March 24, 2021 | News & Notices
Shimadzu Joins the Global Environmental Initiative RE100
Aiming to Source 100 % Renewable Electricity
In order to contribute to achieving a sustainable society, Shimadzu Corporation (hereafter refered to as “Shimadzu”) has joined the global environmental initiative RE100 and has declared that Shimadzu Group in the world would use 100% renewable energy for its business activities by 2050.
As medium-term goals, we are aiming for 85 % renewable electricity by 2030, and 90 % by 2040.
Shimadzu is the first company in the global analytical & measuring instruments industry to join RE100.
In line with this declaration, plants, laboratories, and other major bases of the Shimadzu Group in Japan are scheduled to use electricity derived from 100 % renewable energy sources starting in 2021.
About RE100
RE100 is a global initiative bringing together the world’s most influential businesses committed to 100% renewable power. Led by international non-profit the Climate Group in partnership with CDP, the group have a total revenue of over US$6.6 trillion and operate in a diverse range of sectors. Together, they send a powerful signal to policymakers and investors to accelerate the transition to a clean economy.
RE100’s site: https://www.there100.org/
Shimadzu believes that climate change is one of the most important societal issues facing the world today, and deals with this as one of our most important management challenges.
Energy Saving Measures to Reduce CO2 Emissions
In order to reduce CO2 emissions in our business activities, we are taking proactive steps to implement a variety of energy saving policies and are investing to promote the use of renewable energy.
Energy saving diagnostics have been implemented focusing on plants and offices, which consume a lot of electricity. By assessing electricity usage per hour by buildings and equipment, we have identified inefficiencies and issues with facilities and operations and have made improvements. Aging facilities are systematically being upgraded to more energy efficient facilities.
Use of Renewable Energy
In addition to the Head Office/Sanjo Works and Murasakino Works in Kyoto, solar panels are installed at Group companies outside Japan, in Malaysia and the Philippines, to generate electricity for the company’s own use. Group companies in Germany and England have switched to contracts for electricity derived from 100 % renewable energy sources.
The procurement of electricity derived from renewable energy sources is accelerating at our offices within and outside Japan.
Development of Environmentally-Friendly Products
At Shimadzu, all new products are obliged to have less environmental impact than previous products, thereby contributing to reducing CO2 emissions by our customers. In particular, products at least 25 % smaller or at least 25 % lower energy consumption than previous products are certified as “Eco-Products Plus,” promoting the commercialization of instruments with excellent environmental performance.
Our corporate philosophy is Contributing to Society through Science and Technology, and our management principle is Realizing Our Wishes for the Well-being of Mankind and the Earth. Together with our global partners, we are taking measures to develop approaches to solving societal issues and then implement these approaches within society at large. We are addressing environmental countermeasures on a variety of fronts, so as to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
Aleksandra Klassen（Senior Impact Manager RE100, The Climate Group）
gave the following statement:
“We are delighted that Shimadzu has joined RE100, the global initiative led by the Climate Group in partnership with CDP. By committing to 100% renewable electricity by 2050, Shimadzu is taking an important step forward on improving their sustainability, joining 50 Japanese companies committed to driving market change. This sends a powerful message that renewable electricity makes good business sense, and we strongly encourage the Japanese government to bring in policies aimed at increasing renewable energy, to enable companies to progress on their goals.”
Note that in joining RE100, we received support from the Japan Climate Leaders’ Partnership (JCLP), a coalition of companies that aims to realize a sustainable carbon-neutral society and that serves as the Japanese Secretariat of the RE100.
Environmental Measures for Products/Green Procurement
Eco-Products Plus Certified Environmentally-Friendly Products