Eco Highlights - Highlights of Fiscal 2012

A byproduct of iron and steel manufacturing, iron and steel slag at Kobe Steel is recycled for use in roadbeds and elsewhere. Thanks to technologies that control its characteristic distensibility, nearly all slag is effectively reused.

Steel and aluminum products help contribute to lighter-weight automobiles. Kobe Steel pursues development of new methods of welding to join these dissimilar materials. With a proven track record with steel and aluminum materials, Kobe Steel is a frontrunner in the development of such technologies.

The International Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Expo is the biggest hydrogen and fuel cell expo in the world, held at Tokyo Big Sight, with exhibits covering the whole spectrum of technologies, from hydrogen generators to hydrogen stations. The expo introduces a wide range of initiatives toward achieving a hydrogen-based society.

The Chofu Works, with cooperation from Group companies, cares for approximately 200 cherry trees planted along a national highway. The trees, which are beloved by local residents, have grown into a beautiful avenue of cherry blossoms

In order to raise the environmental awareness of each and every employee and to ensure consistent measures, every year we hold the Kobe Steel Group Environmental Conference. Presentations are given on successful activities in order to propagate them throughout the group.

Environmental assessments are carried out at overseas Group companies in the same manner as they are in Japan. In fiscal 2012, surveys were carried out at three Group locations in India to assess environmental conditions and identify any areas of concern.