Response to Climate Change
Basic Concept
The Tsubaki Group addresses a variety of issues through its Environmental Philosophy of contributing to the “development of a sustainable society” by generating environmental value and economic value through manufacturing.
In particular, the need to respond to climate change is an urgent social issue and, at the same time, it is positioned as the highest priority matter in the Tsubaki Group’s medium- and long-term management plans.
Climate change presents major physical risks that include rising temperatures and more intense natural disasters. From a business perspective, while the transition to decarbonization poses a risk that could have a significant impact on the Group’s business operations, business domains, and product concepts, we recognize that the implementation of appropriate countermeasures will provide opportunities to strengthen our corporate structure, improve competitiveness, and develop new markets and business opportunities.
In recognition of these circumstances, in March 2022, the Tsubaki Group announced its support of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Utilizing the information disclosure framework recommended by the TCFD, which includes the risks and opportunities posed by climate change, we will identify and evaluate our own risks and opportunities and reflect the relevant countermeasures in our business strategies. Moreover, we will proactively disclose all relevant information related to these initiatives.
* TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures): A task force that was established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB) in response to a request made at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting.
Governance
The Tsubaki Group’s sustainability initiatives are formulated by the Sustainability Committee, chaired by the COO, according to the terms of our Basic Policy on Sustainability.
With regard to climate change and other environmental issues, the Sustainability Committee conducts risk assessments and assessments of importance of material issues with reference to information provided by the Environmental Committee and the Sustainability Promotion Managers Meeting, identifies important risks and opportunities for the Tsubaki Group, sets KPIs and targets, and comprehensively manages the progress of these initiatives. The Board of Directors receives regular reports from the Sustainability Committee on the status of initiatives and KPIs and the like. This system enables the Board of Directors to provide supervision.
Regarding specific initiatives, we have formulated an action plan in accordance with the Mid-term Management Plan for Carbon Neutrality and the CO2 Emissions Reduction Roadmap formulated by the Environmental Committee. Centered on the Environmental Committee, the entire Group implements the PDCA cycle with respect to all initiatives.
Climate Change-related Governance System
| Chairman | Members | |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability Committee | COO | Executive officers in charge of business operations Secretariat: Executive officer in charge of sustainability Executive officer in charge of human resources |
| Sustainability Promotion Managers Meeting | Executive officer in charge of sustainability | Managers of sustainability-related Departments Secretariat: Sustainability Promotion Department |
| Environmental Committee | Executive officer in charge of the environment | General managers of Tsubakimoto Chain, Representative of domestic manufacturing company Secretariat: Sustainability Promotion Department |
Strategy (Scenario Analysis)
1. Implementation System and Scope of Scenario Analysis
Tsubakimoto Chain organized its current status and issues regarding TCFD-recommended disclosures and decided on specific disclosures through the following process.
Implementation System
Scope
| Business Scope | All business segments (Chain, Motion Control, Mobility, Materials Handling) |
|---|---|
| Regions Covered | All global regions |
| Target Subsidiaries | Consolidated subsidiaries |
2. Assessments of Importance of Risks and Opportunities
Climate change risks and opportunities are classified as either transition risks or physical risks, and the importance of each is assessed according to the risks and opportunities that are actually anticipated from both the magnitude and duration of the impact.
3. Definition of Scenario Groups
We analyze the risks and opportunities of climate change assuming a society in 2030 based on two scenarios: one in which the temperature rise is limited to within 1.5°C through a transition to a decarbonized society; and a scenario in which the temperature rise reaches 4°C.
| 4℃ | 1.5℃ | |
|---|---|---|
| Assumed Scenario | A world in which no measures are taken beyond the expected and the average temperature rises by more than 4°C within this century. Intensification of natural disasters will occur. | Efforts to mitigate climate change will be implemented, and greenhouse gas emissions will be virtually zero by 2050. |
| Predicted Changes in the External Environment | Progress was not achieved in the development of low-carbon technologies, the transition to renewable energy, or the adoption of zero-emission vehicles; natural disasters are more frequent and are becoming more intense.
* See figure below. |
The frequency and scale of natural disasters are the same or slightly increased. The development of energy-saving technologies, the transition to renewable energy, and conversion to zero-emission automobiles are accelerated.
* See figure below. |
| Reference Scenarios | IPCC/RCP8.5 Scenarios corresponding to the greatest greenhouse gas emissions in 2100 |
IPCC/SR1.5 The world depicted in the IPCC’s 1.5°C Special Report |
When considering scenario analysis, we refer to the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
External Environment Change Forecast for Each Scenario
4. Business Impact Assessment
We are considering the impact that both of the above scenarios will have on financial indicators.
As shown in the figure, there are numerous transition risks and opportunities associated with climate change, and these are shown to have positive and negative impacts on both net sales and profit. The single most important issue for us could be considered to be how to minimize the risks and maximize the opportunities.
In the future, we believe it will be important to draw up scenarios for each business unit, and to analyze the impact on their respective performance statements (sales and operating income) and balance sheets (investment plans and ROE and the like).
“Transition” indicates transition risk; “Physical” represents physical risk.
5. Scenario Analysis Results
Responding to and Addressing Risks
Regarding the risks identified in the scenario analysis, the magnitude of the risks and countermeasures are summarized.
Responding to and Addressing Opportunities
Under our Long-term Vision 2030, we examine risks and opportunities in terms of three factors: improving the profitability of existing businesses, expanding our business through innovative growth, and new growth (new businesses), and considering countermeasures.
Risk Management
Here at Tsubakimoto, in order to evaluate the importance of CSR issues related to the environment, society, etc., in FY 2019 we conducted a risk and opportunity assessment for each material issue through discussions among ESG-related divisions regarding both the degree of importance to the company and the importance to multi-stakeholders (Fig. 1). In the early part of FY 2020, we established KPIs and goals for each of the material issues, and initiated activities intended to systematize our activities to date and work on management issues from medium- to long-term perspectives. In the second half of FY 2021, we improved our governance system by establishing the Sustainability Committee and reviewing the structure of each committee. Going forward, the Sustainability Committee will periodically verify and review the assessments of importance of material issues related to ESG-related issues. In addition, efforts to address each issue through the PDCA cycle are implemented within each committee organization.
In June of FY 2021, we established the Tsubaki Group Long-term Vision 2030 with FY 2030 as the target, which set out both the direction of our path forward and what we want to be. From the risks and opportunities that can be expected from the future social environment, we have clarified the CSV issues and CSR issues that Tsubaki should work on going forward, as well as the role we should play.
The Environmental Committee evaluates the importance and priority of environmental issues based on their degree of importance to stakeholders (vertical axis) and their degree of relevance and impact on our business (horizontal axis) (Fig. 2). The degree of importance to stakeholders is evaluated based on the magnitude of the negative side (risks to be reduced) and the positive side (opportunities to improve financial indicators). As a result of this decision, we revised our Basic Environmental Policy in March 2021. In response to climate change issues, we have committed to raising CO2 reduction targets in accordance with the guidelines of the Paris Agreement and implementing reduction initiatives. Going forward, the Environmental Committee will continue to verify the demands of stakeholders and the progress of the company’s initiatives and periodically evaluate the importance of environmental issues, including climate change. Important matters are submitted to the Sustainability Committee for consideration.
Through these processes, we aim to enhance our corporate value by engaging in a cycle of identification and evaluation of climate-related risks.
Assessment of Sustainability-related Priority Matters (Fig. 1)
Environment-related Priority Matters (Evaluation of Material Issues) (Fig. 2)
Indicators and Goals
We have adopted medium- and long-term targets related to climate change.
The CO2 emissions reduction targets for Scope 1 + 2 adopted in 2017 were revised in April 2020 and the numerical targets were raised. Other targets have been adopted as priority matters under Long-term Vision 2030 and Mid-term Management Plan 2025, which were formulated in FY 2021.
*1 CDP is the world's leading ESG assessment organization that evaluates companies and cities on their strategies for climate change and their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
*2 Evaluation of responses submitted in July 2022 based on FY2021 results.
* Annual trends for the above quantitative targets are listed in the Performance Data section below.
Initiatives and Performance Data (FY 2021)
Activities Meant to Reduce Total CO2 Emissions
Tsubaki Group has been working to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the face of advancing climate change.
In Japan, in keeping with our long-term environmental target of reducing total CO2 emissions by 46% by FY 2030 (base year: FY 2013), we are promoting specific initiatives under our voluntary environmental action program.
Much of the energy used in the Group’s manufacturing is concentrated in the production process. Consequently, we are improving energy efficiency by proactively installing energy-saving production equipment; applying thermal insulation coatings to our main plants; reviewing the operating conditions of compressors; and implementing air leakage countermeasures. Furthermore, our various measures to reduce CO2 emissions include expanding the use of renewable energy by proactively installing solar power generation equipment in new and renovated plants and adopting LED lighting.
FY 2021 Results
Total CO2 emissions of the Tsubaki Group in FY 2021 are presented below.
In Japan, we developed the 2030 Roadmap for CO2 Reduction, which is our long-term plan to reduce CO2 emissions in accordance with the long-term environmental goals of our Group companies. Although we increased our production 15.3% year-on-year, we were able to limit the increase in our total CO2 emissions to only 4.8%.
In addition, we achieved a 19.8% reduction relative to our long-term target of a 46% reduction from FY 2013 levels by FY 2030.
Outside Japan, we compiled the data from FY 2018 for our 14 major manufacturing centers located in North America, Europe, and Asia. We achieved only a 4.2% reduction relative to our long-term target of a 30% reduction from FY 2018 levels by FY 2030.
Total CO2 Emission Trend Scope 1
(CO2 Directly Emitted In-House, Such as from Fuel Consumption)
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CO2 emissions by location (domestic)
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CO2 emissions by location (global)
Total CO2 Emission Trend Scope 2
(CO2 Indirectly Emitted In-House, Such as from Use of Electricity)
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CO2 emissions by location (domestic)
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CO2 emissions by location (global)
Total CO2 Emission Trend Scopes 1 and 2
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CO2 emissions by location (domestic)
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CO2 emissions by location (global)
CO2 emissions factors for domestic power use are the “alternative value” of the “emission coefficient by electric utility” published by the Ministry of the Environment.
CO2 emissions factors for power use outside Japan are the 2019 CO2 emissions factors given in the International Energy Agency (IEA) Emissions Factors (2021 edition).
Specific Initiatives
Proactive installation of solar panels on new plant buildings
Whenever we build or renovate a factory building, we proactively install solar panels to reduce the amount of electricity consumption.
The Saitama Plant and the new tensioner plant are focused on reducing their consumption of power through the installation of solar power generation systems, rooftop greening, energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning systems, and energy-efficient equipment. Solar power generation systems are particularly effective at reducing consumption of purchased power; they provide about 25% of the power consumed at the tensioner plant.
Solar panels installed on the roof of the new logistics center of the Mobility Division of the Saitama Plant, which was completed in May 2022, have already begun to generate electricity.
Promoting the Energy JIT Initiative in the heat treatment process
The Saitama Plant is promoting the Energy JIT Initiative in an effort to increase the energy efficiency of the heat treatment process. The JIT (just in time) Initiative is a system intended to thoroughly eliminate waste in order to produce and supply only what is needed, when it is needed, and in the quantities needed.
This system has been incorporated into several energy-efficiency initiatives, including the following:- Shutting off heaters when not needed through multiple equipment shutdowns;
- Eliminating energy waste by reviewing the timing of heat treatment furnace start-up and shutdown;
- Eliminating energy waste during holidays (heat treatment facilities typically operate 24/7); and
- Reviewing operation timing of auxiliary equipment (stopping and controlling during surplus hours)
Installation of pulse blowers for air compressors
Air compressors are used for a variety of purposes in our plants. At the tensioner plant, for example, air compressors represent about 50% of the plant’s total power consumption.
In the tensioner processing line, oil and other contaminants are removed through an air-blowing process after the regular operation and cleaning processes. We have since adopted a pulsed blowing system. This allows the same functionality to be achieved with about half the air consumption, resulting in significant energy saving.
We are working to reduce power consumption at our other plants by deploying this system as needed.
