Performance

We report efforts and achievements for the environmental load in FY2023 indicated in the page of "Environmental Aspect in Corporate Activities."
The following report covers TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD.: six sites, and its domestic and overseas consolidated subsidiaries.

Compliance, Monitoring

We report the result of compliance and monitoring at each site in FY2023.

GHG, Energy

There are three categories for greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted during the course of business activities: Direct emissions from use of energy (Scope 1), Indirect emissions from energy use (Scope 2) and Indirect emissions other than from energy use (Scope 3). GHG emissions cannot be easily measured, so we concentrate on energy use and reducing energy consumption.

Results of Efforts to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Energy Consumption

In FY2023, the GHG emissions by the entire group increased by 22,000 t-CO2e compared to FY2022. Specifically, the emissions by the sites in Japan increased from 168,000 t-CO2e in FY2022 to 173,000 t-CO2e and those by the overseas sites increased from 228,000 t-CO2e in FY2022 to 245,000 t-CO2e (see G1).
The amount of energy used by the entire group was 273,000 kL (crude oil equivalent).
We will continue to review production processes, with a focus on core products, to further improve production efficiency and reduce energy use.
Furthermore, we have been promoting the incorporation of renewable energy in our efforts to combat global warming. The renewable energy used in FY2023 was 151,256 MWh.

G1: GHG Emissions
(calculated from total energy consumption)

This is a graph of domestic GHG emissions and overseas GHG emissions in millions of yen from FY2019 to FY2023. In FY2019, domestic GHG emissions are 232 and overseas GHG emissions are 200, for a total of 432. In FY2020, domestic GHG emissions are 257 and overseas GHG emissions are 227, for a total of 484. In FY2021, domestic GHG emissions are 264 and overseas GHG emissions are 195, for a total of 459. In FY2022, domestic GHG emissions are 228 and overseas GHG emissions are 168, for a total of 396. In FY2023, domestic GHG emissions are 245 and overseas GHG emissions are 173, for a total of 418.
GHG Emissions (×103t-CO2e)
Scope1 51
Scope2 367

Efforts on Indirect Emissions Other than from Energy Use (Scope 3)

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand from our stakeholders to disclose information on Scope3 emissions, in addition to information on Scope1 and Scope2 emissions. In order to respond to such a demand, we are striving to keep track of our Scope3 emissions. To reduce Scope3 emissions, we started engagement with our suppliers.

Category Emissions
(×103t-CO2e)
Remarks
category1 Purchased Goods and Services 601
category2 Capital goods 225
category3 Fuel- and energyrelated activities
(not included in scope1 or scope2)
77
category4 Upstream transportation and distribution 36
category5 Waste generated in operations 11
category6 Business travel 0.9 sites in Japan
category7 Employee commuting 9 sites in Japan
category8 Upstream leased assets 0 Included in Scope2
category9 Transportation and delivery
(downstream)
Not applicable
category10 Processing of sold products 7
category11 Use of sold products Not applicable
category12 End-of-life treatment of sold products 0.1
category13 Leased assets (downstream) Not applicable
category14 Franchise Not applicable
category15 Investments Not applicable
Total 967

Efforts to Address Climate Change

In response to the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD), we are proceeding with a scenario analysis of the risks and opportunities that climate change issues pose to society and business, and consider business strategies based on the results.

Efforts to Address TCFD

As the impact of climate change on society, such as frequent storms and floods, is increasing, the role of companies in achieving a decarbonized society is becoming more important.
As we aim to improve our corporate value with a focus on both economic value and social value based on our Medium-term Management Plan 2025, we consider that strengthening the measures to respond to climate change is one of the most important business challenges.
While we promote manufacturing based on the decarbonization concept to achieve carbon neutrality in order to tackle the global issue of climate change, we have set the Medium-term target of reducing GHG emissions by 42% compared to FY2020 by FY2030 based on the SBTs and thoroughly promote energy saving, energy creation, and the utilization of renewable energy.
We aim to contribute to the achievement of the international goals set forth in the SDGs and the Paris Agreement through collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders. We also recognize the importance of climate-related financial information disclosure, endorse the TCFD, and are enhancing information disclosure in accordance with the TCFD recommendations.

Governance

We recognize climate change as one of the important management issues and aim to promote activities for sustainability issues through business activities throughout the company, and since FY2021, we have held the Sustainability Committee (four times a year) chaired by the President and Chief Executive Officer.
In addition, there are directors who have expertise and experience in ESG and sustainability on the Board of Directors.
The Environmental Promotion Committee, a sub-committee of the Sustainability Committee sets quantitative targets for climate change and monitors the status of achievement.
If the targets are not achieved or may not be achieved, the Environmental Promotion Committee needs to investigate the cause and take corrective measures for improvement. The deliberations and decisions by the Environmental Promotion Committee are reported to the Sustainability Committee, which is its superior committee.

Strategy

1 Identification of risks and opportunities

In order to identify climate-related risks and opportunities that affect our business, we used climate scenarios such as the IEA and the IPCC to identify them, qualitatively evaluated their characteristics, and conducted scenario analysis.

Division Assumed event Climate-related risks and opportunities Degree of financial impact (Profit basis)
Transition risks Introducing and raising carbon prices Increasing of operation costs due to introducing of carbon prices Major
Strengthening environment-
related regulations
Increasing of costs for measures due to strengthening of GHG emission reduction targets and energy efficiency improvement targets Medium
Increasing of costs due to compliance with domestic and overseas environmental regulations Medium
Physical risks (Acute) Intensifying extreme wind and flood damages Intensified wind and flood damages to sites Minor - Medium
(Chronic) Long-term change in weather patterns Suspension of production due to water shortages caused by drought and a decline in productivity due to heat waves Minor - Medium
Opportunities Acceleration of xEV shift Increasing in sales of electronic components for the electric vehicle market due to the global shift to xEVs Major
Increased demand for high-efficiency products Increased sales of electronic components for the industrial equipment market due to increased demand for power supplies with energy management functions to reduce GHG emissions Major
Increased production efficiency Secure profits by promoting low-carbon production activities including the development of energy-saving measures and the introduction of renewable energy Major
Promotion of climate change-related measures Enhance customer trust by advancing climate change-related measures -
Degree of financial impact:
Minor=JPY 1.5 billion or less; Medium=JPY 1.5 billion to 6 billion; Major=JPY 6 billion or more

2 Setting the scenario analysis theme

We carried out a scenario analysis on the following themes evaluated as “highly important risks and opportunities” based on the degree of impact on our business, the relevance to our business strategies, and the degree of stakeholder interest.

Transition risks

Target business / Analysis theme

Common to all businesses Financial impact of introducing carbon prices on operating costs

External information referred to in the analysis

1.5℃ scenario 4℃ scenario
Key reference scenarios*1 NZE (Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario) STEPS (Stated Policies Scenario)
View of the world A world where CO2 emissions by the global energy sector reach net zero by 2050 and the average global temperature rise compared to preindustrial levels peaks at a little less than 1.6℃ around 2040 and decreases to about. 1.4℃ by 2100. A world where the policies and implementation measures that affect the energy market adopted by the countries as of August 2023, and the related policy proposals are partially implemented, and the average global temperature rise compared to preindustrial levels reaches 2.4℃ in 2100, and the average global temperature keeps rising.
As each country shifts to renewable energy, prices of fossil resources tend to decrease. As each country depends on fossil resources, prices of fossil resources tends to rise.
  • *1
    The analysis is based on the scenarios published in the "World Energy Outlook 2023", the annual report by the IEA (International Energy Agency)
Physical risks

Target business / Analysis theme

Common to all businesses Impact of intensified extreme weather disasters on sites (floods and storm surges)

This data covers the 18 sites in Japan and 7 sites outside Japan.
We assessed physical impacts at the baseline (current), and at the middle and end of this century.

External information referred to in the analysis

Information provider Reference
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Flood hazard map, Guidance on the Physical Risk Assessment Based on the TCFD Recommendations (March 2023)
Fathom Global Flood Map
WRI (World Resources Institute) Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas
IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)*2,3 AR6 Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis, Working Group 1 Interactive Atlas
Others Yukiko Hirabayashi et al. (2013). Global flood risk under climate change. Nature Climate Change, 3(9), 816-821.
  • *2
    We assessed physical impacts based on the climate scenarios SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 used in the IPCC AR6.
  • *3
    The SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios correspond to the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios used in AR5.
Opportunities

Target business / Analysis theme

Electronic component business Impact of the global spread of electric vehicles on the sales of electronic components for the automotive market

Major pieces of external information referred to in the analysis

Information provider Reference
IEA IEA World Energy Outlook 2023
IEA Global EV Outlook 2023
IEA Global EV Data Explorer (Last updated 23 Apr. 2024)

3 Scenario analysis results

Transition risks: Financial impact of introducing carbon prices on operating costs
Risk
Impact of carbon prices on operating costs in 2030 and 2050
Our climate scenario analysis prerequisites
Assuming that a carbon price of 21,197 yen will be imposed on each ton of GHG emissions in 2030 and 37,853 yen in 2050, we forecast the effects on carbon prices. Carbon prices are set based on (IEA World Energy Outlook 2023 (Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, Stated Policies Scenario).
Analysis result

We forecast future GHG emissions trends and the financial impact on operating costs if carbon prices were introduced. Under the 1.5℃ scenario, if GHG emissions reduction measures were implemented, costs would have been reduced by about 700 million yen as of 2030 and by 4.5 billion yen as of 2050 compared with the scenario where no measures are taken (see G1). In addition, although we are promoting the introduction of renewable energy, even if the power is 100% renewable energy, the remaining Scope1 emissions in the 1.5℃ scenario will be 200,000 t-CO2 (see G2), and the impact of the carbon price will be about 4.5 billion yen.

G1: Carbon price effect

Bar graphs (in million yen) for the 4℃ scenario, 1.5℃ scenario, and 1.5℃ scenario (after emission reduction measures) for fiscal 2030 and 2050. The 4℃ scenario for fiscal 2030 is just over 6,000, the 1.5℃ scenario is just over 4,000, and the 1.5℃ scenario (after emission reduction measures) is just under 4,000. The 4℃ scenario for fiscal 2050 is just under 8,000, and the 1.5℃ scenario is just over 4,000.

G2: GHG emissions trends

This is a bar graph (x103 (t-CO₂e)) for the 4℃ scenario, 1.5℃ scenario, and 1.5℃ scenario (after emission reduction measures) for fiscal 2030 and 2050. The 4℃ scenario for fiscal 2030 is just under 800, the 1.5℃ scenario is just under 600, and the 1.5℃ scenario (after emission reduction measures) is just under 600. The 4℃ scenario for fiscal 2050 is just under 1000, and the 1.5℃ scenario is just under 600.
Strategy
In order to reduce energy consumption, we believe that it is necessary to improve production efficiency by reviewing our production processes, focusing on our core products, along with promoting the introduction of renewable energy. In addition, we plan to consider measures to reduce the remaining Scope1 emissions toward the achievement of carbon neutrality.
Physical risks: Impact of intensified extreme weather disasters on sites (Floods and Storm Surges)
Risk
Impact of increased weather disasters associated with climate change on our manufacturing sites at the middle and end of this century
Our climate scenario analysis prerequisites
We assessed 25 sites inside and outside Japan based on public hazard information and various information obtained for climate change impact assessment.
Analysis result

We assessed the potential for manufacturing site damage due to intensifying extreme floods and storm surges, and screened sites that require priority investigation of the impact of physical risks.
We independently graded baseline (current) flood and storm surge risks and assessed the changes in the current to mid-century or end-of-century grades based on the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios.
Regarding floodings, there is one site in Japan that seemed to be at high risk at present, but there was no change in the grade in the future.
On the other hand, there are no overseas sites that are currently considered to be at high risk, and there is no change in the grade in the future. As for storm surges, there are no domestic and overseas sites that are currently considered to be at high risk and there is no change in the grade in the future.

Flood risk Number of Sites Rated as Major Hazard (Grade A)
2005 2050 2085
- RCP2.6 RCP8.5 RCP2.6 RCP8.5
Japan (18 sites) 1 site 1 site 1 site 1 site 1 site
Outside Japan (7 sites) 0 site 0 site 0 site 0 site 0 site
Storm Surges risk Number of Sites Rated as Major Hazard (Grade A)
2010 2050 2090
- RCP2.6 RCP8.5 RCP2.6 RCP8.5
Japan (18 sites) 0 site 0 site 0 site 0 site 0 site
Outside Japan (7 sites) 0 site 0 site 0 site 0 site 0 site
Strategy
In the future, we will investigate in detail the sites that have been assessed as being at high risk based on the results of this analysis and take preventive measures such as installing equipment to minimize flooding on site and ensuring the installation height of the power supply system if deemed necessary. In addition, we will establish a stable product supply system based on our Business Continuity Plan(BCP), which will enable us to resume business activities as soon as possible in the event of a business continuity problem such as a shutdown.

Risk management

Regarding climate-related risks, we assign Executive Operating Officer who is a responsible director of safety and environment, reports and deliberates these issues at the the Internal Control Committee through the Compliance Subcommittee and the Risk Management Subcommittee in accordance with the group management system. We refer to the social situation analysis, interviews with customers and suppliers, and ESG-related engagement process with investors as tools to identify risks and opportunities related to climate change. The impact of these risks has been assessed in relation to their financial impact and management strategy.

Indicators and targets

GHG emissions

The Taiyo Yuden Group has set the target of reducing GHG emissions through its business activities by 42% by FY2030 compared to FY2020, which is consistent with the 1.5℃ scenario, to contribute to the global initiatives to limit the temperature rise to 1.5℃. In order to achieve this target, we are steadily promoting the efforts to reduce GHG emissions through measures to improve production efficiency and to use renewable energy as well as to smoothly move forward with our plan by introducing the energy-saving measures and photovoltaic facilities. We plan to use electricity generated from 100% renewable energy at the two domestic sites in FY2024 and further reduce our GHG emissions.

Target and Result regarding GHG emissions

FY2020 Achievement FY2023 Achievement FY2030 Targets
GHG emissions*
[×103t-CO2e]
484
(Reference year)
418
(Compared to FY2020A13.5%)
281
(Compared to FY2020A42%)
  • *
    Scope1+Scope2
Total GHG emissions in FY2023: 1,385 [x10ª t-CO₂e] Scope 2: 367, Scope 3: 967, Scope 1: 51

Please refer to "GHG, Energy".

To achieve the target shown above, we will steadily promote the efforts to reduce GHG emissions through measures to promote energy-saving initiatives, introduce energy-creating facilities, and utilize renewable energy among other measures.

External Assessment of Climate Change Information Disclosure

In 2023, the Taiyo Yuden Group was selected by CDP*, an international environmental nonprofit organization, as an A List company, earning the highest rating for its outstanding efforts in climate change measures, strategies, and information disclosure for the second consecutive year. In addition, our engagement in our supply chain was highly evaluated and we were selected as a Supplier Engagement Leader for the second consecutive year.

  • CDP is a non-governmental organization (NGO) managed by a British charitable organization, established in 2000. It operates a global information disclosure system for investors, companies, countries, regions, and cities to manage environmental impacts including reducing their own greenhouse gas emissions, protecting water resources, and protecting forests.
This is an image of two logos side by side. The logo on the left is CDP (DISCLOSURE INSIGHT ACTION) A LIST 2023 CLIMATE. The logo on the right is CDP SUPPLIER ENGAGEMENT LEADER 2023.

Waste, Water

We strive to reduce environmental effect on biodiversity while coexisting with nature, and we use the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) to reduce waste and make effective use of water resources.

Results of Reducing Waste

The amount of waste generated in FY2023 by the entire group decreased to 25,700 tons from 26,300 tons in FY2022(see G1).
The waste(including valuables)mainly consists of waste plastic, waste oil, and sludge (see G2).
The domestic final disposal volume increased to 0 tons from 56 tons in FY2022. The waste recycling rate reached 100% (see G3).
The overseas final disposal volume was the same as FY2022 at 2,000 tons (see G4).
We will continue working to reduce waste volumes, boost in-house recycling rates, and recycle waste into resources at our overseas sites.

G1: Amount of Waste Generation

This is a graph of 10^3 (t) of domestic waste generation and overseas waste generation from FY2019 to FY2023. In FY2019, domestic waste generation was 9.9, overseas waste generation was 232, and the total was 24.0. In FY2020, domestic waste generation was 10.2, overseas waste generation was 257, and the total was 25.6. In FY2021, domestic waste generation was 12.5, overseas waste generation was 264, and the total was 28.9. In FY2022, domestic waste generation was 12.3, overseas waste generation was 228, and the total was 26.3. In FY2023, domestic waste generation was 11.5, overseas waste generation was 245, and the total was 25.7.

G2: Breakdown of Waste

Definition of waste: general waste, industrial waste, and items having resale value. Waste plastics 49%, waste oil 14%, sludge 9%, waste paper 9%, waste liquid 7%, scrap metal 7%, glass and ceramic waste 4%, and wood waste 1%. The definition of waste is general waste, industrial waste, and valuable materials.

G3: Domestic Final Disposal Volumes and Recycling Rates

This is a graph of the final disposal amount (×103 (t)) and recycling rate (%) from fiscal year 2019 to fiscal year 2023. The final disposal amount is 0.000 in fiscal year 2019, 0.038 in fiscal year 2020, 0.054 in fiscal year 2021, 0.056 in fiscal year 2022, and 0.000 in fiscal year 2023. The recycling rate is 100.0 in fiscal year 2019, 99.6 in fiscal year 2020, 99.6 in fiscal year 2021, 99.5 in fiscal year 2022, and 100.0 in fiscal year 2023.

G4: Overseas Final Disposal Volumes and Recycling Rates

This is a graph of the final disposal amount (x103 (t)) and recycling rate (%) from fiscal year 2019 to fiscal year 2023. The final disposal amount is 2.0 in fiscal year 2019, 2.2 in fiscal year 2020, 2.3 in fiscal year 2021, 2.0 in fiscal year 2022, and 2.0 in fiscal year 2023. The recycling rate is 86.0 in fiscal year 2019, 86.0 in fiscal year 2020, 86.2 in fiscal year 2021, 85.6 in fiscal year 2022, and 86.1 in fiscal year 2023.

Resource Recycling Efforts

92% of the waste generated through our business activities is recycled and reused as resources in society. However, we are also promoting efforts to reuse waste for the Taiyo Yuden Group’s own business activities.
For solvent A, which is the most frequently used solvent in our business, 41% of the amount used is recycled waste solvent.
In addition, for reels that are used in packaging electronic parts, strict quality checks are performed and 2% of all the reels are recycled reels.

Results of Water Resource Efforts

The amount of water used by the entire group increased from 3,609,000 m3 in FY2022 to 3,764,000 m3 in FY2023. Specifically, the amount of water used by the sites in Japan increased to 1,483,000 m3 from 1,400,000 m3 in FY2022, while the amount of water used by the overseas sites increased to 2,281,000 m3 from 2,209,000 m3 in FY2022 (see G5). The quantity of water withdrawals was 3,424,000 m3 from municipal water supplies (or other water supply facilities), and 340,000 m3 from freshwater and underground water. The quantity of water recycled was 713,000 m3.

G5: Water Use

Bar graphs of domestic water usage and overseas water usage (x10(m³)) from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023. Overseas water usage in fiscal 2019 was 2,539, domestic water usage was 1,710, totaling 4,249. Overseas water usage in fiscal 2020 was 2,515, domestic water usage was 1,634, totaling 4,149. Overseas water usage in fiscal 2018 was 2,412, domestic water usage was 1,615, totaling 4,027. Overseas water usage in fiscal 2022 was 2,209, domestic water usage was 1,400, totaling 3,609. Overseas water usage in fiscal 2023 was 2,281, domestic water usage was 1,483, totaling 3,764.

Breakdown of water withdrawals

Quantity of water withdrawals (×103m3)
Municipal water supply
(or other water supply facilities)
3,424
Freshwater/
underground water
340

Environmental action case

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Reduction of GHG emissions by introducing the cogeneration system
[TAIYO YUDEN Mobile Technology]

The cogeneration system that collects waste heat generated when power is generated using fuel with no waste and enables us to effectively use it as energy has been introduced. Steam is generated from collected waste heat and is used for air conditioning.
This has enabled us to minimize the use of the steam boiler and reduce energy loss.
GHG emissions were reduced by 2,465t-CO2e/year.

Cogeneration System

Reduction of GHG emissions by introducing the high-efficiency module chiller
[Tamamura Plant]

A large amount of energy is consumed in some parts of the production process to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity for production. At the Tamamura Plant, the efficiency of the entire air-conditioning system has been improved, and the use of electricity has been reduced by introducing the module chiller and by finely controlling the air-conditioning system.
GHG emissions were reduced by 121t-CO2e/year.

High-Efficiency Module Chiller

Use of renewable energy
[R&D Center / Hongo Photovoltaic Power Plant / FUKUSHIMA TAIYO YUDEN / WAKAYAMA TAIYO YUDEN / TAIYO YUDEN YUDEN Mobile Technology / Sun Vertex / Elna Shirakawa Photovoltaic Power Plant / KOREA KYONG NAM TAIYO YUDEN / TAIYO YUDEN (PHILIPPINES) / ELNA (MALAYSIA)]

The Taiyo Yuden Group has been installing solar panels as part of our efforts to combat global warming. After establishing the group’s first power-generating sute, Hongo Photovoltaic Power Plant in 2013, others have been built as well, and there are currently 10 powergenerating sites in Japan and overseas.

R&D Center
Hongo Photovoltaic Power Plant
FUKUSHIMA TAIYO YUDEN
WAKAYAMA TAIYO YUDEN
TAIYO YUDEN Mobile Technology
Sun Vertex
Elna Shirakawa Photovoltaic Power Plant
KOREA KYONG NAM TAIYO YUDEN
TAIYO YUDEN (PHILIPPINES)
ELNA (MALAYSIA)

Reduction in Waste Generation

Reduction of waste by changing the surface treatment method
[TAIYO YUDEN CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY]

In some processes where the surfaces of electronic components are treated, the chemicals used in the production process are properly disposed of as waste. The amount of waste has been reduced by verifying and reviewing the use of the chemicals necessary to improve surface characteristics.
The amount of waste was reduced by 133 t per year.

Reducing Water Use

Water saving in the plating process
[TAIYO YUDEN (SARAWAK)]

In the process where electronic components are plated, water is used in a variety of processes. The amount of water used has been reduced by reviewing the production process and verifying and improving water input.
The amount of water used was reduced by 37,200 t per year.

Biodiversity action case

Mangrove Tree Planting
[TAIYO YUDEN (PHILIPPINES)]

In FY2008, Taiyo Yuden (Philippines) began planting mangrove seedlings on Olango Island, near Mactan Island where the company is located. Mangrove trees are planted.

Volunteering for Forest Maintenance
[TAIYO YUDEN]

Since FY2007, Taiyo Yuden has participated in a forest maintenance project run by Gunma Prefecture, involving corporate volunteer work. Every year, volunteers from Taiyo Yuden have helped to maintain the "Taiyo no Mori" forest, joining with prefectural government employees to trim underbrush and thin trees.

Extermination of alien species (red swamp crawfish)
[NIIGATA TAIYO YUDEN]

The crayfish is included in the list of designated Invasive Alien Species because they have disruptive effects on Japan's indigenous species including aquatic organisms and plants.
Niigata Taiyo Yuden leads a biodiversity conservation activity every year in which employees and their family members exterminate crayfish. They also exterminate alien plants such as daisy fleabanes.

Forest conservation volunteers (treatment for "japanese oak wilt")
[TAIYO YUDEN MOBILE TECHNOLOGY]

Taiyo Yuden Mobile Technology conducts volunteer activities with its employees and their family members to collect oak saplings grown from acorns as a treatment for ”Japanese oak wilt*". The collected oak saplings are grown in the forest park and will be planted in the forests affected by "Japanese oak wilt*".

  • *
    "Japanese oak wilt": A disease in which various types of oak tree suddenly wither, and the damage is expanding throughout Japan.