Vision and Numerical Target
Vision
“Working toward carbon neutrality 2050, we will contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society.”
We participate in the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association’s “Carbon Neutral Action Plan for 2050” and had set a medium-term target of reducing CO₂ emissions by 46% by FY2030 (compared with FY2013).
To achieve this, we have promoted a range of initiatives, including transitioning energy sources from heavy oil to city gas through the introduction of cogeneration systems, replacing equipment with high-efficiency models upon renewal, installing waste heat recovery heat pumps, upgrading to LED lighting, installing solar panels, purchasing CO₂-free electricity, introducing solar power generation under a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) model, and converting company vehicles to hybrid vehicles. As a result, in FY2024, we achieved a 53.6% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared with FY2013.
We have now established a new target of reducing CO₂ emissions by 60% by FY2035 (compared with FY2013). Moving forward, we will continue to pursue various initiatives to achieve this target and contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Numerical Target
Medium-term target: Reduce CO₂ emissions volume by 60% by 2035 from FY2013.
Non-financial Indicators Reflected in Remuneration for Board members
In order to contribute to the sustainable enhancement of corporate value, the Group's Remuneration for Board members is linked to a variety of performance indicators. In addition to performance indicators, we have introduced a system to link non-financial indicators such as CO₂ emission reductions to the Remuneration for all internal Board members, including the Representative Member of the Board of Directors since FY2023.
Working toward a Carbon-Neutral Society
The Group considers climate change to be one of the most important issues for global environmental conservation, and is working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in order to contribute to the prevention of global warming.
Introduction of Cogeneration System
At the Iwaki factory of ASKA Pharmaceutical, they are working to improve the efficiency of the cogeneration (combined heat and power) system and manufacturing processes, and are working to reduce CO₂ emissions in the manufacturing process.
Cogeneration system
Introduction of Eco-friendly Commercial Vehicles
ASKA Pharmaceutical is promoting the deployment of eco-friendly commercial vehicles.
Environmental Considerations in Business Activities (Product Initiatives)
At ASKA Pharmaceutical, in order to reduce environmental impact, we have reduced the thickness of the container film used in PTP sheets (tablet packaging) for certain products from 0.25 mm to 0.20 mm.
This initiative has enabled us to reduce both plastic usage and greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20%.
As part of our sustainability initiatives, we position environmental protection and impact reduction as important challenges, working to reduce total waste, curb resource consumption, and promote environmentally conscious business operations.
We are also working to reduce plastic usage in packaging materials, and will expand these initiatives to other products going forward.
Excerpt from ASKA Pharmaceutical website
Purchase of CO₂-free Electricity
In April 2023, the Iwaki Factory introduced CO₂-free electricity for some of its electricity use. This will reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 530 tons per year. ASKA gradually switches to CO₂-free electricity, which will reduce CO₂ emissions by a total of approximately 2,200 tons
Solar Power Generation under the PPA Method
ASKA Pharmaceutical's Iwaki factory has introduced solar power generation equipment (PPA* system), and it is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 440 tons per year.
In June 2024, the factory began receiving solar power generated by on-site PPA.
* PPA（Power Purchase Agreement）A system that enables companies that own and manage solar power generation equipment (the PPA provider) to install that equipment at sites or roofs provided by facility owners, and those owners (electricity users) purchase the power generated
by the solar power generation equipment at a discount.
Solar power generation system installed in the Iwaki Factory
Solar Power Generation under the PPA Method
ASKA Pharmaceutical's Iwaki factory has introduced solar power generation equipment (PPA* system), and it is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 440 tons per year.
In June 2024, the factory began receiving solar power generated by on-site PPA.
* PPA（Power Purchase Agreement）A system that enables companies that own and manage solar power generation equipment (the PPA provider) to install that equipment at sites or roofs provided by facility owners, and those owners (electricity users) purchase the power generated
by the solar power generation equipment at a discount.
Introduction of Waste Heat Recovery Heat Pumps
ASKA Pharmaceutical has decided to introduce a waste heat recovery heat pump at its Iwaki Factory. Construction has begun and preparations are underway for the introduction of the heat pumps in the air conditioning chiller equipment, which is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 422.6 tons per year.
Energy Conservation Efforts
We aim to improve energy consumption per unit of production by 1% or more each year (The average rate of change in energy consumption per unit of production over the previous five years is 1% or more.) as an indicator of energy consumption. In FY2020, the average rate of change in energy consumption per unit of production over the previous five years was a 3.7% reduction.
Renewable energy for annual electricity consumption at the head office building
As part of its efforts to realize a decarbonized society, ASKA Pharmaceutical has purchased FIT non-fossil fuel certificates with tracking, and in FY2023, all the electricity used in the company's head office building will be derived from renewable energy sources, effectively 100%. By switching to renewable energy-derived electricity (hereafter, “renewable energy electricity”) with non-fossil fuel certificates for the annual electricity consumption (836,353 kWh) used at the ASKA Pharmaceutical head office building in FY2023, we have achieved the practical use of renewable energy at the head office. The renewable energy we have introduced is “FIT non-fossil fuel certificates with tracking information” that meets the criteria of the “RE100” initiative. This measure has reduced CO2 emissions by 366 tons per year.
* FIT non-fossil certificates with tracking are certificates that certify the environmentally friendly value of electricity generated by non-fossil power sources that are eligible for the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) system, which was established to promote the spread of renewable energy. These certificates also provide information such as the type of power source, which is linked to the power source's specific location and place of production.
Introduction of Internal Carbon Pricing
ASKA Pharmaceutical has introduced Internal Carbon Pricing (ICP) to strengthen its response to climate-related risks and to promote CO₂ emission reduction. We have set an internal carbon price of (5,000 yen/t-CO₂) and use the carbon price in decision making for capital investment, etc., and use it to make investment decisions based on future impacts.
Participation in Initiatives
Participation in Renewable Energy 100 Declaration RE Action
Renewable Energy 100 Declaration RE Action is a framework for companies, local governments, educational institutions, medical institutions, and other organizations to demonstrate their will and actions to convert 100% of the electricity they use to renewable energy and promote the use of 100% renewable energy. We have agreed with the views of this framework and have joined it in March 2024.
Collaboration with Industry Associations
ASKA Pharmaceutical supports the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association's 2050 Carbon Neutral Action Plan and discloses its progress in accordance with the Carbon Neutral Action Plan (Phase II)*, which sets 2030 as the target year.
In support of the pharmaceutical industry's overall efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions, we also participate in the Carbon Neutral Action Plan Group established by the Environmental Issues Study Committee of the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association.
*Phase II: Reduce CO₂ emissions by 46% in FY2030 based on FY 2013 CO₂ emissions
Toward a Recycling-Oriented Society
We aim to use resources more efficiently and minimize waste as much as possible, which is crucial for maintaining business continuity. We have set the reduction of waste as a target in our medium-term environmental plan.
and are actively working on resource saving and waste reduction measures. To protect the environment and continuously reduce environmental impact in all of our business activities, we are working to reduce energy consumption, promote waste reduction and reuse, and control emissions of air and water pollution, chemical substances, and other pollutants. By proactively addressing resource conservation and waste reduction, we will contribute to the creation of a recycling-oriented society that aims for more efficient use of resources.