Eco Highlights

Highlights of the Kobe Steel Group's 2008 Fiscal Activities Contributing to Environmental Conservation

As we aim to become an environmentally advanced business group, all aspects of our production activities take the environment into account. Environment management in the Kobe Steel Group extends from manufacturing plants to our relations with local communities and countries overseas. Here we introduce only some of these activities. KOBELCO Technology Used To Recycle Steel Mill Dust To promote recycling and zero emissions, Kobe Steel and Nippon Steel Corporation launched a joint venture company in October 2008 to manufacture direct-reduced iron from steel mill dust and by-products generated at their works. The joint venture will use the FASTMET® Process developed by the Kobe Steel Group. Top Level Evaluation In Environment Rankings In the 2009 Environment Rankings of the Development Bank of Japan Inc., Kobe Steel received the highest evaluation as being 'highly active in promoting environment-friendly measures'. Eco Product For Power Generation Uses Plant Steam Electricity is being generated using the excess steam created at plants and other workplaces. The SteamStar, a compact screw-type steam generator developed by the Kobe Steel Group has been getting an enthusiastic reception. Local Monitoring/Check-Up Surveys At 25 Worksites At 11 Kobe Steel and 14 Group company worksites, external consultants are included in local monitoring and checking to ensure complete compliance with all environment-related legislation. No violations of environmental legislation have been found. Eco Commuting Aims To Cut Daily CO2 Emissions By 8.7 Metric Tons Employees at the Kakogawa Works are switching from cars to buses or bicycles for their travel to work. The aim is to cut by half the number of vehicles arriving at the Works and reduce CO2 emissions by 8.7 metric tons per day. Nine Group Companies Join Environment Fair In Kobe Nine Kobe Steel Group companies exhibited at the Environment Fair in Kobe, held in May 2008. Products and technologies aiming to harmonize people and the environment, such as high strength steel and aluminum parts that lighten vehicle weight, attracted attention. Biotope Adjacent To Power Plant Attracts Wild Birds The biotope of the Nadahama Science Square that is next door to Shinko Kobe Power Station has trees full of fruit and ponds full of fish. The biotope has become a resting place for wild birds and ducks. Local school children benefit from being able to observe wildlife in a nature-like habitat.