Message from the Chief Officer Responsible for Companywide Environmental Management

The Kobe Steel Group believes that it is its duty to pass on to future generations a healthy global environment in which all forms of life can thrive. To this end, we have established a Basic Environmental Management Policy as well as six initiatives for implementation. We strive to implement environmental management that takes the environment into consideration at every stage of our operations, and have set up an Environmental Management Subcommittee to explore and make recommendations on these six areas. With the participation of all Group employees, we are dedicated to becoming a leading environmental corporate group.

The Kobe Steel Group practices environmental management in line with an environmental management policy based on three core approaches: pursuing environmentally friendly manufacturing; contributing to the environment through our technologies, products and services; and coexisting and cooperating with society.

In particular, we recognize initiatives to reduce CO₂ as a top management priority and have established a system enabling group-wide efforts, centered on the CO₂ Reduction Promotion Subcommittee. Taking climate change not only as a risk but also as a business opportunity, we approach this issue from both angles. The Kobe Steel Group has a variety of technologies, products and services that contribute to reduction of CO₂ emissions, and we will aim to make even greater contributions while meeting the needs of society.

We are also working actively on the efficient use of water resources, the conservation of which has received attention in recent years. In fiscal 2018, we maintained a high recycling ratio for water, at around 96%, and intend to continue this high standard.

Maintaining the highest sense of ethics and professionalism, we aim to build a richer and more livable society. We are committed to environmental friendliness in all aspects of our manufacturing. We are striving to promote environmental management that contributes to the betterment of the natural environment through our technologies, products and services.