Water Resource Conservation
Basic Approach
Zeon Group recognizes water as an essential resource for its business and society and positions the conservation of water resources as a key sustainability issue. Taking into account risks such as water stress, flooding, and drought associated with climate change, we work to reduce our environmental impact by reducing water consumption, promoting the effective use of water, and properly managing wastewater, while identifying and assessing water-related risks across the Group. In addition, based on the characteristics of each region in which we operate, we strive to minimize impacts on ecosystems and local communities and promote the sustainable use of water resources.
Structure and System
Zeon Group recognizes climate change as a material issue that has a significant impact on its business. We identify climate-related risks and opportunities and incorporate them into our management to strengthen our business foundation and enhance corporate value. Based on this recognition, we also position water resources as one of the key risks related to business continuity and have established an appropriate management system.
Water-related risks, such as flooding and drought, are identified and assessed within our Group-wide risk management framework.
In addition, we continue to promote environmental and safety management, including initiatives to prevent water pollution and reduce water withdrawal.
Key Initiatives
Water management plan
As a company that uses large volumes of water, we strive to reduce water consumption at our production sites. We manage water intake using flow meters and have established a system to control both water volume and quality through water recycling within our facilities and wastewater treatment systems. We also undertake initiatives to reduce water-related risks. By entering water risks in the company-wide risk management register, we treat them as risks that have already materialized. Each division also assesses risk impacts and considers appropriate measures. For flood risks, we have long assessed risk impacts from a business continuity planning (BCP) perspective and are working out the countermeasures needed. Regarding drought risks, we conduct simulations that assume water sharing from other sites and external procurement, including procedures and cost estimates, and have established a system that enables response as needed.
These risk assessments are reviewed annually, establishing a system that enables the implementation of necessary measures in response to changing environments.
Based on this water management plan, we take appropriate measures to manage water withdrawal and wastewater discharge so as to minimize environmental impact as much as possible, while taking into account improvements in water-use efficiency and ecosystem conservation.
Initiatives on water challenges
Within the Zeon Group, water is indispensable to our manufacturing activities. We recognize that the depletion of water resources or deterioration of water quality would pose a serious risk not only to the Group but also to local communities. Based on this understanding, we began full-scale initiatives to address water-related risks in FY2022. Going forward, we will implement these initiatives in accordance with the steps outlined below.
- 1Identification of our water-related risks and opportunities
- 2Establishment of Group-wide policies, targets, and indicators for water-related risks
- 3Promotion of PDCA for targets and indicators
- 4Disclosure of our initiatives to stakeholders
Water risk analysis
To appropriately identify and assess water-related business risks, the Zeon Group conducted a potential water risk analysis covering the manufacturing sites of Zeon Corporation and its consolidated and non-consolidated subsidiaries in Japan and overseas. We used the AQUEDUCT Water Risk Atlas developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI). The results indicated that overall water risk across the Group tends to be low. However, four of the 31 sites analyzed (12.9%) are located in areas assessed as experiencing “extremely high” water stress. One site operated by a consolidated subsidiary was confirmed to be in an area of high water stress. In addition to water stress, we assessed water pollution risks associated with wastewater discharge. The assessment confirmed that several of our sites are located in areas where risks to water quality may be relatively high. These findings provide important insights into priority areas for the Group’s water resource management. Going forward, the Zeon Group will continue working to improve the accuracy of its water risk analysis, while continuing to consider necessary measures and strengthen management based on the risk level of each site. Through these efforts, we remain committed to the sustainable use of water resources and environmental conservation.