Mitsubishi cuts CO2 emissions in both manufacturing and product use

The figures, contained in the Group’s latest Environmental Report, show manufacturing emissions at 933,000 tons, 22,000 tons less than expected.

The report, which covers the Japan-based Group’s 114 domestic locations and 68 overseas affiliates, is an annual update on its series of environmental plans. These are renewed every three years, with 2010-2012 being plan number six.

The cut in CO2 emissions from manufacturing is reported to be due to the improved productivity and installation of photovoltaic systems, real-time energy control and the use of other power saving equipment.

The 2010-2012 plan had earlier set the effective use of photovoltaic systems as one of its goals, alongside using more efficient cooling and lighting systems. It also focused on CO2 reductions through energy improvements in the production process, as well as real-time energy control of individual lines and equipment. As a result, the Group has reduced CO2 emissions by a total of 106,000 tons over the past three years, with 59,000 tons resulting from equipment upgrades and 47,000 tons resulting from production improvements.

The next environmental plan includes the aim of further reducing CO2 emissions by 121,000 tons by March 2015.

The 26% product-use emissions reduction is another aspect of the Group’s long-term environmental goals.

Mitsubishi says that CO2 emissions from the end use of products are 40-50 times greater than the emissions generated in the manufacturing of these products. Given that greener performance of such products is one of the Group’s low-carbon aims, it has now set a target of reducing CO2 emissions from product usage by 30% by 2021.

The report also records zero-emissions for final waste disposal at all consolidated locations in Japan.
In addition, to best utilise natural resources, each production site in Japan cooperates with other nearby sites, including those of affiliated companies, in the management and reusing of waste such as plastic, oil, batteries and wood.

edie staff