Measures to Address Global Warming

  As part of its measures to counter global warming, the Yamaha Group has worked to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions through the use of optimal production methods and equipment configuration, improvements to how air conditioning equipment is operated, installation of equipment with high energy efficiency, and extensive energy management, including adjustments to facility operating hours and thermostat settings. The Group has also introduced cogeneration systems and converted to more environmentally friendly fuel sources.

  In December 2003, we set the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 6% of fiscal 1990 levels by fiscal 2010, and we worked Group-wide to achieve this target.

  Our CO₂ emissions in Japan during fiscal 2010 totaled 63,700 tons-CO₂, a reduction of 10% compared with the previous fiscal year. This represents a reduction of 41% versus fiscal 1990 levels, far greater than our 6% target. In addition to the measures described above, this achievement is attributable to the sale of certain businesses, and a decrease in production due to the worsening economy. We plan to formulate a new target for fiscal 2011 and beyond, while referring to relevant government targets.

  We also aim to continuously reduce CO₂ emissions per unit of sales, and target a 1% or more reduction compared with the previous fiscal year. In fiscal 2010, we achieved our target, reaching 23.1 tons per ¥100 million, a decrease of 3.3% year on year. CO₂ equivalent emissions of other greenhouse gases totaled 7,500 tons, a reduction of 700 tons from the previous fiscal year.

Kakegawa Factory, Yamaha Corporation

  Since fiscal 2006, Yamaha Corporation has been working to transfer production of grand pianos from its headquarters factory to its Kakegawa Factory, and in August 2010 the company completed consolidation of the production of upright pianos.

  To counter the increased energy needs resulting from this consolidation, the factory introduced a cogeneration system, replacing the heavy-oil-fired boiler formerly used to supply heat with a natural-gas-fired boiler fueled by liquid natural gas (LNG), while also working to make the production process more energy-efficient.

  Specifically, we concentrated production processes that were separated into five buildings at the headquarters factory into one building at the Kakegawa Factory by rebuilding the production line into a directly connected one. This reduced space requirements by about 33%. We realized energy savings in air conditioning, lighting and transportation between lines, resulting in a reduction of more than 3,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

LNG Satellite Facility

  The Yamaha Group is actively working to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions in logistics operations. Guided by a basic policy of raising transport efficiency, we continually review transport routes, adopt routes that incorporate more efficient modes of transport, raise container loading ratios, streamline loading sites and warehouse facilities, and conduct joint transport with other companies. Efforts are also being made to reduce CO₂ emissions by disposing of waste locally and switching from air to sea for international shipping.

  The Yamaha Group's total domestic transport volume in fiscal 2010 declined by 39% compared to the previous year, to 18.78 million ton-kilometers, and CO₂ emissions fell by 38%, to 3,021 tons-CO₂. The change in these figures was due in part to the above initiatives, but mainly to the sale of some business and a decline in the volume of products shipped due to the worsening economy.

  Reducing CO₂ emissions from logistics requires the cooperation of transport companies, so we are working with them to develop appropriate systems. Specific measures include requesting participation in environmental efforts at meetings with the companies and incorporating environmental matters into questionnaires.