CSR Report 2012
NGK SPARK PLUG GroupNGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

7

［Feature 02］Playing Outstandingly Out of
Sight
9Management

12

CSR of NGK SPARK PLUG Group12

Compliance13

Risk Management

16

Corporate Governance17

Social Report
With Our Customers

18
19

W
 ith Our Shareholders and Investors 22

and friendly manner, focusing on ease of understanding, importance andcompleteness, and trustworthiness.
■ Preparation of CSR Report
Results of questionnaires,
third-party examination,
various guidelines in theprevious report

Publication［Feature 0１］Spark Plugs with a Large
Following around the World

5

Policy (p. 22) with the aim of providing reports in an easy-to-understandThird party
examination

Message from the President

This report has been prepared on the basis of our Information Disclosure

Editorial meeting/
Editing

NGK SPARK PLUG Group Business Outline 3■ Publication Policy

Information
gathering

2

Planning

Corporate Philosophy

Editorial policymaking

CONTENTS

Information Selection
This Report covers information that is considered important for NGK SPARKPLUG Group, as well as information that is considered important or usefulfor our stakeholders.

Consideration to Ease of Understanding
To ensure ease of understanding for its audience, the document is divided into
sections of management, social and environmental reports. In the social

With Our Suppliers

23With Our Employees

24

category of stakeholders. In addition, each page is designed so as to clearlyW ith Local Communities andInternational Society

30

describe the concept, mechanism and results of our activities.

33

We have worked to improve the trustworthiness of the document byEnvironmental Report
Environmental Management

34

Environmental Burdens from
Business Activities

38

Alleviating Climate Changes

39

Waste

41

Water Resource

42

Substances of Environmental Concern 43
Environmental Risks

45

Environmentally Friendly Products

46

Communication

47

Glossary48

Message from a Stakeholder

49

Third-party Review

49

report, information concerning each stakeholder is provided according to theConsideration to Trustworthinessundergoing third party examination to affirm the content correctness,
neutrality and verifiability.
Information Disclosure on our websites
Places where you can look up more detailed information on our website
are marked Details . Places where you can look up related information on
our website are marked W .
CSR Information
http://www.ngkntk.co.jp/english/csr/index.html
Reference guidelines
・Environmental Reporting guidelines (2007 version) issued by the Ministryof the Environment of Japan・GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines (Version 3)
・ISO26000＊Respective PDF files
can be viewed on our websites.

■ Communication Tools
Introduction of the
NGK SPARK PLUG Group
Corporate brochure

Report on CSR activities
CSR Report(Full and digest versions)

Financial information
・Annual Report・ To All Our Shareholders(Japanese only)

CSR Report 2012
NGK Spark Plug Group【Period covered】From April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012
Some other very recent activities and cases are also included.
【Covered Organization】● Social aspects: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
However, this report may also cover activities of subsidiaries
and affiliates inside and outside Japan. In such cases, specificcompany names are indicated.
● Environmental aspects: NGK SPARK PLUG Group・NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
・9 consolidated domestic subsidiaries and 1 affiliate.
【Publishing Director】Shinichi Odo, President【Editor in Chief】 Yukashi Ukai, General Manager of CSR Promotion
Office【Published】September 2012
(Publication of the next report is planned for September 2013.
/Previous report was published in September 2011.)

CSR Report 2012
日本特殊陶業グループ

General information
http://www.ngkntk.co.jp/
english/index.html

CSR報告書Information on spark plugs
http://www.ngk-sparkplugs.jp/
english/index.html

Reports on environmental
activities at business sites
Site Report(Japanese only)
SITE REPORT 2011

SITE REPORT 2011

日本 特 殊陶 業 株式 会 社 伊 勢工 場

所 在 地 ： 愛知県名古屋市瑞穂区高辻町１４－１８‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

創立 ： １９３６年（昭和１１年）１０月‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

所 在 地 ：
創立 ：工 場 長 ： 飯見 均

三重県伊勢市円座町字細越８７１－６‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

主要事業 ： スパークプラグ及び関連品等に関する設計、製造及び販売

１９９４年（平成６年） ４月‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

主要事業 ：

電子部品の設計・製造・販売及び、内燃機関用センサｰの設計・製造

従 業 員 ：

２０５人 （２０１１．３．３１現在）

従 業 員 ：１０６５人（２０１１年３月現在）●ISO認証状況●代表者の緒言本社工場は、名古屋市の中心部に位置し、商業地域や住宅に近いこともあり、常日頃から環境に留意して事業活動を行っています。
昨年はCOP10（生物多様性条約第10回締約国会議）が、名古屋市で開催されるに当たり、工場周辺地域清掃活動を、｢あいち・なごやクリーンアクション ｆor COP10｣に登録して回数を増やして実施し、開催地名古屋の街をきれいにするお手伝いをいたしました。
また省エネルギー活動を総員参加で積極的に行い、各種省エネルギー対策を実施し、より効率的な生産活動に取組みましたが、スパークプラグの増産のため、CO2の総排出量は
前年より増加してしまいました。
本年も総員参加で工場一丸となって、可能な限りの省エネ活動を行ってまいります。
今後も地域に根差した環境活動を行い、他工場の模範となる工場を目指します。

代表者の緒言日本特殊陶業伊勢工場は、地域の皆様方のご理解とご支援を賜り、１９９４年の操ＩＳＯ１４００１認証状況

業開始以降、今年で創立１８年目となりました。
２０１０年度は、企業をとりまく情勢が厳しくなる中、総員参加で業務の効率化や改善に取り組んだ結果、目標１３２ﾄﾝ/年に対し、１４９ﾄﾝ/年のＣＯ ２を削減することができま

取得年月 ：
2000 年 12 月した。しかしながら東日本大震災の発生、原発事故の影響で、エネルギー政策の見直しが議論される状況となり、さらなる省エネルギー化が求められています。

認証機関 ：（財）日本品質保証機構

２０１１年度は、伊勢工場としても、新たに策定した環境の取組み指針である「エコビジョン２０１５」に基づき、単に利益を追求するだけでなく、環境に対する配慮を中心に

工場長●マテリアルバランス(調査機関

認証書番号 ：ＪＱＡ－ＥＭ６４５２

据えた活動を行うことで、さらなる環境負荷低減に努めます。
これからも信頼される地域企業として、社会的な役割・責任を自覚し、持続可能な地域社会の発展に寄与できるよう、環境活動へ取り組んで参ります。

エネルギー

エネルギー

紙
主要原材料
その他材料
補助材料

の他の材料・

購入電力
ＬＰＧ
ガソリン
軽油

： 1,269 万 KWh：
273 トン：
5,436 L
：
588 L

紙類

：

リユース素地：2.2 トン

ガス類：
プラスチック材料 ：
化学物質
：
油類
：
その他
：

35 トン
44 トン
364 トン
21 トン
8 トン

上水
リサイクル水

水

：
：

13 トン

使用エネルギーによる CO2 排出O PRTR 法対象物質
U
排出量
T
廃棄物
P
U 容器･包装材料
T

I
N
P
U
T

11,750 トン
20,882 トン

排水

ＰＲＴＲ

水

大気

1,042

鉛及びその化合物

40,653

公共用水域

排水
(生活系)

騒音

1

種類
ばいじん
pH
SS
BOD

単位
mg/Nm3
－
mg/L
mg/L

規制値
250
5.8～8.6
90
25

自主基準値
100
6.0～8.4
45
20

平均
<5
7.4
2.7
1.7

COD

mg/L

25

20

4.3

10.0

㎏/日
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
㎏/日
mg/L
㎏/日
mg/L
個/cm3
dB
dB
dB
dB

3.4
30
2
1
2
0.1
10
1
120
4.1
16
0.39
10
3000
55
60
55
50

3.4
15
1
0.5
1
0.05
5
0.5
60
4.1
8
0.39
5
1500
55
58
55
50

0.1
<1
<0.04
<0.02
0.054
<0.01
0.11
0.0
7.7
0.2
0.76
0.02
0.4
26
43.2
44.3
45.7
45.5

0.2
<1
<0.04
<0.02
0.071
<0.01
0.34
0.0
17.0
0.4
2.0
0.04
2.3
70
43.2
44.3
45.7
45.5

上水

0.1 トン●環境データ（調査期間188■
トンPRTR
1.4 トン

プラスチック類 ：紙類：
ダンボール ：
排水

8

井水

8 トン
1.3 トン
12 トン

気1,112トン
68トン
0.1トン

紙類

排

6トン
225トン

ダンボール

183トン

有効利用

939トン

埋立・焼却
排水

10トン

水

10,923トン

79,453トン

53 エチルベンゼン
80 キシレン87 クロム及び三価クロム化合物
144 無機シアン化合物（錯塩及びシアン酸塩を除く）

項目
大気
916

32,209

種類
ばいじん
NOｘ
pH
SS
BOD
n-ヘキサン抽出物

シアン
全クロム
ＰＲＴＲ法対象物質の INPUT-OUTPUT 排水 六価クロム
（下水道）
亜鉛
単位：ｋｇ
鉛
窒素
リン
ふっ素
搬出量（製品・売却品）：33,125
ほう素
取扱量

41,695

朝方

移動量（有効利用）：8,563

昼間
騒音
夕方

移動量（埋立・焼却）：8

夜間
昼間

生活排水の水質分析（１回/月）・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 基準値クリア
4，10 月 大気測定実施（２回/年） ・・・・・・・・・・・・ 基準値クリア
11 月 騒音測定実施（１回/年） ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 基準値クリア
11 月 土壌測定実施（1 回/年） ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 基準値クリア
法規制違反、罰金、訴訟の件数 ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 0 件
利害関係者からの要求の件数 ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 0 件

認証番号：
JQA－EM6452

8,006トン験送

プラスチック類

廃棄物

取扱量
5,675
24,56912,6391,321
10,9672,890
69,33779,495
6,041
2,501
1,162

排出量
大気

公共用水域

移動量
土壌

公共下水道 埋立・焼却

有効利用

0
0

638

0
0
1
10
0
0
67

除去処理量

（kg）
搬出量

分解反応

製品・売却品

5,675
24,56912,000
1,311
10,9672,890
69,27101270
179,369
6,041
2,500

0

1,162

■大気・水質・騒音・振動

搬出量

127

8,436

コンプライアンス(法規制順守)

産

試
輸
大

容器・包装材料

2010年4月～2011年3月）

対象化学物質名（報告対象物質）： 9,259 トン 296 １,２,４－トリメチルベンゼン

除去処理量

生

によるCO2排出量

PRTR法対象物質
排出量31,470トン：：：

公共下水道 埋立・焼却 有効利用 場内焼却 分解反応 製品・売却品

MAX
<5
7.9
10.0
6.0

COD（総量）n-ヘキサン
全クロム
銅
亜鉛
鉛
鉄
フェノール類窒素
窒素（総量）
リン
リン（総量）
マンガン
大腸菌
朝方
昼間
夕方
夜間

10トン

大気

移動量
土壌

大気・排水・騒音
項目
大気

30トン
28トン

297 １,３,５－トリメチルベンゼン
300 トルエン
308 ニッケル
392 ノルマル－ヘキサン
400 ベンゼン
412 マンガン及びその化合物
排出量

取扱量

コバルト及びその化合物

36ＫＬ

169トン

油類
その他材料
その他ガス

リサイクル
埋立・焼却

単位：ｋｇ
対象化学物質名 〔報告対象物質〕

132
305

使用エネルギー

78万m3
438ＫＬ

408トン

化学物質

： 5,010 トン
：
14 トン

政令No.

取得年月：
1990年8月

2010年4月～2011年3月）

1,818万kWh

軽油
紙類

プラスチック材料 16トン

補助材料

生産
輸送

環境データ （調査期間：２０１０年４月～２０１１年３月）

政令 No.

購入電力
都市ガス
ガソリン

紙

マテリアルバランス

認証機関 ：財)日本品質保証機構

飯見 均

振動
夜間

単位
ボイラー（12号） mg/Nm3
焼成炉（PR-2） mg/Nm3
ボイラー（12号） ppm
焼成炉（PR-2） ppm
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
R地点
dB
T地点
dB
R地点
dB
T地点
dB
R地点
dB
T地点
dB
R地点
dB
T地点
dB
R地点
dB
T地点
dB
R地点
dB
T地点
dB

規制値 自主基準値
50
40
150
120
150
120
180
144
5.0～9.0
5.4～8.6
600
480
600
480
30
24
1
0.8
2
1.6
0.5
0.4
2
1.6
0.1
0.08
120
96
16
12.8
8
6.4
10
8
70
68
65
63
70
68
65
63
70
68
65
63
65
64
55
54
70

65

65

60

平均
2.0
6.5
53
106
6.9
23.3
15.0
2.1
0.22
0.05
<0.04
0.42
<0.02
22.43
0.42
0.29
<1
59.1
66.1
59.2
61.0
62.3
65.6
62.2
61.9
40
40
40
40

MAX
■PRTR法対象物質のINPUT-OUTPUT（kg）
2.0
大気 68
7.0
53
160
7.3
製品・売却品49
92,531
50
取扱量
7.6
0.4
216,597
0.08
<0.04
0.81
<0.02
分解反応
37
公共下水道 11
123,2240.78
有効利用 765
0.5
<1
59.1
66.1 ※1
59.2
61.0
62.3
65.6 ※1
62.2※1：暗騒音によるものです。
61.9 ※1
暗騒音とは、機械等が稼動していない時の騒音40のことで、交通騒音や隣接工場の騒音などの40影響を受けています。
40
40

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Corporate Philosophy

Three elements constitute our corporate philosophy.

Corporate
Philosophy

2Management
Policy1

3

ActionGuideline

Commitment

Management Policy

Commitment

Action Guideline

We offer a working environment inwhich each one of us isencouraged to make full use of hisor her personality and capability.
With all our power we arededicated to pursue management
based on trust and confidence.

With full use of the most suitable
technology and our accumulated
experience, we continue striving tooffer new values to the people of
the world.

Ever onward ! Always mindful ofwhat is the best course, we swiftly
put it into action.

● Respect for Personality andCapability● Contribution to Society● Positive AdvanceFor sound development of businesswe create a corporate climate forour employees to utilize theirpersonality and capabilities at theiroptimum level.
An excellent environment creates
the original technology which is themost important, and fosters theformation of a rich personality.

● Concentration of All Our PowerThe activities of individuals areorganized efficiently to carry out
strategic management.

● Management based on Trustand Confidence

Our company has been supported
by a large number of people
connected with us.
All the trust and confidence wehave enjoyed is our great asset.
We read the trend of the times tokeep one step ahead. We intensify
further the trust and confidence in
us by honest management.

We believe it our mission to offer
people new values with theexcellence of quality required forthe time.

● Activities in the Global
Perspective

We aim to become a company
loved and popular among people
all over the world through ourglobal operations.

● Technology and Customer
Orientation

We aim to be a leading company
that continues to develop and offer
original and creative products at
the right time.
We challenge new fields using our
experience gained in the ceramicbusiness.

Not content with things as they are,we always make an attempt toachieve new objectives. We areconvinced that a continual andpositive stance constitutes ourdriving force.

● For the Best

Setting our mind at all times towhat is the best, we try to advanceand improve ourselves.

● Speed in Action

We keep up with changes with theright judgment and speedy action.

［ Slogan ］ W ith established trust and confidence inside and outside the Corporation, we aim to contributeto the peoples of the world by creating and putting at their disposal new values for the future.

2

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

NGK SPARK PLUG Group Business Outline■ Corporate Profile（As of September 2012）
Corporate Name
Head Office
Foundation
CapitalBusiness

Group Companies

NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
14-18 Takatsuji-cho,
Mizuho-ku, Nagoya
October 26, 1936
47,869,270,000 yen(1) Manufacturing and selling spark plugs and related
products for internal-combustion engines.
(2) Manufacturing and selling technical ceramics andapplicable products.
34 subsidiaries (9 in Japan, 25 overseas), 6 affiliates■ Network（As of September 2012）

J A P A N

Japan

Affiliated Subsidiaries… ……………………9Equity Method Affiliates……………………1

Sapporo Sales Oﬃce

Affiliates to which the equity methodof accounting is not applicable… ………1

Takasaki Liaison Oﬃce

EuropeNTK Ceramic Co., Ltd.

Affiliated Subsidiaries… ……………………3

Kamioka Ceramic Co., Ltd.

Asia, South America and Others

Tono Ceramic Co., Ltd.

Affiliated Subsidiaries… ………………… 17

Sendai Sales Oﬃce

Komaki Plant
Nittoku Unyu Co., Ltd.
Ceramic Sensor Co., Ltd.
Osaka Sales Oﬃce

Non-affiliated Subsidiaries…………………1

Utsunomiya Liaison Oﬃce

Equity Method Affiliates……………………1

Saitama Sales Oﬃceof accounting is not applicable… ………3

Affiliates to which the equity method

Tokyo Branch / Tokyo Sales Oﬃce

Hiroshima Sales Oﬃce

Atsugi Liaison Oﬃce

Fukuoka Sales Oﬃce
Miyanojo Plant

North America

Affiliated Subsidiaries… ……………………4

Hamamatsu Liaison Oﬃce
Headquarters & Nagoya Plant
Nittoku Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
Nichiwa Kiki Co., Ltd.
Nittoku Alfa Service Co., Ltd.
Nagoya Sales Oﬃce
Nansei Ceramic Co., Ltd.
Ise Plant

Headquarters / Plant
Sales OfficeGroup Company

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Holding, Inc.
NGK Spark Plugs Canada Limited

NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd.
NGK Spark Plug Europe GmbH
Europe Technical Center

NGK Spark Plugs (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc.
(Headquarters)
U.S.A. Technical Center

Siam NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
Changshu NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
NTK Technical Ceramics Korea Co., Ltd.

NGK Spark Plugs (France)
S.A.S. (Headquarters)
NGK Spark Plugs (France)
S.A.S. (France Factory)

NGK Spark Plug Middle East FZENGK Spark Plugs (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Woojin Industry Co., Ltd.
Woojin Technical Center
NGK Spark Plug (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Taiwan NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
NTK Technical Ceramics (Taiwan) Ltd.
NGK Spark Plugs (Philippines), Inc.

NTK Technologies, Inc.

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc.
(West Virginia Factory)

Bujias NGK de Mexico
S.A. de C.V.
Bujias NGK del Ecuador Cia. Ltda.

NGK Spark Plugs (Vietnam) Co., Ltd.
Ceramica e Velas de Ignicao NGK do Brasil Ltda.
Brasil Technical Center

NGK Spark Plugs SA (Pty.) Ltd.

Manufacturing & Sales Organization
Sales Organization
Other

Penang Branch Oﬃce
NGK Spark Plugs Malaysia Berhad

W O R L D

P.T. NGK Busi Indonesia
NGK Spark Plug (Australia) Pty. Ltd.

3

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

NGK SPARK PLUG Group Business Outline■ Primary Products
Automotive Components Group

Spark
Plug

Glow Plug

Iridium
Plug

Zirconia Exhaust
Gas Oxygen Sensor

Zirconia Exhaust
Gas Oxygen Sensor
for Motorcycle

Wide Range
Temperature Sensor

Knock Sensor

Substrate for Wafer
TesterCamera Module
Package

LED Package

High Frequency
PackageCommunication Media Components Group

Crystal Device andSAW Filter Package

Organic IC Package

Technical Ceramic Group

Ceramic Inserts

SS Tools

Throw-away Drill

Milling Cutter

Bio Ceramics

Oxygen Concentrator

Electro-Static Chuck

Ceramic Tube for
VCB

Ball Bearing

Dielectric Resonator

Ceramic Heater

Ultrasonic Transducer■ Financial Data

7.7

7.0

11.2

Consolidated

11.2

11.3
11.3

-10
-20

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

(ﬁscal year)

2009

2010

2007

2008

2009

2010

-80,000

2007

Other 2％Ceramics
Technical
8％
Technical
Ceramics

Automotive
components
Automotive
78％
components
78％

284,746
millionyen
284,7462011(ﬁscal year)425,52425,52424,47524,475

2009

2010

2011

2008

2009

2010

2011

(ﬁscal year)(ﬁscal year)

Non-consolidated
Consolidated
Non-consolidated
Consolidated

14,00012,00012,00010,00010,000
8,000
8,000
6,000
6,000
4,000
4,000
2,000
0

(ﬁscal year)

23,68023,6802008■ Number of Employees

2,000
0

2011

21,34821,34813,50913,50913,29813,29822,144
22,1442007(people)14,000

-30.6
-30.6
2008

-60,000-80,000(ﬁscal year)

Other 2％

million yen

2007

14,405
14,40524,47824,47828,77028,77012,185
12,185

15,162
15,162

7,566
7,566

10,683
10,683-5,222-5,222-20,766-20,7662011(people)

12％

-20
-30

-40

2010

8％
Communication
media
Communication
components
media
12％
components

0
-10

-30
-40

2009

12,064
12,064

10
0

7.0

2008

■ Sales Composition by Segment
Consolidated

7.7

2007

5,845
5,845

20
10

-30,000(ﬁscal year)■Return on Equity (ROE)
（％）
20
（％）

-20,000-30,000

11,767
11,7672011(ﬁscal year)-40,000-60,000-10,000-20,000

5,731
5,731

2010

-20,000-40,000

11,795
11,7952009

0-10,0000-20,000

5,726
5,726

2008

10,0000

20,0000-71,669-71,669

2007

20,00010,00040,00020,000-74,117-74,1172011

30,00020,000Non-consolidated
Consolidated
Non-consolidated
Consolidated(million
40,000 yen)

11,97911,9792010

40,00030,000■Netyen)income(million

6,050
6,050

2009

50,00040,00035,03935,039284,746
284,746

269,232
269,232

2008

Non-consolidated
Consolidated
Non-consolidated
Consolidated(million
50,000 yen)

11,59911,5990

2007■
Operatingincome(million
yen)

5,882
5,882

50,0000224,811
224,811

100,000
50,000243,914
243,914150,000
100,000

206,487
206,487

200,000
150,000

292,121292,121250,000
200,000

234,697234,697

300,000
250,000

345,584
345,584

350,000
300,000

295,240
295,240

400,000
350,000

231,123
231,123

Non-consolidated
Consolidated
Non-consolidated
Consolidated(millionyen)
400,000

20,831
20,831■Net
sales(million yen)

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2007

2008

2009

year)
2010(ﬁscal
2011(ﬁscal year)

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Top Message

Message from the President
It has already been more than a year since the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011.

We are pleased to see the economy being reinvigorated in the affected area,
thanks to the indomitable spirit of the Tohoku District people and ceaseless endeavor for reconstruction.
Meanwhile, I understand that the disaster victims suffered severely, both physically and mentally.
I would like to reiterate our deepest sympathy to all those affected,

and sincerely hope that they can return to their pre-earthquake lives at the earliest possible date.

■ ■ ■ Toward Achieving Our■ ■ Medium-Term Management Plan
The NGK SPARK PLUG Group envisages its ideal state in 2020 as a
distinguished manufacturing company, a highly profitable company,a progressive company, and a personnel“assets”company. To
achieve that vision, the Group has established the new mediumterm management plan“The Evolution of the NGK SPARK PLUG,”
which is divided into three stages: Delving, Renovating and Evolving.
This year marks the last year of the Delving stage (three years fromfiscal 2010 to 2012), during which we are to delve into existing
businesses and seek new businesses. In the previous two years, wereflected upon what our Company had done, and analyzed its
position in the context of the entire industry and in comparison
with other companies, so as to deepen understanding of ourpresent conditions. Furthermore, to attain the objectives of thisDelving stage, we are focusing our efforts on strengthening ourresearch and development system, human resources and quality
manufacturing capabilities.
Specifically, we have strengthened our research and development
system by bolstering technology marketing functions anddeveloping technologies and new products based on our ceramic
technologies, mainly in the energy and environmental fields. These
initiatives will facilitate our further growth. To accelerate thatgrowth, we have set up the Engineering R&D Group and the New
Business Advancement Group.
In terms of strengthening human resources, various reforms areunder way to develop capable human resources suitable for a
global company with operation sites in various parts of the world,
and to promote diversity management. Building up a fair corporate
climate will enhance the motivation of employees, enabling themto maximize their abilities and grow into human resources asimportant assets of our Company. We promote the establishmentof a system to realize this goal.
To strengthen our quality manufacturing capabilities, it is essential
to continuously secure cooperation and hand down expertise to
future generations beyond the organizational boundaries, as wellas to be deeply attentive to manufacturing facilities. In the belief
that the foundation for consolidating our outstanding position as amanufacturing company lies in production technologies, we arecommitted to enhancing those technologies.

Shinichi Odo

Through the above initiatives, we go all out to bolster the

President and Chief Executive Officer

Company’s basic capabilities and operating base. At the same time,
the NGK SPARK PLUG Group aspires to its ideal state, paving theway for the next stages of Renovating (launching new products or
new business) and Evolving (developing existing and new businessat an accelerated rate).

September 2012

5

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Top Message
Message from the President■ Overview of the New Medium-Term Management Plan

■ ■ ■ Environmental Initiatives

vulnerability of the supply chain and the importance of the BCP.

It is the mission of a company to strike a balance between

so as to minimize impact of any natural disaster on our

economic growth and environmental preservation, and to achieve

stakeholders, with priority given to the protection of human life.

We are now reviewing our business continuity management system

sustainable development in conjunction with society. We also
believe that, in response to social expectations and challenges, ourCompany can further evolve by developing technologies andproducts that are friendly to people and the environment.
In April last year, NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. formulated Eco
Vision 2015, which stipulates targets to be accomplished by fiscal

emissions, but fell just one step short of the basic unit targets. We■ ■ ■ Initiatives to Bring About■ ■ Innovations

continue to pursue improvements to reduce emissions.

I was appointed President of the Company in June last year.

As for technologies and products, through the commercialization of

Immediately after my inauguration, I made it my mission to bringsolid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) we strive to realize a smart grid andinnovations to NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. taking advantage of mypromote the development of various products geared for aexperience in managing an overseas local subsidiary, as well as myhydrogen energy-based society.

youth and aggressiveness. With“global,”“speed”and“fair”as2015. In fiscal 2011, the inaugural year of the Vision, we
successfully achieved the total volume targets for greenhouse gas

keywords, I am pushing forward with drastic organization andsystem reforms. This fiscal year, I introduced the corporate officer
system to implement speedy decision-making and businessexecution. In addition, to reinforce the formulation and■ ■ ■ Promotion of CSR

implementation of companywide strategies, the Corporate
Administration Group was set up, to integrate Head OfficeSince the previous year, we have reviewed our initiatives forfunctions.

compliance and risk management, which constitute theI hope that all Group employees share the same vision and sense

fundamental fields of corporate activity. Concerning compliance,of values, and improve their individual capabilities, autonomy andwe established the employee education and helpline systems tocreativity while respecting each other’s individuality, so as to act inprevent compliance violations. We also built up a violation

full awareness of their own missions. I believe that this would

surveillance and correction mechanism, which, should a problem

enable all employees to make optimum use of their capacity tooccur, swiftly collects and disseminates information inside anddrive innovations of the NGK SPARK PLUG Group. We will continue

outside the Company.

our efforts to be a company that is precious to all stakeholders.

Regarding risk management, experiences in the Great East Japan

We hereby release CSR Report 2012, which compiles our activities

Earthquake and the severe flooding in Thailand remind us of theduring fiscal 2011. We would very much appreciate yourunreserved comments and opinions.

6

S pa r k P lu g s w i t h a L a r ge F o l l o w i n g a r o u n d th e W o r l d

Fea t ure01

We respond to diverse customer needs
with global sales networks andextremely high level of services.

NGK spark plugs are the core products of the NGK SPARK PLUG Group.
We deliver products with excellent performance and high quality

to our customers throughout the world via our long-established distribution networks.

We are ready to meet challenges head-on,including the growing demand for our products particularly in emerging economies.

Spark Plug Market

Dealership Association Formed in Japan

Spark plugs are functional engine components. NGK spark plugs,

In Japan, the NGK SPARK PLUG Group organized the NGK SPARK

core products of the NGK SPARK PLUG Group, have been selected

PLUG Dealership Association consisting of regional major parts

by most automakers and motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

shops. In 1972 the first national convention of the dealership

Since parts supplied for OEM use to automakers and motorcycle

association was held with 464 company participants. Now forty

manufacturers are normally marketed under their own brands,

years later, member companies still number 430 nationwide.

parts suppliers are not always allowed to sell such parts in theaftermarket. Even in such market circumstances, we have

Professionals on Spark Plugs

established sales routes for distributing our spark plugs under the"NGK" brand concurrently with supplying them to automakers on

Employees of the NGK SPARK PLUG Group consider themselves

an OEM basis. As such, NGK spark plugs are regarded as rare

professionals on spark plugs.

products in the aftermarket.

Our sales representatives and engineers visit automakers andThis is possibly due to the fact that spark plugs need to be

dealers and hold workshops to directly communicate with ourreplaced after a certain period of use, have an establishedcustomers. Our sales reps and engineers understand diverse

aftermarket, and are required to offer high performance and quality

customer needs to support customers with precise advice.

as important engine components.

Supply chain management (SCM) plays a vital and important role in
improving customer satisfaction in every part of the world. For
products supplied to automakers for OEM use, we have logistics

Globally Deployed Sales Networks

centers at the closest possible locations to customers to provide
100% on-time deliveries. Moreover, we accurately track changes in

NGK spark plugs are sold and used in every part of the world

the markets, improve demand forecasting accuracy and implement

thanks absolutely to our global sales networks.

thorough inventory management in order to offer immediate

Various sales routes exist in the world with their own uniquedelivery of repair products to many customers.

market characteristics and historical backgrounds. In Western

Every employee performs his or her duty as a professional toCountries, we have been supplying our products to traditional partssustain our global sales networks.

wholesalers and a matter of course and also to the huge retailcompany as the case of the United States. In emerging nations, we

Striving to Offer an Extraordinarily High Level of Service

deliver our products and thorough services, via our dealers, torepair shops and retailers.
Although many enterprises rely on the experts of trading

Our strength lies in our long-established sales networks. The

companies when merchandising overseas, we founded ourreason we are able to offer outstanding level of services is that our

subsidiaries in key countries and have achieved successful businessprofessionals are active in every part of the world.

results with expanded sales networks, providing spark-plug

China and India are expected to continue to grow in the future. We

technical services in conjunction with local sales representatives

intend to expand our sales networks in such countries.

and dealers.

Furthermore, we aim to build systems that will enable us to provide
reliable products and exceptionally high level of services so that
our customers throughout the world use NGK spark plugs with asense of assurance.

7

Spark Plugs with a Large Following around the World

Feature 0 1

We deliver NGK spark plugs to every region of the world!
In the Philippines, an archipelagocomprising 7,100 islands, complex
wholesaling routes exist between our
direct dealers and the consumer market.
Our local staff and I tour consumer
markets to raise brand awareness of"NGK" in a bottom-up manner and to
expand sales of our products.
Our effort is unspectacular, but we do it
every single day since there are no
shortcuts to success.

One characteristic of the car maintenance industry in Britain is thatparts retailers/wholesalers work between parts suppliers and car
maintenance businesses.
Most of these businesses carry NGK spark plugs. This is a result ofstrong cross-departmental teamwork, as well as excellently
engineered products.
Consequently, we have secured an unchallenged position in theindustry, receiving supplier awards multiple times.
As a sales leader, I am proud of our performance.

Tim Ward
Senior Manager, Garage TradeNGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd.

Daisuke Watanabe
President
NGK Spark Plugs (Philippines), Inc.

NGK spark plugs are widely used at car repair garages throughout
Japan thanks to distribution via the sales networks of NGK SPARKPLUG dealerships.
Through information exchanges with our dealerships, we identify what
they need for conducting campaigns, offer promotional goods, holdworkshops and introduce them to novel spark
plugs. By achieving increased sales, we aim tobring about a win-win-win situation for our
dealerships, us, and users.

The Direct Sales Department handles the supervision of OEM businessconducted with automakers in every part of the world. In the spark
plug category, OEM business forms foundations for us to achieve
success in repair business using our own sales networks.
We support our colleagues working on OEM business with automakers
in every part of the world as well as in Japan.

Jun Chino
Assistant Manager
OEM Sales & Marketing Dept.

Junji Higashi
Tokyo Sales Office

I take orders from overseas, make production arrangements withrelated departments, and process exports of finished products. Of
course, I need to have an accurate understanding of regulations thatdiffer from nation to nation. In addition, I need to properly handle
schedule changes resulting from natural disasters or necessitated bycustomer request. I strive to precisely respond to
customer needs.

The spark plug manufacturing staff produce spark plugs, being
determined to deliver quality products to our customers, constantly
bearing in mind the principle of "safety and quality first." Every member
takes pride in the "NGK" brand and produces each spark plug withutmost care to maintain the brand’s high reputation.
I hope that spark plugs bearing the "NGK" logo
will eventually be found in internal combustion
engines all over the world.

Kayo YamamotoSupply Chain Management Dept.

Shigehisa Watabe
Production Dept., Komaki Plant

We receive requests from various automakers and end users andrespond to them with our products. We also develop technologies
that contribute to improved durability and fuel economy andpropose them actively to automakers to keep up with advances inengine technology.

I consider NGK spark plugs to have the world's best quality. The
present quality level has been achieved through years of various
experiences.
Our job is to deploy these experiences as a set of rules within theGroup. We are able to deliver quality products to global customers
because every employee in every region of theworld adheres to these rules.

Koji Uchiyama
Supervisor
Quality Assurance Dept.

Takaaki Kikai
Spark Plug Engineering Dept.

8

Fea t ure

P layi n g Ou t s t a n di n gl y O u t o f S i gh t

SPARK PLUG Group Product02 NGK
Portfolio Supports People’s Lives

Since its founding, the NGK SPARK PLUG Group has offered new value to people around the world,
constantly adapting to the trends of the times.

Our spark plugs and other products are used in various settings from familiar machines and devices—like automobiles,
motorcycles and mobile phones—to infrastructures such as railroads, air transportation and communication networks.
In line with the global demands of the times,

we intend to contribute broadly to society with our advanced products and technologies.

Spark Plugs for Better Energy Efficiency
Spark plugs are functional components that,

economy and reduce hazardous substances intypically in automotive engines, ignite thethe exhaust gas.

mixture.

Meanwhile, spark plugs themselves have

Our iridium spark plug features a thin electrodebecome smaller, improving engine performance

made of a high-strength, high-melting pointwith increased fuel economy and reduced

iridium alloy. Consequently, it reduces theemissions. Spark plug size reduction also

usage of noble metals and has long life.

contributes to reduced use of raw materials

Furthermore, iridium spark plugs, with betterand energy required for manufacturing

ignitability performance, effectively improve fuel(especially in the ceramics firing process).

■Fuel economy: iridium vs. ordinary spark plugs■Spark plug size and weight comparisons10-15 mode fuel economy (km/L)

Electrode

14

15
15.0

Iridium spark plug

←Electrode

14.7

16

2%
improvement

13

10% reduction

38g

16% reduction

32g

Weight42g

Hexagon size

16mm 13% reduction

14mm

14mm

Thread size

14mm 14% reduction

12mm 17% reduction

10mm

Ordinary spark plug

Engine: 1.5 L, 4-cylinder DOHC
Test Mode: 10-15 mode
※ This is an example of in-house testing. Eﬃcacy varies depending on engine type and driving conditions.

Automotive Oxygen Sensor for Global Environmental Conservation
The automotive oxygen sensor, used as a core part in exhaust

we have developed a new model of zirconia oxygen sensor withgas cleaning systems incorporating a three-way catalyst, is a

improved durability and heat resistance, a wide range air-fuelfunctional component essential for combustion control in internalsensor that is an evolution of the oxygen sensor, and a small,

combustion engines. Mounted upstream and downstream of thelight and highly vibration-resistant zirconia oxygen senor for

three-way catalyst, automotive oxygen sensors output electrical

motorcycles to make exhaust gases more clean.

signals in response to the oxygen concentration of the exhaust

Wide range oxygen sensor
Zirconia oxygen sensor

gas. The role of these sensors is to appropriately control theengine air-fuel ratio, thereby reducing hazardous substances in

Injector

the exhaust gas.

Air

We need to comply with exhaust gas regulations in Japan,

Fuel

Zirconia oxygen sensor
Catalyst

EngineAmerica and Europe, expected to become increasingly strict, andwith regulations to be introduced in China and India. Therefore,

9

Exhaust gas

Playing Outstandingly Out of Sight

Feature 02

Glow Plugs for Reducing Hazardous Substances in Exhaust Gases
Glow plugs are used as preheating devices

There is also great demand for metal glow

supporting combustion in diesel engines. Diesel

plugs due to their low material cost andvehicles offer good fuel efficiency and low

electricity consumption. We have developed

carbon dioxide emissions and are thus

metal glow plugs that heat up as fast as

attracting attention as a means of mitigating

ceramic glow plugs. Metal glow plugs areglobal warming.

selected by many automakers.

We produce high-performance ceramic glow
plugs that take advantage of the heat-resistantcharacteristics of ceramics. The use of ceramics
in the heater enables rapid heating to hightemperatures, thereby reducing startup timeand hazardous substances contained in theexhaust gas immediately after startup.

Ceramic glow plug

Quartz Crystal Deices/SAW Filter Packages

Metal glow plug2520

for Downsizing of Communication Devices
Smartphone and tablets are developed to beminiaturized package with high hermeticity,

multifunctional. It requires increasing number of

flexural strength, and high accuracy. 1.6 mm xcomponents and miniaturization of devices.              1.2mm size package is available as the smallest

We provide ceramic package for Quartz

size in the production.                Crystal Devices which are essential for

Miniaturization of our surface mount ceramic

telecommunications. We have developed High-packages contributes downsizing of the devices

Strength Ceramic Material to provide

and promotion of smartphones and tablets.   

2016

1612

1.0mm

Organic Packages for Increased Information Processing Capacity
Organic packages are used widely as a

generation structures known as the 'corelesssubstrate for CPUs and microprocessors

package'.

which play a core role in making personal

We intend to reduce environmental burdens

computers and smartphones more proficient.

through reduced material usage and space

Optimally using ultra-fine wiring technology,

savings.

we provide products that support both

Additionally, the materials used for thisperformance improvements andtechnology promotes the use of halogen-freeminiaturization. At the same time we arematerials and lead-free solders meeting

working on the development of next-

various environmental regulations.

Electro-Static Chucks and Vacuum Chucks
Support Nano-node semiconductor manufacturing

Vacuum Chuck

Electro-Static
Chuck

Semiconductors and liquid crystal panels

Optimally using the wear resistance,

have become an essential part of our lives. In

corrosion resistance and fracture toughness

systems designed for manufacturing theseof ceramics, we offer suitable chucks forcomponents, our static and vacuum chuckspecific semiconductor equipments, thereby

plates are used on machines to clamp silicon

eventually supporting convenience andwafers and liquid crystal panels.

amenities in people's lives.

10Playing Outstandingly Out of Sight

Feature 02

Boring Tool“MogulBar®”for Improved Machining Productivity
In general, it is likely happen uncontrollable

the workpiece.

chip control in boring process, which results in

Due to this new geometry, it will expect goodroughly inside surface finish of the workpiece

control with improving productivity and surface

with chip stuck to holder, especially in Swiss-finish.

type lathes.

In recognition of this achievement, the Japan

These factors contribute to reduced

Cemented Carbide Tool Manufacturers’

productivity.

Association has given a technical achievement

We have therefore developed MogulBar ®,award to NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.

which incorporates a large clearance near the
cutting edge, yet with holder rigidly intact ,and have also developed a dedicatedchipbreakers, combination of the chipbreakers
and MogulBar® evacuates long chips from theend of the cutting edge toward the outside ofUltrasonic Wave Oscillatorsin Wide Use for Medical Treatment

Ultrasonic waves are sound waves that humans cannot hear.
We produce ultrasonic wave oscillators for use in industrial
equipment such as ultrasonic cleaners and machining devices.
In addition, in the area of medical treatment, our ultrasonicwave oscillators are widely used in scalers for efficient tartar
removal, in surgical knives, and for calculus fragmentation.

Bioceramics Contributing to Treatment of Broken Bones and Bone Tumors
Bioceramics such as hydroxylapatite,

Our artificial femoral heads exhibit highalumina and zirconia are highly

strength and have surfaces machined with

biocompatible. Taking advantage of thishigh precision. Accordingly, they areproperty, we have developed andpromising for realizing longer artificial jointcommercialized bone fillers and artificial

life than conventional artificial metal

femoral heads.

femoral heads.

Bone fillers are artificial bones. Missing
pieces and voids occur due to bone
fractures, bone tumors, or their treatment.
Bone fillers fill such spaces for recovery andcuring. Clay-like artificial bones (bonepaste), which harden with time,
appropriately fill the various missing spaces.

Medical Oxygen Concentrator "Sansomate-5F"

Supports Patients with Respiratory Disorders
Medical oxygen concentrators provide

less power (compared to ourhigher oxygen concentrations toconventional 5L models) thanks to its

patients with chronic respiratory

inverter control and other features.

disorders using home oxygen therapy.

Moreover, the oxygen concentrator

Faced with the increasing number ofoffers quiet operation with lighterelderly persons and society’s growing

weight.

welfare needs, medical oxygen

The equipment has a large easy-to-readconcentrators are needed with

control panel and various alarms, which

improved energy-saving performance.

are just a few of its features designed

Sansomate-5F consumes up to 63%

for user friendliness and safety.

11

Bone paste

Artificial femoral heads

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012Management

CSR of NGK SPARK PLUG Group
Fiscal 2011 Topics● We established our CSR Policy, which comprises 10 policies for compliance, risk management, quality, environment etc.

Our CSR■ Philosophy and Policy Organization

Enhancement of Corporate Value

We view CSR not just as a responsibility but as an opportunity to

be accountable through review of the NGK Spark Plug Group’seconomic, environmental and social activities from a global
perspective, to enhance corporate value, and to contribute to thesustainable development of society in accordance with our
Corporate Philosophy.
Our CSR activities are wide-ranging, and include the following:

Corporate
Philosophy
W

Corporate Codeof Conduct[Examples]• Offering excellent products to customers•	Disclosing corporate information to shareholders and the broader
investor community, in an optimal and easy-to-understandmanner•	Collaborating with suppliers for mutual development•	Establishing a safe and employee-friendly working environment•	Participating in and supporting activities in the local communityW

CSR Policy
W• Risk Management Policy• Compliance Policy• Information Security Policy• Corporate Quality Policy• Information Disclosure policy• Procurement Policy• Human Resource Policy• Occupational Safety
and Health Policy• Social Contribution Policy• Environmental Policy■ Progress in our CSR activities
Nov. 1996
Feb. 1998
Apr. 1998
Feb. 2003

To provide our Group’s action guidelines for fulfilling CSR, in April
2011 our CSR Policy was established, which comprises 10 policies,
such as the Compliance Policy and others. In line with the CSR
Policy, we intend to review and promote CSR based on amultifaceted approach, into the future.

Nov. 2004
Apr. 2005
Aug. 2005
Feb. 2007
Nov. 2007
Sep. 2008
Apr. 2009
Apr. 2010
Oct. 2010
Apr. 2011
Nov. 2011
Jan. 2012
Mar. 2012

CSR Promotion System
The CSR Committee determines the priority themes for each fiscal
year, to implement CSR Policy. The Committee also oversees andevaluates CSR-related activities implemented by the respective
committees, working groups and divisions, and makes appropriate

Adopted“Corporate Philosophy”
Adopted“Corporate Code of Conduct”
Established Ethical Committee
Adopted“Corporate Ethics Helpline System Operation Guidelines”
Revised“Corporate Code of Conduct”
Published“Code of Conduct Guidebook”
Published“Guidelines on the Handling of Personal Information”
Established Export Control Committee
Adopted “Export Management Regulations”
Adopted“Confidentiality Management Regulations”
Published “Confidentiality Management Guidelines”
Established Internal Auditing Office
Prepared “Corporate Protection Manual”
Established CSR Promotion Office
Established CSR Committee
Adopted CSR Policy
Established Compliance Committee
Published “Compliance Guidebook”
Adopted “Compliance Regulations”

Compliance Working Group was upgraded to the Compliance
Committee, as a subordinate body of the CSR Committee.
We have established a companywide CSR promotion system by
securing close coordination

proposals regarding them, so as to achieve full optimization of CSR
activities, thereby strengthening our business foundations.
The CSR Promotion Sub-Committee sets up respective working
groups as deemed appropriate, each of which holds discussions on
specific themes, such as compliance, BCP, and CSR procurement,

among the CSR Committee,
the CSR Promotion SubCommittee and expert
committees.

and develops countermeasures. In November 2011, the
CSR Committee■ CSR Promotion System

CSR Committee

Chairperson: President
Members:
Expert committee chairpersons, expert
sub-committee chairpersons etc.

Quality
Committee

Safety and
HealthCommittee

Environment
Committee

Confidentiality
Management
Committee

CSR Promotion Sub-Committee

Chairperson:	Appointed from among executives by
the chairperson of the CSR Committee
Members:	Appointed by the chairperson of the
CSR Promotion Sub-Committee

Export Control
Committee

12Compliance
Committee

BCP-WG

CSR
Procurement
WG

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012Management

Compliance● In February 2012, we launched the compliance promotion system, clarifies which

Fiscal 2011 Topics

particular divisions are in charge of relevant laws and regulations.

● The Compliance Guidebook was distributed to all employees working at the NGKSPARK PLUG Group.

● The Compliance Regulations were adopted.

Basic Philosophy

Compliance Policy

We work to increase awareness among
employees regarding compliance to act in asocially sensible manner, helping them to bearin mind that our enterprise is a member ofsociety.

We acknowledge that our company is a member of society. In the light of this, weenhance corporate ethics, comply with laws and ordinances, international rules,
and company regulations, striving to become a company trusted by theinternational community.

Action Guidelines●We comply with all relevant laws and ordinances, the Corporate Code of Conduct, andcompany regulations.
●We regularly educate and raise the awareness of all our employees to impart a high-levelof ethics and correct knowledge, with which they can act voluntarily to prevent
compliance problems.
●S hould a problem occur, we will promptly deal with the problem and fulfill our
accountability, and will strive to identify the causes and prevent recurrence.

Compliance Promotion System
To promote compliance implementation, the Compliance
Committee was set up as an expert committee under the CSR
Committee. The divisions in charge of relevant laws and regulations
obtain information on these laws and regulations, standardize
compliance procedures, disseminate them to other divisions
concerned, and check their compliance with these laws andregulations.

■ Compliance Promotion System

Board of Directors

Disciplinary Committee

Implementation of compliance

Division in charge of laws and regulations
Internal(Acquisition of legal information and its dissemination) Auditing Office

NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
(Headquarters, branch, sales offices, liaison offices and plants)

13

Audit
Compliance check

Plant liaison staff and divisionin charge of laws and regulations

Education and training
Educational tools

Anti-Harassment Committee(Human Resources Dept. and labor union)

Notification

Result disclosure
Awareness survey

Reporting

Chairperson ofCompliance Committee

Consultations
and reports

Consultations and reports

Notification

ReportingCompliance Committee

Consultation

Consultation and reporting

Helpline channel(Inside and outside the company)

CSR Committee

Recommendation

Committee activities[Major roles of Compliance Committee]① To provide guidance and surveillance to each division, as to its
activities toward preventing compliance violations, and as to thedivision’s responses if violation occurs.
② To accept and appropriately deal with consultations and reports
submitted through the Corporate Ethics Helpline system.
③ To deal with consultations and reports regarding harassment, incooperation with the Anti-Harassment Committee.

Affiliates

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012Management
ComplianceCorporate Ethics Helpline
We have established an internal reporting system, called theand seeking consultation. We strive to create an environment in“Corporate Ethics Helpline,”to prevent compliance violations andwhich, from the informer’s viewpoint, it is easy to consult, by clearly

to swiftly resolve any problems. We also set up reporting andconsultation channels within and outside the company, which canannouncing that the confidentiality of all informers is protected.

be used by employees and other informers who have discovered
an illegal or possibly illegal act, as a means of providing information■ Flow after Report Is Received via Helpline
When necessary

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Disciplinary Committee

CSR Committee

I have been working as a contact person of the Helpline since
February 2012. Our company’s Corporate Ethics Helpline system
was established in 2003, but has remained almost unused, because
the system has not been well known to employees. To address thisproblem, we hold compliance explanation meetings through which
we promote the use of the Corporate Ethics Helpline system.
Anonymous consultations are also accepted,
making it easier for employees to use thesystem. The reported or consulted complianceviolations are addressed promptly.
Yoshiaki Saiki
Senior Manager
General Administration Dept.

Recommendation

Compliance Committee

Investigation
Committee(Those concerned)

Compliance Committee
Chairperson

Helpline channel(inside and outside the company)
Both anonymous andautonomous consultations
are accepted

Disciplinary
actionInvestigation

Compliance violator

Results

Employees

Compliance Education andAwareness-Raising

Export Controls

We encourage every employee to take interest in business andlegal affairs, and to be aware of the importance of such affairs. This
will result in reducing risks not only to individual employees, but toour company as well. In this recognition, we compiled into a
Compliance Guidebook, which has been distributed to all
employees, the action guidelines as well as laws and regulations to
be followed by Group employees. Employees at
each workplace confirm the content of thisguidebook to each other, so as to enhance theircompliance awareness. We also hold compliancelectures during level-specific training programs, inwhich familiar examples are used to foster

To maintain international peace and security, Japan has imposed
legal regulations on trade that may assist the occurrence or
expansion of conflict. NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. has stipulated its
Export Management Regulations to ensure thorough compliancewith export restrictions, and has established a system that can
flexibly deal with regulation revisions. In June 2008, our company
was approved as an authorized exporter under the Authorized
Exporters’Program, in recognition of its efforts in establishing cargo
security management and compliance systems. We are committed
to making proper import/export declarations.
We will continue to promote export controls and trade-related
business in compliance with laws and regulations, and to improvetrainees’better understanding.

trade efficiency, while fulfilling our responsibility as an enterprisewith a high export ratio.

Compliance Guidebook
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In fiscal 2011, I served as a lecturer in the on-site seminars about
the Act against Delay in Payment of Subcontract Proceeds etc. to
Subcontractors. While the Act is a law closely relating to corporate
activities, it is not familiar to the general public. I therefore
attempted to give participants explanations, primarily focusing on
the Act’s outline and basic items. Every time I
lectured, I received many questions fromparticipants. I will make effective use of thosequestions and answers as valuable examples
for future lectures.

For a company like us with a high export ratio, appropriate export
management is indeed a matter of vital importance, and should begiven high priority. The General Administration Department holds
explanation meetings tailored to each workplace, to facilitate better
employee understanding of the importance of export management,as part of our efforts to promote appropriate
export management. We will continue striving toobtain the understanding and cooperation ofeach workplace.

Keizo Watanabe
General Administration Dept.

Hiroki Inui
General Administration Dept.

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NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012Management
Compliance

Security Control / Information Security

Information Security Policy

We regard our own information assets as one of our

Needless to say, it is of great importance for companies to properly
manage confidential information, in compliance with relevant legislation,

management resources. Through the protection andeffective use of our information assets, we pursue healthy
maintenance and development of our business.

including the Unfair Competition Prevention Act and the Act on theProtection of Personal Information. That importance is increasing with the

Action Guidelines

rapid progress in information technology in recent years.

Under such circumstances, our company established the Confidentiality
Management Regulations as part of our endeavors to properly manage●We establish information security regulations that clearly
define the system and responsibilities to protect all theinformation assets we keep for our customers, our information
assets as information resources, and personal data.

the private information of our company, customers and suppliers. In
response to the need of an information-oriented society, we plan to
introduce smart devices in an appropriate manner, to ensure that we canswiftly carry out our work anytime and anywhere, giving top priority to
the security of classified information. Our Privacy Policy is available on
our website.

●W e c o m p l y w i t h l a w s , o r d i n a n c e s , a n d r e g u l a t i o n sregarding information security.
●W e educate all executives and employees who handle
information assets about the importance of information
security, and about specific items to be observed.
●W e c o n t i n u o u s l y i m p l e m e n t m e a s u r e s n e c e s s a r y t o
improve the management system and to protect our
information assets, keeping pace with a rapidly-changing
information society.

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To ensure security control, I consider it essential to develop
individual employee awareness. If employees are not aware of what
is confidential, they may leak confidential information without evil
intention, resulting in tremendous damage to the company.
The Confidentiality Management Committee
has formulated the rules that provide guidancefor concrete confidential management, andworks to make these rules known to all
employees.
Tadashige Maegawa
Manager
General Administration Dept.

●I f a p r o b l e m w i t h t h e i n f o r m a t i o n s e c u r i t y s y s t e m i s
predicted to occur due to unforeseen circumstances, wewill promptly take action to prevent an accident associatedwith the problem. Should the accident occur, we will strive
to minimize the damage and take preventive measuresagainst reoccurrence.

Privacy Policy
http://www.ngkntk.co.jp/english/privacy.html

Protection and Effective Use of Intellectual Properties■ Anti-Counterfeit Measures

To protect its existing and newly developed products, NGK SPARKPLUG CO., LTD. takes measures to actively acquire intellectual
property rights and make effective use of them. We investigate andidentify the intellectual property rights of third parties in all
production processes, from early stages of development to mass
production, to avoid the risk of infringing the intellectual property
rights of third parties or violating laws and regulations. We will
henceforth strengthen management of intellectual properties
across the Group, as the basis for our continued evolution as a“manufacturing company”.

Counterfeits of some NGK SPARK PLUG Group products have beenfound. We require local regulatory agencies concerned to takeappropriate action, not only because these counterfeits violate theintellectual property rights of our Group,
but also because the use of low-quality
counterfeit products may cause a
malfunction or accident. We have also
participated in activities led by industrial
associations to eliminate counterfeits.
Spark plug package(Upper: counterfeit, lower: genuine product)
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■ Intellectual Property Training and the
Incentive System

Although intellectual property rights are not conspicuous undernormal conditions, they play an important role behind the scenes;
actually, intellectual property rights are essential for advantageously
carrying out business activities. During in-house training programs on
intellectual property rights, we impart to trainees the necessity ofintellectual property rights for our business operations. We also
explain to trainees that raising compliance awareness among
engineers and technicians is an importantelement that determines whether we succeed or
fail as a manufacturing company.

We hold level-specific training programs for engineers andtechnicians, to enable them to improve their knowledge regarding

intellectual properties, accurately understand the value of
inventions and acquire their rights. We also organize seminars on
intellectual property rights strategies for
managers, and invite outside lecturers.
Moreover, a system was established toprovide incentives or rewards for
employee inventions, thereby enhancing
their motivation for invention.

Kohei Abukawa
Supervisor
Intellectual Property Dept.

Intellectual Property Training

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NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012Management

Risk Management
Fiscal 2011 Topics● Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Working Group set up to review our BCP.

Basic Philosophy

Risk Management Policy

In operating business, we face many risks including natural disasters,

We are prepared to deal with various possible risks, such

accidents, terrorism, and the spread of new infectious diseases. If an

as natural disasters, accidents and spread of new infectious

unforeseen incident occurs, we will act giving top priority to theprotection of human life. We have also made contingency plans so that
we can smoothly continue our business operation even under suchcircumstances.

diseases. If such a risk should arise, we will act to minimize
the impact on our stakeholders. We also work to restore
and continue smooth business operations, thereby
maintaining trust from our stakeholders.

Action Guidelines●W e strive to prevent factors that could affect business
continuity.

Risk Management Promotion System●W e c o n d u c t o u r a c t i v i t i e s w i t h t o p p r i o r i t y o n t h eprotection of human life.

Many of NGK SPARK PLUG Group’s operation sites are located in
an area vulnerable to three potential major earthquakes — a Tokai
Earthquake, a Tonankai Earthquake, and a Nankai Earthquake.
Ahead of other risk management measures, we therefore set up
the BCP Working Group, under the CSR Promotion Sub-Committee,
to review the BCP. As for risks other than major disasters, relevant
divisions take the lead in our efforts to mitigate the effects.

●W e minimize impact on related parties.
●W e strive for rapid restoration of business operations andstable supply of products and services.
●W e take measures to prevent the recurrence of risks.

Reviews of the BCP

Response to New Infectious Diseases

In reference to how local governments and companies responded
to the Great East Japan Earthquake(March 11, 2011), we conduct
reviews of our BCP including initial response to emergency.
Meanwhile, we strive to increase the levels of employee

To protect employee health from the influenza that prevail every
year, and thereby ensure the smooth continuation of our business,
we work to prevent the spread of the infections. If there is a sign ofgroup infection at a workplace, we take immediate and intensive
measures to contain the epidemic. During the flu season, we issue
weekly report so that all employees can share the information andrecognition and understanding of the BCP, since they are vital for
ensuring its effective functioning.
The establishment of a practical BCP will lead to enhanced
transaction reliability in our future business activities. Each businessdivision therefore works to review its BCP, which also covers ourtake effective countermeasures.
In addition, we are always attentive to the trending of the avian
influenza H5N1, which is considered one candidate for the next
pandemic influenza, and collect relevant information.

supply chain.

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The BCP Working Group promotes disaster-preparedness assuming
the occurrence of possible earthquakes based on damage
predictions by the Cabinet Office.
In fiscal 2012, we clarify the initial response to be taken in theevent of earthquake, take in context and implement emergency
drills. We also plan to perform business impact analysis (BIA), so as
to devise measures focusing on important
activities relating to our key products.

In April 2009, the novel influenza virus H1N1 broke out in Mexicoand rapidly spread throughout the world. At that time, we were
unclear about a way to address the problem, but it was a goodexperience. We aim to be prepared to take appropriate action,even if a new variant of the high pathogenic avian influenza such as
H5N1, said to be the strongest ever of its kind, emerges andspreads from human to human in the future.

Yuki Aida
Supervisor
General Administration Dept.

Shiko Abe
Health Care Promotion
Human Resources Dept.

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NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012Management
Risk Management

Safety and Disaster Prevention
Each plant has established its own fire-prevention management

system as part of our fire and disaster prevention efforts. As well,each plant has an in-house fire-fighting team, which always strives
to improve its skills by conducting monthly disaster drills andparticipating in local skill competitions. These disaster drills,
designed for general employees, adopt various scenarios; theirprograms include relief exercises and confirmation of evacuation
areas, to be used in the event of tsunami.

In May 2011, a fire broke out in a room of the Komaki Plant. Due toRelief exercise(Ise Plant)

periodic drills, however, employees immediately reported it to thefirehouse and distinguished the fire at an early stage. Companywide
inspections were carried out to eliminate the conceivable causes ofthe fire, so as to prevent the reoccurrence of a similar accident.

Water-discharge exercise(Komaki Plant)

Corporate GovernanceFiscal 2011 Topics● We reviewed and redeveloped the corporate governance system in preparation for

introducing the corporate officer system in April 2012.

Basic Philosophy■ Corporate Governance System

We believe that it is our foundational and important managerial
task to establish and maintain a fair and efficient management
system, while securing soundness and transparency inmanagement, in order to enhance corporate value by fulfilling ourcorporate social responsibilities.

General meeting of shareholders
Appointment/dismissal

Appointment/dismissal
Board of Corporate Auditors

Board of Directors
Indication

Management Organization

Corporate Management
Committee

President and CEO

Corporate Officers'
Meeting

Indication Corporate Officers

Administration Officer in
ChargeIn April 2012 we introduced the corporate officer system and thesystem for determining officers’remuneration, based on assessmentof their performance. These systems were introduced because webelieve that, to achieve further development in the rapidly changing
business climates and global economy, we need speedy decisionmaking and business execution. Moreover, decision-making rules
were re-examined and revised to clarify where responsibility lies
and to reduce decision-making time.

Audit

Appointment/
dismissal

Cooperates mutually
Indication

Indication

Business Operation Section /Group Companies

Cooperates mutually
Independent Auditors

Internal Auditing Office
Audit

Various Conference and Committees(CSR Committee etc.)

Disclosure

Internal Audits

Management Oversight Functions

The Internal Auditing Office reports to the management the resultsof the business auditing of NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. and its
affiliates, and if necessary, makes proposals on how to correct any
problems and improve business operations.

NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. is a company with a Board of

Corporate Auditors, which consists of two standing statutory
auditors and two external auditors. These auditors attend themeetings of the Board of Directors and, if necessary, various
committee meetings, to grasp the status of important issues. They
also supervise directors’execution of duties, through audits ofmajor offices and subsidiaries.

In accordance with requirements for the internal control reportsystem over Financial Reporting under the Financial Instruments
and Exchange Law, the internal auditing office assesses theeffectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, to ensure
the reliability of the Group’s financial statements, thereby
maintaining and improving our internal control.

17

Social Report

With Our Customers

19With Our Shareholders
and Investors

22

With Our Suppliers

23With Our Employees

24With Local
CommunitiesandInternational Society

30

18

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report

With Our Customers
Fiscal 2011 Topics● We worked hard for quality assurance from the aspects of systems

and human resources, ensuring outstanding quality of our products.

Basic Philosophy

Corporate Quality Policy

Under the continuously evolving business environment surrounding

We continue to supply“Quality Products”to society with

our Group, customers’quality demand is also becoming stricter

an emphasis on“Customer First,”“Total Involvement,”andand more complex. Against this backdrop, companies are
increasingly expected to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities,
by sincerely listening to customers’opinions, adequately andpromptly responding to a wide variety of requests and issues, andmeeting diverse expectations from customers.
To appropriately understand the diverse needs of customers andpromptly take necessary actions from the viewpoint of customers,
we at NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. are committed to making
companywide efforts to improve our quality assurance system,
aiming to provide safe and reliable products that ensure greater
customer satisfaction.
To meet customers’diverse expectations, we also continue actively
communicating our products and service information to customers,
while at the same time manufacturing products by making the bestuse of the most suitable technology and our accumulated
experience as a manufacturer. Through these efforts, we will work
hard to offer new values to society.

“Continuous Improvement”principle.

Action Guidelines●We strive to take a customer-oriented approach to accurately
understand a wide variety of customers’needs and provide
quality products and services, aiming to ensure greater
customer satisfaction.
●W e encourage all our employees to be actively involved inquality improvement activities, based on companywide
cooperation, and to achieve higher goals by making the bestuse of their own individual abilities and creativity to address
problems and challenging issues.
●A ccurately responding to ever changing social/market
environments and the diverse needs of customers, we strive tocontinue improving our systems, processes, products andservices, aiming to further grow as an energetic and soundcorporation.

Quality Management System
Since its establishment in 1936, NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. hasalways emphasized“Nittoku Quality Mind,”representing thecompany’s traditional mentality that ensures a quality-oriented
manner of doing business. This tradition remains intact, as shownby our Basic Quality Policy revised in 2006.
Based on our corporate quality policy, our divisions haverespectively established comprehensive quality management
systems in conformity with the ISO9000 series and ISO/TS16949
standards, promoting quality assurance activities.
In addition, with the aim of reinforcing our company-wide quality
assurance efforts, we have strengthened collaborative activities
among our Quality Committee, Quality Control Group and quality

against any identified risks, with the ultimate goal of providing safeand reliable products to customers.

Quality Committee
Quality Control Groupassurance sections of respective business units, thereby
establishing a company-wide system to control and supervise
product quality. Under this system, the Quality Committee works to
identify quality-related risks by reviewing operations throughout theorganization and promotes corrective or preventive measures

Automotive
Components Group

Communication
Media Components
Group

Technical Ceramics
Group

Quality Assurance
SectionQuality Assurance
SectionQuality Assurance
Section

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Since our company’s foundation, our attitude toward
manufacturing has been based on a policy of“no compromiseon quality,”known as“Nittoku Quality Mind,”that represents
the company’s strong emphasis on quality integrity, ensuring
the production of safe, reliable products of high quality to thesatisfaction of customers.
In response to the tendency toward increasing severe

opinions for quality in society, we will further strive to improve
the quality of our products through company-wide
collaborative efforts for quality assurance, on the basis of ourlong-established quality-oriented stance.
Toshiki Sawada
General Manager
Quality Control Group19

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report
With Our Customers

Quality Improvement
NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. is committed to quality management by promoting total quality management (TQM) activities.
●Top-down activities to embody our corporate policy in the policy management.
●Daily management to standardize prescribed operations at each workplace,as well as maintenance and improvement activities.
●Bottom-up activities to foster human resources and activate workplaces,by encouraging small groups to conduct quality and business improvement activities.

■ Education

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We provide a wide variety of QC education and training programs
about quality control, management techniques, QC circle activities,
quality management systems, measurement management, etc. To
ensure that knowledge gained through these programs is utilized in
the workplace, we also offer practical guidance and support to ouremployees. As part of our activities to enhance quality awarenessand motivation of employees as well as to promote quality
education, we hold such events as process patrol by the President,
quality-related exhibitions and lectures on quality.
We also provide practical guidance to our suppliers to promote
quality education and solve problems, aiming to encourage them todeliver higher quality parts and materials by conducting continued
quality improvement efforts.

The meeting for exchange among production departments is aregular event held since 2009, in which we have a chance to talkwith general managers and managers as well. Originally, the event
used to emphasize“quality issues,”but since last year, the“5S (fiveS’s)”initiative has been the main theme. Personally, I had been
confident about the manner in which I manage my workshop, but
the recent visits of people invited from other departments to ourworkshop gave me opportunities for some discoveries and further
raised my aspirations. I continue to keep in mind the importance ofgoing back to the basics, remembering the basic, and staying close
to manufacturing fundamentals by paying attention to“threeactuals”– actual place (on-site confirmation),
actual object (direct investigation), actual
conditions (judgment of the status quo) – inmaking efforts to maintain good practices.

■ NQC activities (small-group activities)

Yoichi Imaeda
Manager, Industrial Products Dept.
Fine Ceramics Div.

We promote“NQC Activities,”which refer to QC circle activities
that aim to develop human resources and improve workplacecapabilities by continuously addressing various problems andissues.
During“Quality Month”every November, the results of NQC
activities are announced at the central presentation meeting, and
the President Award is granted in recognition of best practices.
Commendation is also given to small groups implementing
excellent NQC activities in daily operations. By encouraging
employees to participate in presentation meetings and training
programs outside the company, we strive to enhance theirmotivation and further activate small group activities.

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My QC circle consists of only 8 members, and is a mixture ofworkers in three shifts and other shift patterns. Therefore, somemembers are always missing from our meetings. But it is still
possible for us to keep things going smoothly and even to vitalize
our activities, by making some efforts. The success of our efforts
has been proven by the recent acquisition of the President’sAward for our good performance.
Without being satisfied with the present conditions, we continue
to make collaborative efforts toward our goals that we have set
high with the ambition of reaching our ideals,
in order to consistently improve upon present
conditions.

■M anagement of instruments and measuring operations
For quality control and quality assurance, it is essential to ensure
the integrity of all measuring instruments and confirm the reliabilityof measuring results. For this reason, we conduct calibration of all
measuring instruments on a regular basis to confirm their ability tomake accurate measurements. The level of precision of
measurement is affected not only by the precision of measuring
instruments but also by the method of using them, and therefore
we emphasize employee education on the appropriate use methodof each instrument.
“Measurement”is one of the most fundamental operations in
manufacturing for building outstanding quality, we continue tomake efforts to improve the management of measurement
instruments and measuring operations throughout our Group
companies as well as our suppliers, by providing them with
sufficient assistance, as part of the efforts to build our

Takashi Nakamura
Spark Circle (A)Production Dept., Nagoya Plant
Spark Plug Div.

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I thought that I would go to the Instrumentation Office only when I
need calibration of my instruments, but I have recently discoveredthat they can help us solve problems in diverse areas. Actually,
thanks to their expertise and assistance, we have successfully
promoted inter-plant standardization of instruments management
methods, and thanks to their instructions, we have acquired skills inusing and handling equipment appropriately. Their face-to-faceassistance empowers line operators technicallyand mentally. This effect should be maintained,
for further development of our manufacturing
strengths.
Akira Hatanaka
Supervisor
Production Dept., Miyanojo Plant
Spark Plug Div.

manufacturing competence.

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NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report
With Our Customers

Responding to Inquiries andComplaints

Communication through Exhibitions
and Events

Inquiries and complaints on our products received from customers

We use opportunities provided by exhibitions and auto races todivision works together with the technical division to quickly

products and technologies, and also update our knowledge about

are first accepted at our sales division. Then the quality assurance

directly communicate with customers on venue by showing our

respond and take necessary actions to the inquiries andcomplaints.

market needs.
During the recent auto exhibitions and racing events, we held
demonstrations of our spark plugs, to show directly to visitors how■ Response to inquiries or complaints

important it is to use a good product and make necessary
replacements.

Customers
Inquiries andcomplaints

Response

NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.

Sales Dept.

Quality Assurance
Dept.

INTERNATIONAL CERAMCEXHIBITION 2011

MECHATRONICS TECHNOLOGYJAPAN 2011

Plug replacement demonstration
at the TOKYO Auto Salon 2012

PR Booth at the Suzuka 8 hours
Endurance Road Race

Engineering Dept.

Information Dissemination throughWebsites

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s informative!”“Easy to understand!”We heard these phrases
frequently from visitors to our booth at MECHATRONICS TECHNOLOGYJAPAN 2011. We of the Cutting Tool Division were in charge of thisrecent exhibition, and our videos presentation via iPad successfully
drew visitors’attention and contributed to the improvement of theirunderstanding about our products. Our presentation was highly
evaluated by visitors for its use of easy-to-understand videos. We
continue to make efforts to improve our sales promotion of NTK’scutting tools, with taking advantage of state-of-the-art devices asappropriate.

Our website named“Plug Studio”disseminates information on
spark plugs, exhibitions at events, motor sports, etc. Using ourapplicable product number searching system, users can find a
product number and the number of spark plugs applicable to therespective type/model of automobile.

Plug Studio W
http://www.ngk-sparkplugs.jp/english/index.html

Hideki Kato
Sales & Marketing Dept.
Cutting Tool Div.

Responding Product Defects
We make it a rule that any product defect we have detected andfound to possibly cause harm to customers be immediately
announced to the public through our websites, newspapers, trade
journals and other media as appropriate and that we
simultaneously implement countermeasures against such defects toprotect all users.

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Importance Notice about our Room Type Humidity/
Temperature Detectors and Room Type Humidity Detectors

Some of our room Type humidity/temperature detectors and room
Type humidity detectors marketed during the period between 1987
and 2007 have been found to have a defect possibly causing thermal
damage to users. Free servicing for these products started in April
2010, and we are still working hard to locate and reach all users ofthese products. Out of the total number of about 500 possibly
defective units, 194 units have been located and repaired with safety
countermeasures introduced (as of the end of July 2012).

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NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report

With Our Shareholders and Investors
Fiscal 2011 Topics● We held meetings for individual investors to communicate our corporate activities.

Basic Philosophy
We at NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. are well aware that
promoting transparent and fair information disclosure isindispensable to having all our stakeholders better
understand and evaluate our business operations. To
achieve this goal, in addition to meeting the legal
standards of information disclosure, we also strive tostrengthen information disclosure through various media
and promptly post information on our website, with theaim of ensuring stakeholders’greater trust in ourbusiness operations.

Information Disclosure Policy

Aiming to become an enterprise capable of receiving great support

and popularity from people around the world, we strive to conducttransparent business operations and fair information disclosure.

Action Guidelines●We disclose any corporate information required to be disclosed by the
Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and other laws and regulations, inan accurate and timely manner.
●We actively disclose our corporate information, which is not subject to laws
and regulations however deemed to be important for stakeholders, throughour daily actions, such as issuance of a press release and updates of our
website.
●We focus on enhancing communication with our shareholders, investors andother stakeholders to further promote mutual understanding with them.

Investor Relations W
http://www.ngkntk.co.jp/english/ir/index.html

Shareholders’Meeting

IR Activities

Each June, we hold our Ordinary General Shareholders’Meeting, at
which we explain the business results of the previous year to ourshareholders, who then vote on the matters to be resolved. The
stock distribution of NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. is shown in thepie-chart below.

Our shareholders and investors assist us in promoting thesustainable development of our business and improving ourcorporate value, and in this sense, they are not only supporters for
us but also our important partners. So we actively communicate
with them, through investor relations activities, to explain ourbusiness environment, financial conditions, visions and growthstrategies.
For overseas institutional investors, we visit major financial centers
in North America, Europe and Asia to see them individually on aregular basis. For domestic analysts and institutional investors, wehold meetings to explain about our organization. We also meetwith individual investors from time to time to communicate ourbusiness activities, to ensure sufficient understanding on their side.

General meeting of shareholders held in June 2011
■ Share Distribution
Shareholders by category

Ratio of Held Stock2.62％

26.06％

14.94％
Total:
14,523
investors

95.11％PICK UP

Total:
223,544,820
sharesFinancial institutions
Shareholders involvedin the trust business
Financial commodities traders
Other domestic organizations
Foreign organizations
and investors
Individuals and others
Our own shares

Returning Profits to Shareholders

18.10％
31.28％

0.68％
6.32％ （As of March 2012）

Returning profits to our shareholders is one of the priorities on our
agenda, and we aim to maintain consistent and stable payment ofdividends. Presently, we seek to achieve a consolidated dividend
payout ratio of 20% or more, and intend to continue semiannual
payment of dividends. Our dividend payment plan is based oncomprehensive financial strategies taking into consideration thefollowing budgets; R&D expenses (as needed for future growth),
capital investment (to expand or streamline our business) andinternal reserves (for future investments).

Selected to be a Member of the Social
Responsibility Investment (SRI) Index

We were selected for the ninth year in a row (as ofJune 2012) to be a member company of the
FTSE4Good Index Series, the leading SRI index in
the world. We will continue our concerted efforts
to become an enterprise capable of winning thetrust of investors.

Dividend per share during fiscal year 2011 was 22 yen.

22

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report

With Our Suppliers
Fiscal 2011 Topics● We held seminars for our procurement personnel to ensure their compliancewith the Subcontract Act.

Basic Philosophy

Procurement Policy

It is indispensable to establish healthy partnerships with our

We aim to realize globally optimal procurement based our

suppliers to procure better raw materials and parts in a more timely

quality products   principle. To this end, we focus on

and stable manner. Through our supply chain system, we work hard
together with suppliers, aiming at mutual prosperity and further
strengthened mutual trust.

strengthening cooperation with suppliers and promoting
our CSR efforts throughout our supply chain system, whileat the same time striving to carry out proper purchasingtransactions when procuring materials and parts, based on
the following guidelines:

Promoting CSR-Oriented Procurement

Action Guidelines●We conduct rational transactions based on fair, transparent,
and open competition.
●We select a supplier based on comprehensive assessment of its
product quality, technology, prices, deliveries, and efforts tocontinuously make improvements.

We promote the following activities for suppliers and our
employees respectively, for the purpose of ensuring fairtransactions with suppliers and the establishment of mutually
beneficial sound partnership with suppliers.
＜For suppliers＞
・We actively communicate with our suppliers, through corporate
policy conference, etc., to explain our corporate policy.
・We clarify our green procurement guidelines by explaining themon our websites.   W (Japanese only)●Aiming to become a good corporate citizen, we are engaged inbusiness operations complying with applicable national andinternational laws and regulations.
●We ensure stable procurement of better quality products at areasonable cost and an earlier delivery.
●A iming to procure more eco-friendly products, we strive topromote our green supplier system.

・W e provide face-to-face assistance through diverse activities,
including 5S workplace improvement activities and seminars.
・We renew contracts with respective suppliers reflecting our new
CSR guidelines, strengthening compliance and environmental
conservation.
＜For our employees＞
・We hold seminars for our procurement personnel to ensure theircompliance with the SubcontractAct.

●A iming to have our suppliers understand our company, we
strive to establish mutual trust with our suppliers. Recognizingthat we and our suppliers can be good partners for each other,
we strive to realize out mutual development.

Sharing Information on Our
Corporate Policy

In-house seminaron the Subcontract Act

We hold a corporate policy conference to our main suppliers,
offering them an opportunity to deepen their understanding of thepresent situation of our company and our goals.
At the conference held in May, 2011, explanation was given about
our business performance, the fifth medium-term management plan,
as well as respective division's policy under the plan. We also
showed the direction to be taken by our company, reaffirming that
we would work with suppliers to overcome the current severebusiness environments. In addition, we requested our suppliers totake responsible actions to appropriately control substances ofenvironmental concern, promote quality improvement and cost
reduction, and facilitate CSR activities.

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The mission of the Procurement Group is to supervise and optimize
procurement activities of the NGK SPARK PLUG Group from a global
standpoint, to contribute to production optimization throughout theorganization. To this end, we play a role to coordinate between
headquarters and respective divisions, building and strengthening  
mutual partnership with suppliers through fair and transparent
transactions. Today, companies are expected to promote CSR
procurement and also expected to be accountable to the society
for procurement activities.   Aiming to achievethese goals, we strive to promote our CSR
procurement activities, ensuring our suppliers
understanding and support for us.
Teppei Okawa
Corporate Officer
Procurement GroupWe explained our vision to suppliers.

23

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report

With Our Employees
Employment and Human Rights
Fiscal 2011 Topics● We launched the full-scale “diversity” initiative.

Basic Philosophy
Acknowledging that employees are the most important management resources, we
respect the diversity and individuality of our employees, aiming to cultivate a wide
variety of human resources. We also place an emphasis on offering a desirable
working environment in which individual employees are encouraged to make full useof their capabilities and potential.
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Things are changing rapidly inside and outside our organization. As we see people’s newsense of values, drastic market movements and emerging countries, it is certain thatsociety faces drastic changes ever experienced.
We, at the Human Resources Department, work on the reform of our personnel system,with the goal of empowering our organization to gain the following strengths; ① theability to cope with changes and survive difficulties, by developing diverse humanresources with a can-do spirit and the ambition to create new business, products,
technologies and markets, and ② a Group-wide personnel tracking system, allowing thecompany to identify excellent employees in domestic and overseas units so as to provide
them with the right position and chance to use their talent and aspirations effectively.
We need and develop those people who have a discerning eye todistinguish“assets”from“wastes”for our organization, who never
simply resign themselves to the present situation, who makestrenuous efforts to cope with drastic changes and have an aspiration
to realize an innovation.
Masakazu Mori
General Manager, Human Resources Dept.

Human Resource Policy

We acknowledge that employees are themost important management resources. In
the light of this, we respect the diversity
and individuality of our employees andcultivate abundant human resources,
striving to promote the further developmentof our Group as a whole.

Action Guidelines●Respecting the rights of our employees, we
eliminate discrimination and harassmentsin employment, and avoid the use offorced labor or child labor.
●We secure and foster human resources
who help pass down our quality products
principle to the following generations. To
this end, we provide learning opportunities
and other programs to support the careerdevelopment of our employees.
●W e e s t a b l i s h a p e r s o n n e l e v a l u a t i o nsystem to ensure that people with different
qualities can fully realize their own
capabilities.

Labor-Management Relations■ Anti-Harassment Measures

Labor-management relations should be oriented to the combined
employer-employee effort to contribute to society through theprovision of good products and services. At NGK Spark Plug, bothlabor and management understand their respective responsibilities
and strive to improve the work environment through mutual trustand cooperation.

Labor and management are working together to prevent any
harassment and to protect the human rights of all employees.  
The Work Rules of NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. explicitly prohibit allsorts of behaviors that constitute harassment, and we have an antiharassment committee responsible for the prevention of such
behaviors. Also, all plants have an advisor designated jointly bylabor and management to receive employees’assertions or reportsof harassment.

■ Labor-Management Conferences
Labor-management conferences are held on a regular basis,
providing interactive communication opportunities. During a
conference, information exchanges are made and diverse issues are
discussed, including topics of management issues and workinghours reform.

■ Greeting Campaign
We have been continuing the“greeting campaign,”encouraging
employees to say, with a smile,“good morning”at the start of eachday and“good bye”when leaving after work. Once a month,representatives of the labor union and the management stand at
the entrance in the morning andafter work, to exchange greetings
with employees.

■ Reduction in Working Hours
We have a“no overtime day”once a
week. On this day, labor union
members and management
representatives patrol all workshops
to get all employees to leave at thedesignated time.
No overtime day

24

Greeting campaign

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report
With Our Employees

Promoting Diversity
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We promote diversity of our organization, as we believe that theidea of diversity and inclusion is essential for companies to attainI’
ve got twins, and decided to take a 6-month paternity leave. Bothmy wife and I are unable to receive help from our parents because
they live in distant places, so I made my decision to take paternity
leave quickly and without hesitation.
This opportunity to spend long, deep hours with my kids and doinghousework has enabled me to think a lot about my work and family
respectively. Also, the experience of full-time childrearing, allowing
me to see closely every moment of growth of my babies – once-ina-lifetime moments – was so precious and ofgreat joy to me, and I am glad that I took thisopportunity.

sound growth and ensure happiness of all employees. Here,diversity means an employee-friendly workplace accepting diverse
people (where all people regardless of their gender, age, disability,

nationality, etc. enjoy working) and also means diverse values andideas that move the company forward.

■ Work-Life balance
Our employee demography shows that the number of those on
maternity/paternity leave has been constant at around 50 persons
in recent years. In our company, many female workers return towork after leave. Our Paternity/Maternity Plus program, which was
newly established in 2010, is helping to gradually increase thenumber of male users of our childcare leave system. We believethat employees’increased time with their family members will
eventually help improve the quality of their work life.

Koichiro Shimogami
Supervisor
Engineering Dept.
Organic Package Div.

Voices from paternity leave system users(Results of a questionnaire survey)■ Number of employees using the leave schemes
Number of users (unit: persons)60

Paternity leave

58

50

0
58

Maternity leave

55

1
54

48

40

1
47

We conducted a questionnaire survey on 7 male employees who tookchildcare leave.
・All of the seven respondents say that they are satisfied with theirdecision to use the system.
・They recognize positive effects on their work, including improvementsin their way of using time.
・Many say that more publicity should be given – the outline of thesystem as well as its relevance to wage and bonus should be
explained more sufficiently.
・Six out of the seven belong to the same department that the firstmale user of this system belongs to.
・The length of leave varies widely, ranging from 20 days to 6 months.

Nursing care leave

45

1
44

47

3
44

30
20
10
0

2

0
2008

2007

1

1

2009

2010

0
2011
(ﬁscal year)■ Empowerment of female workers■ Post-retirement reemployment

The ratio of female workers to the entire number of full-time
employees is only 15%, partly due to the characteristics of ourindustry, but their average length of employment is as long as 13.2
years, which means that we have a favorable work environment for
women including wives and mothers.
As of today, a total of 36 female workers have used ourrepositioning system (to transfer from general clerical positions to
the managerial track) that was introduced in 1999, and the ratio of
women to the entire number of employees on the managerial track
has risen to about 10%. Accordingly, the number of female
managers is gradually increasing from year to year. We continue towork hard to promote empowerment of female workers in our

In 2001, we introduced a post-retirement reemployment system,with the aim of taking advantage of long-accumulated knowledge
and expertise of retired employees and also satisfying their desire
to stay at work.
Employment of the elderly population is an important issue for oursociety, as the national pension system has been reformed,
deferring the starting age of recipients, and the demographic shift
into aging society is quite rapid. We work hard to seek more
possibilities for elderly workers, and intend to design various new
reemployment systems that take into consideration aptitude,
motivation and abilities of respective elderly people, so as to findmutually beneficial solutions for the employer and seniororganization.

employees.

■ Number of female workers in a managerial post by fiscal year

■ Number of retirees reemployed under the system

Number of persons
25

Number of users (unit: persons)Supervisor

20

100

22

Assistant manager

80

18

Manager

15

60
9

10
5
0

4
2007

2008

78

2009

2010

73

55

40

5
8
1
2009

49

81

17
1
2010

20

19
2
1
2011
(ﬁscal year)

0

25

2007

2008

2011
(ﬁscal year)

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report
With Our Employees■ Employment of the disabled■ Percentage of Disabled Employees

As a result of our efforts to promote the employment of people

Employment Rate (%)
2of employees at our organization has reached 1.84% during
FY2011, exceeding the legally required percentage.

1.8

care and attention to safety aspects, and we make efforts to

1.4

with disabilities, the ratio of disabled persons to the entire number

1.6

Placement of these disabled employees is conducted with sufficient
provide them with a comfortable work environment. We continue

1.83

Legally required ratio
1.50

1.53

2007

2008

1.84

1.76

1.2

to promote the employment of people with disabilities.

0

2009

2010

2011
(ﬁscal year)

Human Resources Development
We aim at the development of those who can communicate thecompany’s traditional attitude of emphasizing quality-oriented
principle to younger employees, and also those who have theability to cope with changes inside and outside the organizationand follow through reforms. To this end, we implement diverse
education and training programs systematically, based on our
corporate Human Resources Development Concept, with the aimof ensuring continuous capacity building of employees.

Human Resources Development Concept
Fostering employees who, as a member of the corporate family,observe our corporate rules and independently take actions with aself-reliance spirit.
We seek:● Persons who are full of curiosity and actively take on challenges
 ersons who flexibly adapt themselves to changes in circumstances,●P
showing a positive attitude●P ersons who logically think from the other person’s perspective andsincerely take necessary actions■ Education/training programs
Our education and training activities consist mainly of OJT (on the
job training) opportunities, through which employees are trained toacquire skills and knowledge in their normal working situation. We
also have OFF-JT (off the job training) programs, providing
employees with learning opportunities outside their respective
workplaces.
We have a total of 153 OFF-JT programs, that include“quality
education,”“environment/safety education,”“education on the roleof each track; global human resources education”and“career
improvement support”. During FY2011, a total of 4,951 employees
participated in these OFF-JT programs.

■ Human Resource Development
Human Resource Development
Education/training programs

Education and training programs andothers commonly necessary for thecompany as a whole
ＯＪＴ
Onsite instruction of operations at
each workplace● Changes of workplace
and/or occupational
type● Motivation
enhancement● Self-enlightenment
etc

ＯＦＦ－ＪＴ
Training outside a workplace

Human Capital Development
Human Resources Dept.

Orientation for new employees■ Ability Training System Diagram (OFF-JT)

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Managers

I participated in the training program for business leader
candidates, in which I learned management strategies, marketing,finance and other practical knowledge in diverse fields.
This seminar gave me the opportunity to not only acquire
knowledge but also reflect on myself. Also,
exchanges of opinions with other participants
during the seminar contributed a lot to myaspirations, and I’
m quite satisfied with theseminar.
Hiroyuki Maeda
General Manager, Sensor Engineering Dept.Ⅱ
Sensor Div.

Mid-grade
employeesYoungemployeesNew
employees

26

Product quality
education programs

Training programs forbusiness leader candidates
Training programs for
managers

Environmental/safety
education programs

Training programs for new
managers

Professional education
programs

Training programs for new
section chiefs

Global human resources
education programs

Training programs for
mid-level employees

Correspondence education
programs

Follow-up programs
Training programs for new
employees

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report
With Our Employees

Occupational Safety and Health
Fiscal 2011 Topics● Frequency rate of all occupational accidents turned out best in the past 10 years.
● We enhanced safety awareness activities by increasing hands-on safety training andintroducing measures to ensure employees’ compliance.

Basic philosophy

Occupational Safety and
Health Basic Policy

Occupational safety and health is the most familiar theme for
employees in their daily duties. It is the most important theme forenterprises as well in their efforts to provide a working environment
in which employees are encouraged to do their best in operations.
We are well aware that offering a secure and safe workplace is ourimportant corporate responsibility.
To this end, we established our occupational safety and healthmanagement system in 2006, aiming to realize“zero accidents”
and secure safety at all workplaces. We will continue strengthening
our safety and health management activities at a companywide
level, aiming to establish a corporate culture of“safety first.”

We strive for occupational safety and health as the starting
point of business activities on the basis of respect forhuman life and dignity.

Action Guidelines●Observe laws and self-standards relating to occupational safety
and health.
●Reduce risks and elimination of work-related accidents throughsustainable improvement in occupational safety and healthmanagement system and performance.
●Prevent health hazards and promote the physical and mental
health of employees.
●P ublicize this policy among all the employees, promote
consciousness through training and enlightenm, and expand
toward the overall participation in labor safety and healthactivities.

OSHMS
With the aim of eliminating on-the-job accidents and creating a

by-step improvement of our safety status, the progress and results

comfortable, safe work environment, we have established an inhouse occupational safety and health management system(OSHMS). We are accredited as complying with JISHA OSHMS
Standards.
Each plant and office set safety goals and safety plans inof such OSHM efforts are verified by our internal safety and healthauditors as well as the plant safety and health committee and thecentral safety and health committee.

accordance with our OSHMS guidelines, aiming to conduct OSHM
activities based on a“total involvement”principle. To attain a step■ Safety and Health Promotion Organization
President
Chief Safety and HealthAdministrator (Central safety
and health committee
chairman)
Chief Central Safety and
Health Administrator
Internal
Safety and
HealthAuditorOSHMS
Secretariat

Central safety andhealth committee
Plant safety and healthcommittee
Department/section
safety and healthsubcommittee
Office meeting on safety
and healthExpert committees
・ Ad hoc assessment
committee
・ Traffic safety measurescommittee etc.
Organized as necessary

Each plant＊Each plant refers to Headquarters and Nagoya Plant, Komaki Plant,
Miyanojo Plant, Ise Plant

27

Internal Auditor Training

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report
With Our Employees

Target and Results
During fiscal 2011, we implemented the test introduction of a new

to workplace safety and health management,through therisk assessment system to a model production line (in the Spark

improvement of both hard power and soft power.

Plug Division at the Komaki Plant), which resulted in the successful
establishment of a method to identify hazards through

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comprehensive and objective assessment. Also, we increased thenumber of plants that introduced hands-on safety training withWe have reformed our risk assessment system. Before the reform,
we were viewing things subjectively to detect hazards, but now, we
are able to take an objective view to identify hazards.
Also, we have learned that we could improve the ability to detecthazards through the effort to inspect facilities
and operations respectively and simultaneously.

accident simulations, by which we promote employees’behavioral
accident prevention efforts.

In fiscal 2012, our new risk assessment system will be extensively

introduced throughout the company. Also, in response to ourprevious year’s failure to achieve certain goals, we will introduce
the following measures: ”
the placement of soundproof shields toreduce noises”for ”
improvement of work environment”and ”
therevision of a patrol check sheet”for ”
enforcement of patrols forbehavior relating to safety and health.”In addition, we will enhance
our education activities to raise the level of employees’commitment

Target１. Elimination ofwork-related
accident

２. Improvementof work
environment

３. P romotion ofhealth

４. Enhanced of
education,
training andenlightenment

Fiscal 2011

Junichi Tanabe
Manager
Environment & Safety Management Dept.

Fiscal 2012
TargetResults

Evaluation

Essential safety of machinery and facilities,
and promotion of self-management ofthem

The safety confirmation of machines and equipment indesigning was enhanced. The voluntary management ofthem was enhanced.

○

Promotion of  efforts to secure the safety andintegrity of machines and equipment and ensure
employees’autonomous attitude toward themaintenance of machines and equipment.

Intensive sampling of the present risks andan exhaustive publication of remainingrisks

All existing risk sources have been identified at
respective workplaces.

○―

Promotion of new risk assessment

An educational method to promote understanding of
the new risk assessment system was established.

○

Promotion of new risk assessment.

Completion of rules of operation methods
and thorough compliance to the rules

Internal audits have found no problems in ourcompliance status.

○

Completion of rules of operation methods andthorough compliance to the rules

Improvement of work environments in
harmful workplaces

Work environments in the second management
category and the third management category for noise
have not improved.

×

Improvement of work environments

A lifestyle improvement program was conducted on
applicable employees, and exhibitions promoting healthimprovements were held.

○

Utilization of results of periodical healthexaminations to ensure employees’autonomous
health management and their receipt ofnecessary instructions and consultation.

Guidance on mental health was conducted by our
corporate doctors. A mental health questionnaire survey
among employees was also conducted.

○

Promotion of employees’autonomous efforts tomaintain their mental health while empowering
managers to fulfill their responsibility tosupervise health conditions of theirsubordinates.

Enrichment of training for safety andhealth in workplaces

Opportunities for hands-on safety training with accident
simulations, as well as the number of participants in the
training were increased.

○

Enrichment of education and training for safety
and health in workplaces

Enforcement of patrols for behavior
relating to safety and health

Mutual reminder activities were insufficient.

×

Enforcement of patrols for behavior relating tosafety and health.

Promotion of measures for safety,
sanitation, and health in daily life

Hazard prediction training was actively conducted at
respective workplaces.

○

Promotion of measures for safety, sanitation,and health in daily life

Improved health management awareness1. Elimination of work-related accident■ Frequency Rate of Accidents
NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. (all accidents)
NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. (accidents resulting in absence from work)
Electrical Machinery and Appliance Manufacturing Business(accidents resulting in absence from work) [reference]

2.0

Frequency Rate

During fiscal 2011, we registered the decade’s lowest ”
frequency rate ofoccupational accidents”again, for the second year in a row. We believethat this achievement can be attributed to our enhanced efforts tointroduce enhanced measures to identify and address potential dangers –especially for non-regular operations – and to increase education activities
including consistent instructions given to employees to ensure theircompliance with common operational rules throughout the organization.
We see a mitigating tendency in our on-the-job accidents – today, themajority are minor-injury accidents (with no need for absence from work).
The number of accidents occurring during commute to and from work isalso declining, and this is also attributable to our introduction of traffic
safety education.

1.5
1.0

1.52
1.41

0.64

0.5
0

28

1.86

0.48

0.39

0.35

2007

2008

1.09
0.49
0.26
2009

0.98

0.44
0.18
2010

0.09
2011
(ﬁscal year)

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report
With Our Employees

２. Improvement of work environment
Targeting workplaces subject to significant dust pollution or severe

seminars on countermeasures against

noises, we conduct working environment measurement inheatstroke, and installing drinks vending

third management category are especially encouraged to takemeasure the level of lighting and CO2

accordance with the Industrial Safety and Health Act. Plants/
operational sites that have been classified under the second or

machines.
Regarding an office work environment, we

effective solutions to be classified in the first management category.

concentration to ensure the work

We also take preventive measures against heat stroke incidents inenvironment is constantly favorable. In winter,summer by measuring WBGT, encouraging adequate intakes of

we install humidifying devices in the office tohelp prevent the spread of flu viruses.

water and salt, providing cooling items and the like, holding

Management
category

Workingenvironment
measurement

Third

Inadequate
workplace

SecondRoom forimprovement

First

Adequate
workplace

３. Promotion of health
We have a slogan –“Bring your best physical and mental condition
to your workplace and maintain it until leaving.”Self-discipline is a
key to the maintenance of one’s condition, and we promote
employees’autonomous health management efforts.

actively use a check sheet in the Self-care Handbook to encourage
employees to increase their awareness of the importance of“selfcare.”In addition, with the cooperation of our industrial physicians
and clinic doctors, we conduct a questionnaire survey to ensure
early detection of employees’mental health problems. As part ofour efforts to promote employees’good mental health, we have alsoestablished a hotline outside our organization so that employees
suffering any undesirable mental condition can make a call andreceive consultation from a specialist.

■ Health checkups
At our health checkups, employees can undergo additional tests
other than general examination items by law. For employees withabnormal findings in the health checkups, our industrial physicians,
clinic doctors and health management staff provide with follow-up
care such as reexamination, close
examination, medical treatment and others.
We also promote our publicity activities toraise the level of our employees’healthconsciousness and improve their attitude
toward autonomous health management.
Health Care Promotion staff■E fforts by NGK SPARK PLUG Health Insurance Society
Working together with the company and the labor union, the healthinsurance society provides a wide variety of programs to support
member workers’mental and physical good health. Specifically,
health management and disease prevention efforts conducted by thehealth insurance society include: metabolic syndrome improvement/
prevention programs; subsidies for medical examinations; support
programs for quitting smoking; subsidies for flu vaccination; andother health management promotion programs such as walking
tours and bus hiking.

■ Mental health care

We aim to educate our employees to increase their awareness of“line care (the practice that superiors pay attention to the mental
health of their subordinates)”and“self-care (the practice tounderstand one’s own mental stress and cope with it)”throughThe health insurance society also operates three clinics at ourdomestic plants, as well as a resort facility for member employees in
the Gokasho Bay area located in Minami-Ise, Mie Prefecture.

training programs conducted in and outside our company. We also

４. Enhancement of Education and Enlightenment Programs
In response to the recent increased number of on-the-job accidents

As part of our daily activities to promote workplace safety andhealth management, we conduct occupational safety and healthpatrols, encourage information sharing about KYT and Hiyari Hatto

caused by young employees, we introduced, to the fiscal 2010
training programs for new employees, hands-on safety training
utilizing a machine for virtual experience of occupational accidents.
In  fiscal 2011, we increased these practical training opportunities tocover not only our plants but also workplaces of our affiliates.

incidents, and encourage employees to meet and read out texts
together of the Handbook for Safety and Health Management. Ourinternal auditors review these activities. Regarding problems

identified at occupational safety and health patrols or at workplacemeetings, they   are reported to relevant local safety and healthcommittees, to be discussed among committee members to find asolution.

Employees read our
Safety Handbook.

Hands-on safety
training for affiliatedcompanies

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I was shocked when my arm was pulled strongly – much more strongly
than expected – by a machine during the training with accident
simulations. I feel horrified when I think such an accident could
actually happen. Despite installation of various
foolproof systems that could protect us, I think
the most important thing which I learned from thetraining is to have an attentive attitude.
Toshiro Shimoda
Manager
Production Dept., Miyanojo Plant, Spark Plug Div.

Hands-on safety
training at our
Miyanojo Plant

29

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report

With Local Communities and International Society● NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. was appointed by the Nagoya Citizens Auditorium

Fiscal 2011 Topics

its naming rights partner.

as● We started participating in the “TABLE FOR TWO” initiative that supports school

lunches in developing countries.

Basic Philosophy
We carry out various types of social contribution

activities in areas where our production sites arelocated, aiming to enhance communication withlocal residents and help realize a more comfortablesociety. In conducting business operations
throughout the world, we also respect the culturesand customs of local communities, aiming tocontribute to the further development of local
communities.

Social Contribution Policy

As a good corporate citizen, we at the NGK SPARK PLUG Group aim tocontribute to society through the effective use of management resources.

Action Guidelines●We focus on the following activities:
・Activities closely related to our business fields and also to local communities
・Activities that respect the cultures of individual countries and local communities,
as well as activities that contribute to society such as traffic safety education
programs
・A ctivities that contribute to the next generation society, focusing on
environmental conservation, science, and education, as well as cultures to bebequeathed to the next generation, etc.
●We strive to create a corporate culture that encourages executives andemployees to participate together in social contribution activities as a social
citizen. We also respect and support their active involvement in society.

Social Contribution Activities Involving Areas and Regions Close to Us■ Support for students
Our group companies provide local junior high and high schools
with hands-on work experience and training opportunities on
demand, and also accept visitors to their plant facilities.

Hands-on work experience at a plant(NGK Spark Plugs Malaysia Berhad)

Visitors to our plant(NTK Ceramic Co., Ltd.)

Seminar at a mechanics training
schoolSeminar at a mechanics training
schoolDistribution of backup supplies

Distribution of backup supplies■ Seminar on spark plugs held at mechanics
training schools
Bujias NGK de Mexico S.A. de C.V. holds seminars on spark plugs
and sensors at local training schools for mechanics. During fiscal
2011, a total of 6 seminars were held at four schools, in which 560
students participated as future mechanics.

■ We provided backup supplies for floods
victims in Pakistan
In summer of 2011, about 9 million Pakistanis (according to thegovernment) were affected by massive floods. NGK Spark Plug
Middle East FZE distributed about 700 bags of rice, soy beans,sugar, blankets and other backup supplies to affected people in
Sindh, a province in the southern part of the country that wasaffected severely.

30

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report
With Local Communities and International Society

Social Contribution Activities Targeting Local Communities■ Contributing to Culture in Nagoya by
Purchasing Naming Rights■ Helping local communities at the time of
emergency

NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. was selected as naming rights partner

We are prepared for an immediate response, in the event of any

for Nagoya Citizens Auditorium, a major cultural facility in Nagoya.

major disaster, to provide support for local communities. Our

Accordingly, the hall’s name has been NTK Hall since July 2012.

headquarters have entered into a memorandum of agreement withTaking this opportunity, we will further contribute to cultural andartistic development with a view to vitalization of the local

the Mitsurugi School District in Mizuho-ku, Nagoya City for theprovision of our materials and equipment at the time of emergency.

community.

Nagoya Citizens Auditorium

Also, our Komaki Plant has concluded an agreement with Komaki
City for the dispatch of our fire engine and in-house fire-fighting
team to respond to any major disaster in the region.

Ceremony for the official
appointment of a naming rights
partner

In-house fire-fighting team of the
Komaki Plant■ Traffic safety campaign■ Miyanojo Plant designated as a heliport fora medical helicopter

As a company engaged in the auto industry, we are socially
responsible for ensuring traffic safety. We conduct a traffic safety
campaign on a regular basis, in which we use signboards andbanners and call out to pedestrians on the street, including local
citizens and our employees, to raise the level of their attitude
toward traffic safety.

Campaign at Nagoya Plant

Water spray drill

In December 2011, Kagoshima Prefecture started to use medical
helicopters for lifesaving operations. Miyanojo Plant athletic fieldhas been designated as a heliport for medical missions,contributing to local society in securing a base for lifesaving
operations.

Campaign at Komaki Plant

Our athletic field designated asa heliport■ Blood donation
In cooperation with blood centers of the Japan Red Cross, we
encourage our employees to volunteer to donate blood, by holding
blood donation events on a regular basis.  
During fiscal 2011, NGK SPARK PLUG's blood donation events were
held four times at four of our plants. In addition, volunteers from
our affiliates inside and outside the country, including NTK CeramicCo., Ltd. , Tono Ceramic Co., Ltd. and P.T. NGK Busi Indonesia, also
donated blood.
Our employees register at the
Employees of NTK Ceramic Co.,
reception for blood donation
Ltd. are donating blood.
(Headquarters and Nagoya Plant)

31

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Social Report
With Local Communities and International Society

Social Contribution Activities Envisioning The Developmentof The Next Generation and Future Society■ Participation in TABLE FOR TWO to provide
school lunches in developing countries

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A report from the TFT secretariat on smiling children enjoying aschool lunch always makes me happy. The TABLE FOR TWO
initiative allows us to volunteer easily, thus facilitating a wide
participation of a large number of people. I am proud of being apart of this initiative.

Since October 2011, Headquarters and Nagoya Plant have been
involved in TABLE FOR TWO, a program providing school lunches

in developing countries. For each“healthy choice”meal served in
the cafeteria, 20 yen is donated. Accumulated donations wereequivalent to 11,923 school lunches by March 2012. The Komaki
Plant and the Ise Plant have participated in the TABLE FOR TWO
program since April 2012.

Yuki Sugiura
Human Resources Dept.

TFT (Table for Two) Day"Healthy choice" meal

■ Scholarship granted to Asian students■ Supporting vaccination through the
donation of collected plastic bottle caps

Nittoku Asia Foreign Student Scholarship Public Trust is a charitable
trust that we established in November 2006 to commemorate our70th anniversary of the foundation. This Fund targets Asianstudents studying in the Aichi Prefecture. In its fifth year (fiscal
2011), the Fund granted scholarships to 9 students.

Since July 2010, we have been participating in the movement forproviding vaccines to children in developing countries, throughcollecting plastic bottle caps and donating them to NPO for
children's vaccines. During fiscal 2011, we donated a total of
386,000 caps which would enable 483 children to take polio
vaccine.

Scholarship granting ceremony

Cap collection box installed at
our cafeteria■ Rugby promotion event heldby our rugby teamNGK SPARK PLUG’s rugby team provided a lesson for kids during
the 7th Tag Rugby Competitions held in February 2012 in
Kagoshima Prefecture. During the lesson, 15 team members taught
rugby to about 100 children from elementary schools in Satsumacho.
Our rugby team has been playing in the Top Kyushu League B
under the motto "FULL THROTTLE - with all out strength."
Rugby lesson

32

League gameE n v ir onm e nt al Rep o rt

Environmental Management 34
Environmental Burdensfrom Business Activities

38

Alleviating Climate
Changes

39

Waste

41

Water Resource

42

Substances ofEnvironmental Concern

43

Environmental Risk

45

Environmentally Friendly
Products

46

Communication

47

Scope of Environmental Reporting
NGK SPARK PLUG Group・NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. (excluding Branch and sales oﬃces)
・Nine consolidated domestic subsidiaries and one aﬃliate.

NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.

Aﬃliates

Headquarters
and Nagoya Plant

Nittoku Alfa Service Co., Ltd.
Nichiwa Kiki Co., Ltd.

Komaki Plant
Takenami Plant

Nittoku Unyu Co., Ltd.
Ceramic Sensor Co., Ltd.

Kamioka Ceramic Co., Ltd.
Tono Ceramic Co., Ltd.

Miyanojo Plant
Ise Plant

NTK Ceramic Co., Ltd.
Nittoku Seisakusho Co., Ltd.

Nansei Ceramic Co., Ltd.

Tokai Taima Kogu Co., Ltd.＊： Region (joint ISO14001 certiﬁcation)
In blue ： Included in the consolidated environmental accounting＊An equity method aﬃliate

33

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report

Environmental Management
Fiscal 2011 Topics● We commenced inaugural year activities for Eco Vision 2015.

Basic Philosophy

Environmental Policy

Environmental issues are a common challenge for all mankind.

We positively promote actions for environmental

Every member of the NGK SPARK PLUG Group will work towards

conservation through all business activities to contribute to

reducing the environmental burdens of our business activities as far
as possible and developing and providing products andtechnologies that contribute to improving the environment.
We will also endeavor to communicate in greater depth with our
stakeholders including our local communities so that we may all
work together to contribute to creating a sustainable society.

construction of a sustainable society with the participationof everyone concerned.

Action Guidelines●E nvironmental management： We will abide by all laws,
regulations, protocols, and voluntary standards relating toenvironmental conservation to prevent environmental pollution.
We also aim to manage both environmental conservation andbusiness growth by continually trying to enhance ourenvironment management system (EMS) and environmental
performance from a global point of view.

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Eco Vision 2015 was formulated last year in order to envision theideal state of environmental affairs in 2015. Fiscal 2011 saw many
drastic changes, but climate change (global warming) remains a
global issue, and therefore this Group places emphasis on reducing
CO2 emissions.
In the future, the entire Group will continue its
reduction efforts while considering CO2
emission management that incorporates the
supply chain, in the hope of contributing toestablishing a sustainable society.

Takafumi Oshima Member of the Board, Senior Executive Officer,
 and Central Environment Committee Chairman●Business operation： We will promote environmentally friendly
business activity to contribute to prevention of global warming,
resource recycling, and biodiversity conservation throughout theentire life cycle of our products from procurement of thematerials to disposal.
●Cooperation with society： We will try to disclose informationand to enhance communication for improving the trust of our
stakeholders and deepening cooperation with society. We also
try to enhance environmental consciousness by positively
enforcing participation of all the employees in environmental
conservation activities.

■ Environmental Action Plan

Social Cooperation

Business Activities

Environmental
Management

Item

Fiscal 2015 Target

Fiscal 2012 Target
Analysis of EMS operational state in overseas factories

Promotion of globally united actions

Formulation of global ecological vision.

Promotion of environmental activities
relating to corporate management

Transparentization of energy and waste cost and constructionof system to promote actions for reducing the costs

Application method examination of material flow cost accounting

Drawing out standard for collecting reliable environmental data

Reduction of CO2 emissions

Emissions: down 10% from 2007
Per unit production: down 8% from 2007

Emissions: 187,935 tons (down 10% from 2007)
Per unit production: 0.748 tons/ million yen (down 5.6% from 2007)

Reduction of disposal of wastes andvaluable materials

Per unit production: down 30% from 2007

Per unit production: 0 .070 tons/ million yen (down 28.6% from 2007)

Reduction of water use
Reduction in PRTR emissions

Per unit production: down 8% from 2007
Emissions: down 80% from 2007

Per unit production: 8.30 m3/ million yen (up 9.5% from 2007)
Reexamination of recycling equipment of VOC

Development of environmentallyfriendly products

Expansion of LCA to all the company’s operation sites

Implementation of LCA to model products

Enhancement of the management ofchemical materials

Construction of a management system on chemicalmaterials including supply chains

Introduction of chemical management software

Promotion of green procurement

Expansion of the green supplier system

・Investigation / certificate audit implementation of original suppliers of domestic affiliates.
・Renewal audit implementation of the suppliers certified in 2009

Recycling of post-consumer products

Establishment of recycling technology for products andpackaging materials

Examination of products recycling technology
Implementation of package materials reuse

Reduction of CO2 emissions in physicaldistribution

Domestic distribution energy per unit
production: down 8% from 2007

Per unit production 0.422 kL/ 100 million yen(down 5% from 2007)

Environmentally friendly sales activities

Promotion of environmentally friendly sales activities

Improvement of disclosing information

Improvement of disclosing global environmental
information

Enhancement of communication

Enhancement of communication with communities

Enhancement of social contribution

Enhancement of social contribution to communities

Proposal of environmentally friendly sales strategies
Enrichment of PR relating to environmental efficiency of products
Disclosure of state of law abidance in overseas factories
・Acquisition of material data (procurement amount of raw materials
and parts) in overseas factories
・Disclosure of global material balanceContinual implementation of the environmental conferences
Acceptance of plant tours of stakeholders
Continual participation in EPOC international exchange subcommittee meetings
・Continual implementation of the clean-up activities
・Enhancement of beautification activities around plants
・Participation in a variety of environmental activities

Enhancement of actions for biodiversity
Enhancement of actions for biodiversity preservation
preservation

Examination of activities for Satoyama (planted/managed natural woodlots)preservation activities and cooperation with NPO/NGO and governments

Enhancement of environmental
consciousness

Enhancement of level-specific training in the domestic Group
Drawing out educational materials for overseas factories

Enhancement of environmental education

34

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report
Environmental Management

Fiscal 2011 Targets and Results
The NGK SPARK PLUG Group Eco Vision 2015 is a visionDuring fiscal 2011, the Environmental Policy was shared globally.

established in 2011 indicating the ideal state of environmental

The CO2 emission reduction goal was achieved in total, but

activities by this Group in 2015. We set targets for every year in
our environmental activities in order to achieve Eco Vision 2015.

remained unachieved in terms of per unit production. We willcontinue our efforts into fiscal 2012 so as to achieve the targets.

The following table indicates the targets and results for fiscal 2011,
the inaugural year of the Vision.

■ Fiscal 2011 Targets and Results
Item

Environmental
Management

Business
Activities

ResultEvaluation

Sharing of environmental declarations and policies ofthe domestic Group with overseas factories

Requested overseas factories to place theenvironmental declarations and policies of thedomestic Group on top of their respective
environmental policies.

○

Understanding of the current state of EMS in overseas
factories

Conducted surveys targeting overseas factories.

○

Implementation of the new environmental management
information system in domestic Group

Commenced operation of the new environmental
management information system.

○

Promotion of environmental activities
relating to corporate management

Conversion of environmental loads, such as CO2 andwastes, to cost in domestic Group

Cost conversion was conducted for CO2, but not for
waste.

×

Reduction of CO2 emissions

Emissions:
186,725 tons (down 11% from 2007)
Per unit production:
0.780 tons/ million yen (down 10% from 2007)

Emissions:
177,435 tons (down 15% from 2007)
Per unit production:
0.789 tons/ million yen (up 11% from 2007)

×

Reduction of disposal of wastes andvaluable materials

Per unit production:
0.072 tons/ million yen (down 26% from 2007)

Per unit production:
0.067 tons/ million yen (down 32% from 2007)○

Reduction of water use

Per unit production:
7.77 m3/ million yen (up 2.5% from with 2007)

Per unit production:
7.52 m3/ million yen (down 0.8% from 2007)○

Reduction in PRTR emissions

Reexamination of recycling equipment

It was deliberated, but no implementation was madedue to present issues such as capacity.

×

Development of environmentallyfriendly products

Determination of the range of data collection
Acquisition of required data

The range of data collection has been decided andcollection has commenced for all divisions.

○Examination of the management system of chemicalmaterials

A working group was established in which necessary
matters for the management system were deliberated.

○

Investigation of the status of chemical materials andstorage of the data

It has been decided to use commercial software, andpre-implementation collection of data has beensuspended.

○

Promotion of globally united actions

Enhancement of the management ofchemical materials

・Briefed seven companies of the green supplier system.
Expansion of the green supplier system to the domestic・Revised the Green Procurement Guidelines as a policy
affiliates
for the entire Group.

○

Examination of recycling technology of products

Could not establish the technology.

×Examination of the reuse of package materials

Deliberated on the systemization of packaging
collection.

○

Reduction of CO2 emissions in physicaldistribution

0.426 kL/ 100 million yen(down 4% from 2007)

0.459 kL/ 100 million yen(down 3.4% from 2007)

×

Proposal of environmentally friendly sales strategies

Expanded sales of environmentally friendly products.

○

Environmentally friendly sales activities

Enrichment of PR relating to the environmental
efficiency of our products

PR for environmentally friendly products was conducted
at exhibitions and through catalogues.

○

Disclosure of the state of law abidance in overseas
factories

Investigated the law abidance status of overseas
factories, but the delay in verification prevented thedisclosure.

×

Acquisition of material data (procurement amount of
raw materials and parts) in oversea factories

Obtained material data from overseas factories, butsome survey items were lacking, and tallying was notachieved.

×

Continual implementation of the environmental
conferences

Held at eight sites.

○

Promotion of green procurement

Recycling of post-consumer products

Improvement of disclosing information

Enhancement of communication

SocialCooperation

Fiscal 2011 Target

Enhancement of social contribution

Acceptance of plant tours of stakeholders

Accepted plant tours of stakeholders at five sites.

○

Continual participation in EPOC international exchange
subcommittee meetings

Continued participation in EPOC international exchange
subcommittee meetings.

○

Continual implementation of the clean-up activities

Each plant/ affiliate participated in environmental
activities, cleaning activities, etc., hosted by local
municipalities.

○

Participation in a variety of environmental activities

Planning of guidelines relating to biodiversity
Enhancement of actions for biodiversity Examination of activities for Satoyama (planted/
preservation
managed natural woodlots) conservancy andEnhancement of environmental
consciousness

Formulated the Group’s Biodiversity Action Guidelines.

○

cooperation with NPO/NGO and governments

Prioritized biodiversity education to employees.
Will continue investigation of activities for Satoyama
conservancy.

×Enhancement of level-specific training in the domesticGroup

Investigated the needs for and systematized levelspecific training.

○

Understanding of the implementation status ofenvironmental education in oversea factories

Understood the implementation status ofenvironmental education in overseas factories throughquestionnaire surveys.

○

35

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report
Environmental Management

Promotion System■ Environmental Activity Promotion Organization

To conduct systematic and effective environmental preservation
activities, we have established an environmental management

President

system following the environmental policy shared by the entire
Group, and every member of the Group is striving to achieve ourEnvironmental
Administrators

Eco Vision.

The status of system operation is confirmed through internal audits,
and at the same time, the central and regional environment

Central Environment
Committee Chairman

committees check progress towards achieving our goals andendorse challenges for each group/ division/ region/ department
to facilitate continuous improvement.
The organization was reviewed in fiscal 2011; the Chemical
Substance Subcommittee and the Green Procurement
Subcommittee were consolidated into the Chemical SubstanceManagement Subcommittee so as to ensure proper compliancewith chemical substance regulations that are becoming more andmore stringent. Also, the Logistics Subcommittee has been newly
established to enhance environmental efforts in the logistics field.

Central Environment
Committee

Environmental ISO Bureau

Internal Environmental Auditor

Chief Central
Environmental
Administrator

Central Energy Saving
Expert Committee
Central Waste
Subcommittee
Chemical SubstanceManagement
Subcommittee
Logistics
Subcommittee

Environmental
Committee

Each region

Energy Saving Expert
Committee
Waste Subcommittee＊”Each region”refers to the Headquarters Region, theKomaki Region, the Miyanojo Region, the Ise Region, andaffiliates.

Internal environmental audit

Central Environment Committee meeting

The Establishment Status of our Environmental Management System
We received ISO 14001 consolidated certification for NGK SPARKPLUG CO., LTD. and 10 domestic affiliates.
Overseas corporations are currently being encouraged to seek
individual ISO 14001 certification; as of the end of fiscal 2011,
there are 13 overseas corporations with ISO 14001 certification.

Details

Certification for the entire employee body of the Group, including
both domestic and overseas sites, has reached 98%. We are further
promoting certification in overseas corporations.

Environmental Education

Details

We conduct environmental level-specific education for each rank toincrease the environmental awareness and knowledge of ouremployees.
In addition, we familiarize people with our environmental policy
using the Environment Card, provide environmental information via
company newsletters, and present case examples on theEnvironment/ Safety/ Health website. The annual Health, Safety andEnvironment Conference held in fiscal 2011 in each region
presented panel and sample exhibits, which were participated inby many employees.

Environment Card

36

Health, Safety andEnvironment Conference

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report
Environmental Management

Environmental Accounting

Details■ Environmental Preservation Costs and Value of Preservation Impact (non-consolidated)

What is important in promoting environmental management is togain a grasp of the costs and effectiveness of environmental

Costs (million yen)preservation activities. We have been adopting environmental
accounting since 1999, and in 2003 the accounting scope was

15,000expanded to include the entire Group.

Value of impact (million yen)

Expensesmillion yen on a non-consolidated basis, and 10,019 million yen for

10,000the Group. This was an increase of 14% compared to fiscal 2010.

The effect of environment preservation measures was 331 million
yen on a non-consolidated basis.

11,007
426
8,937
9,580
8,960
284
6,110
5,854

5,000

Calculation Method

8,035
7,581
274

0

620
2007

2008

256

454

2009

2010

Costs (million yen)(million yen)Content of impact

AmountBusiness earnings from recycling waste generated
during business activities, used products, etc.

203

Cut in energy costs by conserving energy

116

Cut in water costs by conserving water4

Cut in waste disposal costs by conserving resources
and recycling

8

Total

331



400

331

798
0

2011
(ﬁscal year)■ Environmental Preservation Costs (Group)
Expenses

15,000■ Value of Environmental Preservation Impact (non-consolidated)

9,226
8,428

200

2,070

Environmental preservation costs are proportionally calculated bycategorizing items in conformity with the guidelines issued by the
Ministry of the Environment of Japan, then prorating them in accordancewith the rules of the NGK SPARK PLUG Group, created based on actual
direct investment and expenses. Since fiscal 2011, the data tabulation
method has been changed from the conventional twelve-month
reduction method to net method to improve accuracy.

Cost reduction

600

485

Environmental preservation costs for fiscal 2011 totaled 9,226

Earnings

Value of impact

Investment

10,000

11,631
9,453

10,0689,435

Investment

8,804
8,297

10,019
9,200

6,662
6,391

5,000
2,178
0

2007

633

271

507

2008

2009

2010

819
2011
(ﬁscal year)

Eco-efficiency■ Eco-efficiency (Group)

We calculate eco-efficiency by determining net sales per unit ofCO2 emissions and generated waste, and endeavor to improve it.
Fiscal 2011 saw an increase in both the CO2 index and the waste
index compared to the previous fiscal year. Summertime energy
conservation measures improved CO2 efficiency.

(Fiscal 2007 = 100)

CO2 Index

Waste Index

160

146

140
125

120
100

134

105

100 100

80

85

86

2008

2009

87

90

60
CO2 Index ＝Net sales
CO2 emission volume by production

Waste Index ＝

40
20

Net sales
Volume of waste

0

37

2007

2010

2011
(ﬁscal year)

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report

Environmental Burdens from Business Activities
Material Balance＊Figures indicate performance of NGK SPARK PLUG Group (P33) and domestic sales offices sites combined.

INPUTOUTPUT■ Products■ Raw Materials, auxiliary materials■Ceramic materials, metal materials: Purchased volume■Reused materials: Volume of reused ceramic materials■Plastic materials, chemical substances, oils, paper,
other materials, other gases: Volume used by eachdepartment (estimate)
Ceramic materials

14,078 tons

Metal materials

26,356 tons

Reused materials

14,771 tons

Plastic materials

2,903 tons

Chemical substances

8,626 tons

Oils

487 tons

Paper

3,467 tons

Other materials

Suppliers

349,770 MWh

Natural energy

210 MWh

City gas

15.07 million m3

LPG

7,361 tons

Heavy oil A

0 kL

Gasoline

634 kL

Diesel oil

67 kL

Kerosene

14 kL

Tap water

898,373 m3

Well water

794,088 m3

Recycled water

570,710 m3

589 tons

Paper

1,605 tons

Cardboard

1,832 tons

■ Recycling: Volume consigned for recycling (including
the volume sold)■ Landfill/ incineration: Volume consigned for landfill/incineration
Recycling
Landfill/ incineration

Research, design,
manufacturing,
sales

Air

111 tons

Water

0.3 tons■CO2 emissions■ Offices and plants, testing, and travel/ transportation:
Volume of CO2 emitted through the use of electricity,
city gas, etc.
Offices and plants
Testing
Travel/ transportation

Heavy oil B/ C

Reuse/ Recycle

732 GJSOx

CO2 conversion factor
Purchased electricity

0.33kg CO2/kWh

0 tons■ Wastewater: Volume discharged into sewer andpublic waters■ Evaporation, etc.: Volume of evaporated coolant,etc., excluding wastewater
1,214,403 m3
478,059 m3■ CO2 emissions
Logistics
Customers■ Factors used to calculate CO2
Japan Auto Parts Industries Association (2001)

432 tons■Wastewater

3,244 GJ

Jet fuel

1,359 tons

■ SOx: Emission volume from incineration facilities, etc.

■ Energy

956 kL

177,569 tons

■Air

Evaporation, etc.

Diesel oil

176 tons■A ir, Water: Volume of substances emitted into the air andwater for which reports have been issued by each region

Wastewater■Diesel oil, heavy oil B/ C, jet fuel:Amount used for shipping by truck, ship and aircraft(including outsourced shipping)

14,891 tons

■Chemical substances (PRTR)■ Water■Tap water: Volume of tap water used
■Well water: Volume of underground water used■Recycled water: Volume of water reused after
purification on the premises

Plastics■ Waste■ Energy

Purchased electricity

46,348 tons

■ Plastics, paper, cardboard: Volume used by eachshipping department (estimate)

9,681 tons

■Purchased electricity, city gas, heavy oil A, kerosene:
Volume used in offices and plants■Natural energy: Amount of energy generated by solar
power and small hydropower■Gasoline: Amount used in testing and travel/transportation■LPG, diesel oil: Volume used in offices and plants, for
testing, and travel/ transportation

Products■ Containers and packaging material

854 tons

Other gases■ Products: Volume of products shipped as consigner＊Tally method changed since fiscal 2006■T ransportation: Volume of CO2 emitted through theuse of diesel oil, etc. (including external consignment)
Transportation

2,749 tons

＊Including inter-plants shipments■ Calculation of emission volume
Ordinance guidelines on calculating
greenhouse gas emission volumes
resulting from the business activities ofdesignated emitters

City gas2.558kg CO2/m3

LPG

3.007kg CO2/kg

Gasoline

2.32kg CO2/L

Heavy oil A

2.712kg CO2/L

Diesel oil

2.62kg CO2/L

Kerosene

2.493kg CO2/L

CO2 conversion factor

38

For manufacturing sites with no equipment tomeasure wastewater volumes, the total volume oftap water and well water used is indicated aswastewater.

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report

Alleviating Climate Changes
Fiscal 2011 Topics● We strove for electricity conservation in response to the disaster.

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Basic Philosophy

I believe that the effective utilization of limited resources and the prevention ofenvironmental destruction are our obligations to the next generation. It has been two
years since the Energy Conservation Promotion Office was established, and this Officehas been participating in the energy conservation activities of many departments. Our
key achievements for fiscal 2011 include RHK exhaust heat recovery and review of thegeneral temperature control method; our contribution has resulted ina reduction of 923 tons in CO2 emissions. Energy conservation
activities reduce environmental burdens as well as costs, andtherefore, we will continue creating mechanisms and providing
support so as to further promote energy conservation activities.
Kiyotaka OnoGeneral Manager
Energy Conservation Promotion Office

Major climate change could hinder theestablishment of a sustainable society. To

contribute to the alleviation of climate change,
Eco Vision 2015 sets CO2 emission reduction
targets for long-term efforts led by the Energy
Conservation Promotion Office.

Results of the Fiscal 2011 Targets, and the Fiscal 2012 Targets
The CO2 emission volume for fiscal 2011 was 177,400 tons (down
5.4% from previous fiscal year), thus achieving the 2011 target of
186,700 tons. This was due to energy conservation efforts such as
exhaust heat recovery, combustion air preheating, and insulation
during the manufacturing process, as well as electricity
conservation efforts (peak reduction, etc.).

Since it has been difficult to reflect the actual business activities
into the reduction results, the evaluation indices that reflect theactual status in a better manner will be used for fiscal 2012; theaim is to achieve emissions of 18.79 tons and emissions per unit ofproduction of 0.748 tons/ million yen.

■ Transition of Emission Volume of Energy-Origin CO2(Offices and Plants)
emissions (10,000(10,000 t-CO
t-CO22))
CO
CO22 emissions

30
30

Basic
Basic unit
unit (t-CO(t-CO22// million
million yen)yen)

Non-consolidated
Non-consolidated

Basic
Basic unit
unit

Group
Group

25
25
0.829 0.828
0.828 0.811
20.89
20.89 0.829
0.811

20
20
15
15
10
10

19.46
19.46
17.09
17.09

0.708
0.708
14.57
14.57 13.81
13.81

18.75
18.75

0.789
0.789
17.74
17.74

12.23
11.56
11.56 12.23
11.52
11.52

7.01
7.01

55
00

1990
1990

2007
2007

2008
2008

■ Trend in CO2 Emissions(Domestic Group + Overseas Factories)

2009
2009

2010
2010 2011
2011

CO
CO22 emissions
emissions (10,000(10,000 t-CO
t-CO22))

30
30

11

23.84
25
25 23.84

Overseas
Overseas Factories
Factories

2.95
2.95
18.93
18.93 0.8
0.8

20
20

0.6
0.651
0.651 0.6

15
15

0.4
0.4

10
10

0.2
0.2

55

00

00

22.64
22.64
3.18
3.18

20.11
20.11
3.02
3.02

20.89
20.89

2015
2015
(ﬁscal(ﬁscal year)
year)

AfricaAfrica2%
2%

Domestic
Domestic Group
Group

1.2
1.2

19.46
19.46

17.09
17.09

21.75
21.75
3.00
3.00

18.75
18.75

20.79
20.79

Asia
Asia
31%
31%

South
South
America
America
47%
47%

3.05
3.05

17.74
17.74

North
North
America
America19%
19%

EuropeEurope1%1%＊For＊For purchased
purchased electricity,
electricity,thethe GHG
GHG pprr otocotocolol COCO22emissionemission coeﬃcient
coeﬃcient forfor
each
each country
country is
is used.
used. ForFor
fuel,
fuel, thethe samesame coeﬃcients
coeﬃcientsasas inin JapanJapan areare used
used (See(Seep.
p. 38)
38)

2007
2007

2008
2008

2009
2009

2010
2010

2011
2011
(ﬁscal(ﬁscal year)
year)

Act on the Rational Use of Energy and the Law Concerning the Promotion of
Measures to Cope with Global Warming
Energy consumption by NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. and three
affiliated companies exceed 1,500kL (crude oil equivalent), andhave therefore been designated as Specified Business Operators
under the Act on the Rational Use of Energy. Each designated

The emission volume of greenhouse gases excluding energy-origin
CO2 by NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. totaled 617 tons (CO2equivalent), representing a 31% decrease from the previous fiscal
year. Since it did not reach 3,000 tons, reporting was not requiredcompany has appointed an Energy Management Control Officer
and an Energy Management Planning Promoter to oversee energy
conservation.

under the Law Concerning the Promotion of Measures to Copewith Global Warming; nevertheless, we will continue to calculate
and control our emissions.

39

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report
Alleviating Climate Changes

Energy Conservation During
Transportation

Participation in the Lights-Down
Campaign

As Specified Consigners under the Act on the Rational Use of

We support and participate every year in the CO2 Reduction Lights-

transportation. The per unit energy consumption was 0.459 kL/
100 million yen for fiscal 2011; we were unable to reach ourfiscal 2011, we turned off the lights of 17 advertising towers andEnergy, we are making efforts to reduce CO2 emissions during

Down Campaign conducted by the Ministry of the Environment. In
displays from June 22 (summer solstice) to the end of August withgoal of 0.426 kL/ 100 million yen. For fiscal 2012, the Logistics

the cooperation of our plants, sales offices and dealerships.

Subcommittee established in August 2011 will play a central role in

Additional energy conservation efforts included the lights-down offour advertising towers and displays from March 2011, immediately

striving to achieve the goal of 0.422 kL/ 100 million yen.

after the disaster, until the end of January 2012.

■ Transition of CO2 Emissions as Consigner
CO2 emissions (t-CO2)

5000

Basic unit (kL/ 100 million yen)

0.467

0.453

0.444
4000

0.5

0.451
0.459

3,480
2,910

3000

2,490

2,773

2,749

0.4

0.3

2000

0.2

1000

0.1

0

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011
(ﬁscal year)

NormalTurned off

0

PICK UP

Changing the temperature control method- Komaki Plant

Electricity Conservation in Responseto the DisasterT h e O r ga n i c P a ck a ge D i v . o f Ko m a k i P l a n t h a s be e nmaintaining the temperature of the area with coating lines at
25°
C. This meant that when the room temperature was 30°
C,
air conditioners were used to lower it to 25°
C, and when it

To lower the peak of electricity use during summertime, electricity

was conserved through the improved operation efficiency of air
conditioning systems and production facilities, the reduced use of
power through energy conservation efforts in offices, and thelowering of the maximum-level electricity use, by adjusting work
times.

was 20°C, boilers were used to raise it to 25°
C. We focusedon this, and considered ways to conserve energy by reducing
such temperature controlling without sacrificing productquality.
Specifically, we changed the temperature setting from 25 to28°
C, and stopped heating the room when the room
temperature was too low. This resulted in reducing theelectricity use by air conditioners as well as reducing gas use
by boilers, achieving approximately 520 tons of CO2 emission
reduction per year.

Use of Natural Energy
We promote the use of solar power, a natural energy source.
The Nagoya Plant has three solar power generator units and one
solar water heater. The Komaki Plant has a large-scale solar power
generator unit that can generate a maximum of 107 kW ofelectricity. Power generated in fiscal 2011 totaled 164,000 kWh,equivalent to a reduction of 54
tons of CO2.

BeforeAfter

When room temp. = 30°
C

When room temp. = 30°
C

Cool with
air conditioner
Temp. setting= 25°
C

Heat with boiler
When room temp = 20°
C

Solar panels (Komaki Plant)

40

Cool with
air conditioner
Temp. setting = 28°
C
Temp. setting changed
No heating

When room temp = 20°
CNGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report

Waste
Fiscal 2011 Topics● A portion of the coating wastewater treatment has been changed from outsourced 

to in-house.

Basic Philosophy
The NGK SPARK PLUG Group aims to use resources to the maximum, and therefore works first and foremost to reduce the volume of waste
generated, and to recycle what is generated.

Results of the Fiscal 2011 Targets, and the Fiscal 2012 Targets
In fiscal 2011, the Group aimed for per unit production of 0.072
tons/ million yen. Reduction efforts resulted in 0.067 tons/ million
yen, thus achieving the target.
The total volume of generated waste for fiscal 2011 was 15,059
tons, down 10.5% in comparison with fiscal 2010. The rate ofeffective utilization was 98.9%, and we have maintained zero
emissions since fiscal 2005.
For fiscal 2012, we aim to further reduce waste, with our target set
at per unit production of 0.070 tons/ million yen (a 28.6%
reduction compared to 2007).

■ Trends in volume of waste generated
Volume generated (tons)

2007

PICK UP

2008

0.072

0.08

0.067

2009

15,05916,8192010

11,90016,137

21,7710.06

12,93810,000I am in charge of waste management at the Ise Plant Recycling
Center. At the base of our activities is the reduction of waste
volume, but for waste that is generated, we try to select treatment
methods that allow recycling wheneverpossible. We are constantly aware of the threeRs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) whenever we
handle waste.

0.12
0.10

0.078

12,88428,85515,0000Basic unit

Group

0.093

19,50220,00026,05230,00025,000Non-consolidated

0.098

V
VOICE
ICEE
O
OIC
V

Basic unit (tons/ million yen)

35,000

0.04
0.02




Norio Okumura
Environment & Safety Management Dept.

02011(ﬁscal year)

Waste reduction through reviewing the wastewater destination - Komaki Plant

Washing the gold-coating tank generates rinse water. This rinse
water contains traces of gold, but it had conventionally beenThis process has been reviewed; now, the gold is collected within
the company, after which the water is treated at a wastewater

regarded as wastewater, and its collection had been outsourced.
BeforeRinse waterOpen

Details

Close

facility. This resulted in approximately a 40% reduction in waste.

After

V
VOICE
ICEE
O
OIC
V
This waste reduction effort has been a part of the streamlining
project. Reducing fixed costs also resulted in waste reduction, an
outcome I am very pleased with. I hope tocontinue working on projects that contributeto the betterment of the environment.

Rinse water

Close

Open

Collection by processor

Collecting
gold





In-house
wastewater
treatment

41

Takayuki Sakai, Supervisor
Production Dept.
Organic Package Div.

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report

Water Resource
Fiscal 2011 Topics● The production efficiency of the plating process was improved, resulting in a

reduction in water consumption.

Basic Philosophy
The NGK SPARK PLUG Group recognizes that water is an important resource, and is making efforts to reduce the volume of tap water and well

water used in our business activities.

Results of the Fiscal 2011 Targets, and the Fiscal 2012 Targets
The Group aimed for per unit production of 7.77 m3/million yen forfiscal 2011. We achieved an excellent result of 7.52 m3/million yen,

V
VOICE
ICEE
O
OIC
V

far exceeding our target. For fiscal 2012, we hope to achieve perunit production of 8.30 m3/million (9.5% up from 2007) throughvarious reduction measures.

We at the Komaki Plant conserve water on a daily basis. The faucetsof our basins are equipped with water-saving packing or foaming
caps to control water flow, resulting in a reduction in water
consumption of about 40 to 60%. We intend to continue such
efforts in order to contribute to water conservation. Our next plan is
to look into water-saving toilets, which arerecently becoming popular.

■ Trends in volume of tap water/well water used
Volume used
(10,000 ㎥)

Basic unit(㎥/million yen)

300
7.58

2010

169
108

179
119
2009

2011
(ﬁscal year)

50Reduction in water consumption through improved production efficiency - NTK Ceramic Co., Ltd.

During the plating process, several panels are hung on a rack for
plating. To improve production efficiency, we tried increasing
the number of panels hung on each rack during plating, andfound that the plating quality remained the same. Therefore, wehave now increased the number of panels per rack. This
reduced operation time, and water consumption for the plating
line and the rinsing unit was reduced by 7,248 m3 per year.

Number of panels

Plating

Water
consumptionN

Before42

N+47,248 ㎥
Rinsing

PICK UP

2008

6

Plating

2007

187

7

Rinsing

0

214

224

100

Toru Koshibae
Production Support Engineering Dept.

8

7.52

132

150

9
8.09

184

200

Group

8.66

190

250

Non-consolidated
Basic unit

9.12

After

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report

Substances of Environmental Concern
Fiscal 2011 Topics●T he Green Procurement Guidelines were revised, and their scope wasenlarged to the entire Group.

Basic Philosophy
requests. More than that, we aim to reduce the use and emissionof substances of environmental concern so as to minimize their

We have a three-step management system for handling substancesof environmental concern: ①Answering requests from customers,

effect on the environment and human health.

②Handling within the Group, and ③Procurement from suppliers.
Naturally we ensure compliance with laws and fulfill customer

Customers
With the reinforcement of regulations on chemical substances
contained in products, requests from customers in theautomobile, electrical and electronics industry regarding
improved compliance are increasing. The REACH Regulation of
the EU has triggered an increase in the status of chemical

substances contained in products; we are taking all theappropriate measures including submission of Non-Containing
Declarations, IMDS and JGPSSI survey and response tools,
submission of various data with AIS, etc., and handlinginvestigations and audits regarding our management systems.

Suppliers
Handling the year-to-year changes of chemical substanceregulations requires the procurement of materials with as little
environmental burden as possible. It is for this reason that we
issue our Green Procurement Guidelines W to request

cooperation from our suppliers, and now, we have revised the
Guidelines to serve as the Group policy in further promoting
green procurement throughout the entire Group.

■ The green supplier system■ Certification standards

We certify suppliers that meet system standards and material
standards as green suppliers, and give thempriority.
We now have 287 certified suppliers as of theend of fiscal 2011.

System standards

Material standards● Third-party
certification under theenvironmental
management system● Non-containment of designatedsubstances on our prohibited list
(Raw materials, components,
packaging materials)● Reporting on containment status ofprohibited substances(Facilities, tools)● Implementing measures to prevent
commingling of hazardous materials(Outsourced operations)

OK

OK

Certification■ Support for our suppliers
We support our suppliers by hosting environmental seminars
and helping to establish their environmental management
systems. So far, we have received requests from 36
companies, and of those, 34 have acquired ISO 14001 or
EcoAction 21 certification. We will continue our support for
the two remaining companies in their environmental
management system establishment.

Green suppliers

43

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report
Substances of Environmental Concern

Group
Companies are required to manage chemical substances in an appropriate manner. The entire NGK SPARK PLUG Group iscommitted to ensuring non-containment management and enhancing the control of usage in plants.

Non-Containment Management for Products■ Hazard rank

To satisfy customer requests and regulation such as the ELV
Directive, the RoHS Directive and the REACH Regulation of theEU, we assign hazard ranks to substances of environmental
concern. With handling standards for each rank, we achieve
non-containment and thorough management of usage
reduction.

Hazard rank

■ Management system
Customer request

Legal regulation

Information acquisition

Handling standard

Substances covered

Prohibited
Use is prohibited.
substances

Substances prohibited fromuse or strongly restrictedby regulations.

Safer substitutes will be
Restricted sought, while making
substances efforts to reduce the use ofcurrent substances.

Hazard level and toxicity
are equivalent toprohibited substances, but
an immediate changeoveris impossible due to its
special characteristics.

Supplies need to be
Monitored examined to find existence/
substances non-existence of applicable
substances.

Those not prohibited or
restricted but that requiremonitoring.

Information control■ In-house analysis of substances ofenvironmental concern

Hazard rank (internal standards)

To confirm the containment status of substances ofenvironmental concern in our products, our in-house analysis
center conducts a partial analysis of substances ofenvironmental concern contained in products to prevent therelease of nonconforming products.

Control of content
on products

Control of amountto be used

Managing Use in Plants

Details

Our plants aim to reduce emissions of PRTR substances. Eco
Vision 2015 aims for emission reduction of 80% from 2007 (43tons or less).

The implementation of a VOC recovery unit that can reduce
toluene will be redeliberated in fiscal 2012 so as to achieve Eco
Vision 2015.

■ Emission volume of PRTR substances (non-consolidated)■ Emission volumes of PRTR substances (group)

Emission volume(tons)

Emission volume(tons)

20

Other

20.1

Xylene200

Toluene
15

10.6

13.3

0.5

12.3
5

0

9.1
0.4

2007

6.4
5.9

0.5

2008

0.4

2009

Xylene12

Toluene

19
153
18

150

10

Other

213

1

131

2
11

141

100
0.1
3.5
2.3
0.7

2010

0.5

1.5
0.9

5
9

112

4
3

182

133

118

128

104

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011
(ﬁscal year)

50
0.2
0.4

0

2011
(ﬁscal year)

44

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report

Environmental Risks
Fiscal 2011 Topics● Measures to prevent chemical substance leakage, such as placing pipes

aboveground, are underway.

Environmental Risk Management■ Preventing Chemical Leaks

Inherent in business activities are various risks including

environmental incidents and pollution. NGK SPARK PLUG Groupidentifies these risks and endeavors to reduce and/or preventthem.

To avoid the pollution of soil or water from chemical leaks, we takevarious measures at our facilities including double-layering storage
tanks to prevent leakage and running pipes aboveground forprompt detection of leaks, and conduct regular inspections. We
will also simultaneously enhance the operational and management
aspects of our chemical substance handling.

■ Soil Survey
We clarify our soil surveying method, auditing period, andevaluation standards to prevent soil or underground waterpollution. We meet the accounting standards relating to our asset
retirement obligations, and comply with the Soil Contamination
Countermeasures Act revised in April 2010.

■ Drills for Emergency Situations
We hold regular drills for emergency
situations to prepare for unforeseen
accidents, etc. Pollution is prevented
by projecting possible incidents ineach department as well as theimpact of such incidents.

■ PCB Control
Waste materials containing PCBs are stored at the Nagoya Plant,
Komaki Plant and Nittoku Seisakusho Co., Ltd. We will continue toadhere to stringent control procedures until the day that waste
containing PCB can be disposed of in a proper manner.

Drill on hydrochloric acid leakage(Miyanojo Plant)■ On-site Confirmation of Waste Material
Treatment■ Handling of Asbestos
We have been taking appropriate measures to prevent healthhazards from asbestos. All asbestos used in our facilities has been
completely removed. Some asbestos is still present in buildings as
insulators, and we will continue to adhere to stringent control
measures.

We regularly visit our waste disposers to confirm that consigned
waste materials are being processed in accordance with ouragreement. In fiscal 2011, we visited 48 companies.

Compliance Status

Details■ Numbers of Violations and Complaints

To ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations aswell as agreements with local municipalities, etc., we set stringent
voluntary standards to prevent violations and complaints.
In fiscal 2011, there were two cases of legal violations, such as lackof notification stipulated by law, two noise complaints, and one
odor complaint. These were handled promptly, alongside measurestaken to prevent any recurrence.

（cases）

Violations
Fiscal year

Complaints

2009

2010

2011

2009

2010

2011

NGK SPARK PLUG
CO., LTD.

0

0

1

2

3

2

Affiliates

1

1

1

2

1

1

※

＊ We discovered that there was an unnotified case involving an affiliate (situation
remedied) in fiscal 2009, and therefore we scored 1 for violation.

■ Handling violations and complaints in fiscal 2011
Classification

Violations

Complaints(noise)Complaints(odor)

Plant/Company

Situation

Countermeasure

Takenami Plant

Did not submit the Status Report on Industrial Waste Control
Documentation Issuance, etc., to the prefectural governor.

Submitted the Status Report on Industrial Waste Control
Documentation Issuance, etc., to the Gifu Prefecture governor late.
Also standardized the procedure to prevent recurrence.

Nittoku Seisakusho
Co., Ltd.

Fluorine Recovery Process Control Documentation was issued upondiscarding air conditioner units, but collection certification was not received
within 30 days after issuance.

Received the collection certificate.

Komaki Plant

The pressure control relief valve of the cooling water pump was generating
a vibrating noise.

The valve was exchanged.

Komaki Plant

The exhaust fan of the Komaki Plant had deteriorated, generating avibrating noise.

The exhaust fan was exchanged.

The exhaust from the dewaxing furnace was generating odor.

The treatment process was reviewed to prevent odorcausing substances from being released into the air.

Kamioka CeramicCo., Ltd.

45NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report

Environmentally Friendly Products
Fiscal 2011 Topics● LCA activities have commenced in all divisions.

Basic Philosophy
The NGK SPARK PLUG Group aims to contribute to improving the

manufacturing and distribution processes, we are also endeavoring

reduce the environmental burden throughout the lifecycle of its
products, from raw material procurement to product disposal.
Aside from efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and waste during theamount of energy involved in using and disposing of the product bycustomers and ensuring that they do not contain substances ofenvironmental concern.

to produce environmentally friendly products by controlling the

global environment through its products by making efforts to

Product Assessment
To reduce the environmental burden from procuring, using anddisposing of raw materials, it is important to predict theenvironmental impact at the design stage, and to take prompt
countermeasures when any negative impact is foreseen. To ensure
this, we conduct product assessments when we develop new
products or change the specifications of existing products.

Design stageDuring a product assessment, the existence of substances ofenvironmental concern, the amount of energy used, etc. areconfirmed at each of the design, manufacturing/distribution, use,and disposal stages. If the assessment determines that there is asignificant environmental impact, countermeasures will be taken
before development is continued.

Manufacturing/distribution stage

Use stage

Disposal stage● Is the product free of substances ofenvironmental concern during
disposal?

● Is the product free ofsubstances of environmental
concern?

● Is the manufacturing process
free of substances ofenvironmental concern?

● Is the impact of environmental
pollution during use smaller than forconventional products?

● Is it designed to conserve moreenergy than conventional
products?

● Is the amount of energy used
and waste generated during
manufacturing/distribution lessthan for conventional products?

● Is the energy consumed during use
less than for conventional products?

Reducing Environmental Burden Throughout the Lifecycle
To reduce the environmental burden throughout the entire lifecycleof a product, we conduct an LCA (life cycle assessment) on our key
products.
LCA is a method of providing an objective assessment on theimpact on global warming and resource depletion throughout theentire lifecycle of a product. Making a more comprehensive,

scientific and quantitative assessment allows us to clarify present
problems and their magnitude, and reflect the results into designs,
process, etc. In fiscal 2011, LCA activities began in all divisions.
In the future, we will create a mechanism to promote assessmentin our product models so as to utilize the results in our designs.

46

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Environmental Report

Communication
Fiscal 2011 Topics● The CSR Report 2011 and site-specific environmental reports have been issued.
● Local cleaning activities were held at each site.

Report on Environmental Activities

Basic Philosophy
For The NGK SPARK PLUG Group to continue its business
operations, it is essential to improve our coordination with local

The Group issues a CSR Report (formerly the Environmental & Social

communities and build trust with society. We feel that the best way
to build this trust is to provide information on the Group’senvironmental activities, and we are endeavoring to disclose
information in an accurate and easy-to-understand way to improve
communication.

Report) and site-specific environmental reports to provide a better

understanding of our environmental preservation activities. We willcontinue to aim for the disclosure of accurate and easy-tounderstand information.
SITE REPORT 2011

所 在 地 ： 愛知県名古屋市瑞穂区高辻町１４－１８‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

SITE R立
EP：O１９３６年（昭和１１年）１０月
RT 2011
創日本 特 殊陶 業 株式 会 社 伊 勢工 場‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

工 場 長 ： 飯見 均‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

所 在 地 ：

三重県伊勢市円座町字細越８７１－６

創

１９９４年（平成６年） ４月

主要事業 ： スパークプラグ及び関連品等に関する設計、製造及び販売‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

従 業 員 ：１０６５人（２０１１年３月現在）

立 ：

主要事業 ：

電子部品の設計・製造・販売及び、内燃機関用センサｰの設計・製造

従 業 員 ：

２０５人 （２０１１．３．３１現在）●ISO認証状況●代表者の緒言本社工場は、名古屋市の中心部に位置し、商業地域や住宅に近いこともあり、常日頃から環境に留意して事業活動を行っています。
昨年はCOP10（生物多様性条約第10回締約国会議）が、名古屋市で開催されるに当たり、工場周辺地域清掃活動を、｢あいち・なごやクリーンアクション ｆor COP10｣に登録して回数を増やして実施し、開催地名古屋の街をきれいにするお手伝いをいたしました。
また省エネルギー活動を総員参加で積極的に行い、各種省エネルギー対策を実施し、より代表者の緒言日本特殊陶業伊勢工場は、地域の皆様方のご理解とご支援を賜り、１９９４年の操ＩＳＯ１４００１認証状況 効率的な生産活動に取組みましたが、スパークプラグの増産のため、CO2の総排出量は業開始以降、今年で創立１８年目となりました。

前年より増加してしまいました。
本年も総員参加で工場一丸となって、可能な限りの省エネ活動を行ってまいります。
今後も地域に根差した環境活動を行い、他工場の模範となる工場を目指します。
取得年月 ：
2000 年飯見12 月均工場長●マテリアルバランス(調査機関
2010年4月～2011年3月）
認証機関 ：

２０１０年度は、企業をとりまく情勢が厳しくなる中、総員参加で業務の効率化や改善に取り組んだ結果、目標１３２ﾄﾝ/年に対し、１４９ﾄﾝ/年のＣＯ２を削減することができました。しかしながら東日本大震災の発生、原発事故の影響で、エネルギー政策の見直しが議論される状況となり、さらなる省エネルギー化が求められています。
２０１１年度は、伊勢工場としても、新たに策定した環境の取組み指針である「エコビ

エネルギー

購入電力
（財）日本品質保証機構

ジョン２０１５」に基づき、単に利益を追求するだけでなく、環境に対する配慮を中心に

都市ガス

認証書番号 ： ガソリン
軽油
ＪＱＡ－ＥＭ６４５２

据えた活動を行うことで、さらなる環境負荷低減に努めます。
これからも信頼される地域企業として、社会的な役割・責任を自覚し、持続可能な地域社会の発展に寄与できるよう、環境活動へ取り組んで参ります。

紙

紙類の他の材料・

紙
主要原材料

Observing Environmental Activities： 1,269 万 KWh：
273 トン：
5,436 L
：
588 L

紙類

：

リユース素地

：13 トン
2.2 トン

ガス類：
プラスチック材料 ：
化学物質
：
油類
：
その他
：

その他材料
補助材料

上水
リサイクル水

水

：
：

35 トン
44 トン
364 トン
21 トン
8 トン

使用エネルギー
生産
による CO2 排出 水 輸送

排水対象化学物質名 〔報告対象物質〕

排出量

取扱量
大気

132

コバルト及びその化合物

1,042

305

鉛及びその化合物

40,653

大気・排水・騒音

排水
(生活系)

騒音

We accept plant tours for observation of our environmental efforts
and facilities. A deeper understanding of our Group's activities andbetter communication are achieved by seeing our facilities firsthandand engaging in question and answer sessions.
In fiscal 2011, we hosted eight plant tours, with a total of 333
participants.

CSR Report 2011

単位
mg/Nm3
－
mg/L
mg/L

規制値
250
5.8～8.6
90
25

自主基準値
100
6.0～8.4
45
20

平均
<5
7.4
2.7
1.7

8,006トン験

1,112トン

輸

送

68トン

PRTR法対象物質
排出量

大

気

0.1トン

容器・包装材料

プラスチック類

438ＫＬ
36ＫＬ

紙類

169トン
28トン
10トン

廃棄物

認証番号：
JQA－EM6452

183トン

有効利用

939トン

埋立・焼却
排水

： 5,010 トン
上水
31,470トン
：
14 トン

排

6トン
225トン

ダンボール

30トン

その他材料
その他ガス

井水

取得年月：
1990年8月
認証機関 ：財)日本品質保証機構

408トン

10トン

水

10,923トン

79,453トン

ダンボール ：
12 トン
297 １,３,５－トリメチルベンゼン
300 トルエン
排水： 9,259 トン
308 ニッケル
392 ノルマル－ヘキサン
400 ベンゼン
412 マンガン及びその化合物

項目

単位：ｋｇ

種類
ばいじん
pH
SS
BOD

産

試

2,890
69,33779,495
6,041
2,501
1,162

排出量
大気

公共用水域

移動量
土壌

公共下水道 埋立・焼却

有効利用

0
0

638

0
0
1
10
0
0
67

除去処理量

（kg）
搬出量

分解反応

製品・売却品

5,675
24,56912,000
1,311
10,9672,890
69,27101270
179,369
6,041
2,500

0

1,162

■大気・水質・騒音・振動

ＰＲＴＲ
政令 No.

生によるCO2排出量

O PRTR 法対象物質●環境データ（調査期間 2010年4月～2011年3月）
大気：
0.1 トンU
排出量■ PRTR
T
政令No.
対象化学物質名（報告対象物質）
取扱量
廃棄物
リサイクル
：
188 トンP
53 エチルベンゼン
5,675
埋立・焼却
：
1.4 トン80 キシレン
24,569
U 容器･包装材料 87
クロム及び三価クロム化合物
12,639プラスチック類 ：8 トン
144 無機シアン化合物（錯塩及びシアン酸塩を除く）
1,321
T
紙類
：
1.3 トン296 １,２,４－トリメチルベンゼン
10,967

I
N
P
U
T

11,750 トン
20,882 トン

環境データ （調査期間：２０１０年４月～２０１１年３月）

項目
大気

化学物質
油類

購入電力
ＬＰＧ
ガソリン
軽油

エネルギー

使用エネルギー

78万m 3

プラスチック材料 16トン

補助材料

マテリアルバランス

1,818万kWh

MAX
<5
7.9
10.0
6.0

COD

mg/L

25

20

4.3

10.0

COD（総量）n-ヘキサン
全クロム
銅
亜鉛
鉛
鉄
フェノール類窒素
窒素（総量）
リン
リン（総量）
マンガン
大腸菌
朝方
昼間
夕方
夜間

㎏/日
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
㎏/日
mg/L
㎏/日
mg/L
個/cm3
dB
dB
dB
dB

3.4
30
2
1
2
0.1
10
1
120
4.1
16
0.39
10
3000
55
60
55
50

3.4
15
1
0.5
1
0.05
5
0.5
60
4.1
8
0.39
5
1500
55
58
55
50

0.1
<1
<0.04
<0.02
0.054
<0.01
0.11
0.0
7.7
0.2
0.76
0.02
0.4
26
43.2
44.3
45.7
45.5

0.2
<1
<0.04
<0.02
0.071
<0.01
0.34
0.0
17.0
0.4
2.0
0.04
2.3
70
43.2
44.3
45.7
45.5

公共用水域

単位
ボイラー（12号） mg/Nm3
焼成炉（PR-2）
除去処理量
搬出量 mg/Nm3
ボイラー（12号） ppm
NOｘ
公共下水道 埋立・焼却 有効利用 場内焼却 分解反応
製品・売却品焼成炉（PR-2）
ppm
pH
SS
mg/l
127
916
BOD
mg/l
n-ヘキサン抽出物
mg/l
シアン
mg/l
8
8,436
32,209
全クロム
mg/l
排水
六価クロム
mg/l
（下水道）
亜鉛
mg/l
鉛
mg/l
ＰＲＴＲ法対象物質のINPUT-OUTPUT
窒素
mg/l
リン
mg/l
単位：ｋｇ
ふっ素
mg/l
ほう素
mg/l
R地点
dB
朝方
搬出量（製品・売却品）：33,125
T地点
dB
取扱量
R地点
dB
昼間
T地点
dB
41,695騒音
移動量（有効利用）：8,563
R地点
dB
夕方
T地点
dB
R地点
dB
夜間
T地点
dB
移動量（埋立・焼却）：8
R地点
dB
昼間
T地点
dB
振動
R地点
dB
夜間
T地点
dB
移動量
大気

土壌

種類

ばいじん

規制値 自主基準値
50
40
150
120
150
120
180
144
5.0～9.0
5.4～8.6
600
480
600
480
30
24
1
0.8
2
1.6
0.5
0.4
2
1.6
0.1
0.08
120
96
16
12.8
8
6.4
10
8
70
68
65
63
70
68
65
63
70
68
65
63
65
64
55
54
70

65

65

60

平均
2.0
6.5
53
106
6.9
23.3
15.0
2.1
0.22
0.05
<0.04
0.42
<0.02
22.43
0.42
0.29
<1
59.1
66.1
59.2
61.0
62.3
65.6
62.2
61.9
40
40
40
40

MAX
■PRTR法対象物質のINPUT-OUTPUT（kg）
2.0
大気 68
7.0
53
160
7.3
製品・売却品49
92,531
50
取扱量
7.6
0.4
216,597
0.08
<0.04
0.81
<0.02
分解反応
37
公共下水道 11
123,2240.78
有効利用 765
0.5
<1
59.1
66.1 ※1
59.2
61.0
62.3
65.6 ※1
62.2※1：暗騒音によるものです。
61.9 ※1
暗騒音とは、機械等が稼動していない時の騒音40のことで、交通騒音や隣接工場の騒音などの40影響を受けています。
40
40

コンプライアンス(法規制順守)
生活排水の水質分析（１回/月）・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 基準値クリア
4，10 月 大気測定実施（２回/年） ・・・・・・・・・・・・ 基準値クリア
11 月 騒音測定実施（１回/年） ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 基準値クリア
11 月 土壌測定実施（1 回/年） ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 基準値クリア
法規制違反、罰金、訴訟の件数 ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 0 件
利害関係者からの要求の件数 ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 0 件

Site-specificenvironmental reports(Japanese Only)

Environmental MeetingWe host environmental meetings with local residents as a venue
for communication. At these meetings, we explain our daily
environmental activities as well as hear opinions and commentsfrom participants on how we can
improve things. In fiscal 2011, we
hosted 8 such meetings, with a totalof 19 participants.

Conservation of Biodiversity
The NGK SPARK PLUG Group recognizes that biodiversity is essential

for a sustainable society, and has established the Biodiversity Action
Guidelines in order to reduce the impact of the Group's use ofenergy and resources, emissions of substances of environmental
concern, and other business activities on biodiversity.

Environmental meeting(Nansei Ceramic Co., Ltd.)

Donating to Tree-Planting Activities

Local Clean-Up Activities

Part of the proceeds from the autumn“Change to an Eco-Plug!”
campaign held from October to December 2010 was donatedthrough the local forest cooperative to tree-planting activities in
Aibetsu-cho in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Our donation enabled the planting of
50 seedlings of white birch, Quercus
crispula Blume, rowan and othertrees.

We regularly hold clean-up activities to preserve the local
environment. We also continue to participate in beautifying

Details

activities hosted by local municipalities, etc. In fiscal 2011, a totalof 1,031 people participated in suchactivities.

The tree planting

Clean-up activity(Headquarters and Nagoya Plant)

47

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Message from a Stakeholder
A company’s philosophy is reflected in its attitude toward its stakeholders, which includes employees,

customers and local residents, and in the outcome of how successfully a relationship of reliance and trust

has been built. In the past, the pursuit of profits was the top priority for companies, but these days, thefocus has diversified into a variety of fields including environmental conservation, employment policy andhealth/welfare promotion. It is said that“no good people, no good products.”NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.

emphasizes human resource development, with the policy of respecting the personality and creativity of

individual employees, while promoting the combined efforts of all employees and encouraging them to beambitious in seeking new social needs, values and targets of higher levels. I empathize with this attitude.

Corporate philosophy is also reflected in the company’s way of making commitments to society. In our
region, NGK SPARK PLUG and the local communities have been strengthening a relationship of mutual

reliance through the implementation of a wide array of joint activities, including the 2012 Health, Safety

and Environment Conference in which local residents in three neighboring towns visited the company todirectly see its activities; a cleaning campaign in which employees of NGK SPARK PLUG participated incleaning activities for local communities; and other regional events. I am also impressed with thecompany’s dedication to emergency measures for local communities; they have established prescriptions

Kaoru Kobayashi
ChairmanResidents’Association ofEnza-cho, Ise City

for disaster responses. I hope that NGK SPARK PLUG will continue to grow as a corporate member of oursociety, while maintaining its transparency to its stakeholders inside and outside the organization.

Third-Party Review

W

This CSR Report 2012 has been prepared based on our information disclosure principles, with the policy of
ensuring easy understanding for readers and reliability as a report. For us to verify that this Report conforms
to this policy, we have asked TÜV Rheinland Japan Ltd. to review the Report. Their review was conductedwith the aim of confirming the inclusion of all important information necessary to be communicated to the
public, the consistency between disclosed information and source data, and the absence of any
inappropriate, misunderstanding-inducing descriptions.
The results of the review are mostly reflected in this Report, where we made some corrections andadditions in response to suggestions made by TÜV Rheinland. We continue to make efforts to improve ourreport by addressing other suggestions that require time-consuming structural improvement and therefore
could not be responded to in this Report.

50

Third Party Review

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Glossary
Page ofappearance

4

6

6

Term

ROE

ROE is one indicator of a company’s profitability.
ROE reveals how effectively shareholder equity is
being used; higher ROE means higher
profitability.
[ROE = Net Income / Shareholders’Equity]

BCP

Business Continuity Plan. A plan of action to betaken by a company when an emergency
situation arises, such as a major disaster or alarge-scale accident, to ensure business
continuity at a certain level, or if suspended, torealize quick recovery.

Compliance6

Risk Management

7

On-time delivery

Delivering orders on the deadline specified by
the client.

9

Three-waycatalyst

A device for cleansing harmful substances
contained in gasoline-engine automobile exhaust(carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) andnitrogen oxides (NOx)) through oxidation andconversion.

12

CSR

Corporate Social Responsibility.

CSR procurement

CSR procurement is a continuous purchasing andprocurement practice, requiring suppliers tocomply with procurement criteria in terms ofsocial responsibility activities. The CSR
procurement criteria include human rights, work
conditions, as well as workplace safety andhealth, etc.

1415

Authorized
Exporters’
ProgramSmart device

Multi-function information processing terminals
that can be used for many purposes, such as
smart phones and tablets.

Act on theProtection of
Personal
Information

An act on appropriate handling of personal
information. The act prohibits using personal
information about an individual for improper
purposes without consent of the individual.

15

UnfairCompetition
Prevention Act

This law is intended to ensure fair competition
among business operators. Under this law,o p e r a t o r s ’b u s i n e s s r e p u t a t i o n s a n d
confidentiality are protected. The law prohibits
acts of illegally acquiring, using or disclosing
trade secrets.

16

BIA

Business Impact Analysis. Quantitative andqualitative analysis and evaluation of the impact
when business is suspended due to unforeseen
circumstances. The first and essential step indevising the BCP.

17

17

Corporate
governance

Refers to the process or systems to ensure that acompany is managed by the business operator inan optimal and sound manner.

Corporate officer
systemThe operating officer system clearly divides anddefines the roles of directors who handle
management, and operating officers who execute
operations.

Definition/explanation

Internal Control
Report System

In 2006, the former Securities and Exchange Act
was revised and renamed the Financial
Instruments and Exchange Act. Under the revisedact, listed companies are required to submit
internal control reports every fiscal year, to be
subject to audits by certified public accountants
or auditing firms, in order to improve thetrustworthiness of financial reporting.

20

QC Circle
Activities

QC stands for quality control. Small groups areformed within the workplace to encourage
autonomous handling of such issues as safetymeasures, reduction of faulty products, as wellas quality improvement and quality control ofproducts.

20

TQM

Total Quality Management is an operational
method and management technique that
contributes to the improvement of operational
quality in an enterprise.

22

FTSE4Good IndexSeriesA responsible investment index developed andmanaged by the FTSE Group (UK). Evaluation
criteria for selecting a member company include
environmental issues, human rights, supply chain
labor standards, bribery prevention, climatechange, etc.

22

IR activities

Investor Relations involve communicating
detailed information about our management,
finances and results.

SRI

Social Responsibility Investment refers to a typeof investment approach. Under SRI, investors
select a company they would like to invest in by
not only analyzing a company in terms of its
financial aspects such as profitability and growthpotential, but also comprehensively evaluating
the company based on its environmental efforts/social contribution, such as its compliance withlaws & regulations, response to employment
conditions and human rights problems, andcontribution to society/local communities.

27

JISHA OSHMS
Standards

Standards established and published by JISHA(Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association).
The standards determine whether OSHMS isappropriately introduced based on the
Occupational Safety and Health Management
System of the Ministry of Health, Labor andWelfare, and whether the occupational safety
and health standards are being appropriately
implemented to improve gradually.

27

Frequency Rate

The frequency rate of accidents. Calculated withthe following formula.
[Frequency Rate = (Number of Accidents / Actual
Hours of Extended Labor) x 1 million]

28

Risk Assessment

Method to detect and evaluate potential dangers
and hazards in a worksite, and eliminate/reduce
them.

29

KYT

Danger anticipation training (stands for Kiken
Yochi Training). Training conducted for the
purpose of enhancing receptivity to dangers by
sharing potential dangers within the workplace.

WBGT

WGBT (West-Bulb Globe Temperature), a
practical index for evaluating heat effect onhumans, is used to help prevent heat stroke in a
hot work environment or in sports activities. The
Ministry of the Environment calls the index the“Heat Index.”

29

Working
Environment
Measurement

To protect the health of laborers and provide asuitable working environment, working
environment measurement is conducted in termsof the level of harmful factors existing in thework environment and to what extent workers
are exposed to such harmful factors. The results
are evaluated and classified into the first, second,or third category.

29

Industrial
physicianA doctor who is involved in managing the healthof laborers in workplaces. The Industrial Safety
and Health Act mandates companies constantly
employing 50 workers or more in the workplace
to hire an industrial physician.

22

Under this system, customs approves exporters
who are excellent in legal compliance as
authorized exporters, and gives them preferential
treatment. This system is intended to speed up
customs clearance procedures and strengthen
security measures. Since the approved
enterprises can proceed through customs
clearance procedures more speedily and reliably,
they can also expect shorter lead-times andreduced logistical costs.

15

Term

17

When a company, as a member of society, fulfills
its corporate responsibility by enhancing its
corporate ethics, and by understanding the spirit
and the purport of and complying with laws andregulations, international rules, social norms, andvarious in-house regulations.
Activities to systematically manage various risks
related to business in corporate management.
Specifically, activities to prevent risk occurrence,or reduce the damage incurred when a riskarises.

12

Page ofappearance

Definition/explanation

29

48

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Glossary
Page ofappearance

Term

Hiyari Hatto

Events that fortunately did not, but could haveturned into a major accident.

32

TABLE FOR TWO

Purchasing of the targeted low-calorie meal
results in a 20 yen donation per meal to school
lunches for children in developing countries(which costs 20 yen per meal). In other words,
buying one meal for oneself results in the
donation of one meal to a developing country.
Conducted by TABLE FOR TWO International, aspecified non-profit organization.

32

Tag rugby

A safer version of rugby, having a“no physicalcontact (such as tackling) rule”

32

Plastic bottle capcollection

860 bottle caps equal one polio vaccination.
Conducted by Ecocap Movement, a specified
non-profit organization.

LCA

Life Cycle Assessment. Method for quantitativeand objective assessment of the environmental
impact from all steps throughout the entire
lifecycle of a product, including sourcing the raw
materials, manufacturing, distribution, disposal,
and recycling.

29

34

PRTR substances

Chemical substances designated in the Act on
Confirmation, etc., of Release Amounts ofSpecific Chemical Substances in the Environment
and Promotion of Improvements to theManagement Thereof. This Act stipulates asystem of grasping and notifying the amount ofspecific chemical substances released into theenvironment.

34

VOC

Volatile Organic Compounds. The source ofphotochemical oxidants and suspended
particulates that pollute the atmosphere.

34

Biodiversity

The existence and maintenance of diversity inecosystems, species and genes.

34

Material Flow
Cost Accounting

Abbreviated as MFCA. Method of identifying
costs by determining material costs, processing
costs, and depreciation and amortization
incurred by materials and energy losses(defective products, etc.) during production
processes.

34

Global warming

A phenomenon where the average global
temperature is increasing due to higher
concentration of greenhouse gases that trap heat in
the atmosphere and heat the surface of the Earth.

36

ISO14001

An international standard for environmental
management systems. Business sites that haveestablished systems in accordance with thestandard can receive certification from anexternal organization.

Eco-efficiency

Index on rate of economic value against
environmental burden accompanying businessactivities. The larger the figure, the better.
[Eco-efficiency = Net sales / Environmental
burden]＊D ue to changes in the main system, thenumerator has been changed from added-value
production to net sales.

34

37

39

39

39

Page ofappearance

Definition/explanation

Greenhousegases

Gases that cause global warming. The Kyoto
Protocol designates carbon dioxide, methane,
nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons,
perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.

Act on the
Rational Use ofEnergyEstablished in 1979, triggered by the oil crisis.
Measures are stipulated for four categories offactories, etc: transportation, buildings, andmachinery and equipment.
Amendment in 2008 changed the base of thecontrol system for energy management forfactories, etc. from factories/business sites tobusiness operators (companies). Those
consuming 1,500 kL (crude oil equivalent) or
more of energy are designated as Specified
Business Operators, and are required to appoint
an Energy Management Control Officer, makebasic unit improvements to an annual average of
1% per year.

Law Concerning
the Promotion of
the Measures to
Cope with Global
Warming

Under the System for Greenhouse Gases
Computation, Reporting and Publication,businesses emitting 3,000 tons (CO2 equivalent)or more of greenhouse gases are required toreport their emission volumes.

Definition/explanation

Natural energy

Energy obtained from sunlight, solar heat, wind,
water, biomass, tide, geothermal heat, snow/ice
energy, etc.

41

Zero Emissions

As defined by this Company, when the effective
utilization rate of industrial waste and general wastefrom business activities is 98% or higher. [Effective
utilization rate = (reuse + recycle) / (reuse + recycle+ landfill and incineration) ≧ 98%]

41

Effective
Utilization

As defined by this Company, identifying value asa resource, reusing or recycling (including heatrecovery) generated waste. Also includes selling
the resulting valuable resources.

43

AIS

Article Information Sheet provided JAMP (Joint
Article Management Promotion Consortium),used to convey information on chemical
substances contained in products.

43

IMDS

International Material Data System that collects
information on materials used and substances
contained in approximately 30,000 automobile
components.

JGPSSI

Japan Green Procurement Survey Standardization
Initiative. A council comprising voluntaryelectrical and electronic equipment
manufacturers aiming to share surveys on
chemical substances contained in components
and materials.

43

REACH Regulation

Regulation concerning the Registration,
Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction ofChemicals. It is a comprehensive chemicals
regulation for manufactured or imported
substances and substances contained in
products, effective from 2007 in the EU.

43

EcoAction 21

An environmental management system. Thissystem is designed by the Ministry of theEnvironment for small to medium businesses toprovide ISO 14001 accreditation at a lower cost
as well as inspection/consultation.

44

ELV Directive

End-of-Life Vehicle Directive. A directive
stipulating the recycling rate of end-of-life
vehicles and regulated substances, effective from2002 in the EU.

44

RoHS Directive

Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain
Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic
Equipment. Became effective in 2006 in the EU.

45

PCB

Polychlorinated Biphenyl. Was widely used as
insulating oil and for other purposes due to its
high insulating ability and chemical stability, but
being highly toxic to people, its production anduse is now prohibited.

45

Asbestos

A fibrous mineral that had been widely used as
an insulator. Inhalation may cause lung cancer ormesothelioma tumors.

45

Accounting
standards relating
to asset
retirement
obligations

Upon disposing of tangible fixed assets such asbuildings, it is now mandatory for items which
the law requires to be removed to be accounted
for as liabilities. Examples include expenses forthe treatment of asbestos, soil surveys, anddecontamination.

45

Soil
Contamination
Countermeasures
Act

The purpose of this act is to apprehend
situations of soil contamination and prevent thecontamination having a harmful effect on humanhealth. The Act underwent substantial revision in
April 2010 with additional provisions regarding
the apprehension of situations and actions to betaken, including a requirement to notify changes
in the character of land of 3,000 m2 or more in
area.

47

Site-specificenvironmental
reports

By-company/plant reports on environmental
preservation activities. Issued by four plants of
NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. and eight affiliates(excluding Nittoku Alfa Service Co., Ltd. andNittoku Unyu Co., Ltd.).

40

43

49

Term

NGK SPARK PLUG Group CSR Report 2012

Questionnaire Results
Thank you very much for participating in the questionnaire on the Environmental & Social Report 2011, issued in fiscal 2011. After reviewing
the comments and opinions we received, we have carefully selected information to be included in this report.

External stakeholders

Ｑ1

Nothing2%

Before reading our CSR

Report 2011, how much did

you know about NGK SPARKPLUG Group’s CSR
activities?

Ｑ2

Internal stakeholders (employees)

How did you find our CSR
Report 2011?

Nothing
22%

A lot
56%

A lot
51%

A little
22%

A little
47%

Average20%

Understandability

Easy tounderstand80%

Insuﬃcient 0%
Too much 0%

Easy tounderstand51%
Poor 2%

Too much
19%
Amount of
information

DesignGood
90%

Average48%
Appropriate
79%

DesignGood
50%

Please check the box orboxes, when you find topics
particularly interesting.

＜ Top 3 ＞
■Message from the President■ [ Feature article 1] Response to major disasters■[Feature article 2] Lineup of hydrogen energy
products＜ Top 3 ＞
■ Message from the President■ [Feature article 1] Response to major disasters■ [Feature article 2] Lineup of hydrogen energy
products

Please fill in a“◦”on good
topics, and fill in a“×”onno-good topics, for as many
topics as you like.

＜ Top 4 (ranked by # of ○ - # of ×) ＞
■Message from the President■ [ Feature article 1] Response to major disasters■[Feature article 2] Lineup of hydrogen energy
products＜ Top 4 (ranked by # of ○ - # of ×) ＞
■ Message from the President■ [Feature article 1] Response to major disasters■ [Feature article 2] Lineup of hydrogen energy
products

Please check the box orboxes that best describe

your situation and position.

Other
7%

Family member of NGK SPARKPLUG employee / Retiree 7%
Person living close to
NGK SPARK PLUG office/plant 7%
environmental personnel in
a company/organization 7%

Customer
7%
Suppliers
39%

NGO・NPO 7%

Shareholder/investor
7%

Central or local
government official 12%

Ｑ5

Understandability

Insuﬃcient 2%

Average10%

Appropriate
100%

Ｑ4

Average46%

Poor 0%

Amount of
information

Ｑ3

Diﬃcult to understand3%

Diﬃcult to understand 0%

If you have any othercomments, requests orthemes you would like toknow regarding our CSR
activities, please feel free towrite in the space below.

■ Want to know details about NGK SPARKPLUG’s technologies and products
contributing to environmental conservation.
(Answer) Feature article 2 in this CSR Report
2012 details our products that contribute to
the global environment and green society.
■ Want NGK SPARK PLUG to strategicallyincorporate its CSR activities in management
and administrative agenda to ensure these
activities directly contribute to businessperformance.
(Answer) We will make further efforts toensure that our CSR activities contributetoward realizing our corporate policy and theenhancement of our corporate value.

■ Request for participation in the questionnaire survey■ Want more details in the“Management”
section of the Report.
(Answer) We have increased the number ofpages devoted to the“Management”section,
providing more details about our activities.
■ Want to have feedback from ourstakeholders outside the company on our
CSR activities.
(Answer) We will send more CSR information
to employees including feedback from ourstakeholders outside the company.

W

Thank you for reading our CSR Report from cover to cover.
Please help us to continue improving the content by filling in the questionnaire.
＜Handling of personal information＞

The personal information you enter will be used solely for the purpose of sending you the report for the next fiscal year.

When tallying and publicizing the results of the questionnaire, we will do so in a way that does not identify you through your personal information.

51

CSR Report 201214-18 Takatsuji-cho, Mizuho-ku
Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 467-8525, Japan
http://www.ngkntk.co.jp■For inquiries, please contact our CSR Promotion Department.
Tel: +81 52-872-6248  Fax: +81 52-872-5999
Email: csr@mg.ngkntk.co.jp

日本特殊陶業は、
チャレンジ２５キャンペーンに参加しています。