The IHI Group emphasizes cooperation with the local communities in each region where IHI has business operations to advance environmental conservation activities according to each area’s unique needs. These efforts include agreements to prevent pollution with local government agencies and residents.
Water Pollution Prevention
The IHI Group monitors the quality of water discharged from offices, plants, and other business establishments. By defining and managing water discharge according to independent standards which are stricter than wastewater standards for each wastewater destination, the Group ensures the protection of water quality of public waters from oceans to rivers where this water is discharged.
Specifically, it carries out regular voluntary water sampling and analysis, daily patrol inspections of discharge outlets, maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities, and planned renewal of aging equipment and meters.
The IHI Group also prioritizes measures to prevent leaks from unseen underground pipes as a key issue. The Group’s other initiatives include measuring the amount of water in specific areas, systematic replacement of underground pipes, and creating underground piping blueprints.
Soil Contamination Prevention
The IHI Group identified specific areas at offices, plants, and other business establishments that use hazardous substances and other chemicals. The Group strives to prevent leaks of chemical substances by establishing operational procedures and periodic patrols.
The Group manages 68 old plant sites and production plants with a database that compiles survey results for the usage history of specific harmful substances* and oils. This survey data is used as a starting point for preliminary investigations when restructuring land that will become a production plant.
Harmful chemical substances refer to lead, hexavalent chromium, mercury, and other substances listed in Article 2 of the Japan Soil Contamination Countermeasures Act.
Chemical Resources
In order to prevent contamination due to leaks of oil, chemicals, etc. used in our offices, plants, and other business establishments, the IHI Group maintains Safety Data Sheets (SDS), fully grasps hazard information, and optimally manages chemical substances according to their properties.
Regarding chemical substances subject to the Law concerning Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR Law), the Group identifies and manages the amount of emissions into the air, public waters, and soil, and the amount discharged to sewers and waste and provides proper notifications in accordance with laws and regulations.
The Group is also suppressing emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere in accordance with the Voluntary Action Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society by the Japan Society of Industrial Machinery Manufacturers.
Toxic Waste (Waste Containing PCB)
The IHI Group is furthering its response to properly dispose of hazardous polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) waste by organizing a specialized team led by the head office.
As of March 31, 2023, the Group has successfully disposed of 100% of electrical equipment containing high-concentration PCBs and 97.5% of electrical equipment containing low-concentration PCBs. For fluorescent lamp, 69.5% processing has been completed.
Biodiversity
IHI believes that it is important to enable sustainable use of natural resources while conducting business. The Group is fully aware of the impact of its business on natural resources and is working to establish a circular economy, conserve the global environment, and take measures against climate change, which has a major effect on biodiversity.
Examples of Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives
