Eco Highlights in Fiscal 2013

Kobelco Logistics, Ltd. has eliminated idling stops for on-site diesel locomotives at Kakogawa Works. This has reduced fuel consumption by approximately 25%, and CO₂ emissions by as much as 1,100 tons per year.

In recognition of our flare-shaped seawalls, which help to prevent overtopping from waves, Kobe Steel, together with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, has received the Zenken (Japan Construction Engineers' Association) Award. These seawalls contribute to environmental conservation by preventing overtopping while also preserving natural scenery and ecosystems.

We introduced our contributions to a hydrogen society — ranging from hydrogen production and refining equipment to hydrogen fueling stations — at the 10th International Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Expo held February 2014 at Tokyo Big Sight.

The KOBELCO Forest Fairy Tale Prize is a new initiative in environmental contribution. Children submit fairy tales that reflect their thoughts and feelings toward nature and forests, and the best stories are then published as picture books. We chose two winning stories from the many excellent entries we received. Copies of the picture books were donated to schools and libraries in Hyogo Prefecture.

The Kobe Steel Group Environmental Conference is held every year to encourage cross-development of environmental initiatives. In fiscal 2013 the conference was attended by 110 participants from 56 Group companies, who shared examples of activities in place for reducing environmental impact.

Every year, Kobe Steel carries out on-site environmental assessments at its overseas manufacturing locations. The purpose of these assessments is to put in place the same standard in environmental management systems overseas as present at our locations in Japan. In fiscal 2013 assessments were carried out at six Group companies in China, South Korea and the Netherlands.