Environment

Renewable Energy

Use of Renewable Energy

Seventy percent or more of Epson's GHG emissions come from the consumption of electricity. At home and abroad, we have increased the ratio of renewable electricity to 19% by selecting the optimal low-carbon electricity in each region, such as hydropower and wind power, and by actively investing in on-site electricity generation.

In 2021, Epson joined the international initiative RE100, which aims to drive a transition on the part of corporations to the use of 100% renewable electricity for their business activities by 2050. We have set a goal of switching to 100% renewable energy to meet the electricity needs at all Epson Group sites^*1 around the world by 2023.

Transitioning to Renewable Energy at Epson's Global Sites

Outside Japan, we transitioned to 100% renewable electricity at our manufacturing sites in the United Kingdom and the United States (Portland), as well as at buildings owned by our sales companies in Europe (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.K.). We also achieved the RE100 goal at our manufacturing site in the Philippines by generating power with a rooftop mega-solar power plant and by switching to a mix of geothermal and hydroelectric power in January 2021. The Philippines is exploiting its volcanic resources to harness geothermal power, and Epson's site in that nation serves as an example in which our energy use is adapted to regional characteristics.

In Japan, Epson purchases Shinshu Green Electricity, CO2-free value-added electric power produced locally with abundant water sources in Nagano Prefecture using Nagano Prefectural hydroelectric power. This is both reducing Epson's GHG emissions and increasing local consumption of locally produced energy. In the Tohoku area, where Epson has a semiconductor fabrication plant and which accounts for about half of Epson's domestic electricity consumption, Epson uses CO2-free renewable electricity that utilizes a mix of geothermal heat from the Ou Mountains and hydropower. In November 2021, Epson completed the transition to 100% renewable electricity for all its domestic sites in Japan.

Sites using 100% renewable electricity (As for November,2021)

^*1 "All sites" referenced in this release excludes leased properties for sales offices, etc., where the amount of electricity cannot be determined.

Support for Recommendations to Expand the Use of Renewable Energy

The use of renewable energy (energy from natural sources) is one of the most effective ways to reduce GHG emissions. Accordingly, Epson is implementing plans to expand its use of renewable energy long-term. However, there are obstacles to expanding renewable energy use, including costs and supply limitations in some regions. Recognizing that there is nothing one company alone can do about these obstacles, Epson decided to declare its support for the important policy recommendations below as one solution. The realization of these recommendations will make it easier to take actions that minimize the impact on future climate change.
Coordinated global action is essential to combat climate change. We at Epson will therefore continue our efforts toward decarbonization, including by supporting future such recommendations.

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