Initiatives to Reduce CO₂ Emissions

The Kyowa Kirin Group upholds the global goal of reducing CO₂ emissions in fiscal 2020 to no more than 380,000 tons, or 85% of its fiscal 1990 level^*1. In addition, as part of its efforts to prevent global warming, the Group collaborated with its parent company, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited, to formulate a global group target from the Science Based Targets (SBT) approach*. The target is to reduce CO₂ emissions in fiscal 2030 to no more than 289,000 tons, that is, to 20% less than the fiscal 2015 level^*1, and actions have been launched to achieve it.

SBT Initiative was jointly established in 2015 by CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to encourage firms to set GHG emissions reduction targets based on scientific evidence with the aim of controlling global warming within 2℃ above pre-industrial levels. Presently, 222 corporations around the world (as of March 23, 2017) have endorsed the initiative, of which 40 corporations have their targets publicly disclosed as certified SBTs.

The CO₂ emissions in 2017 from plants and research laboratories in Japan and overseas plants increased slightly from the previous year to 366,000 tons^*1. This was attributable to the increase in production volume at overseas plants, ongoing efforts are made to reduce CO₂ emissions. Specifically, we are introducing energy-efficient air conditioners, installing facilities with cutting-edge energy-saving features at our new buildings, and employing spot air conditioners. We are also trying to improve our facility management, for example, by optimally controlling freezers and air conditioners to save more energy. Our CO₂emissions have been maintained at 81.7% of the fiscal 1990 level^*1, which is well in line with the fiscal 2020 global target.