China: Nanjing Nikon Jiangnan Optical Instrument Co., Ltd.

Nanjing Nikon Jiangnan Optical Instrument Co., Ltd. commenced full-scale environmental initiatives in 2007 amid a rising momentum for environmental measures in China in preparation for the Beijing Olympics. With little knowledge and no expertise on the environment yet, it was a start without a clear direction. We launched the Environment and Safety Committee, established a secretariat, and introduced a simplified EMS. At the same time, a walk-through survey on energy efficiency was conducted by the relevant departments at Nikon Corporation, and specific areas for improvement were identified.
The thermal insulation of existing buildings was not particularly good, and any major replacement of facilities and equipment would have required enormous outlays. Therefore, we began with raising awareness for the importance of energy conservation, and getting all employees to make more immediate improvements. We steadily implemented improvement after improvement, such as reviewing the temperature settings on the air-conditioning systems, thinning out the fluorescent lights, rendering the amounts of energy consumed in each process into a visible form, and reducing air leaks from air guns. During the year ended March 31, 2010, we achieved our target of 15% reduction in CO₂ emissions per unit of sales compared to the year ended March 31, 2006. We were also certified under the Nikon Group's integrated ISO 14001 environmental management system during the year ended March 31, 2011.
In June 2011, in recognition of these solid efforts, we received an Outstanding Environmental Contribution Award as part of the Nikon Environmental Commendation Program. At NNJC, efforts are underway for further energy savings and CO₂ reductions. For instance, we have plans to introduce individual air-conditioning systems, and for energy-saving measures when rebuilding or extending our existing buildings.