September 15, 2011
LIXIL Corporation

Ongoing water environmental awareness program in Vietnam
being provided in cooperation with international NPOs
Thinking about the importance of water with local children and taking action
Since 2007, the LIXIL Corporation, which manufactures and sells tiles and sanitary ceramics in theSocialist Republic of Vietnam (“Vietnam”), has joined forces with two international NPOs, namely
Bridge Asia Japan (“BAJ”) and Seed to Table (“STT”), and has been conducting environmental
awareness initiatives for the children in that country regarding water.
Environmental awareness initiatives in Vietnam have been ongoing since the former INAX
Corporation worked with its local subsidiary INAX Vietnam Sanitary Ware Co., Ltd. (“VINAX”) to
forward these initiatives. Even after consolidation under LIXIL, these initiatives are still being actively
pursued as a part of activities to preserve the global environment and make positive contributions tosociety from a global perspective. Vietnam is undergoing a rapid period of economic development, yetthere are still many suburban areas that lack adequate sanitation services, and the residents of suchareas lack the proper awareness of issues concerning the water they use and environmental issues
involved. We are providing environmental awareness program not merely by giving financial aid, but byoffering original curricular programs such as “Let us think about and study water”, sending teachers,
and otherwise consistently providing environmental awareness program according to the curriculum
details and suggestions determined by local societal factors and circumstances.
In 2011, in its fifth year of operations, LIXIL staffs have traveled on environmental awarenessprogram missions to Hoa Binh Province to the north of Hanoi, to Hue in central Vietnam, and to Ho Chí
Minh in southern Vietnam. In addition, they visited VINAX factories and strengthened relationships
with local children and international NPOs. In the following we would like to summarize what LIXIL
staff accomplished in the week from July 27 to August 2 in Vietnam together with staff from the NGOs
BAJ and STT.

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Wａｔｅｒ environmental awareness program 2011

Environmental activities in north,central, and south Vietnam■ Expanding local activities together with STT (July 28)

Together with STT, the former INAX staff implemented the“Water Resource Awareness Initiative” in Nam Son Village in Hoa
Binh Province north of Hanoi in July 2010 and January 2011.
A youth group in Phu Vinh Village that was monitoring theactivities in Nam Son Village put in a request to STT to have thesame kind of environmental awareness program instituted in itsvillage, and on July 28 an environmental course program was

A class in Phu Vinh Village

launched. Phu Vinh is located in Tan Lac, Hoa Binh Province,
about three hours north by car from Hanoi. It is a village of about
3,900 people in about 790 households spread out over 12 distinct
hamlets.

On the first day of the program, 73 persons showed up from 11
hamlets. In the morning a class was held using the in-house
designed “Let us think about and study water” text, which contains
many illustrations. The class focused on a basic knowledge of waterand the Earth’s ecosystems, such as the fact that even thoughwater covers about 70 percent of the Earth, only a small fraction of

Studying with the well‐illustrated text
“Let us think about and study water”

that water is potable, and the fact that water circulates though
Earth’s climatic systems in gas and solid form, as well as issues
related to water that are more pertinent to lifestyles in rural
Vietnam, for example that contaminated water causes diarrhea
and that keeping one’s hands and body clean prevents infectious
diseases. It was just a two and a half hour course including short
breaks, but the course nevertheless seemed to prove useful. Eventhe younger children were answering questions from the teacher
and the participants were given an opportunity to think about
these issues as they relate to their everyday lives.

Checking the clarity of waterwith a transparency meterIn the afternoon the groups were split up by hamlet. Samples of the water used for cooking food andfor agricultural uses were collected at each village and tested for quality. The participants made their2own transparency meters, which are used to check the clarity of water, using PET bottles, which theyused to visually check their own water. They then used a simple but more scientific water quality test
called the “Pack Test,” which measures PH levels, COD levels, and quantities of phosphorous andnitrogen. Youth groups that participated in the Nam Son Village tests ended up helping out theirneighbors with their tests, which is a clear indication that knowledge passed on through the program
and tests was absorbed by local residents. Measured figures were collated and presented by all after thetests. These tests results revealed significant discrepancies in water quality even within Phu Vinh
Village, presumably caused by topological and similar factors.

■ Achievements of activities announced at VINAX factory on July 29
After the “Water Resource Awareness Initiative” in Nam Son Village in Hoa Binh Province in July2010 and January 2011, a similar environmental initiative was continued locally with the help of STT.
The initiative included a continual monthly Pack Test for water for domestic use at nine locals as well as
for irrigation water at eight locals. As of this fiscal year, the test also includes an “aquatic creature
survey” and a “water map project.”Seventy-seven people from seven hamlets of Nam Son Village
visited the VINAX factory in the capital of Hanoi, Vietnam,
where they presented the results of their findings for the year
and were given a tour of the factory. The visiting delegationconsisted not only of youth groups and young students, but alsoof people who have spent the vast majority of their lives in the
Accompanying villagers
and VINAX employees look onvillage and who have never visited a major city like Hanoi. On
this tour, Nam Son Mayor Bui Thanh Truyen said, “There are
few opportunities for people in the village to ascertain
information. We would very much like to sponsor study tours foryouth and children’s groups. We know that there are forests andrivers where we now live, but by looking at other environments
we should able to reaffirm the confidence we have in just how
splendid the environment we live in is.” STT and LIXIL have

Presentations of aquatic life studies
and water maps

been successful in fulfilling that very wish.
In spite of the overbearing heat, the long bus rides, theunfamiliar city air, and the general exhaustion from the trip, theyouth groups and other children from the hamlets used large,easy-to-read sheets of paper and confidently presented theirsurvey results amidst the proud eyes of fellow villagers and
VINAX employees alike.

Participants admiring the factory
wastewater facilities3

Underscoring the presentations was a desire to assume responsibility for protecting the environmentsof their own villages by cultivating an understanding of commonly-seen aquatic environments in thecommunity through the study of frogs, fish, insects, and other water-dwelling creatures. Furthermore, in
hamlets where the effects of agricultural chemicals may be cause for concern with regard to agricultural
products, the participants conducted surveys that mapped the intake- and waste-flow of “householdwater” and “agricultural water” (i.e. irrigation water) and produced “water maps” from their findings.
These “water maps” were the outcome of conversations between the youth groups and LIXIL employees,
the latter of which were consulted as water-resource specialists.
VINAX President Shinji Ito, who was there at the presentation offered, “The children have developed
an interest in the aquatic creatures that thrive near them as well as in their quality of water; they havedone careful studies and have shown pride in the presenting the results of their findings. Clean water isessential for a future that ensures quality of life. In these presentations I feel that I have foreseen abright future for Vietnam.”After the presentations, the children and villagers who were not able to visit the factories or sanitary
ceramics production facilities were taken on a tour of the VINAX factory. Many of the participants were
surprised at the sheer size of the factory and the giant pieces of machinery within. Many wereparticularly impressed with the wastewater processing plant, exclaiming, “Japanese technology is
extraordinary” after seeing sewage processed into clear water before being effused as waste.
Mr. Song, a VINAX employee, was present on the 28th and 29th of the program. Song has not only
been a participant since 2007, he has also taught environmental awareness program as a school teacher.
During the current presentations he provided guidance to the students and served as the presenter.
Environmental awareness initiatives not only raise awareness among VINAX employees, who areneedless to say members of the LIXIL group, they also inspire pride as employees.

■ Environmental classes together with BAJ at
the farms and markets of the Tui Byeu district,
Hue, July 31
Located in central Vietnam, the ancient capital of Hue is one of
the few cities in the country that has thrived on domestic andforeign tourism. There is a thriving agricultural industry toward
the upper reaches of the Huong River, which flows through thecity of Hue. BAJ observes the way people live and farm incommunities, conduct water surveys together with children, andtry to get people to understand the importance of vegetables
harvested locally as well the significance of protecting nature in
the community.

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Rice paddies in Tui Byeu outside of Hue

The activities of BAJ and the now-defunct INAX spanned theriver, from the downstream urban areas to the upstream
agricultural communities. During this most recent trip, wetraveled with BAJ on their journey beginning on the afternoon of
the 30th as they traveled down the river by boat, observing thepeople that live on the river. On the 31st, we arrived at the Tui
Byeu

district,which is one of

Hue’s outlying

farmingcommunities, and together with BAJ staff Messrs. Toe andMeasuring well water quality
with a Pack Test

Katayama conducted environmental courses.
The first place visited was a farming house in the Tui Byeu
district. The farmer was kind enough to let us perform a Pack
Test on the drinking water, tap water, and well water. It proved
to be not only an opportunity to assess water quality in the area
by testing water in everyday use, but also to raise the awarenesson the part of the farmer as to water quality issues.
After visiting and testing the water at that farmer’s house, weObserving plants in the garden

went to a site near the Tui Byeu market and looked for issues as
we toured the market. The market we visited had no proper
wastewater before, and sewage was dumped in an area close to afarm. At present, however, there is an operating wastewater
treatment facility, and the environment is gradually being
improved. Nevertheless, agricultural products being sold areplaced on the floor, so it is not an ideal sanitary environment.
BAJ has toured the market, deliberated to identify the problem
areas,

andisimplementing

improvement

measures

Teaching women who trade at markets
the importance of waterinaccordance with its fundamental mission.
Shortly upon arrival, we gathered women that were working at
the market and conducted an environmental class while showing
them the custom-made “Let us think about and study water” text.
In addition to basic lectures on water issues, there were talks on
the importance of water for keeping the market as a whole clean

Selling produce on a sheet on the groundand importance of traditional farming methods that do not entail
pesticides, fertilizers and such. After lunch, the same environmental lectures were given to themembers of the youth groups who were participating for the first time. It only lasted for a mere 30
minutes, but Mr. Toe, who was doubling as an interpreter, was able to ascertain the major issues
concerning water use at the field trip site, and over the course of conversations, was able to reaffirm thepertinent issues with the group.
After that, we visited the Luong Hoang area, which is also located in the Tui Byeu district, where we
5gave lectures and performed tests on the water. We performed a Pack Test in an area of Luong Hoang
that is particularly known for garbage being thrown out indiscriminately into water conduits. By doing
so we were able to quantify the effects of improperly discarded garbage and reaffirm the link between
maintaining clean water and establishing proper garbage disposal areas. People are most likely to learn
their impact on their environment by observing the effects that are related the most to their everyday
lives.

■ From Hue to Ho Chi Minh: Environmental classes at elementary schools
on August 1 and 2
On the 1st and 2nd of August, we held environmental awarenessclasses for 3rd graders at Tui Byeu Elementary before lunch on
the first day, and for Ho Chi Minh Ngoi Sao 7th graders after
lunch on the second day.
The focus of BAJ’s activities is Hue in central Vietnam and Ho
Chi Minh in southern Vietnam. BAJ is involved withenvironmental awareness program in both regions, where as apart of its mission it also teaches environmental issues related towater. Since 2010 LIXIL has also been teaching environmental
courses at Tui Byeu Elementary and Ho Chi Minh Ngoi Sao. The
instructors are LIXIL employees. The teaching style hasgarnered a very positive reputation among local teachers.
Ngoi Sao is a private school, but the principal of the school
learned of BAJ’s activities at public elementary schools andrequested its services. When the “Water Resource AwarenessInitiative” course was held in January of this year, thePhotos above: Classat Tui Byeu Elementary Schoolorganization was strongly urged to conduct the course in otherclasses, which it did for the neighboring class, even though the class was older than the one in which theprevious course was held.
LIXIL holds classes with the “Let us think about and study water” text that it developed with BAJ fora broad range of educational targets, including children of different school ages, youth groups, womenthat work at markets, and men that manage farms. LIXIL’s aim is to properly convey what is important
regardless of age or status.

■
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Three Photos: Class at Ngoi Sao School after going to Ho Chi Minh

■ BAJIKO program achievements
at the Ho Chi Minh Tuoitre Newspaper, August 2
Before the class at Ngoi Sao, the party visited the Tuoitre
Newspaper offices in Ho Chi Minh. BAJ holds classes forchildren in the sciences, industrial arts, and environmental
issues. The achievements of the students in these classes arepresented two to three times a year at a venue in the city. The
most recent projects were presented at the Tuoitre Newspaper
offices.
BAJIKO activities by children

The venues exhibit the normal activities of the program andthe children present what they learned in the BAJIKO program.
On this day there was a presentation by the Ho Chi Minh Energy
Conservation Center (HCMC). After a presentation on the stateof energy in Japan, there were questions from participants about
nuclear energy indicative of high levels of interest in matters ofenergy in the world and the future of energy distribution. LIXIL
staff held a “Water Resource Awareness Initiative” class andActivities presented
at a newspaper company

provided answers to each and every question asked. It was anopportunity to get urban children from relatively well-off
backgrounds to deepen their understanding of water issues.
The trip to Vietnam was a short one, but we had the chance tomeet with different sectors of Vietnamese society, from children
to adults, and felt there a deep need for education and practicaltraining pursuant to the lifestyles of each. We found ways toabridge a curriculum designed for two-hour courses into

Class with an abridged version of“Let us think about and study water”

abbreviated 30-minute courses. We nevertheless plan to create educational materials designed with therelevant target students and course durations in mind and raise the quality of programs.

7Summary of the itinerary in Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam:
July 27: LIXIL staff arrives in Hanoi, Vietnam
July 28: Environmental classes and on-hands training offered with STT in Phu Vinh, Hoa Binh
Province
July 29: Visit to the VINAX factory; presentation of achievements in Nam Son Village andinspection of factory (with STT)
July 30: Traveled to Hue. Accompanied BAJ and participated in their activities in the Huong River
July 31: Held environmental classes with BAJ for farmers and market vendors in Tui Byeu;
conducted water quality survey.
August1:Held environmental class at Tui Byeu Elementary for 3rd graders in Hue.
Travelled to Ho Chi Minh.
August2:Attended BAJIKO presentation at Tuoitre Newspaper offices.
Held environmental class for 7th graders at Ngoi Sao.
Numbers of participants in environmental awareness programs
Hoa Binh Province:
Phu Vinh environmental classes & hands-on training: 73
Factory visitors from Nam Son Village: 81

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Hue:

Huong River inspections: about 25
Rural area environmental classes & hands-on training: about 30

Ho Chi Minh:

Ngoi Sao environmental class: about 40

BAJIKO presentation:

about 40

Principles and history of environmental awareness program in Vietnam
Since the founding in 1996 of INAX Vietnam Sanitary Ware Co.,
Ltd. (“VINAX”), joint venture and subsidiary of LIXIL Corporation,
the company has manufactured and sold flush toilets, lavatory
sinks, and other sanitary ceramic wares. VINAX’s sales havesteadily grown, and it now enjoys the highest market share among
manufacturers of sanitary ceramic wares in Vietnam. At present,
construction is underway on a seventh factory. In addition, INAX
Vietnam Tile Co., Ltd., which manufactures and sells tiles, as wellas INAX Vietnam Plumbing Fixtures, Co., Ltd., have also been
established and are expanding their business operations.
At the same time, Vietnam is undergoing rapid economic growth.
With that growth, the country is facing a range of problems whichsocietal systems have not been able to keep up with, including thebroadening gap between the wealthy and poor, environmental
pollution, sanitation problems, children’s rights, etc. As a company
that has grown to achieve its current status together with thedevelopment of Vietnam’s economy, VINAX aims to do whatever it

The “Let us think about and study
water” text, which teaches people
about the importance of water in thecontext of Vietnam

can to benefit Vietnamese society.
In 2006, the former INAX began searching not just for a way to provide funds and supplies, but forpartners with realistic futures that it could support in their endeavors to take action that is meaningful for
local residents. In 2007, it found such partners in well-established NPOs and began concrete activities withthem. Using its extensive and specialized experience in issues related to water, LIXIL aims to support thekind of education that is truly necessary for the children of Vietnam to become future leaders of their country.
Furthermore, the kind of education that the company promotes goes beyond merely telling children not tothrough trash in rivers because they will become polluted; instead, it gets children to understand the causesof river pollution and to think for themselves about what they can do to prevent it. The merger with LIXIL
has not changed our commitment based on this philosophy to continuing such practical environmental
awareness programs together with BAJ, STT, and VINAX.
Checking water content byinserting some water in a small
tube with Pack Test water
qualitykitreagent

andchecking the color after itreacts9

Record of chief activities

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2007:

Activities begun with ＢＡＪ and Save the Children Japan ( “SCJ”) (3-year contract)
Development of original educational texts (April)
Training of VINAX staff to be instructors; briefing to government and educational organizations
Commencement of environmental awareness programs targeting educators and children in
Yen Bai north of Hanoi and Hue (June to August)2008:

Children from Yen Bai and Hue are invited to the Eco-products International Fair (Hanoi);
VINAX factory tour (March)
Environmental awareness programs in Yen Bai and Hue (June)
Environmental awareness programs in Yen Bai, Hue, Ho Chi Minh, and Qui Nhon (December)

2009:

Environmental awareness programs in Yen Bai, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh (July)

2010:

Activities begun with ＢＡＪ and STT
Environmental awareness programs in Hue and Qui Nhon. Visit to the tile factory of INAX
Vietnam Tile Co., Ltd. (January)
Environmental awareness programs in Nam Son Village, Hoa Binh Province, Hue, and Ho Chi
Minh (July)2011:

Environmental awareness programs in Nam Son Village, Hoa Binh Province, Hue, and Ho
Chi Minh (January)