Environmental Management Sustainability Report 2006

Disclosure of Environmental Information

To inform our stakeholders about what the Kobe Steel Group is doing in environmental management, Kobe Steel actively discloses environmental information through such media as the Internet, advertisements in newspapers and magazines, exhibitions, and lectures. We also engage in regular dialogue with the communities where we operate, conduct surveys as part of our Sustainability Report, and take the e-mails we receive from the public into consideration, all as a part of our environmental communication initiatives.

Sustainability Report

Kobe Steel has published an annual environmental report since 1999, making this year's report the eighth edition. Every year, we strive to improve the report's content and readability while taking into account the reader opinions we receive through various media. This year, we have included various social issues and have renamed this expanded version the Sustainability Report. To report on the wide-ranging results we have achieved through our environmental conservation activities, we will continue our efforts to broaden our coverage and ensure accuracy.

Sustainability Report on the Internet Previous reports (Japanese version)

Environmental Information Disclosure Via Telemeter

Kobe Steel's steelworks had used a computerized environmental data management system to monitor SOx and NOx emissions and fuel consumption and send the relevant data to local authorities. When it was discovered in May 2006 that the environmental measurement data had been mishandled, we began implementing radical measures based on a complete overhaul of the system. The new system will make it impossible for Kobe Steel to unilaterally alter data.

Introducing Products and Technologies Related to the Environment

To help the public understand in concrete terms just what the Kobe Steel Group is doing to contribute to a healthier environment, we have created a Web site that covers the full range of our environmental protection technologies set in a number of scenes. Information on the latest develops is updated as needed.

Informing Through Exhibitions

The Kobe Steel Group actively participates in environmental exhibitions and introduces products, technologies and information about group environmental management. In the interest of deepening our relationships with local communities, we are particularly focused on participating in exhibitions in Kobe and Hyogo Prefecture, which are home to many of our operating locations and group companies.

Hyogo Eco-Town and eco-products exhibition, August 2005