Environmental Vision 2050

In June 2008, Epson established "Environmental Vision 2050", a document that sets forth what it will take as a company to halt the relentless advance of global environmental degradation and build a sustainable society. Reductions of CO2 emissions and conservation of biodiversity are the main pillars of the Vision, which is based on the fundamental premise that the carrying capacity of the Earth should be divided evenly among all people on the planet. Epson is aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% across the lifecycle of all products and services by the year 2050.

Management System

Business units within the Epson Group establish their own environmental action plans based on the SE15 Mid-Term Environmental Policy, and drive initiatives independently. Once or twice a year Epson conducts internal evaluations to check performance against plans, and they take corrective action against non-conformances. Epson operate their environmental management system in compliance with the international ISO 14001 standard, and they implement a planning and control cycle to effect continuous improvement. All of their major business sites in Japan and their manufacturing sites abroad are ISO 14001 certified.

Environmental Investment and returns

Investment in environmental conservation was ¥490 million, of which ¥250 million (51%) was related to global warming prevention and ¥230 million (47%) went to pollution control. Epson invested in new energy-saving factory infrastructure and production systems. Epson also focused spending on pollution control measures, such as measures to prevent chemical leaks. Epson saved a total of ¥1,410 million in 2010, mainly by saving energy and reducing wastes. They saved ¥420 million in energy expenses by improving the efficiency with which facilities and equipment operate.  An additional ¥250 million was saved by reducing waste emissions and salvaging valuable wastes. These actions, together with reductions in water usage, the effects of recycling, and educating employees on ways to save, enabled Epson to steadily increase its economic benefits.