BookTitleToyota Tsusho 70-Year History

Summary

Toyota Tsusho 70-Year History

Chapter 5For the Next GenerationSection 1 Environmental Measures, Corporate Social Responsibility, andSustainable Development Goals1 Contributing to the Establishment of aRecycling SocietyThe Kyoto Protocol of 1997 increased society’sawareness of the need for action on carbon dioxide(CO2) reduction and environmental conservation. Sincethen, a raft of environmental laws have been enacted inJapan, including the Law for the Recycling of End-of-Life Vehicles. Toyota Tsusho Corporation’s managementprioritizes the environment based on the company’spolicy of“contributing to the creation of a prosperousand happy global society”and has taken steps to realizethe 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) in all its businessactivities. In 2000, Toyota Tsusho acquired ISO 14001group certification, and other companies in the ToyotaTsusho Group have subsequently followed suit.In the automotive field, Toyota Tsusho has beenworking on using polylactic acid and kenaf in parts,ridding them of environmentally hazardous substances;on developing fuel cells; and on recycling ELVs. In thenonautomotive field, Toyota Tsusho has been developingand selling transportation packaging materials that reduceits impact on forests; recycling used paper, includingturning paper sludge into fuel; and recycling waste. Andin the energy field, Toyota Tsusho has developed solarpower and wind power generation businesses, becomeinvolved in biomass fuel research, and entered the CO2emission credits business. The company has also builta value chain that will lead to the establishment of anenvironmentally friendly society.2 Engaging in an Environmental AfforestationBusiness in AustraliaIn April 2004, Toyota Tsusho and Chubu ElectricPower Co., Inc., launched a joint research projectconcerning environmental afforestation. The projectinvolved planting eucalyptus and acacia trees at the postmine surface of the Camberwell Coal Mine?a mine inwhich Toyota Tsusho held a 90% stake?in New SouthWales, Australia, and verifying the CO2 absorption effectbased on tree species, soil conditions, and managementconditions. The goal of the project was to find outwhether the initiative has environmental businesspotential and to restore the coal mine’s surroundings totheir original state.3 Pursuing Corporate Social Responsibilityand Sustainable Development Goal ActivitiesCSR, or corporate social responsibility, and refers toa company’s obligation to contribute to society. Thisimplies continuing to promote the sustainable growthPlanting trees at a mining site in AustraliaPlanting trees on Mount Fuji178