The Nabtesco Group does not require a large amount of water nor water of a certain quality for its business operations. However, since we regard the control of water resources as an important challenge in environmental conservation, we conduct water usage control and water quality control, as well as preventive measures and risk analysis relating to the outflow of hazardous substances.
The amount of water used and discharged at each base are measured every month, and the Group data are accumulated through the environmental information management tool. As for bases where the amount of water per month fluctuates greatly, we conduct surveys to identify contributing factors for the increased water usage, and implement measures to reduce the water use as necessary. As for water quality control, we continuously monitor through monthly voluntary tests and regular inspections by external experts.
In addition, in FY2012 we began controlling global water usage, including that of overseas group companies* Although water usage at our overseas group companies is only 10% of the usage of the Nabtesco Group as a whole, we will continue to implement controls in order to address global water risks.
The Nabtesco Group has collaborated with external initiatives to reduce water usage, responding to CDP Water since FY2014.
The Nabtesco Group uses groundwater mainly to cool test stands and melt snow in snowy regions (Yamagata and Gifu). We discharge the used groundwater to rivers under the strict water quality control criteria set by the Group. In FY2019, there were no cases wherein used groundwater did not meet the water quality control criteria.
The total volume of water used by the Nabtesco Group in FY2019 amounted to 700,000m3, roughly equivalent to that used in the previous fiscal year.
Due to heavy rain falls caused by recent climate change, the risk of rainwater flooding our plants is increasing. The Nabtesco Group uses oil-based type and water-soluble type cutting fluids in its business operations and recognizes the risk of hazardous substances contained in these cutting fluids discharged to rivers if rainwater floods the manufacturing facilities. To prevent this, we have been making capital expenditure to install oil-water separation tanks and oil recovery equipment.
In FY2019, we spent around 3.19 million yen to enhance the rainwater discharging function, install drainage pipes, and make our facilities more water-resistant.
| Item | Targets | FY2019 results | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global water use | Year-on-year change rate at 10%: 0.831Mm3 or less | 0.730Mm3 | Achieved |
| Global Demand & Supply Management Group | In-house management criteria* Excessive number: zero | 0 | Achieved |
In FY2014, water-related risks in the areas where the Nabtesco Group’s seven plants (Yamagata, Gifu, Tarui, Tsu, Kobe, Seishin, and Konan Plants) are located were evaluated using the Aqueduct tool provided by the World Resources Institute and referencing the “water vision” announced by the local municipalities. We later increased the number of subject plants and evaluate them every year. The evaluation results confirmed that our Group has low water-related risks. We also began a similar evaluation of our overseas plants in FY2016. The FY2019 survey confirmed that the overseas plants that have high water risks are those in the Beijing and Shanghai areas of China. Because risks related to regulations and reputations in the local area are the major concerns, we control such risks through ESH audits and monitoring of laws and regulations. In China, we also confirmed risks related to water quality. However, we concluded that water-related risks were low on the whole in light of the low impact of water quality on our production.
In addition, to further promote CSR activities through the supply chain, we are conducting surveys on water use (water intake, wastewater, water quality, etc.) of Tier-1 suppliers in Japan and overseas, and evaluation of water risks using AQUEDUCT. Each supplier is analyzed and evaluated, with the results provided in the form of written feedback. We also visit specific suppliers directly and conduct interviews. This serves to enhance communication with suppliers while supporting knowledge sharing regarding environmental management and improved environmental stewardship. As well as engaging with suppliers, we actively participate in environmental and water related regional councils, exchanging information and conducting activities related to water conservation in order to maintain harmony with the local community.
The Nabtesco Group does not require a large amount of water or a certain quality of water in its business operations. However, some offices pump groundwater from a well on their premises for use. Due to this, in FY2019, the Group also started investigating and examining the impact of the use of groundwater to the water resources in the area. First, the Group performed an investigation in the Gifu Region, where the quantity of groundwater used is large. In the Gifu Region, the Tarui Plant and Gifu Plant of Nabtesco use groundwater. Based on the investigation, it is believed that the two plants do not place a large burden on the groundwater resources of Tarui-cho.
The plants will monitor usage to not impact the area, in order to sustain the valuable environment over many years, while still using groundwater going forward.
Tarui-cho is blessed with a rich groundwater environment, where you can find spring water and a healthy population of smallhead sticklebacks (Gasterosteus microcephalus) who live there. It is also an important recharge area for the Nobi Plain. Nabtesco, which uses groundwater in Tarui-cho, cares about its impact of its business operations on the downstream area, and quantifiably assessed the groundwater and surface water circulation in the area. It is a very meaningful initiative. In order for us to enjoy the benefits of groundwater into the future, I hope Nabtesco will promote the conservation of the groundwater environment together with residents, based on the results of the assessment.
Professor Kohji Kamiya,
Department of Civil Engineering,
Gifu University
In addition to the Tarui Area, from the viewpoint of harmonizing with community, Nabtesco actively participates in regional councils related to the environment and water, and engages in activities and the exchange of information regarding water conservation.
| Name | Area |
|---|---|
| Hyogo Environmental Conservation Liaison Committee | Kobe |
| Kobe District Environmental Conservation Liaison Council | Kobe |
| Toban Regional Groundwater Useage Measure Council | Kobe |
| Gifu Prefecture Environment Promotion Association | Gifu |
| Seino Area Groundwater Useage Measure Council | Gifu |
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