Epson becomes the first in the Japanese manufacturing industry to fully transition to 100% renewables
Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, “Epson”) is delighted to announce that, as of December 2023, all electricity utilized at Epson Group sites globally [excluding some sales sites and leased properties where electricity consumption cannot be determined] is derived from renewable sources. This milestone positions Epson as the first in the domestic manufacturing industry in Japan to achieve a complete transition to renewable electricity across all its global sites, as of January 9, 2024, based on Epson research and its participation in the RE100 initiative.
The Epson Group, with an annual electricity consumption of approximately 876 GWh [data for the fiscal year ending March 2023, inclusive of co-generation system (CGS) electricity and privately generated electricity], anticipates a significant reduction of approximately 400,000 tonnes in annual carbon dioxide emissions by sourcing renewables to meet its energy demands.
In alignment with its Environmental Vision 2050, wherein Epson commits to becoming carbon negative and free of non-renewable resources like oil and metals, the use of renewable electricity is a pivotal strategy for achieving decarbonization. Epson had previously declared in March 2021 its commitment to shifting to 100% renewable electricity for all Epson Group sites globally by 2023, and successfully accomplished this transition in Japan by November 2021. The global adoption of renewable electricity was completed as scheduled in December 2023.
Beyond utilizing renewable electricity, Epson aims to drive the wider adoption of renewable energy by generating more of its power and supporting the development of new power sources through co-creation projects, such as expanding the sourcing of renewable electricity in Nagano Prefecture. Epson will further focus on reducing energy associated with production processes and products while advancing resource circulation to achieve its goal of becoming carbon negative.
Steps taken to switch to 100% renewable electricity use at all Epson Group sites1
- March 2021: Publicly committed to switching to 100% renewable electricity at all sites
- April 2021: Switch completed at all sites in its local area of Nagano Prefecture, Japan
- November 2021: Switch completed at all sites in Japan
- December 2023: Switch completed at all global sites
Yasunori Ogawa, Global President, remarked, “Over the past eight decades, Epson has consistently demonstrated a proactive commitment to environmental responsibility. Upholding the founder’s dedication to preserving the purity of nearby Lake Suwa, we pioneered as the world’s first company to eliminate CFCs from our manufacturing processes. Now, in a span of just two years and 10 months since declaring our commitment in 2021, we have successfully completed the transition to 100% renewable electricity at all Epson Group sites. This accomplishment not only aligns with our internal objectives but also contributes to fostering a wider embrace of renewable electricity within society. Achieving social sustainability is a challenging goal, but we are resolute in addressing obstacles with a spirit of creativity and determination.”
Epson firmly believes that its philosophy of efficient, compact, and precise innovation enhances lives and contributes to creating a better world. The company is committed to continuing practices that align with this core purpose, striving towards the aspirational goal of sustainability while collaboratively uplifting communities alongside customers and partners.
