Local Action to Protect the Environment across the Kyocera Group

From beach cleaning, cycling to greenification projects, Kyocera employees engage in community-based activities around the world

Easy Cycle Challenge 2012Since its foundation in 1959, the Kyocera Corporation (President: Goro Yamaguchi) has focused corporate activities on the concept of “harmonious coexistence” with society and the environment. As June 5 marks World Environment Day 2013, Kyocera Group employees around the world are also making community-based efforts to further promote a green society.

In the UK, KYOCERA Document Solutions (U.K.) Limited competed with other local workplaces to determine which company can get the most employees to ride bicycles. “The Easy Cycle Challenge,” held in Reading from May 6 to June 2, encouraged more people to cycle with a fun competition between individuals and local companies which encourages a reduction in vehicle use to deliver cleaner air and safer streets. Participating in this challenge for the second time this year, the KYOCERA team finished in second place in the category of 50-199 participants.

On the first Sunday of June, employees of Kyocera SLC Technologies Corporation took part in the “No-Litter Initiative” in Japan, an annual project by Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture to clean the local beaches of the country’s largest body of fresh water, Lake Biwa. 698 people from 64 companies and organisations in the region cooperated to collect waste, helping to strengthen community bonds to realise a more eco-friendly society.

On June 29, Kyocera Crystal Device Philippines, Inc. will join the “Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines” in Naga City, Cebu Island. Runners representing various companies will run a distance of approximately 5km (3 miles) from the City Hall to a designated location where they will plant tree seedlings. This event is part of a reforestation program by the city in support of the Philippine Environment Month celebrated in June.

The Kyocera Group is also growing “Green Curtains” at 34 sites in Japan, China, Thailand and Brazil. Curtains of foliage are grown on trellises in front of windows and walls provide shade and also shield the buildings from heat radiation ― decreasing inside room temperatures by approximately 2 degrees Celsius* (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), which contributes to a reduction in energy consumption from air conditioner usage. Cucumbers and peas are occasionally grown to form the Green Curtains and then become ingredients for special dishes served in employee cafeterias — a great way to consume locally and reduce employees’ “foodprint.”

Based on the concept of harmonious coexistence, Kyocera strives for ecological and economic compatibility in three broad areas: offering Green Products, managing Green Factories, and promoting Green Communication with stakeholders. Kyocera believes that fostering mutual understanding and awareness with the community is vital in addressing environmental issues and remains committed to local efforts.

* Source: Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

KYOCERA Document Solutions is one of the world's leading office document solutions companies. Its product range includes ECOSYS printers, reliable TASKalfa and SmartMFP multifunctional devices and is complemented by supplies, software and services. KYOCERA Document Solutions provides innovative products, built on a foundation of long-life components, allowing it to offer low total cost of ownership and high efficiency in any workplace.

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