Alps, as a crew member of “Spaceship Earth”, considers conservation of the global environment an important management responsibility. In 1994 we established a company-wide Environmental Charter and a medium-term plan with the objective of becoming more proactive and preventive in environmental preservation.
Since 1994, our environmental preservation plans have expanded to include a global management structure, and a corporate turn towards “green” products. Lowering the impact our business activities have on the environment is a necessary step in “perfecting the art of electronics”.

Environmental Management System

Alps recognizes that ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems, is an important criterion in environmental management. All our domestic and overseas production facilities have acquired 14001 certification, and every certified location performs internal environmental audits at least once a year in accordance with the ISO 14001 standards.
After implementing our first action plan for environmental preservation in 1994, we have since formulated medium-term plans every three years, and in addition every site creates and implements their own independent plans as well. Fiscal 2009 marked the beginning of environmental activity based on our Sixth Medium-Term Action Plan for Environmental Preservation

ISO Certification

Legal Compliance

Part of Alps Electric’s commitment to, and full compliance with laws and regulations related to the environment includes a voluntary standard that is more stringent than legally required in each country. Alps Electric was not the subject of any environmental fines or legal actions, nor the cause of any accidents throughout fiscal 2009. However, our Kakuda Plant did receive two noise complaints from surrounding residents and we have since dealt with the causes accordingly.

Environmental Management Structure

Policies and measures relating to environmental management are finalized in the Environment Conference comprising representatives of business locations in Japan and chaired by the director in charge of the environment. Finalized policies and measures are implemented in Japan through the Environment Conference, and outside Japan by representatives and environmental management representatives of overseas affiliates. As secretariat of the Environment Conference, the CSR Department falls under the supervision of the director in charge of the environment and is charged with advancing environmental management through the formulation of company-wide environmental measures, gathering of information and other duties. Working groups reporting to the Environment Conference have also been established to examine specific issues, such as global warming and waste emissions.

Environmental Management Structure (as of June 2011)

Environmental Education

In April 2008, using the company intranet system, Alps Electric began to conduct “e-learning” programs under the theme of global warming. Headquarters also conducts environmental training for new recruits and new managers according to their qualification grades. Employees at each plant receive environmental training specific to their jobs, and technical training such as the one given to internal environmental auditors. Off-shore production facilities implement their own programs to provide effective training that corresponds to the local regulations and customs.

Educating Employees Using the Company’s Intranet

Alps Electric has prepared a space on its intranet for employees to take quizzes about current environmental concerns. The quizzes use examples of action that employees can take in the home to help reduce environmental burden, for example switching from normal lighting to LED or fluorescent bulbs. Alps hopes that these quizzes will encourage employees to consider the environment during their everyday lives and take action to help reduce their environmental burden.

Disseminating Information with Company Publications

In April 2008, our monthly internal newsletter began to carry our total monthly volume of CO2 emissions and CO2 emissions per unit of output of all the domestic production facilities. The aim is to encourage employee attention to the environment through regular information on environmental conservation.
Furthermore, our group magazine ―“Alps”― which is distributed to the employees of all Alps Group companies, gives employees a chance to read about environmental issues by presenting information like the government’s “Challenge 25 Campaign” and featuring individuals who have obtained environmental certification. We also provide Group employees with an “environmental household log” to check their CO2 emissions from home.