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| Overview |
As business becomes more global, companies like DENSO are being asked to play a
greater role in making a positive impact on society and communities. To be a
responsible corporate citizen, DENSO is implementing a range of programs and
initiatives such as:
• Environmental Protection
• Contribution to Society
• Workforce Relations
• Compliance |
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| CSR Disclosure |
To give the public a better understanding of its environmental and social
responsibility activities, DENSO shares information through environmental
reports. Last year,we expanded coverage of social issues in the DENSO
Environmental & Social Report 2003, with a particular focus on sustainability.In 2004, we took this a step further by publishing a report* that incorporates more information on economic and social aspects.
In the past year, we invited members of the general public to Environmental & Social Awareness Meetings to exchange opinions with DENSO representatives regarding environmental protection and CSR activities. These meetings provided an ideal forum for enhancing communication with stakeholders. The content of the meetings, which centered on discussions  related to information and issues raised in the DENSO Environmental & Social Report,are released to the wider public on the
DENSO website. |
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| Promoting Environmental Management |
In June 2000, we announced DENSO EcoVision 2005, which details our plan to
reduce the impact of our business activities on the environment. The document
clearly outlines our commitment to four key policies:
• Promoting environmental management
• Encouraging environment-friendly product development and design
• Reducing our operational footprint on the environment
• Enhancing disclosure
Over the years, we have taken many steps to strengthen our environmental management framework. A significant move was made in 1992 with the establishment of the DENSO Environmental Committee, chaired by the president. The aim of this committee is to promote environmental management consistently across all of the Group'soperations. Last year we created three subcommittees, each responsible for a specific area of environmental management:products, manufacturing and environmental communication. This reorganization has created an environmental management framework that has clearer lines of accountability and is more closely tied to operational functions. |
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| Reducing the Environmental Impact of Products and Manufacturing |
As one of the world’s leading automotive component suppliers, helping reduce the car’s environmental footprint is one of our most important missions. Developing new and innovative automotive technologies is an integral part of this process.
One major achievement in this area during the year under review was the development of the world’s first ejector cycle refrigeration system. This groundbreaking technology,which can be applied to truck refrigeration units, car air conditioners, and even home air conditioning systems, can cut power consumption by 50% and CO2 emissions by 60% compared to conventional refrigeration systems—with obvious benefits for the environment.
We also are working to reduce the environmental impact of our manufacturing activities. Two main examples of how we are doing this are achieving zero emission operations, meaning that all waste is either reduced, recycled or reused to prevent the generation of landfill waste, and reducing emissions of CO2. In 2003, DENSO Manufacturing Hungary Ltd., which makes supply pumps for diesel injection systems and other components, became our first overseas facility to achieve zero emission status. Later in the year, one DENSO facility in Taiwan and two in India did the same. In Japan, all 14 of DENSO Corporation’s domestic plants achieved this status by September 2002, and all DENSO Group manufacturing subsidiaries by March 2004.
Our goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 10% by 2010, compared to the base year of 1990.  Taking into account rising manufacturing output at DENSO, and compared to goals for industrialized nations established in the Kyoto Protocol, this is an ambitious target. Consequently, we are implementing a number of initiatives centered on manufacturing operations. These include installing cogeneration systems, researching energy saving manufacturing processes,and designing the so-called Perfect Energy Plant—facilities that reduce energy loss to an absolute minimum. |
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| Giving Back to the Community |
Guided by our corporate philosophy, we are striving to create a company in
harmony with society by working closely with local stakeholders and gaining the
trust of the global community. Giving back to the community is a key element of
this philosophy. Here we focus on three areas:
Social Welfare for the Physically Challenged
• DENSO Taiyo Co., Ltd. (A certified social-welfare plant established in 1984)
• Wheelchairs and Friendship Center of Asia (An NPO established by DENSO in 1999)
Nurturing Youth
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Support for the Young Inventors' Club |
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Support for activities that foster creativity |
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Support for youth sports |
Environmental Protection
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Eco-ranger 21 (An environmental education program) |
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Joint initiatives with communities to protect natural environments |
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| Winning Recognition for CSR Activities |
Stakeholders are requiring companies to be more transparent and active in the
community, a trend that is directly linked to growing interest in CSR activities
in capital markets. Demand for more information on how companies perform in this
area has led to the creation of Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) indexes.
SRI indexes identify and highlight best CSR practices by listed companies in
areas such as environmental sustainability, compliance with relevant laws and
regulations, employees and the workplace, and community involvement.DENSO has
been listed on one such index,the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World,
for four consecutive years, and newly listed in the Ethibel Sustainability Index
Global, attesting to the high standards of our CSR programs. |
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