facility that utilizes a chelatingresin capable of absorbing fluorine, andhas thus reduced the average fluorineconcentration to 3.8mg/l. It is anticipatedthat the fluorine content will be reducedto approximately one-half that conven-tionally measured.


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Reducing Greenhouse Gas EmissionsThe Kyoto Protocol calls for reductions in the emission of greenhouse gases, those gases with stronger global warm-ing effect than CO2. Mitsubishi Electric established a set of voluntary reduction targets and has been actively engagedin emission reduction initiatives including limitation of use, promotion of gas recovery and reuse since 1996.

Greenhouse gases known to have a farworse global-warming effect than CO2,from some hundreds of times to tens ofthousands of times, include HFC, PFCand SF6*1. Our efforts regarding volun-tary targets and use reduction perfor-mance for these three specific greenhousegases are discussed in the following.

■HFC Reduction ResultsCFCs and HCFC*2 have long been uti-lized as refrigerants for refrigerators andair-conditioners in the past, but sinceboth substances are known to be detri-mental to the ozone layer, in 1995 weeliminated the use of CFCs. In 1998, webegan shifting from the use of HCFC toHFC. The shift will be completed by2005 for our major production modelsand by 2010 for all products. HFC is not an ozone depleting substance,yet it is a greenhouse gas, and we aretackling this issue by adopting refriger-ants other than HFCs in our efforts toreduce the impact on global warming ona long-term basis.

We set as our target the reduction ofHFCs as the total amount of HCFCs and

Establishment of EmissionReduction Targets

HFCs because we believe the warmingeffects of these two substances are nearlyequivalent, and we have been successfulat making stepwise shifts from HCFCs toHFCs. The total emissions into the airfrom site operations in fiscal 2001 was11t, and the emissions rate out of all totalgases dealt with in our operations was0.65%. Our goal is to bring the ratedown to below the 0.2% level in fiscal2002.

■PFC Reduction ResultsFluoric gases like PFCs, HFCs and SF6

are utilized to clean devices in semicon-ductor manufacturing processes. We areworking to use PFC gas more efficientlyand optimizing production processes inan attempt to minimize gas volumesused. In addition, we are currently evalu-ating and verifying the utilization of PFCdecomposition equipment before makinga formal introduction. We are alsosimultaneously identifying alternativegases for PFCs and conducting processevaluations of recovery and recyclingsystems.The amount of PFC gas emitted from ourworks was 375,000t-CO2 in fiscal 2001.Partially due to reduced production out-put, this was a 6.5% reduction comparedto fiscal 1998. The amount of liquefied

■HCFC & HFC Emission Reduction Results

*1) HFC: HydrofluorocarbonPFC: PerfluorocarbonSF6: Sulfur hexafluoride

*2) CFC: ChlorofluorocarbonHCFC: Hydrochlorofluorocarbon

C O L U M N

Addressing the Recovery and Decomposition of CFCsCompanies in the Mitsubishi ElectricGroup are actively engaged in the decom-position of CFCs used in semiconductormanufacturing equipment as well as in therecovery of CFCs from refrigerator/air-con-ditioner and insulating equipment produc-tion as a means of avoiding emissions.We established and have been running asystem in which CFCs are recovered whenwe conduct refrigerator/air-conditionermaintenance and are then transferred toappropriate CFC waste management oper-ators. Along this line, all branches and

sales offices of Mitsubishi Electric BuildingTechno-Service Co., Ltd. and MitsubishiElectric Systems&Service Co., Ltd. haveregistered with their prefectural govern-ments as CFC waste management opera-tors and have prepared the equipment nec-essary for recovering refrigerants upon thecustomer's request. The CFCs therebyrecovered are transferred to a CFC wastemanagement operator for reuse or decom-position. Another of our affiliated compa-nies, Hyper Cycle Systems Co., Ltd. , whichspecializes in recycling electric home appli-

ances, is engaged not only in the recoveryof refrigerants from refrigerators and air-conditioners, but also in the recovery ofCFCs contained in refrigerator bodies as aninsulator. The Advanced Technology R&DCenter has developed PFC decompositionequipment that employs the utilization ofplasma under normal atmosphere. Themethod enables us to conduct efficient PFCdecomposition because it does not requireany supporting gases or resultant CO2

gases otherwise generated in the process.

PFC emitted was reduced remarkablyowing to improvements in manufacturingprocesses, achieving a 50% reductioncompared to the fiscal 1995 level andreaching our target for fiscal 2002 earlyon.

■SF6 Reduction ResultsSF6 is used as an insulating gas for elec-tronic devices and is also used in semi-conductor and liquid-crystal productionprocesses along with PFCs. We estab-lished the SF6 Emissions SuppressionCommittee as a part of our attempts tocontrol and reduce emissions of the gas.The committee is addressing the recoveryand reuse of the gas as well and has field-ed the recommendation of promoting ashift to alternative gases and developinggas-decomposition technologies.The amount of SF6 gas emitted in fiscal2001 was 18t, accounting for 8.5% of thetotal purchased. Our goal is to reduce theemissions/procurement rate to below 3%by fiscal 2005.

(Fiscal year)

Emitt

ed (t

)

Emitt

ed/T

otal

han

dled

(%)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

Emitted

Targeted for fiscal 2002Emitted/Total handled

’02’01’00’99

■PFC Emission Reduction Results

(Fiscal year)

Emitt

ed (1

0,00

0t-C

O 2)

0

50

40

30

20

10

PFC gas emitted at workplace

’02’01’00’99

PFC gas targetedfor fiscal 2002

Liquefied PFC emitted at workplaceLiquefied PFC targeted for fiscal 2002

■SF6 Emission Reduction Results

(Fiscal year)

Emitt

ed (t

)

Emitt

ed/T

otal

pur

chas

ed (%

)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

0

5

10

15

20Emitted

Targeted for fiscal 2005

Emitted/Purchased

’05’01’00’99


Environmental Risk ManagementMitsubishi Electric promotes stricter control of chemicals and other substances with the aim of minimiz-ing risk to the environment. In fiscal 2001, we confronted several problems and are making the utmosteffort to ensure that such problems will not recur as we continue to introduce improvements.

Mitsubishi Electric had totally eliminatedthe use of chlorinated hydrocarbons thatcause groundwater contamination*1 bythe end of fiscal 1999. Prior to that time,we carried out surveys throughout ourmanufacturing sites based upon a requestfrom the Ministry of International Tradeand Industry (now reorganized as METI,Ministry of Economy, Trade andIndustry) for electric appliance and utili-ties manufacturers to investigate ground-water contamination. Based on theresults of our own environmental assess-ments as well as the requested survey, wereport contamination identified in theprocess to local authorities and thenimplement decontamination measuresfollowing the authorities’ guidelines.At present, we are carrying out deconta-mination operations for pollution causedby chlorinated hydrocarbons at 11 out of29 sites: Koriyama, Gunma, Sagami,Kyoto, Kita-Itami, Amagasaki, Himeji,Wakayama, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, andKumamoto. The methods we employvary depending on the level of contami-nation, but basically include pumpingand aeration of groundwater*2, ozonetreatment*3, and removal of soil gases viasuction technology*4.

Please refer to page 38 of this report formeasures taken by affiliated companiesto address contaminated groundwaterissues.

The PCB Waste Disposal SpecialMeasures Law went into effect on July15, 2001. Under the law, business opera-tors who utilize PCB in their products orstore PCB wastes must report to the pre-fectural governor a list of all the electricappliances PCB is used for. Companiesin the Mitsubishi Electric Group are notcurrently manufacturing any productscontaining PCB, however, some productswe manufactured in the past required theuse of PCB in the manufacturing process.Please refer to the corporate website(only in Japanese) maintained for ourcustomers’ convenience, for a list of theproducts we manufacture utilizing PCBinsulating oil.In addition, our group companies conductverification of PCB waste storage facili-ties during regular environmental audits.Based on the PCB Waste Disposal

Addressing Groundwater Issues

Measures for Dioxins

result of an automatic feeder switch mal-function at the Nakatsugawa Works. Oilfences and oil-absorbing mats weredeployed immediately as a part of therecovery effort. In the future, permanentcountermeasures, including the disman-tling of equipment, to ensure that theincident will not recur are planned. Athorough inspection of similar types ofequipment and the installation of addi-tional oil fences will also be carried out.

*1)The following 10 chlorinated hydrocarbonshave been totally eliminated from businessoperations

- Dichloromethane- Carbon tetrachloride- 1,2-dichloroethane - 1,1-Dichloroethylene- cis-1,2-Dicholoroethylene- 1,1,1-Trichloroethane- 1,1,2-Trichloroethane- Trichloroethylene- Tetrachloroethylene- 1,3-Dichloropropane

Does not include use of reagents (for analyticalapplications) allowed by law.

*2)Pumping and aeration of groundwater:A typical groundwater purification process. Thismethod releases the chlorinated hydrocarbons dis-solved into the groundwater through a purificationprocess in which the water is pumped from theground and aerated. The released hydrocarbons areadsorbed by activated charcoal and destroyed beforebeing released into the atmosphere.

*3)Ozone treatment This method utilizes the oxidative effect of ozone todecompose chlorinated hydrocarbons into CO2 gasand a chlorine ion.

*4)Removal of soil gases by suctionGaseous soil containing the chlorinated hydrocarbonsis vacuumed up, and the chlorinated hydrocarbonsare adsorbed by activated charcoal for removal.

*5)PCB: polychlorinated biphenyl

Oil Spill Incident

Special Measures Law, we will monitorthe use of PCB-contained devices andequipment still in use in addition tochecking storage status. The followingtable lists all of the PCB wastes andproducts containing PCB in theMitsubishi Electric Group. We willmaintain tight and proper control of stor-age through regular verifications until wecomplete proper disposal. We are alsoactively involved in the development ofPCB disposal facilities, a matter which isbeing addressed nationwide.

In recent years, it has become clear thatdioxins are released due to poor burningconditions at incineration facilities. TheWaste Disposal and Public Cleansing Lawand the Law Concerning Special MeasuresAgainst Dioxins stipulate a set of tight cri-teria for the construction, maintenance andoperation of incinerators. MitsubishiElectric Group has established its own setof control standards for related operations,and in expectation of tighter criteria andregulations in the future, by August 2002we are going to discontinue the use of allincinerators except for two units that webelieve are sufficiently advanced to becompliant with future control standards.In fiscal 2001, dioxin contained in thegases emitted at the Nagasaki Works wasfound to be 1.6 times the allowable stan-dard level, and the Nagasaki PrefecturalGovernment ordered us to stop operationsof the facility. We immediately launchedan investigation into the cause and imple-mented equipment improvements. Theimprovements were verified and approvedby the government, and operations wereallowed to resume.

In December 2001, 60 liters of heavy oilspilled into the Nakatsu River as the

PCB Storage Management

Note: Based on survey conducted in 2001.

Waste PCB oil

Power condenser

Power transformer

Compact condenser

Fluorescent light ballast

Impact paper

Pollution containers/cloth

Pollution equipment/tools

Approx. 60,000kg

Approx. 2,300 units

Approx. 120 units

Approx. 35,000 units

Approx. 68,000 units

Approx. 9,400kg

Approx. 5,000kg

Approx. 30 units

VolumeItem


■ Trend in Waste Emission Results ■ Trend in CO2 Emissions by Energy Source ■ Affiliated Companies’ PRTR

■ Consigned Waste Breakdown ■ Details of Energy Use by Source ■ Details of Chemical Substance Waste Transfer

Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing ProcessesAffiliated companies are actively engaged in promoting MET-related environmental activities at the manu-facturing level. They have succeeded in reducing the amount of CO2 by 14,000t compared to fiscal 2000.

Effective use of resourcesM Efficient use of energyReduce use of substances poten-tially harmful to the environmentE T

Our 46 affiliated companies generated42,000t of waste in fiscal 2001, posting aslight increase compared to fiscal 2000.The amount of waste consigned for dis-posal increased by 4% to 10,300t. Inlooking at a breakdown of the wastes,waste plastics accounted for the largestshare, the same as last year, followed byslag, waste acids and paper. The amountof reusable materials fell by 29,000t, adecrease of 7% compared to fiscal 2000. These results, from our viewpoint, aredue to changes in the organizational busi-ness structure of our affiliated compa-nies. We will continue to collaborate withthem in an effort to help them reducewastes further and promote the reuse ofmaterials so improvements will continuein spite of changes that must be made.

CO2 emissions from the 46 affiliatedcompanies in Japan totaled 210,000t infiscal 2001, marking a decrease of14,000t compared to fiscal 2000.Approximately 9,000t (CO2-equivalentterms) of that reduction was achieved asa result of reduced energy consumption.Breaking this down by energy source,there were no major changes compared tofiscal 2000, with the major constituentsbeing as follows: electricity, 80.2%;gases including LPG, 8.3 %; and heavyoil, kerosene and other petroleum prod-ucts, 11.5 %. We will continue promotinga shift towards the use of alternativeenergy resources that have less negativeenvironmental impact.

The total amount of controlled chemicalsubstances purchased by our 46 affiliatedcompanies in Japan was 3,241t in fiscal2001. This is an increase of 2% compared tofiscal 1999. The total amount shipped asproducts reached 2,511t, representing a 9%increase compared to fiscal 1999. The totalamount released or transferred into the envi-ronment was 570t, showing a decrease of12% compared to fiscal 1999.The ratio of substances released and trans-ferred compared to total amount of chemi-cal substances purchased stood at 19%, withthat transferred as waste being 60%. Wewill continue to promote more efficient useof controlled substances, and at the sametime, work to help affiliated companiesintroduce and use alternative substances,thereby minimizing the pollution caused byenvironmentally harmful materials.

0

50

100

150

200

250

’01’00’99

Volatile oilKeroseneLight oilHeavy fuel oilLPGCity gasElectricity

(Fiscal year)

CO2 e

mis

sion

s (1

000t

-CO 2

)

’01’00’99

5.0

(Fiscal year)

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0

RecyclableresourcesInternal removal/treatmentConsigneddisposal

Tota

l was

te (1

0,00

0t)

’01’00’99

Transferredas wastesReleased intosewage systemReleased intopublic water systemReleased intothe atmosphere

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

(Fiscal year)

Tota

l che

mic

al s

ubst

ance

s(t)

ElectricityCity gasLPGHeavy fuel oilKeroseneOthers

80.2%

6.5%1.8%

3.0%3.4% 5.1%

Waste plasticsSlagWaste acidsPaperMetalsWaste oilsSludgeGlassWood chipsOthers

32%

12%12%

11%

5%

5%

5%

6%

4%8%

2-aminoethanolTolueneXylene55 Other substances

35%

34%

8%

23%

The member companies of MitsubishiElectric Group in Japan (consolidated sub-sidiaries and manufacturing companies heldby our holding company) eliminated the useof chlorinated hydrocarbons at the end ofApril 2001. Our overseas subsidiaries andaffiliated companies have established thetarget of doing so by the end of December2002 and are currently working on shiftingto alternative substances.From fiscal 1999 through fiscal 2000, vol-untary groundwater inspections were con-ducted at domestic sites in accordance withthe “Operation Standards of Guidelines forSurveys and Countermeasures ConcerningSoil and Groundwater Pollution” of theEnvironment Agency (i.e., now the Ministryof the Environment of Japan). Those com-

One of our subsidiaries, Ryoden KaseiCo., Ltd., acquired ISO14001 certifica-tion in December 1999. It made furtherimprovements, introducing the latestboilers and using city gas in October2000. In addition, in May 2001, it shiftedto incineration-based deodorizing equip-ment that operates using city gas. Thesechanges have resulted in 87% of theheavy oil consumption being replaced bycity gas and a 33% reduction in CO2

emissions (1,200t/yr). NOx reductionwas 2.0t and SOx reduction was 1.9t for

the year. The firm will continue to shiftthe remaining 13% to city gas.Addressing Groundwater Issues

Shift from Heavy Oil Fuels to City Gas

Deodorizing equipment burner section after shiftto city gas.

panies where polluted groundwater was dis-covered have been registered with localauthorities, and they are currently proceed-ing with restoration procedures.


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Actions of Affiliated CompaniesOur affiliated companies are undertaking various activities in collaboration with us for the purpose ofreducing negative environmental impact. This section introduces the results of our affiliated companies’environmental activities related to products and manufacturing processes.

■Affiliated Companies’ Environmental Account*

Business area activitiesPollution preventionGlobal environmental conservationResources circulation

Green procurement, production and productsEnvironmental management activitiesR&D activities for environmental conservationSocial activitiesEnvironmental restorationTotal

ProfitSavingsTotal

24.79.36.09.40.46.80.10.00.9

32.9

2.113.215.3

Item Cost (100 million yen)

*Refer to page 3 of this report for a list of the affiliated companies from which data has been collected.

INWater Electricity Gas Natural gas Oil (crude oil conversion)

Chemical substances

3.02 million cubic meters

400 million kWh

1.82 million cubic meters

4,500 t

9,100 k

3,241 t

Water Carbon dioxide (CO2) Waste Chemical Substances

2.53 million cubic meters 210,000t-CO2

42,000t 29,000t 10,300t 2,700t 229t

Total

Recyclable resources

Consigned disposal

Internal reduction

OUTDomestic Affiliated

Companies

■Resources Input & Emissions Output to the Environment

Improvements Items Evaluated

0 10 20 30 40 50

Recyclable resources, materials reuse,fewer parts, etc.

(11 product categories)

Reduction of packaging materials

(18 product categories)

Disassembly,parts integration

(6 product groups)

Materials separation (12 product categories)

Recyclable resources,materials reuse, fewer parts, etc. (11 product categories)

Reduction ofpackaging materials(18 product categories)

Disassembly,parts integration (6 product groups)

Materials separation (12 product categories)


0 3 6 9 12 15

Energy conservationduring operation(12 product groups)

Energy conservationduring standby time(3 product groups)

Energy conservationduring standby time(3 product groups)

Energy conservationduring operation

(12 product groups)


0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Cadmium(1 product group)

Hexavalent chromium(2 product groups)

Brominated flame retardant(2 product groups)

Other(4 products groups)

Vinyl chloride(3 product groups)

Ozone depletingsubstances

Mercury(4 product groups)

Lead (7 product groups)

Greenhouse gases(1 product group)

Lead (7 product groups)Mercury (4 product groups)

Vinyl chloride(3 product groups)

Other (4 product groups)Greenhouse gases(1 product group)

Brominated flame retardant(2 product groups)

Hexavalent chromium (2 product groups)

Cadmium (1 product group)

Ozone depletingsubstances

M E T

Eco-Products Results Mitsubishi Electric’s affiliated companies have implemented a variety of undertakings based on the MET concept as a part oftheir efforts to reduce negative environmental impact, particularly in the area of products. For fiscal 2001, 230 improvements were completed in 26 product groups.

Chemical substances at issue includelead, mercury, hexavalent chromium,cadmium, poly vinyl chloride, green-house gases, and brominated flame retar-dant. Our affiliates are striving to reducechemical substance consumption in man-ufacturing processes while also aiming toreduce the amounts of the substances inproducts as well. A total of 71 improve-ments were made in 12 product groups.Specific examples include reducing theamount of mercury used in LCDs(Advanced Display Co., Ltd.) by 5% andachieving a 30% reduction(excludingelectrical cables) in the amount of softvinyl chloride plastic utilized for com-mercial and household lighting fixtures(Mitsubishi Electric Lighting Co., Ltd.).

and fin and the air cooler for motors(both manufactured by Tada Electric Co.,Ltd.) have been reduced by 35 %.

Effective use of resources M

Efficient use of energyE

TA total of 142 improvements were imple-mented in 20 product groups. Theyincluded improvements in ease of disas-sembly, use of recyclable resources andreductions in the amounts of compositeand packing materials used. Below aresome specific examples.The disassembly time of the LB55 circuitbreaker (Toyo Electric Co., Ltd.) wasreduced by 40% as the result of a struc-tural modification. The consumption ofcorrugated cardboard in the packaging ofa bulb-type fluorescent lamp (OSRAM-MELCO Ltd.), an electricity indicatordevice (Koshin Electric Co., Ltd.) and awashing machine (Nihon Kentetsu Co.,Ltd.) enabled packaging materials reduc-tions of 18, 13 and 12%, respectively. Inaddition, plastic packaging materials forthe AEF-type cooler with insulating oil

In the area of energy conservation, a totalof 17 improvements were made in 13product groups. Efforts here includedreducing the electricity consumption ofproducts when in use as well as cuttingstandby electricity. Specific examplesinclude: The power consumption for amicrowave oven (Mitsubishi ElectricHome Appliances Co., Ltd.) was reducedby 15%, and the standby electricity wasreduced to “zero.” The electricity requiredfor the light source of a projector (OSRAM-MELCO Ltd.) was reduced 14%, and a 5%reduction in energy required for a fault-current protection plug (Koshin ElectricCo., Ltd.) was also achieved.

Reduce use of substances poten-tially harmful to the environment


promoting savings in two ways: energyconsumption related to IC productivity,and that which is not related to produc-tion numbers. Regarding that related toproductivity, attempts are being made toshut down facilities and turn off lights inareas that are not being used. In the areaof activities not related to productivity,the company has introduced a dual-flowhumidifier system. Energy savings andreductions in air-conditioning expenseswere achieved by switching from a boilerhumidification system to one that utilizesa two-flow system of air and demineral-ized water. The system is comparablyinexpensive to operate, so cost can berecovered in the short-term. It is beingapplied to other companies in the MKSgroup.

Ryoden Kasei Co., Ltd.

Ryoden Kasei Co., Ltd. manufactureselectricity insulation materials and hasdeveloped a substitute insulating varnishcalled “V565-00” that contains nostyrene, and can thus be utilized toreduce the amount of styrene emitted byits customer’s companies as well as itsown. In fiscal 2001, Ryoden Kaseireduced its styrene usage amount by 35t,equaling approximately 30% of in-houseuse. The company also introduced anenvironmental assessment program totarget environmentally harmful sub-stances from initial stages and promotethe development of Eco-products.

Ryoden Kasei Co., Ltd.

Ryoden Kasei Co., Ltd., a company thatmanufactures and sells electrical insula-tion materials, attained ISO 14001 certifi-cation in December 1999. In January ofthe following year, they began switchingfrom the utilization of wood in packagingprocesses to that of cardboard in an effortto promote the recycling of waste pack-aging materials. In fiscal 2001, 80% ofall products shipped were packaged incardboard, which resulted in a remark-able 30t reduction in packaging materialweight. Plans are to turn to 100% card-board packaging in the future.

Examples of Affiliated Companies’ Environmental Activities

Shift from Wooden PackagingMaterials to CardboardM

Fluorescent Light Bulb with LowNegative Environmental ImpactE

Development of SubstituteInsulating Varnish for StyreneT

is 72kWh. Compared to our companystandard, the energy savings for a 60Wincandescent bulb is 1:4.5, and the ratedlifetime is six times as long. Using theLupica Ball Mini also results in reducingthe waste from lights to one-sixth theaverage fixture, and the bulb shape hasbeen reduced by 17% compared to ourother fluorescent lamps, the smallest inthe industry. As a result of theseachievements, Mitsubishi Electric OsramLtd., as the sales company, received theEnergy Conservation Center Chairman’sPrize from The Energy ConservationCenter.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. is anaffiliated company in the United States. Itcompleted a negative environmentalimpact reduction project applied to itsoffice space in September 2001.Electricity consumption in the office fellby 33% compared to previous usage, andlighting luminance was increased 25%.The main improvement was a designswitch from a 34W 3-bulb fixture to along-life 40W 2-bulb setup. The effectivereduction in negative environmentalimpact is an electricity savings equal to24,000 liters of oil per year and a wastereduction of 66% compared to the previ-ous bulb.

Kanebo Kikuchi Electronics Co., Ltd.

A member of the Mitsubishi ElectricKumamoto Semiconductor (MKS)Group, this company manufactures andsells semiconductor integrated circuits(ICs). As a part of its original energyconservation activities, the company is

Lupica Ball Mini light bulb

Improving Office LightingE

Increased ProductivitySaves EnergyE

Improvement

Sprayed utilizing compressed air, water is vaporizedby pumping in air from an external compressor

Vapor sprayed into two factories

Installation example of dual-flow humidifier system from Kanebo Kikuchi Electronics Co., Ltd.


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ISO 14001 Certification & Major AwardsAffiliated companies that have recently acquired ISO 14001 certificationor received a major award are listed below.

Domestic■Major Awards Received in Fiscal 2001

Mitsubishi ElectricMETECS Co., Ltd.

Mitsubishi Electric KumamotoSemiconductor Corporation

Mitsubishi Electric Osram Ltd.

Mitsubishi Electric NaganoSemiconductor Corporation

Factory Energy Management ExcellenceAward (Electrical Dept.), Agency of NaturalResources and Energy Director’s Prize

Factory Energy Management ExcellenceAward (Heating Dept.), Kyushu Bureau ofEconomy, Trade and Industry Chief’s Prize

Energy Conservation Award (Energy-savingEquipment and Systems Award)The Energy Conservation Center Chairman’sPrize

Gold-class Commendation from NaganoEco-Circle

The Energy ConservationCenter



Nagano City

Evaluation revealed reduction in energy unitsrequired achieved through continuous energyconservation activities

Promotion of energy management and rational-ized use

Spreading of energy conservation measures suchas lowering electricity consumption by installing“Lupica Ball Mini” fluorescent light bulbs, improvinglighting fixture attachments through miniaturization

Active promotion of environmental managementactivities such as acquiring ISO 14001 certification

Company Name Award Awarding Organization In recognition of

Plan-drafting CompaniesIn fiscal 2001, five sites of five domestic affiliated companies and one site of an overseas affiliated company acquired ISO 14001 certification. In total, 40 sites of37 domestic affiliated companies and 10 sites of 10 overseas affiliated companies have acquired certification.

■Certification Acquirement

*1）Higashihama Recycle Center is the general name for Hyper-Cycle Systems Co., Ltd., and Green-Cycle Systems Co., Ltd.*2）JACO: Japan Audit and Certification Organization for Environment and Quality JQA: Japan Quality Assurance Organization

Toyo TakasagoDry Battery Co., Ltd.

Mitsubishi Electric KumamotoSemiconductor Corporation andits group members*5

Sowa Technica, Inc.

Gold-class Commendation for Eco-OfficeSystem from Yaita City

Commendation for the Promotion ofRecycling, Council for Promotion ofRecycling Chairman’s Award

Nakatsugawa City EnvironmentalPromotion Committee Chairman’s Award

Yaita City

Council for Promotionof Recycling

Nakatsugawa City

Continuous years of environmental managementactivities in business offices

Promotion of recycling and achieving “zeroemissions” and other contributions

Meritorious deeds and contributions to environ-mental preservation

Overseas

Mitsubishi Electric (Guangzhou) Compressor Co., Ltd.

Special Recognition Award for AdvancedIndustry

Bureau of EnvironmentalProtection, Guangzhou EconomicTechnology Development Division

Total emission of industrial wastes below target-ed standards

Company Name Award Awarding Organization In recognition of

Mitsubishi Electric Kumamoto Semiconductor CorporationNansei Electric Company

Higo Water Resources Protection Award Kumamoto Prefecture Effective use of groundwater and water qualitypollution prevention

*5）Mitsubishi Electric Semiconductor Corporation, Otsu Electronics Co., Ltd., Nansei Electric Co., Ltd., Mitsuya Electronics Co., Ltd., Kanebo Kikuchi Electronics Co., Ltd., Nodashi Electronics Co., Ltd., and Kumamoto Bousei Industries Co., Ltd.

Japan

Thailand

Country

Higashihama Recycle Center*1

Mitsubishi Electric Documentex Co., Ltd. / Main office, Tokyo Factory, Itami Factory

Ryosan Industrial Corporation / Main office factory

Kodensha Co., Ltd.

Mitsubishi Electric Logistics Corporation

Mitsubishi Electric Thai Auto-Parts Co., Ltd.

2001.04.18

2001.11.16

2001.12.28

2002.02.01

2002.03.08

2001.07.11

JACO*2

JQA*2

JQA

Japan Testing Center for Construction Materials

JQA

CERTIFICATE NO.85720

Company Name Certification Date Certifying Authority

Certification for Companies Other than Plan-drafting Companies

*3）Certification received for all domestic branches and business offices.*4）BVQI: Bureau Veritas Quality International

Japan

Thailand

Indonesia

China

Country

Tachibana Eletech Co., Ltd.

Kanaden Corporation*3

Ryoden Trading Co., Ltd.

Kang Yong Electric Public Co., Ltd.

P.T. Lippo Melco Auto-Parts

XD-Mitsubishi Electric Switchgear Co., Ltd.

2001.06.29

2001.10.26

2001.12.19

2001.09.21

2001.10.03

2001.07.20

JQA

Tomatsu Evaluation and Certification Organization

JACO

B.V.Q.I.*4

Kema-Registered Quality, Inc.

Det Norske Veritas

Company Name Certification Date Certifying Authority

OSRAM-MELCO Ltd.

The “Lupica Ball Mini” bulb-shaped flu-orescent lamp has an impressive energyefficiency rating and a high recyclableresource percentile. It is now available inthe market. Electricity consumption forthe bulb’s rated life expectancy (6,000hr)

Controls humiditysteam of two

factories

Boiler operationusing LPG

CO2 generatedby boiler activity


The utilization of ozone or a combination ofozone and another substance is one meansof greatly reducing the amounts of environ-mentally harmful chemicals applied in themanufacture (e.g., cleaning, resist separa-tion, CVD*2, surface oxides) of liquid-crys-tal and semiconductor devices. The Energy& Industrial Systems Center (Kobe) manu-factures ozone gas-generating systems likethe Mitsubishi Clean Ozonizer for the liq-uid-crystal and semiconductor fields. Theperformance of existing models has beendrastically improved with the introductionof a series headed by the OP-500C in fiscal2001. The new model is now available inthe market and has the following specifica-tions: ozone generation volume, 500g/hr;and ozone concentration, 210g/m3.

【Features of New Series】

①Highest ozone concentration increased24%, from 170→210g/m3.

② Series models range from 30→750g/hr (ozone generating capacity).

③ Required footprint reduced by 55%,*3

from 0.94→0.42m2.

④ Electricity consumption reduced17%*3, from 12→10kW.

⑤ Built-in power source compliant tohigh-power ratios of 99% or more,high harmonic wave-less systems andoverseas voltages (180-250V).

Ozone Gas Generator

The Fukuyama Works has applied vari-ous IT technologies to develop EcoServer,an energy conservation support systemmarketed commercially. Data collectionis performed by the MDU breaker, which

has a built-in measurement function, theEcoMonitor, which utilizes individualcurrent sensors, and the ElectricityMeasurement Unit. Based on the energydata collected and the number of produc-tion units assigned to the programmablelogic controller, EcoServer analyzes thesituation and then provides easy-to-understand graphics so that energy con-servation activities can be viewed at aremote location via a web-based system.The graphics can be indicated in timeseries or sections, so an environmentalmanager can monitor energy use at any-time over an Intranet. EcoServer isinstalled in the administrative building ofthe Fukuyama Works, thus providing vis-ible management of energy consumption.Electricity use was reduced by 24% infiscal 2001.

EcoServer – Monitoring via theWebE

T

ings in every field of application. Theinverter received the Superior Energy-Conserving Machinery Award and TheMinister of Economy, Trade and IndustryAward from The Japan MachineryFederation.

EcoServer Monitoring System

*1）GCT: Gate commutated turn-off thyristorInverter: Variable-speed, variable-frequency alternatingcurrent power source control device

OP-500C Ozone Gas Generator

World's largest capacity GCT thyristorelements (left and middle), GCT inverter(right)

*2）CVD: Chemical vapor deposition*3）Compared to Mitsubishi Electric’s previous 500g/hr model.

Database server Mail server

Intranet

ProgrammableLogic Controller

Dedicatedpower sourcefor transmission

ElectricityMeasurementUnit (EMU)

MDU breakerEcoMonitorMulti-circuit powermonitoring unit

B/NETRS-485

EcoServerData collection server for saving energy(Input capacity: 255 points / maximum of 62 days of information can be collected and recorded)

Client PC

Measurement information(Electricity, current, voltage, etc.)

Production information(productivity, etc.)

Mail transmission(upper/lower limits, abnormalities informed by mail)

Read via web browserDisplay of current information

(Daily/Monthly/Yearly)

Due to its excellent thermal insulationand mechanical strength properties,polyurethane foam is widely used as aninsulating material in refrigerators, com-monly making up about 10% of a prod-uct’s overall weight. However, sincepolyurethane foam is a thermosettingresin which is both insoluble andinfusible, a chemical-based recycling

process is required. The AdvancedTechnology R&D Center has developed abasic technology to be utilized in therecycling of waste materials containingpolyurethane. The new technology uti-lizes a special reduction glycol thatchemically dissolves the polyurethanewaste, allowing polyol, the raw materialin polyurethane, to be recycled. It hasbeen confirmed that polyurethane foamcontaining recycled polyol at a weightratio of 30% has the same thermal insula-

tion and mechanical strength characteris-tics as parts manufactured using newmaterials. The recycling technology wasmade possible through successful collab-oration with the New Energy andIndustrial Technology DevelopmentOrganization (NEDO) during fiscal2000-2001.


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Environment-related Business Based on know-how utilized for reducing negative environmental impact previously fostered by the com-pany as well as a variety of newly developed technologies, Mitsubishi Electric is constantly working topromote environmentally conscious businesses.

The Nakatsugawa Works began sellingphotovoltaic power-generation systemsfor hip roofs in October 2001. A specialfeature of the new system is an amazingreduction in the amount of installationspace required for the solar battery paneland adaptation of unique layout patterns.A total of 822 different setup patterns areavailable to choose from, making it pos-sible to maximize the small-area charac-

Recycling Technologyfor Polyurethane FoamM

Photovoltaic Power-GenerationSystem for Hip RoofsE

The Energy & Industrial Systems Center(Nagasaki) has developed the MELVEC-3000C, a variable-speed GTC inverter*1

for large-capacity alternating-currentmotors. Though small, the inverter has arated capacity of 12MVA and is capableof operating at variable speeds underalternating currents of several 1,000 –10,000kW. It is equipped with a newlydeveloped next-generation 6kV/6kAGCT thyristor that provides a remarkablereduction in power loss due to theON/OFF switching of semiconductorpower devices. This highly efficientvariable-speed inverter was developed forthe steel industry and other fields wherelarge-capacity alternating-current motorsof more than several 1,000kW arerequired. It is designed to respond to cus-tomers’ needs and provide energy sav-

Development of Large-CapacityGCT InverterE

Wasteurethane foam

Raw materials fordecomposition

Recycled polyol

Mixer

Absorption tank

Heating unit

FAN

Condenser

Chemical Recycling Technology for Refrigerator Polyurethane Thermal InsulationMaterials

Facilities Model

Panel Installation Example

teristics of hip-type roofing. Availablefor the system are the PV-MM094A solarbattery panel, PV-TF041 operation com-ponent and PV-CWX4B voltage trans-forming unit and integrated junction box.Utilizing a longitudinal rack mountinglayout, a savings of approximately 30%is achieved, while power generation isincreased 2.1 times that of the standardmodel. If a 281kW system is installed,the CO2 emission reduction effect isapproximately 582kg-C/year (carbon-equivalent value) per unit. The system

received the Energy Conservation GrandPrix Award from The New EnergyFoundation.

Isocyanide compound

Polyol

Foaming agent

Polyurethane foam

Mixi

ng/f

oam

shap

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Glyc

olse

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Refrigeratorwall

Thermal insulator

Raw materials for recycling process

Catalyst and foaming agent

Polyurethane thermalinsulation waste

Recycled polyol

Refrigerator's polyurethane insulation

Glycol

This space not usedApprox.2.1 times

Basic system panel PV-MR126B×12 = 1.51kW

Hip-roof system panelPV-MM094A×24 = 3.18kW

The company’s activities were explainedto the pupil, including energy consump-tion at the Fukuoka Factory, energy con-servation measures implemented, exam-ples of our latest products with improvedenergy efficiency and products’ relation-ships with power devices. We had toexercise resourcefulness many times inpreparing “easy-to-understand” presenta-tion materials. Even so, we were occa-sionally pressed after receiving unexpect-ed, simple, but difficult-to- answer ques-tions. Future opportunities to provideeducational support like this would bemost welcome.

■ Donating Used DrumsRather than disposing of their useddrums, PTV Integrated ManufacturingSystems, S.A. de C., one of our affiliatedcompanies in Mexico,repaints them, turnsthem into garbagecans and donatesthem to local ele-mentary schools.


We are committed to interactions withcommunities through various activitiesinitiated by our regional offices.

■ Shizuoka Environmental / SocialWelfare / Technology Fair

The Shizuoka Works participated in the3-day Shizuoka Environmental/SocialWelfare/Technology Fair starting onSeptember 13, 2001. The basic theme ofthe event was harmony among environ-ment, welfare and technology. Inessence, it was a forum for obtaining var-ious suggestions regarding ways toimprove environmental friendliness indaily life and discuss future social struc-tures based on universal design and envi-ronmental conservation.The Shizuoka Works has participated inthe fair for four consecutive years, begin-ning in 1998. Last year it displayedrefrigerators and air-conditioners as actu-al examples of Eco-products.

■ Participation in Recycling FairThe Kitaitami Administration Center par-ticipated in the Itami Recycling Fair, heldon October 27, 2001. Various panelswere displayed showing the recyclingprocesses for semiconductor wafer casesand the company’s efforts to promoterecycling and reuse of resources fromwastes. The fair was held in the city ofItami, and was very popular, havingsome 3,000 visitors.

■ Promoting Sagami River Cleaning Activities

The Sagami Administration Center hasbeen involved in a volunteer initiativecalled “Sagami River CleaningOperations” since 1997. Activities

Promoting Regional Activities

C O L U M N

Environmentally Consious Even in Factory Cafeterias

■ Using Compost Systemto Reduce Waste

The Fukuyama Works introduced abio-decomposition garbage disposalsystem in June 2001 and successfullyreduced the amount of raw waste atthe site from 30t/day to zero. A simi-lar disposal system was introduced inthe Fukuoka area in December 2001.Compost-type disposal systems havealso been introduced at our Nagoya,Kobe, Nakatsugawa, and Kamakurasites.

■ Introduction of Wash-Free Rice We have introduced the use of “wash-free rice” tonine business sites and one affiliated company. Itis to be used for preparing meals that are served infactory cafeterias. As the name implies, the ricecan be cooked without needing to wash it first,thus saving time and reducing the amount ofwastewater ridden with rice bran, thereby improv-ing water quality. The rice tastes good, so plansare to begin using it at other business sites in thefuture.(Note: Rice bran—left over after rice is washed—is used as organic fertilizer.)Bio-decomposition garbage disposal system

Participating in elementary school curriculum

include cleaning the riverbanks, therebyraising awareness of the environment inthe people in the Sagami River area(vicinity of Takada Bridge inSagamihara). Cleaning operations wereconducted three times in 2001, and everytime more than 30 employees and theirfamily members participated. The totalnumber of employees and family mem-bers that have participated in the five-year period is now more than 500. InFebruary 2002, the efforts to conservewater and greenery were recognized bylocal authorities and the center wasawarded a citation from the KanagawaPrefectural Engineering Office for theSagami River Area.

■ Supporting Energy ConservationEducation

During fiscal 2001, members of theFukuoka Factory visited classes at GenyoElementary School for three days andexplained about the company’s activitiestowards saving energy. Genyo has beendesignated “a model school for promot-ing energy conservation education” bythe Ministry of Economy, Trade andIndustry, Ministry of Education, Culture,Sports, Science and Technology,Ministry of the Environment and otherauthorities, and a request was filed forMitsubishi Electric’s cooperation.

Employees and family members participating in clean-upoperations

■ E-mail Inquiries Total: 354 (Fiscal 2001)


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Environmental Communication ActivitiesCommunications are a vital activity in the Mitsubishi Electric effort to contribute to a truly sustainable society.We are committed to better communications and the dissemination of information through a variety of meanssuch as the Environmental Sustainability Report, the corporate website and other publicly available media.

■ Collecting Opinions through E-mailboxAn E-mailbox has been created for thepurpose of collecting opinions andinquiries from people both inside andoutside of the Mitsubishi Electric Group(E-mail address: [email protected]). In fiscal 2001, we received 354communications, and 60% of them wererequests to order a copy of the environ-mental report. Other communicationsincluded requests that we conduct aQ&A-type survey and questions aboutthe company’s products.

■ Reporting to ShareholdersWe have reported environment-relatedactivities in the corporate business reportsince fiscal 1993. In fiscal 2001, weincluded “The Mitsubishi Electric Group- C o m m i t t e d t o E n v i r o n m e n t a lConservation” on the special featurespages of the “Together” business report.

EnvironmentalSustainabilityReport 2001

Article in fiscal 2001 "Together" Business Report（Only in Japanese）

Mitsubishi Electric's booth at Eco-Products 2001

Article in "Nikkei Ecology" magazine

Advertisement in Nihon Keizai Newspaper

Request toorder a copyof theenvironmentalreport: 205

Others: 46

From insidethe Mitsubishi Electric Group: 57

Request forQ&A-type survey: 13

Opinions andquestions: 33

■Publishing Environmental AdvertisementsThe company utilizes a wide variety ofmedia including magazines and newspa-pers to present its stance on environmentalissues and communicate its activities. In acorporate advertisement series that beganrunning on February 14, 2002, in NihonKeizai Newspaper, we featured some ofthe company’s latest technologies that webelieve will contribute to improving futuresocial infrastructure as well as environmentand energy conservation technologies onother occasions (8 ads in total). We alsointroduced “Factor X”*2, an index thatindicates a product’s eco-efficiency, in theApril 2002 issue of the “Nikkei Ecology”magazine.

Briefing on the environmental report

■ Environmental Report BriefingBeginning in the year 2000, in parallel withthe publishing of the EnvironmentalSustainability Report, Mitsubishi Electrichas held a briefing for members of the press,representatives from non-governmentalorganizations, etc. The “EnvironmentalSustainability Report 2001 Briefing” washeld on June 29, 2001. During the ses-sion, we outlined the report and presentedexamples of the group’s environmentalactivities. We found the session very sig-nificant in that we were able to cover awide range of questions in a mannermore personal than a report can describe,and because of that, we received manyconstructive suggestions for future activi-ties. Participants have spoken highly ofthe briefing, so we’d like to continueholding it as an annual event in thefuture.

*1）DFE: Design for the Environment*2）Factor X: Please refer to page 16 of this report.

Corporate website

■ Publication of Annual Environmental Sustainability Report

The company’s first environmental reportwas published in 1998 and we have con-tinued to update it annually, providingissues in English and Japanese. In recentyears, we have also began providingenvironmental information (including theannual report) on the corporate website.

■ Participation in Eco-Products 2001Since 1999, the company has participatedin an exhibition called “Eco-Products”(sponsored by the Japan EnvironmentalManagement Association for Industry(JEMAI) and Nihon Keizai Shimbun,Inc.), that is held for the purpose of adver-tising and promoting environment-con-scious products. The purpose of the exhi-bition is to raise awareness of the environ-ment in both the consumer and manufac-turer. As a manufacturer, we present howwe are addressing environmental issues inour activities. Eco-Products 2001 washeld December 13-15, 2001. There wepresented DFE,*1 which is addressed byall of the companies in the MitsubishiElectric Group, our green procurementpolicy, the progress of our product infor-mation disclosure initiative and the activi-ties of the Higashihama Recycle Center.We also released the evaluation results ofthe eco-efficiency measured by FactorX*2 on 14 of our products.This is a newenvironmental index that expresses theamount of product improvement in termsof eco-efficiency, thus making it possibleto calculate a product’s degree of contri-bution to society.


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Effort to Improve the Environmental Sustainability ReportMitsubishi Electric has asked people active in the environmental field to evaluate its environmental reportand share their opinions on the company’s approach to environmental issues. A roundtable-style discus-sion was held on February 13, 2002. In the following, some of the experts in attendance provide their view.

■ Clear Vision for Society In general, our report met with positivereactions. Specific comments included:“Well bound as an environmentalreport,”“Easy to read,” and “Easy tounderstand, thanks to a good explanationof environmental activities using MET.”In particular, Ms. Tsukushi commented,“I find the report was compiled in a sin-cere manner. It seems to have been pre-pared with a sense of assurance, particu-larly when it comes to the figures used.”Many favorable comments such as thiswere heard; however, others indicatedfeelings somewhat different. Professor Yasui: “I think the report has

■ Selecting the Best MediumA number of views were expressed dur-ing the discussion, particularly regarding“whom the report was prepared for.” Mr. Waragai, an environmental planner,explained, “An environmental report is acommunications tool, and the targetgroup must be clearly identified.”Environmental reports are now publishedby various organizations, and publicationshould no longer be seen simply as aonce-a-year ritual. What is needed nowis to exercise resourcefulness to its fullestpossible degree, and make the companyand its activities better understood by allthose who read it. In other words, thereport must be made “read-worthy.”Ms. Tsukushi, an “Eco-fund” pioneer,provided a clear answer as to who envi-ronmentally conscious companies shouldbe communicating with. “For most over-seas companies, stakeholders are themajor target. It may be a good idea totarget institutional investors specifically(when publishing an environmental

become something likeanswers prepared by a‘straight-A’student. Ithink that it’s time forMitsubishi Electric toexhibit its own style inspace arrangement.”Ms. Sakita: “MitsubishiElectric is very activelyinvolved in environ-

report).”Mr. Pedersen, who specializes in envi-ronment-related business, commented,“One requirement is to choose either doc-ument or electronic-based media, and thisdepends on the target group.” Basic dataand information bound for consumersmay be best transmitted via a website,but printed materials are the best commu-nications tool for stakeholders.Ms. Sakita, who is engaged in advocacy-type environmental activities, does notbelieve that websites are a good vehiclefor information exchange for those whodo not have easy access to electronicallyprepared messages. She noted, “It maybe a good idea to prepare a simplifiedversion of the report for general con-sumers.”

■ Transparency of Evaluation Standards The discussion also touched upon one ofthe core issues for an environmentallyconscious society, that is, “Based onwhat standards should environmentalactivities and products be evaluated?”Professor Yasui, being an expert in pro-

tive environmental impact in this year’senvironmental report.

■ Evaluation Survey RequestYour reaction to and opinion of theEnvironmental Sustainability Report2002 are highly valued. We would bemost grateful if you could please take amoment of your time to fill in theEvaluation Survey. Please use theaccompanying form. You can either fax,E-mail or post your responses to us.

duction technology, commented: “Awhole picture that contains energy andmaterials balances must be presented in areport.” He also noted, “I would suggestthat a comparison be made as to thedegree of social contribution made by anenergy-saving production technology,this being done utilizing a benchmarkyear, as defined in the Kyoto Protocol,and the current year.”Mr. Waragai expressed a favorable viewabout the report in saying, “It was veryinteresting that Mitsubishi Electric evalu-ated its 3rd Environmental Plan using itsown yardstick.” However, he also indi-cated, “The explanation regarding thestandards used was not quite sufficient.”Mr. Pedersen said, “I would like to seecriteria that enable the products to beevaluated making best use of the METconcept. I think it is a very unique frameof reference.”Based on the discussion, the companyhas proposed the use of “Factor X,” aneco-efficiency index of our own making

that we are currentlyintroducing to theindustry. Using FactorX, we believe that it ispossible to quantitative-ly evaluate the eco-effi-ciency of a product, andhave used it to demon-strate a product’s contri-bution to reducing nega-

mental activities and has good foresight,but the report shows a bit too much mod-esty. In other words, the position of beingproactive, which should be naturallycommunicated to consumers, is some-thing I can’t quite see.”Mr. Pedersen: “Now that the corporateinfluence (on environment) is increasing,it is very important for a company not tosimply explain what they are doing, butalso to present a clear vision as to how itis interacting with society.”It may be true that unique visions andphilosophies can, and do actually, emergeat the individual and departmental level.But for a company such as ours — acompany with numerous business groupsand a vast product lineup (from homeappliances to space development) — wecannot help but come across as a straight-A student, or perhaps “being a bit toomodest,” as indicated by the commentsreceived. For the 2002 version, we haveattempted to make the report enjoyable toread, while paying close attention to thecontinuity of the information providedtherein.

［Participants］Dr. Itaru Yasui, Professor, Institute of Industrial Sciense,University of TokyoMr. Peter D. Pedersen, Chief Executive, E-Square Inc.Ms. Mizue Tsukushi, President & CEO, The Good Bankers Co., Ltd.Mr. Yutaka Waragai, President, Workshop Mu Co., Ltd.Ms. Yuko Sakita, Secretary-General, Genki na Gomi Nakamanokai

Dr. Itaru Yasui

The Evaluation Survey should be sentto:

Fax: +81-3-3218-2465E-mail: [email protected] post it to:Corporate Environmental Management PlanningDepartmentMitsubishi Electric CorporationMitsubishi Electric Building 2-2-3, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8310, Japan

Ms. Mizue TsukushiMr. Peter D. Pedersen Mr. Yutaka Waragai Ms. Hiroko Tsuruta


Editor's Postscript

Environmental-conscious ProductsThe Law Concerning the Promotion of Procurement of Environmentally Friendly Goodsand Services by the State and Other Entities (Law on Promoting Green Purchasing) wasenacted in April 2001. Please refer to the website listed below for the Mitsubishi Electricproducts that comply with the Law on Promoting Green Purchasing. You can find theMET-Profile there as well.

Notice to our customers in Japan

Website: www.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp/eco (only in Japanese)E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp/recycle/home (only in Japanese)(Fill-in form for sending comments/inquiries is available on website.)

Inquiries : Information System Devices Recycling CenterTel : 03-5487-4639 (09:00-17:30 except on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)

Website : www.diarcs.com/ (only in Japanese)E-mail : [email protected] outside of Japan, Please call +81-3-5487-4639

Collection and Recycling of Used ProductsWe are in the process of establishing a collection and recycling system for some of ourproducts in order to build a recycling-oriented society. The websites shown below citedetails about the targeted products and collection procedures.

*Organization established by the Battery Association of Japan on April 1, 2001, to promote the recycling ofused secondary batteries.

Used information technology equipment (personal computers, etc.)

Used air-conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and televisions

Website : www.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp/eco (only in Japanese)

Products Containing PCBThe PCB Waste Disposal Special Measures Law, which calls for the proper managementof PCB wastes, was enacted on July 15, 2001. Manufacturers that use PCB in their prod-ucts or store PCB wastes must provide a list of all their electrical products containingPCB to the prefectural governor. Member companies of the Mitsubishi Electric Group donot currently manufacture any products that utilize PCB; however, there are some prod-ucts previously manufactured that contain PCB. The websites shown below citeMitsubishi Electric products manufactured using PCB insulating oil.

Website : www.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp/group/mlf/pcb/ (only in Japanese)

Lighting fixtures

Energy and industrial electrical machinery

Collection and Recycling of Small Secondary Batteries Mitsubishi Electric has established a collection & recycling system for small secondarybatteries (nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, lithium-ion, small capsule-type lead-acid)through the Used Small Secondary Battery Collection System of the Small SecondaryBattery Resource Recycling Promotion Center* (Battery Association of Japan). Pleaserefer to the following website or write to the following address for further details.

Plain expressions, graphs and photos as well as a largerletter font have been used, as in last year's report, for easierreading and better understanding. As suggested in theroundtable discussion, information will be provided asprinted documents and website information at the sametime. For example, the Green Procurement Law Product List andMET-Profile product environmental information are nowlisted on the website (Only in Japanese). Accordingly, wewill continue to report the latest information in a timelymanner. Please note that we have not included comments from anyexternal organizations for the numerical data cited in this

environmental report. Mitsubishi Electric holds itself fullyresponsible for all figures and numerical data reported. All of the information utilized was collected from ourbusiness sites and affiliated companies at the end of March inpreparation for releasing the Japanese version of theenvironmental report by the end of June, thus synchronizing ourbusiness management and environmental managementcycles. Fiscal year 2002 is a milestone year in our medium- to long-termcommitment to environmental improvement. We willcombine efforts made in the past with a new environmental planfor the future in our next report, to be published in June 2003.

Note: Website pages are updated as required. If you have a problem accessing one of the pages, please send anE-mail to inform us of the problem. Send to: [email protected]

http://Global.MitsubishiElectric.com/eco

Published in August 2002. 　ECO-E０2Mitsubishi Electric GroupEnvironmental Action Logo

For further information, please contact: Corporate Environmental Management Planning Department Mitsubishi Electric Building, 2-2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8310, Japan Tel: +81-3-3218-9024 Fax: +81-3-3218-2465 E-mail: [email protected]

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Environmental Sustainability Report 2002 · 2018-03-28 · motors, factory automation systems, electric motors, hoists, electro-magnetic circuit break-ers, no-fuse breakers, earth