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Thorough Risk Management

Accurately identifying and minimizing environmental risks and conducting effective management and auditing

The Kobe Steel Group is active in reducing the environmental risks that accompany its business activities, based on a full understanding of the risks, and manages risk through established and regular procedures. Efforts are ongoing to ensure strict compliance with legislation and to strengthen environmental management through environmental audits and similar activities.

Environmental Management and Audits

In addition to introducing ISO 14001 and other environmental management system (EMS) at all 11 Kobe Steel works and plants and conducting internal audits at all sites, we also commission independent certifying organizations to carry out inspections. Documentary and onsite audits are conducted every year by the Environmental Control and Disaster Prevention Department (Head Office), in accordance with our risk management guidelines.

Annual documentary surveys are also carried out at all sites operated by Group companies. We have finished introducing EMS and are now implementing independent management activities at all but one of the 38 sites (28 companies) that have facilities subject to notification in accordance with environmental legislation. Onsite surveys are carried out by the Environmental Control and Disaster Prevention Department (Head Office) at the aforementioned 38 sites once every three years, with 13 sites (13 companies) undergoing such surveys during fiscal 2009.

We conduct onsite audits at Kobe Steel works and plants and onsite surveys at Group company sites with the assistance of outside consultants so as to ensure objectivity and accuracy.

An environmental audit at the Kobe Works

An environmental verification survey at Ceratechno Co., Ltd.'s Akashi Plant

Government recommendations and guidance in relation to compliance with environmental legislation

Although no serious violations of environmental laws and regulations were identified at Kobe Steel or any Kobe Steel Group company during fiscal 2009, we did receive recommendations and guidance from government authorities on a number of occasions.

Government recommendations / guidance
(Parent only)

	Air	Water	Other
Fiscal 2005	4	0	0
Fiscal 2006	2	1	2
Fiscal 2007	0	0	0
Fiscal 2008	1	1	0
Fiscal 2009	0	2	2

Government recommendations / guidance
(Group companies)

	Air	Water	Other
Fiscal 2005	0	2	4
Fiscal 2006	2	6	3
Fiscal 2007	2	2	1
Fiscal 2008	1	1	1
Fiscal 2009	1	2	1

Examples of government recommendations / guidance

	Discrepancies were found in the contents of notifications relating to environmental facilities subject to mandatory government notification and issues identified with regard to document storage. Corrective action has been taken in line with government recommendations.
	A government onsite survey into PCB storage found that trays were stained with oil from stored equipment. Action has been taken to prevent leaks based on government guidance.
	A government onsite survey into waste management found partial discrepancies in the contents of industrial waste manifests and regular reports. Verbal guidance has been taken on board.
	Remedial measures have been taken based on government guidance regarding a newly installed treatment tank that was failing to perform to the required standard.