SUBARU | Ecology | Production | Japanese production plants

The generation of waste materials itself is considered a waste by Subaru, who have been making a continuous effort to achieve zero emissions and to curb the generation of waste materials. Subaru have been striving to utilise resources more effectively by improving the yield ratio of raw materials used in production stages and enhancing coating efficiency at paint factories.

In February 2007, two natural gas cogeneration systems were installed at the Oizumi Plant of the Gunma Manufacturing Division. With the installation of these systems, a reduction in CO2 emissions by approximately 14,000 tons and energy use of the equivalent of approximately 2,700 kilolitres of crude oil per year are expected following full operation in fiscal 2007. An additional natural gas cogeneration system is also planned for installation at the Yajima Plant of the Gunma Manufacturing Division in fiscal 2007.

Total water consumption in fiscal 2007 was approximately 3.62 million m3. Strict measures such as checking for leakage from water pipes and replacing water pipes with aerial pipes have been implemented at each manufacturing plant. Strict measures will continue to be enforced for the reduction of water consumption.

To reduce atmospheric emissions of HFC134a air-conditioning coolant from the vehicle manufacturing line at Gunma Manufacturing Division, we have continued to implement initiatives that minimise leakage while pumping and recovering gas in air-conditioning units. As a result, we have reduced emissions by over 95% in fiscal 2003 compared with fiscal 1996 levels, and achieved an even more impressive reduction of 97% in fiscal 2007.

By changing the paints used to colour vehicle bodies from oil based paints to water based paints, as well as the reduction of the amount of cleansing thinners used, the emissions of the 18 chemical substances subject to the PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register) Law in fiscal 2007 throughout all manufacturing plants totalled 843 tons, a reduction of approximately 26 tons compared with the previous year.

The total emission of harmful substances (VOCs) per painted surface area was 63.2 g/m2 in fiscal 2007, corresponding to a 30.9% reduction compared with fiscal 2000, the direct result of using water based paints and a better recovery ratio of thinners following the operation of a new painting plant.

Emissions of and SOx decreased in fiscal 2007 following the change of boiler fuel from heavy oil to natural gas. NOx emissions increased due to stoppage of denitration equipment, however both were still below our voluntary standards, which are even stricter than the relevant legal standards (in principle, 80% of the levels stipulated by the relevant laws and regulations or lower).