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Measures to Combat Global Warming

Environmentally Friendly Products and Services

Basic views on product development

We highlight the environmental issues our main products—environmental test chambers—may present, and continue to develop environmentally friendly products that resolve these issues. The basic policy for this is our Environmentally-Friendly Development Design Guidelines.
Since its establishment in 1999, we have been revising the guidelines with the times, on the basis of developing products that satisfy all requirements: safety, quality, price, the environment, and delivery schedule.
We will continue to work to contribute to society and our customers through a product creation process that takes the global environment into consideration.

■Main content of the Environmentally-Friendly Development Design Guidelines
  • Management categories of Environmentally-Friendly Development Design (basic views)
  • Compliance with laws and regulations
  • Lifecycle assessment (procedures and evaluation, etc.)
  • Environmental labels (type and content)

Increase in the number of environmental test chambers that use low-GWP refrigerants

We are developing environmental test chambers that contain low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants that have reduced global warming effects. In FY 2017, we were the first domestic environmental test chamber manufacturer to release a product that uses the low-GWP refrigerant R-449A. In April 2022, we were the first in the world to release an Environmental Stress Chamber Rapid-Rate Temperature Cycle Type featuring the low-GWP refrigerant R-473A, which creates ultra-low temperature environments.
This chamber significantly reduces GWP values, and the use of ESPEC environmental control technologies makes it possible to reproduce super low-temperature environments of -70°C that were difficult to achieve with previous substitute refrigerants. We will be adding low-GWP refrigerants to other products in sequence and expanding our lineup of environmentally friendly products.

Improving the Ease of Product Dismantling

Our products are manufactured using metal and resin. It is difficult to separate these materials at the time of disposal, which places a burden on waste disposal sites. Recycling aspects are considered right from the development stage, and new products and model changes with designs that are easy to disassemble or separate, or which feature resin components with identification markings are gradually being rolled out.

ESPEC environmental label

The environmental label* is used to promote the development of environmentally-friendly products, and to actively release environmental information about our products and services.

* The ESPEC environmental label is equivalent to the environmental label (ISO/JIS Q 14021) for self-declared environmental claims “Type II” established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

• Low GWP refrigerant

The “low GWP label” system was launched in September 2018 for products that are sold by ESPEC CORP. The “low GWP label” indicates that the product is charged using a substitute refrigerant with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) in order to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

LOW GWP REFRIGERANT

The criteria to obtain the [Low GWP Label] are a GWP under 2500 and, depending on the refrigerant type, determined as usable in our company's chambers, within all the refrigerants developed as a low GWP refrigerant.

Certified low GWP refrigerants (as of September 12, 2018)

  • R-449A (GWP 1397) <Alternative refrigerant for R-404A (GWP 3920)>
  • R-452A (GWP 2141) <Alternative refrigerant for R-404A (GWP 3920)>

* The GWP is based on the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report

● Green Product Label

In fiscal 2009, with the aim of proactively disclosing environmental information with regard to the promotion of the development of environmentally-friendly products, we launched the "Green Product" category and instituted the "Green Product Label" system, which consists in affixing an environmental label to products that meet the prescribed environmentally-friendly certification standards.
With regard to the "Green Product Label" certification, the Environmental Management Department is responsible for reviewing and deciding whether a product is approved and can use the label according to whether it meets the "Green Product Label" certification standards.

GREEN PRODUCT

Certification Standards

  • Scope Subject to Selection

    To be released on the Japanese market in or after April 2009.

    1. Model change products, series products, and new products
    2. Improvements on current models and new improved products
    3. Products compatible with individual orders
  • Certification Standards

    In comparison with the former model regarding power consumption, 15% energy saving or more is achieved. (When the operation pattern specified by ESPEC is used and compared with the former model)

• Green Power mark

Tests reports bear the Green Power mark to indicate that the power used for laboratory testing services at our testing laboratories in Japan is 100% supplied by renewable energy.

<Certification standards>

  • Certification scope

    Certification covers the following laboratory testing services performed at ESPEC CORP. testing laboratories in Japan.

    1. Laboratory testing services started on or after April 1, 2021
    2. Laboratory testing services in which no part of the tests is performed by an external cooperating organization or other entity
  • Certification standards

    It must be possible to confirm documented evidence that all electric power used in the tests during the laboratory testing services testing period was power which was supplied under a renewable energy contract.

GREEN POWER

Promotion of environmental conservation business

ESPEC MIC operates an environmental conservation business, including forest creation that contributes to biodiversity and carbon sequestration, waterside creation that restores natural river environments, and grassland creation with native species. Under the concept of creating real environments, the company creates environments with a particular focus on species native to the area. The company also offers a program to assess corporate forests and green spaces and provide advice on future biodiversity conservation activities. In March 2023, the company participated in a business matching event at the 2nd business forum held by the Japan Conference for 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework (Secretariat: Ministry of the Environment).
In FY 2022, a total of 47,714 trees were planted based on tree planting guidance provided by ESPEC MIC. The company will continue to contribute to global warming prevention and biodiversity conservation through its environmental conservation business.

Diagnostic research of a corporate forest