Expert Views
Norichika KanieEnjoy doing what you can for the future
First Published in Japanese in February 2023 [4 parts]
Part 2: Aiming for sustainable manufacturing
We are talking to Professor Norichika Kanie, who warns that global environmental issues are more serious than we realize. Now that all companies are required to consider the environment, especially the need to become carbon neutral, how should we approach these challenges and take action? Professor Kanie gives us some guidelines.
── Why do you think there is not more of a widespread sense of urgency when it comes to environmental issues?
I think public awareness is definitely changing now that there is global action taking place with the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and the SDGs. The idea that greenhouse gases have a negative effect on the global environment is now widely accepted, but it is actually quite difficult to scientifically prove this. For example, various parts of the world have been affected by extreme weather events, but it is difficult to definitively state that these individual events are caused by climate change due to greenhouse gases, because the relationships of cause and effect are so complex. Of course, most scientists agree that there is a causal relationship, based on large amounts of scientific data, but it is hard to demonstrate the direct link between weather phenomena and climate change. This is why I believe that people with a scientific background should say “I think this is due to the effect of greenhouse gases” even if it is not scientifically possible to say for certain. Otherwise, we will not be able to communicate the sense of urgency.
── Companies are required to take action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon neutral. Where do you think companies should start as a first step towards this?
Knowing your company’s greenhouse gas emissions is a good place to start. “Scope” is a way of calculating the emissions throughout the entire supply chain. Scope 1 refers to a company’s direct emissions, such as fuel combustion and industrial processes. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from using electricity, heat, and steam supplied by other companies. Scope 3 refers to all other emissions related to the company’s business activities. There are several benefits to clarifying your emissions in this way: it will allow you to identify targets for reduction, raise awareness among employees, reduce emissions by working with other companies, and improve your corporate image by disclosing your activities.
Scope 1, 2 and 3: Emissions throughout the entire supply chain
Source: Ministry of the Environment / Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: “Green Value Chain Platform”
https://www.env.go.jp/earth/ondanka/supply_chain/gvc/estimate.html
── Do you have any notable examples of corporate initiatives aimed at tackling climate change or towards creating a sustainable society?
Apple (well known for its Macs and iPhones) and the Swedish car manufacturer Volvo both require their suppliers to use 100% renewable energy in a certain number of years’ time. This is an attempt to develop an environmentally friendly business throughout the entire supply chain, that looks beyond the company itself. In Japan, Toyota announced plans in 2021 to develop an interesting experimental city called Woven City. As well as connecting people, goods, robots, and vehicles via the Internet to provide optimal services, the project aims to create a city in harmony with nature and the environment, including carbon neutral housing and transport systems with no CO2 emissions. Just like calculating greenhouse gas emissions for the entire supply chain, it is important to take a holistic approach to becoming carbon neutral or creating a sustainable society.
── Is it also important to take a holistic approach to achieve sustainability in the manufacturing world?
As well as making good products, it is important to optimize the whole product lifecycle. Developing an understanding of each stage of the process – sourcing of materials, fabricating, transporting, selling and recycling of the product – will highlight areas that should be changed, such as switching to materials with a longer lifecycle or choosing recyclable resources wherever possible. Thinking of a product in reverse, by creating designs that can be easily taken apart for recycling, can lead to innovation.
── What are your impressions of companies that are actually tackling carbon emissions and SDGs?
My impression is that the earlier a company takes the lead in such efforts, the more serious they are about their future success. Environmental initiatives, like Apple and Volvo requiring suppliers to use 100% renewable energy, will be even more highly valued in the coming years. One organization told me that developing sustainable products has broadened its customer base: more companies want to buy the products, even though the price has gone up. Also, in terms of recruitment, I often hear employers say they are receiving more applications from people motivated by such subjects. Rather than having vague aspirations, job applicants are increasingly saying: “I want to work at a company that is committed to tackling environmental issues.” This is another huge benefit for a company, as many are struggling to find new employees these days.