Thinking for tomorrow's sakeMessage from the President

Chief Environment Administrator
President

01

ECO report 2004

Against the current social background of IT advances and economic
globalization and amid rapid changes in environmental management, thequality of companies' social responsibility is being increasingly put to thetest. Rather than simply searching for profit, it has become important toposition legal compliance and environmental consciousness at the centerof corporate management, and carry out activities that can contribute to
our country, society and industry from a global point of view.
In this social climate, our company has planned a new environmental
policy and established Eco Vision 2010 to set out our vision for the future.
We have also created an environmental action plan and implemented
business activities towards the realization of Eco Vision 2010, but theimportant thing now is for everyone to think about and identify which of
the various measures are necessary. We will then link the accumulated
results to the operational approach of the entire group of companies,
including our affiliates.
Our company has obtained combined ISO14001 certification for thewhole NGK Spark Plug Group including our Japanese affiliate companies.
In the future we aim to implement global environmental management,
including in our overseas offices, in order to bring about a synergistic
effect from shared environmental information and integrated data
management based on a common worldwide environmental policy.
Creating a sustainable circulation type society requires focusing on
business that aims to reduce the environmental load throughout the entire
lifecycle of products manufactured by companies. Regarding waste
product treatment, all four NGK Spark Plug factories achieved zero
emissions in FY2003 due to the implementation of waste separation andrecycling. In FY2005, the aim is to achieve zero emissions throughout the
NGK Spark Plug Group.
Regarding environmental restrictions, particularly on organic waste
matter, we are keeping an eye on trends in environmental restrictions inother parts of the world such as Europe. While carrying out our
manufacturing activities, we intend to refine our environmental
technologies which will lead to improved environmental efficiency such asenvironmentally friendly eco-products and conservation of resources andenergy.
The issue facing our company is acknowledging the emission ofgreenhouse gases from the firing process that is a necessary characteristic ofour business. To counter the problem of global warming, we will strive to
reduce the emission of greenhouse gases while at the same time consider
the utilization of measures such as the Kyoto mechanism.
We release our ECO report 2004 covering FY2003 here. Although theactivities of the factories of each group company are also issued inindividual site reports, ECO report 2004 shows the achievements of ouroverall activities aimed at sustainable growth with the main emphasis onenvironmental conservation. We sincerely hope it will help you to better
understand our company, and look forward to receiving your frankopinions.

Guidelines published by the Ministry of the Environment

Message from the President …………………………………01 1
Editorial Policy ……………………………………………………02 2

Editorial Policy

Corporate profile …………………………………………………03 3

ECO report 2004 has been created with the purpose of clearly andsimply describing the NGK Spark Plug Group's activities to reduce
environmental load.
All stakeholders including customers, investors, shareholders,
residents of neighboring communities, business associates andemployees.

Intendedreaders

Period covered Data： Actual figures recorded from

April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004
Activities, cases etc.：Including most recent ones

Scope covered NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. and its 11 domestic affiliate companies

Corporate date
Corporate philosophy
Corporate activity principles

Business activities and environmental impact …………05 6eruop
How our business is linked to the environment
Environmental effect of our operations

Basic philosophy on environment…………………………07

45eruop

Environmental declaration
Environmental policies
Environmental action plan and NGK Spark Plug Group Eco Vision 20102003 Environmental action plan and performance【Column】Environmental management rating …………………10

Chapter 1●Management

Environmental management system …………………11 8●NGK Spark Plug Group●

System operation

Environmental risk ……………………………………………12
Head
Office/Factory

Nittoku Alfa Service

Nittoku Unyu
Ceramic Sensor

Komaki
Factory

IijimaCeramic Co., Ltd.

Kamioka
Ceramic Co., Ltd.

Nakatsugawa
Ceramic Co., Ltd.

Nittoku
Seisakusho

Miyanojo
Factory

Kani
Ceramic Co., Ltd.

Nichiwa Kiki

Ise Factory

Nansei
Ceramic Co., Ltd.

Tono
Ceramic Co., Ltd.

Group AGroup BNGK Spark PlugCo., Ltd.

Compliance ………………………………………………………12 =Environmental accounting………………………………13

Environmental management……………………………14

7

Eco-efficiency【Column】Challenges and eco-words surrounding NGK Spark Plug Group

Chapter 2●Factory/Office

Energy ………………………………………………………………15 wt

Affiliates

CO2 reduction target
Decrease of CO2 emissions
Trends observed in our energy consumption
Examples of energy conservation
Clean energy

Waste ………………………………………………………………17 irepresent a block (joint acquisition of ISO14001).
Factories and companies in blue have issued site reports.
※Where a different definition applies, such as for environmental accounting,the scope of coverage is specified in each article.

Reference
guidelines

IssuedNext publication
schedule
Publishingdirector「Environmental Reporting Guidelines 」（Ministry of Environment）
August 2004 （Japanese edition）; October 2004 （English edition）※This is the fifth annual report since the first one was issued in
2000.

zero emissions
Implementation of on-the-spot inspection of waste-disposal service providers
Cases of successfully reduced wasteCases of recycling

Hazardous substances ……………………………………19 y
System to control hazardous substances
Control of PRTR law-regulated substances
Trends in PRTR law-regulated substances
Major efforts to reduce the use of hazardous substances
Example to reduce xylene

Green purchase ………………………………………………21 [Shift to eco-products promoted for office supplies
Eco-friendly cars

August 2005
Norio Kato （Chief Environment Administrator）

Green procurement …………………………………………21 9[
Green procurement guidelines【Column】Noise measures ………………………………………22

Shunichi Takagi

Editor in chief （General Manager, Environment & Safety Management Dept.）
Site reports

Details of environmental action at NGK Spark Plug's various factories
and affiliated companies have been put together in the form of site
reports.
※For inquiries about the various site reports, please refer to page 33.

Questionnaire
Communication We received many responses to the ECO report 2003
questionnaire. The following subjects were of particular concern torespondents and are reflected in ECO report 2004.
・Reduction and effective use of waste products
・Promotion of energy conservation
・Environmentally friendly product development
WebsiteECO report 2004 and back issues can be read on our website.

http://www.ngkntk.co.jp/environment/

Chapter3●Products

Eco-design ………………………………………………………23 0
Environment-friendly technology
Eco-design of spark plugs【Column】LCA ………………………………………………………26]

Chapter4●Communication

Disclosure ………………………………………………………27 Publication of ECO report
Factory Visits

Community ………………………………………………………27 q
Cleaning activity in the local community

Natural environment………………………………………27

q

Excellent Greening Factory

Chapter5●Mind-Set

Education and enlightenment ……………………………28
E-mailComments or questions on ECO report 2004 or the NGK Spark
Plug Group's environmental actions can be sent to the following email address.

eco@mg.ngkntk.co.jp

Chapter6●Occupational safety and hygiene ……29\

Chapter7●Employment and personnel management system …30\

Chapter8●Data section ……………………………………31
Chapter9●Messages from stake-holders …………33
Chapter10●Third party examination …………………34

02

Corporate profile
Corporate date
Corporate name ● NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
Head Office● 14-18, Takatsuji-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya

Foundation● October 26, 1936

Capital● 47,869,270,000 yen

Business●（1）Manufacturing and sales of spark plugs andrelated products for internal combustion engines（2）Manufacturing and sales of new ceramics
Group companies ● 34 subsidiaries（10 in Japan, 24 overseas）,7 affiliates■Corporate performance index graphs

Consolidated
Sales

Recurring profits（million yen）

240,000
230,000

Net profits for the year and net profits per share（million yen）

（million yen）

30,00014,00025,000220,000

Net profit per
share

Employees（yen）（people）

70

10,00012,00060

10,000

50

8,000

40

6,000

30

4,000

20

2,000

10

9,500

20,000210,000

9,000

15,000200,000
10,000190,000
5,000

180,000
170,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

01999 2000 2001 2002 2003

（FY）

0

0

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

（FY）

8,500

8,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

（FY）

（FY）

Non-consolidated
Sales

Net profits for the year and net profits per share

Recurring profits（million yen）

205,000（million yen）

（million yen）

25,00012,000Net profit per
share

Employees（yen）（people）

60

6,000

200,000
195,000

20,000190,000
185,000

10,000

50

8,000

40

6,000

30

4,000

20

2,000

10

5,000

15,000180,000
175,000

10,000170,000
165,000

5,000

4,000

160,000
155,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

01999 2000 2001 2002 2003

（FY）

■Corporate performance （FY2003）（FY）

Consolidated

Non-consolidated

Sales

228,776

195,784

Recurring profits

19,163

12,788Net profits for the year

11,117

7,872

Net profits per share

49.84

35.21

Number of employees

9,284

4,916

0

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

0

3,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

（FY）

（FY）

Products supporting the world※Sales, recurring profit and net annual profit are expressed above in units of one million
yen. Net profit per share is expressed in yen.
※The number of employees as of March 31, 2004.

03

ECO report 2004

Spark plugs & glow plugs

Sensors

These are essential parts for automobile
engines. NGK spark plugs have developed
alongside the history of our company. The
current development emphasis is placed onan environmentally conscious design
ensuring consistent efficiency, better
exhaust quality and energy saving.

We have developed and marketed various
types of sensors that are indispensable incontrolling emissions and improving the fuelefficiency of vehicles, conserving energy andpreventing global warming. Of course we also
have sensors to protect people's comfortableliving spaces.

Corporate philosophy

Corporate activity principles

Aiming to become a proposal-making corporation,〈 we continue to present new values to the world. 〉
With global views and ideas,we pursue new values
linking technology and people.

NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. will behave with social decency in accordance with thefollowing ten principles in order to put into practice our corporate philosophy
expressed in our slogan: "Contributing to the people of the world by offering newvalue that deepens mutual trust and looks to the future."〈Slogan〉

1.

With established trust and confidence inside and outside
the company, we aim to contribute to the peoples of the world bycreating and putting at their disposal new values for the future.

We will respect human rights and abide by all laws and international rules aswell as the spirit of the law, whether in Japan or overseas.

2.

We will apply our best technology and accumulated experience in order toprovide socially useful and safe products and services that satisfy consumers
and customers and gain their trust while giving due consideration to theprotection of individual information and customer information.

3.

We will perform business transactions properly based on fairness,transparency, and free competition. We will also maintain healthy and correct
relations with governments and public administrations.

4.

We will place importance on communication not only with stockholders but
also with the wider society, and release corporate data through our everyday
public relations activities

5.

We recognize that dealing with environmental problems is an issue for all
mankind that absolutely requires the presence and action of corporations, andwe will take action in an autonomous, proactive and speedy manner.

Management Policy

Commitment

Action Guideline

We offer a working
environment in which eachone of us is encouraged tomake full use of his or her
personality and capability.
With all our power we arededicated to pursue
management based ontrust and confidence.

With full use of the mostsuitable technology andour accumulated
experience, we continue
striving to offer newvalues to the peoples of
the world.

Ever onward!
Always mindful of what isthe best course, we swiftly
put it into action.

6.

We will contribute to society and always behave as a good corporate citizen.

7.

We will respect the diversity and individuality of our employees and provide
them with a safe and pleasant working environment that utilizes their abilities.

8.

We will staunchly oppose antisocial movements and organizations that pose athreat to the order and safety of civil society.

9.

We will respect local cultures and customs during our international corporate
activities and carry out business that contributes to the growth of hostcountries.

10.

Our top management will lead by example in the spirit of these principles,
striving to cultivate a philosophy of logic by disseminating them throughout thecompany, publicizing them among group companies and customers, andincorporating them into the company structure.

Adopted in November 1966

History of environment conservation activities
Feb. 1973

Mar. 1974
Apr. 1980

Nov. 1980
Nov. 1993
Apr. 1994
Apr. 1999
Jun. 1999

Aug. 1999

Safety and Environment Section （present Environment & Safety Management
Dept.） was established.
Safety and Sanitation Committee and Antipollution Committee were
established.
Antipollution agreement was concluded between Komaki Factory and Komaki City.
Antipollution agreement was concluded between Miyanojo Factory and Miyanojo
Town.
Energy Conservation Expert Committee was established.
Miyanojo Factory introduced a closed wastewater treatment system to its
plating plant.
Antipollution agreement was concluded between Ise Factory and Ise City.
Ise Factory introduced a closed wastewater treatment system to its plating
plant.
Environment declaration was announced.
Reorganization of Antipollution Committee into Environment Committee.
Environmental management system was reviewed and Energy Conservation
Expert Committee was organized.
Head Office/Factory obtained ISO14001 certification.

Oct. 1999

Waste Sub-Committee, Green Procurement Sub-committee, and Chemical
Materials Sub-committee were established.
Sep. 2000 The first edition of ECO report was issued.
Dec. 2000 Combined ISO14001 certification covering the company's entire operation sites（Head Office/Factory, Komaki, Miyanojo and Ise）
Jun. 2001 The first environment convention was held.
Jul. 2001 Cogeneration plant was installed in Miyanojo Factory and utilization of plating
plant waste heat was commenced.
Sep. 2002 Miyanojo Factory achieved zero emissions.
Dec. 2002 Combined ISO14001 certification covering NGK Spark Plug Group with Group A
affiliates
May. 2003 Voluntary soil survey and soil improvement was performed on the company
premises and reported to Nagoya City.
Head Office/Factory and Komaki Factory achieved zero emissions.
Sep. 2003 Ise Factory achieved zero emissions.
Jan. 2004 Combined ISO14001 certification covering NGK Spark Plug Group with Group B
affiliates

Semiconductor components

Electronic components

Cutting tools

Ceramic application products

Our ceramic and organic packages fulfill thediverse requirements of semiconductor
components which sustain the evolution of
the IT industry, allowing them to attain higher
integration, larger throughputs and smaller
size for better environmental compliance.

Mobile phones have become indispensable inpeople's lives today. Working inside them are
our dielectric filters and antennas, essential
for sending and receiving radio waves. Our
never-ending challenge is to achieve clearer
voice communication and lighter weight.

Our advanced cutting tools developed with
our unique technologies enjoy a highreputation. The ceramic series is suitable forthe high-speed cutting of cast iron and heatresistant alloys, while the cermet series isused for semi-finishing and finishing ofvarious steel works.

We also offer a variety of products that takeadvantage of the features of new ceramics.
They cover a wide range of product areasfrom industrial machinery parts and ecoproduct such as ozonizers, to artificial bones
and consumer products like ceramic heaters.

04

Business activities and environmental impact
How our business is linked tothe environment

Material balance

Attention in the automotive field is firmly on the utilization of fuel cells asa clean energy resource, and our company is pursuing the development oftechnologies such as hydrogen gas leakage sensors as a safety measure
when using fuel cells. At present, fossil fuel-burning engines drive
motorization throughout the world, and we are always looking to maximize
efficiency and minimize emissions. For example, NGK spark plugs bringing
out the best performance from engines at low or high speeds, and ouroxygen sensors support the control of engine operation and exhaust gas
purification.
In the computerization and telecommunication fields, we are continuing towork steadily on hardware for the IT industry, indirectly supporting every
kind of industrial activity with our products and components such as highprecision packages utilizing ceramic metallization and multilevelinterconnection technologies, high-precision packages utilizing resinmaterials, LTCCs （low temperature cofired ceramics） with excellent
electrical characteristics, and SAW filters. The improvements we aremaking to eco-efficiency include redesigning small components to beeven smaller, reducing power consumption, and enhancing computing
speed.

EnergyElectricity
Gas
LPG
Grade A crude oil
Gasoline
Diesel oil

Environmental effect of ouroperationsPaper

NGK Spark Plug's products are composed mainly of ceramic and metalparts. The difficult thing about ceramics is the huge amount of energy
required in the firing process, and so we have switched from grade A
crude oil to city gas, a clean energy source, in an effort to reduce air
pollution. In our manufacturing processes, we continue to abolish or
reduce the use of harmful pollutants. With metal products, we strive tominimize resource losses from the raw material stage through to the final
product, while in the plating process, we try to reduce waste products byextending the life of chemicals and recycling plating sludge.
By promoting "reduce, reuse and recycle", we are aiming for the efficient,circulatory use of resources and trying to alleviate the burden ouroperations place on the environment. In 2003, zero emissions wereachieved at NGK Spark Plug's four factories.
Looking at our input in terms of material balance, we manufacture
products using ceramic materials, metals and other materials. We also
use a large amount of energy for firing, a characteristic of our industry,
which results in the emission of large amounts of CO2. As for our output,
we produce an increasing amount of waste material in proportion to themass of products shipped. We also reuse a small amount of waste waterand ceramic materials.

Photocopy paper
Other paper

542,064 KWH
5,619 m3
22 m3
197 KL

Paper
Photocopy paper
Other kinds of paper

15.0 tons
0.2 tons

Water
Tap water05

ECO report 2004

3,559 tons

in Japan Business sites

Electricity
Gas
LPG
Gasoline

56 tons（ 44 tons）
2,800 tons（ 2,157 tons）

Staple raw materials
Ceramic materials
Metal materials
Reused elements

12,755 tons （ 12,755 tons）
20,791 tons （ 20,791 tons）
11,502 tons （ 9,189 tons）

Other materials/auxiliary materi
Gases
Plastics
Chemical substances
Oils
OthersMaterial balance （business sites in Japan）

Energy288,760,000 KWH（182,310,000 KWH
15,070,000 m3 （ 14,470,000 m3）
3,510,000 m3 （ 1,680,000 m3）
3,056 KL （2,793 KL）
841 KL （822 KL）
104 KL （59 KL）

19,466 tons （ 9,491 tons）
1,841 tons （ 880 tons）
8,739 tons （ 5,833 tons）
756 tons （ 708 tons）
1,226 tons （ 451 tons）

CO2 emission fromenergy consumption
OfficeTransportation

193 tons
458 tons

Waste
Recycled waste
13.1 tons
Landfill/burning disposal 8.8 tons

Wastewater
Wastewater

3,559 tons

Water
Tap water
Well water
Recycled water

911,540 tons （ 728,127 tons）
1,020,111 tons （ 893,326 tons）
921,343 tons （ 851,646 tons）

H）

CO2 emission from energy consumption
Production
Test
Transportation

163,919 tons （ 114,928 tons）
1,857 tons （ 1,857 tons）
330 tons （205 tons）

Release of PRTR-regulated substances
Air
Water

168 tons （ 15 tons）
1.0 tons （ 0.4 tons）

Product shipment
Product shipment

26,289 tons （ 26,289 tons）

Wrapping/packaging
Plastics
Paper
Cardboard

571 tons （309 tons）
1,201 tons （ 1,150 tons）
1,357 tons （962 tons）

als
Waste
Recycled waste
16,596 tons （ 14,327 tons）
Landfill/burning disposal
587 tons （ 105 tons）

Wastewater
Wastewater

1,931,652 tons （ 1,621,453 tons）

Data for four NGK Spark Plug factories is shown in brackets.
※Since some operation sites have no installations to measure discharged volume, thecombined volume of tap water and well water was taken as wastewater volume.
※Not including energy consumption and CO2 emissions due to transportation outsourcing.

06

Basic philosophy on environment

Environmental declaration（revised April 2004）

Environmental action plan and
NGK Spark Plug Group Eco Vision 2010
（drawn up April 2004）

The NGK Spark Plug Group will strive for harmony with society
and the global environment while serving the people of the world,

Item

offering new values based on the principle of high quality
throughout the entire life cycle of our environmentally friendly NGK

Environmental management system

spark plugs and NTK new ceramic products.
To achieve this, we have formulated an environmental action plan

Environmental operations

based on our environmental policy as a way of accepting oursocial role and responsibility as a trusted corporation. With theparticipation of everyone concerned, we will pursue theEnvironmental accounting
Environmental risk

development of a sustainable society and business operations.
Compliance

Environmental policies（revised April 2004）

EnergyManagement
We will abide by all laws, regulations, protocols and voluntarystandards relating to environmental conservation. We also aim toincrease our environmental efficiency by continually trying toenhance our environmental management system （EMS） andperformance.

Waste matter

Factories/Offices
We will remain constantly aware of the need for environmental
harmony, working to prevent air, earth and water pollution, useenergy and resources more effectively, and reduce wastematerials.

Water resources

Products

Green purchasing

We will work towards the development, design, procurement,
manufacture, sale, distribution and disposal of environmentallyfriendly products.

Communication

Hazardous substances

We will promote communication with stakeholders through clear
disclosure of information. We will also contribute not only to local
communities but to the wider society through consideration for thenatural environment as well as participation and support forenvironmental conservation activities.

Eco-design

Mind

Green procurement

We will strive to raise awareness of environmental conservation
through environmental education and publicity activities as well as
the dissemination of these policies among all our employees. We
will also seek the understanding and cooperation of our businessassociates.

Distribution

Disclosure

Community
Natural environment
With the participation of everyone concerned, we willkeep to these five newly issued environmental
policies until they bloom.

07

ECO report 2004

Education and instruction

The NGK Spark Plug Group's stance towards environmental activity is shown in"NGK Spark Plug Group Eco Vision 2010", which describes the ideal way things will have changed by 2010.
Targets for 2004−2005

NGK Spark Plug Group Eco Vision 2010

Achieve 2004−2005 targets ahead of Eco Vision 2010

●Sharing of environmental policies by affiliate companies

Promote certification of Japanese offices and overseas affiliates●Centralization of environmental management data control

Promote combination with QMS and OHSMS●Construction of total management system （QMS, EMS, OHSMS）

Introduce eco-efficiency to prevent global warming●Promotion of CSR management

Investigate and research Kyoto mechanism●Reflection of environmental performance in business evaluation

Promote construction of environmental management data system
Introduce environmental accounting to Group B●Integration of environmental accounting and management accounting

Investigate and research material flow cost accounting
Zero environmental accidents and environmental complaints
Zero environmental law violations
Construct CSR management system
Reduction of 1% in CO2 emissions （compared with FY2001）●Compliance with Kyoto Protocol

・FY2005→ Manufacturing divisions : emissions per unit of resources down 4%●Total greenhouse gas emissions in Japan of 150,000 tons or less （down 10% on 2001）→ Non-manufacturing divisions : emissions down 4%
Introduce clean energy
Achieve zero emissions （min. 98% rate of effective utilization）●Zero emissions achieved by affiliate companies

・FY2005 → Groups A and B
Reduce waste emissions （compared with FY2003）●Efficient use of resources in circulation type society

・FY2005 → Four NGK Spark Plug factories：Total emissions down 10%●Waste emissions of 12,000 tons or less （down 30% on 2003）→ Groups A and B：Total emissions down 5%
Investigate and research the reuse and recycling of used products●EPR（extended producer responsibility）operations

Study changing to internal treatment of waste matter
Reduce use of tap water and well water（compared with FY2003）
・FY2005 → Four NGK Spark Plug factories：Total used down 10%→ Groups A and B：Total used down 5%
Improve eco-efficiency of office supplies etc.
・ FY2005 → 90％
Reduce emissions of substances subject to PRTR law●Total emissions of substances subject to PRTR law of 36 tons （down 80% on 2002）

・FY2005→ Four NGK Spark Plug factories：Total emissions 8.3 tons （down 50% on 2002）→ Groups A and B：
Total emissions per unit of resources down 20% on 2001
Disuse all substances harmful to the ozone layer：end of 2005

※1

●Construction of management system for environmental pollutants

Not use prohibited substances ranked as hazardous
Spread LCA procedures throughout company●Environmentally friendly design and product creation

Introduce eco-efficiency●Development of eco-business

Introduce environmental labels
Introduce clean supplier system●Green supplier system of identification and registration of all our business associates

Centralize transportation fuel management●Construction of efficient distribution system

Promote replacement with eco-cars
Social environmental reports：Issue annually●Disclosure of clear environmental data

Site reports：Issue annually
Hold stakeholder meetings●Continuous issue of CSR reports

Promote acceptance of environmental visits to factories
Exchanges with NGO and NPO organizations●Support and participation in NGO and NPO activities

Continuous implementation of regional clean-up activities
Participate in environmental exhibitions and environment-related events
Promote greening of factories●Promotion of nature conservation and social contribution

Promote introduction of environmental education programs●Employee education full of environmental ideas

Environmental conferences：Hold annually
Environment page in company magazine：Include every month※1 Although we are carrying out R&D into substitute materials, we have extended the target from FY2004 to FY2005 due to technological difficulties.

08

2003 Environmental action plan and performance（drawn up April 2003）

Item

Targets for FY2003

・To pursue certification for major domestic
affiliates by FY2003.
EMS construction

Air, soil and waterpollution prevention

・To promote thorough control of the use, releaseand transfer of hazardous substances.
・To disuse ozone depleting substances totally
by FY2004.
★To disuse chlorinated organic solvents totally
by FY2004.

Achievements in FY2003

RatingJanuary 2004
Certification of four Group B factor
・Kamioka Ceramic
・Nittoku Seisakusho
・Nichiwa Kiki
・Tono Ceramic

Relatedpages

11・Although we are carrying out R&D to findreplacements for substances harmful tothe ozone layer, we extended the target
from FY2004 to FY2005 due totechnological difficulties.
★Disused chlorinated organic solvents.

19
20

・Our manufacturing divisions to reduce total
CO2 emissions per unit of resources by 2%
from FY2001 （1% from FY2002）.
・Non-manufacturing divisions to reduce total
CO2 emissions by 2% from FY2001 （1% from
FY2002）.

●Manufacturing divisions（unit of resources）
Down 7.4% on FY2001
Down 5.6% on FY2002●Non-manufacturing divisions（total emissions）
Up 2.9% on FY2001 ※Down 1.8% on FY2002

15
16●To promote reduction and achieve zero
emissions at four NGK Spark Plug factories by
the end of FY2003.

●Zero emissions achieved
May 2003
Head Office/Factory and Komaki Factor
September 2003
Ise Factory17
18

Development of environmentallyconscious products

・To further enhance the line of environmentallyfriendly products.
・To construct and operate an environmental
assessment system for product design anddevelopment.
・To promote procurement of environmentallyfriendly materials.
・To achieve the following eco-prod.uct
procurement rates by FY2003.
Four NGK Spark Plug factories: 85% or moreGroups A and B: 70% or more

・Eco-efficiency of office supplies Targets
achieved in all sectors
Four NGK Spark Plug Factories 89.1%
Groups A and B 70〜93%

Respect for the environment oflocal communities

・To promote cleaning and greening activities inareas around factories.
・To participate proactively in regional
environmental conservation activities.
・To conduct information disclosure and risk
communication.

・Implemented cleaning activities at eachfactory at least twice a year.
・Participated proactively in government
sponsored events.

Energy conservation promotion

Waste reduction andrecycling promotion※We redefined in FY2003 which workplaces come under manufacturing divisions.

23
24
25
26

27

●：Items relating to four NGK Spark Plug factories★：Items relating to affiliate companies

09

ECO report 2004

環 境 に 関 す る 基 本 理 念

Environmental management rating
In order for corporations to continue their businesses, they have to be responsible to their shareholders, partners and suppliers. In
addition to these economic responsibilities, it is also becoming increasingly important to be socially and environmentally
responsible to stakeholders such as consumers, employees and local communities in terms of compliance with social ethics andcontribution to environmental conservation.
The results of efforts in "environment, society, and economy" （triple bottom line） have been focused mainly in Europe and North
America, and so it is also getting more desirable in Japan to maintain environmental management balance between social andeconomic issues.

In order to evaluate the reality of the environmental management ofSurvey Content

corporations from a logical and objective perspective to build a sustainable
society, an "environmental management rating" has been conducted since● Interview with corporate executives

FY2002 by the Sustainable Management Rating Institute （SMRI）, an●Answer to survey sheet（Three categories, 21-evaluation phases and 189 questions）

external bureau of the Sustainable Management Forum.
NGK Spark Plug participated in the second environmental management rating● Hearing（Confirmation of the items described in the survey sheet）

in FY2003 for the first time in order to obtain an objective evaluation as asustainable company.

■Rating result （Sustainable Management Tree）
The interview and the hearing were

FY 2003

conducted with our president on
Environment

November 27, 2003, and the result wasannounced on February 26, 2004.
The result is illustrated in the colors ofManagement

J Water resource
and water quality

Societyleaves to make it understandable. If thetree has more green leaves, it means

K Protection ofnatural environment

I Measures forsoil pollutionthat the company is well managed

R Continuity of employment

environmentally.
NGK Spark Plug's tree had 49 green
leaves （excellent）, 14 yellow leaves

H Control ofchemical substances

C Observance of laws

（good）, but no red leaves （pass） or

B Corporate governance

M Eco-design

T Equality of opportunities
P Harmony withlocal communities

G Resource circulation
Waste

leaves are as follows.
Measures for soil pollution
Harmony with local community

S Occupational safety
and hygiene

D Riskmanagement

fallen leaves （fail） were found. The
evaluation points described by two yellow

L Green procurement
and green purchasing
Q Consideration
for consumers

E Information
disclosure
N Logistics

A Corporate philosophy

F Measures for
global warming
Energy conservation

Corporate culture

O Corporate
cultureU Supporting women's
participation in society
and employment

Equality of opportunity
The rating survey and the graphicallydescribed leaves of the tree haverevealed the issues that NGK Spark Plugis facing. We will acknowledge these as
the tasks ahead and try to enhancethem in our aim for better environmental
management.

※Out of the 98 applicant corporations, 67 companies
reached the final evaluation and publicly announced theirresults. They are called "Green top runners", and NGK
Spark Plug is introduced as one of them.
http://www.smri.jp/

Out of 63 leaves

49
14

Excellent Good

Pass

Fail

Strategy

Mechanism

Strategy

Fallen leaf
ResultResult10

Management
Environmental management system
NGK Spark Plug is taking advantage of the ISO14001 environmental
management system （EMS） as an important tool to drive forward ourenvironmental management. Both our environmental protection systemand performance （goal attainment） have been improving continually
since the integrated certification of four NGK Spark Plug factories in
December FY2000.

As for our domestic consolidated subsidiaries, 11 companies have been
included in the expansion of our ISO14001 integrated certification as ofJanuary 2004, and we are pursuing uniform management to sharecommon goals and information. Our overseas consolidated subsidiaries
are currently preparing for certification independently, although we willdevelop our EMS under a common environment preservation policy.

【Status of ISO 14001 certification】
Name of factories and companies

Timing ofcertification

NGK Spark Plug

1Head Office/Factory'99. 8

2

Komaki Factory'00.12

3

Miyanojo Factory'00.12

4

Ise Factory'00.12

Certification organization

・・
TUV Rheinland
Japan

Number of
employees

Name of factories and companies

Timing ofcertification

Certification organization

Number of
employees

1004

21

NGK Spark Plug（Australia）Pty.Ltd.

36

2757

22

NGK Spark Plugs Canada Limited

37

554

23

Taiwan NGK Spark Plug Co.,Ltd.

394

24

NGK Spark Plug Industries Europe S.A.S.

50

28'00. 548

AFAQ

Nittoku Seisakusho'04. 1

96

25

6

Nittoku Unyu

'00.1219

26

NGK Spark Plugs（France）S.A.S.

43

7

Nichiwa Kiki

'04. 160

27

NTK Cutting TooIs Korea Co.,Ltd.

59

28

NTK Technical Ceramics H.K. Ltd.

229

NTK Technologies,Inc.

49

30

NTK Technical Ceramics（Taiwan）Ltd.

6

31

NGK Spark Plugs（U.S.A.）Holding, lnc.

−

32

NGK Spark Plugs Singapore Pte Ltd

933

NGK Spark Plug Middle East FZECeramica e Velas de Ignicao NGK do Brasil Ltda.

8

Kamioka Ceramic Co.,Ltd.

Consolidated subsidiaries (overseas)

Consolidated subsidiaries (domestic)

5

Bujias NGK de Mexico S.A. de C.V.

146

'04. 1

9Kani Ceramic Co.,Ltd.

'02.12

10

Iijima Ceramic Co.,Ltd.

'02.12

11

Nittoku Alfa Service'99. 8122

12Nakatsugawa Ceramic Co.,Ltd.

'02.12466

13

Tono Ceramic'04. 1

82

・・
TUV Rheinland
Japan

163
462

10

14

Nansei Ceramic'02.12

39

34

15

Ceramic Censor Co.,Ltd.

'00.12416

35

NGK Spark PIug Europe GmbH38

36

NGK Spark Plug（Shanghai）Co.,Ltd.

57
52

16

Tokai Taima Kogu

Consolidated
subsidiaries (overseas)

17
18
19

NGK Spark Plugs（U.S.A.）, lnc. WV Factory
IRV Factory'00. 7'01. 8・・
TUV RHEINLANDOF NORTH AMERICA37

NTK Technical Ceramics Polska sp.zo.o.

493

38

NGK Spark Plugs Malaysia Berhad.

NGK Spark Plugs（U.K.）Ltd.

'01.12

BSI（British Standard Institute）

73

39

Siam NGK Spark Plug Co.,Ltd.

20

P.T. NGK Busi lndonesia

362

40

Woojin Industry Co.,Ltd.

19 35
26
24

13
4
14

1091
168

107
'02.11

・・
TUV

174
214

22
17 31
27 40
36
28
23 30

33

29

18

25

39
38
1 2 5 6
7 11 15 16

ABS QUALITY EVALUTION INC.

37

8

10
9 12

'01,12

32
20

3
34

21

11

ECO report 2004

【Environmental Activity Promotion Organization】

System operation
NGK Spark Plug's environmental management system
is based on the participation of all our employees inorder to implement our activities. We operate a PDCA
（Plan-Do-Check-Action） cycle throughout the entire
group and in each region, and verify the performancestatus of the objectives and the goals of the entire
group as well as each region during a management
review conducted by the chief executives.
An internal environmental audit is conducted annually
to verify and evaluate the compliance of our selfregulation in addition to the operating status of thesystem and the observance of the law.

President
Chief Environment Administrator(Chairman of Central
Environment Committee)

Environment Administrator

Central Energy Conservation
Expert Committee

Central Environment Committee

Waste Sub-committee

Environment Committee

Environmental ISO
Secretariat

Internal Environment
AuditorEnergy Conservation Expert Committee

Chemical Materials
Sub-committee

Waste Sub-committee

Green Procurement
Sub-committee「Operation sites」※"Operation sites" means the Head Office
Factory, Komaki Factory, Miyanojo
Factory, Ise Factory and affiliates.

【PDCA Diagram】【Number of ISO14001 auditors （NGK Spark Plug Group）】

NGK Spark Plug Group

ISO14001 assistant examiners

Regions

7

ISO14001 Internal auditors

Review by the chief executives
Central Environment Committee

401

Continuous
improvement

Environmental audit
Environment preservation policy
Corporate environmental objectives
and targets

Local Environment
Committee

Environmental audit

Continuous
improvement

In-houseenvironment audit
Regional environmental
objectives and targets
Regional environmental plan
Execution and operation

Skill-maintenance training for in-house environmental auditors

Environmental risk

Compliance

To prevent air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution, we haveconcluded an agreement on pollution control with municipalities andimplemented self-regulation that is stricter than the law, with which wecomply. In addition to periodical monitoring and measurement, we takeenvironmental risk measures in various emergency cases.
We have also conducted an educational/training program for
emergencies, just in case of an accident.

Taking the compliance of laws for granted according to the environment
measures listed in the corporate code of conduct, we will strive to act
adequately and speedily, even to any legal change, in order to ensure
thorough compliance in our corporate activities.
There are two regions （three cases） in NGK Spark Plug Group thatexceeded regulation values and standard values in FY2003.
There were no claims from stakeholders.

■Training in preparation
for leakage of chemical
substances【Four NGK Spark Plug factories】

FY2001

FY2002

FY2003

0

0

0

2

0

0

FY2001

FY2002

FY2003

Number of violations, penalties, and lawsuits

In October 2003, we
conducted training in which
it was assumed that waste
fluid was flowing out into aside ditch at the Ise Factory.

Number of claims made by stakeholders【Affiliates】
Ise: Training in preparation for leakage of chemical
substances

Number of violations, penalties, and lawsuits

※1

※2、※3

2

※2

1

0

※5

3

※4

3

■Above-ground piping

Number of claims made by stakeholders

Because it is difficult to
detect if a pipe buried
underground has beendamaged, pipes are laid
aboveground at the Miyanojo
Factory.

※1 A claim was made to the Komaki Factory requesting an improvement in noise level.
※2 The noise level exceeded the restricted value at Nittoku Seisakusho.
※3 The nitrogen content of the water at Ceramic Sensor exceeded the value listed in theagreement with Komaki City on pollution control.
※4 The noise level exceeded the restricted value at Kani Ceramic and Nittoku Seisakusho(2 cases).
※5 In Ceramic Sensor, Iijima Ceramic, and Kani Ceramic, requests were made to improve the noiselevels.

0

Miyanojo: Aboveground piping

12

Environmental accounting
Environmental accounting was introduced from FY1999, because it isimportant to measure the environmental preservation cost and its effectin a quantitative manner to promote environmental management more
effectively. In FY2003, we expanded our consolidated subsidiaries toGroup B affiliates.
The total environmental conservation cost incurred by NGK Spark Plug in
FY2003 was 8,025 million yen on a non-consolidated basis and 8,556
million yen on a consolidated basis, a 3% increase on FY2002. The
breakdown shows that more than 60% of spending went towards R&D,
while the second largest cost item was the cost in the business area.
The cost saving effect of environmental preservation measures taken in
FY2003 was 221 million on a non-consolidated basis. The period covered
was from April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004.

【Effect of environment conservation measures shown in yen】Unit: million yen
Area of recognized effectRevenueAmountRevenue generated from the recycling of waste
generated in operations or used products

76

Energy cost saving achieved from energy
conservation efforts

85

Waste disposal cost saving achieved byresource conservation and recycling efforts

60

Cost saving

221

Total

【Environment preservation cost】

Unit: million yen

Items

Non-consolidated※1Consolidated

Investment

Expense2003
Pollution prevention cost
Costs within thebusiness area

ExpenseInvestment

Major efforts

Classification

243

Air/water pollution prevention and noise reduction

1,279

2002

2003

2002

2003

142

180

1,109

1,064

Global environmental conservation cost

Global warming prevention, energy conservation

9

95

6

2

128

70

Resource circulation cost

Effective resource utilization, industrial waste treatment/disposal

31

584

27

28

495

424

Sub-total

283

1,958

175

211

1,732

1,557

0

4

0

0

5

4

Upstream & downstream cost

Recycling of products, etc., green purchase differences

Management activity cost

Employee environmental education, EMS construction and operation

5

393

9

4

253

345

R&D cost

R&D of products promoting environment preservation

529

5,199

601

529

4,726

5,199

Social activity cost

Nature protection, afforestation, environmental ads

0

182

0

0

114

173

Environment damage correction cost

Repair of soil contamination, disrupted nature

0

3

0

0

※2174

3

817

7,740

785

743

7,004

7,282

Total

■Environmental conservation cost has been classified into subsets according to the guidelines published by the Ministry of the Environment, while proportional allocation based on rules set by the NGK
Spark Plug Group was applied in calculating each amount on the basis of actual investment costs and expenses recognized as being of a direct nature.
※1 Consolidated companies: Nine affiliated companies (Groups A and B, and Ceramic Sensor)※2 Expenses associated with voluntary soil survey and soil improvement work undertaken on the company's premises following the legislation of a soil pollution countermeasure law【Environmental conservation effect measurements】
Classification
Effect measured in
the business area

Consolidated
Types of effect2003

Non-consolidated
2002

2003

Year-on-year（％） Rating■Energy consumption
Electricity (10,000 KWH)

Effect measured withrespect to resource input
into operations

19,031

18,231

Gas (10,000m )

1,507

1,552

1,447

ー6.8

LPG (10,000m3)

351

344

168

ー51.2

3,056

3,148

2,793

ー11.3

Tap water (tons)

911,540

747,364

728,127

ー2.6

Well water (tons)

1,020,111

913,037

893,326

ー2.2

PRTR law-regulated substance consumption (tons)

732

510

453

ー11.3

Photocopy paper consumption (tons)

56

50

44

ー11.3

163,919

121,384

114,928

ー5.3

─

1.204

1.143

ー5.1

921,343

683,242851,646

24.6

16,596

16,072

14,327※1ー10.9

587

591

105

ー82.2

169

17

16

ー8.1

A oil (KL)
■Water consumption

CO2 emission from energy consumption (tons)
Emission per unit production (tons CO2 /output added value) (tons/million yen)
Effect measured withrespect to environmentalload and waste frombusiness activities

Recycled plant wastewater (tons)■WasteRecycled mass (tons)
Landfill, incineration (tons)
PRTR law-regulated substances released into air and water (tons)※1 Recycle volume has decreased due to the reduction of waste.

13

ECO report 2004

ー4.2

28,876

3

Environmental management■NGK Spark Plug's Eco-efficiency■

Eco-efficiency
The improvement of environmental efficiency is "to minimize theenvironmental load in association with the business activities of acorporation as well as to maximize the generated economic value", which
is a crucial challenge for the sustainable development of our company. In
the promotion of environmental management, we will establish an index
that can evaluate the balance between productivity and reduction inenvironmental load such as CO2 emission and waste discharge.
【CO2 index from production】

8

87

7

86

6

85

5

84

4

83

3

82

2

81

1
2001

2002

2003 （FY）

0

2001

Output added value
Environmental load
（Volume of CO2 emission and waste discharge）※The output added value is calculated by subtracting material costs and the costsof outsourced processing from sales.

【Waste index from production】

88

80

Eco-efficiency =2002【Landfill/incineration index from production】
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0

2003 （FY）

2001

2002

2003 （FY）

Challenges and eco-words surrounding NGK Spark Plug GroupThe world has started moving toward the establishment of a sustainable and recycling-oriented society. This is evidenced by trends inlegislation concerning the Kyoto Protocol and restrictions on chemical substances in Europe. "Environmental management" means creating
new economic value through continuous environmental conservation activities in order to pursue the future growth and development of acorporation.
Here we will show environmental terminology and illustrate our environmental conservation activities toward Eco Vision 2010.
Challenges surrounding business activities

Influence of production of
raw materials of alumina●Tremendous energy use upon refining●Discharge of red mud to sea

Influence of abandonment anddisposal of products used in themarketInfluence of fossil fuel used totransport products●Emission of CO2●Landfill disposal

Sustainability

Stakeholders

It is to grow and develop thesociety continuously without
sacrificing living standards inthe future.

Communication will enhancemutual understanding.
⇒See P27.

Red mud
This is generated when refining alumina,
which is a raw material of ceramic. The
discharge of red mud to the sea is becoming
an international problem, and there is a threatthat alumina may no longer be produced.

Cogeneration
This is a system of generating electricity with turbines andengines, taking advantage of the heat simultaneously
developed for air-conditioning systems and hot water
systems. It enables higher total energy efficiency.

Manifest
This is a slip introduced to prevent the illegal disposalof industrial waste. It enables absolute confirmation ofprocessing.
We also conduct site surveys of industrial waste
disposal processors.
⇒See p18.

EPR
Extended producer responsibility.
This is the idea that there is a certain
level of responsibility on the side ofcorporations in terms of proper recycling
and disposal even of used products.

It has been established at the Miyanojo Factory, where electricity
and heat have been utilized.

Clean energy
This is a type of energy that has relatively lower
level emissions of toxic substances, such as water
power and wind power.
⇒See P16.

Kyoto Protocol
Adopted in December 1997.
Advanced countries are now responsible for the reductionof greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, dinitrogenmonoxide, HFC, PFC, and sulfur hexafluoride). Japan will
reduce these by 6% in comparison to 1990.

Water resources"Reducing water usage as much as possible is fundamental"(Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association).
According to the goal of the Action Schedule for Environment
2004-2005, we will address the reduction of the water supply andthe well water.
⇒See P7.

ComplianceThis means to observe
regulations.
⇒See P12.

We will aim for a 10% reduction of CO2 emission (in comparison
to FY2001) in accordance with Eco Vision 2010.
⇒See P8 and P15.

RoHS directive

ELV directive

This is one of the European directives concerning
the limited use of specific toxic substances
included in electric / electronic equipment. It willbasically be prohibited as of July 2006 to containlead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, andbrominated flame retardants (PBB, PBDE).

This is one of the European directives concerning
vehicles that have reached the end of their usefullife. It has been basically prohibited as of July
2003 for them to contain lead, cadmium,hexavalent chromium and mercury.

Substitution by other substances has been introduced.

Substitution by other substances has been taking
place.
⇒See P25.

CSR
Corporate Social Responsibility.
This is the concept that corporations
should take responsibility for the three
aspects:environment, economy, andsociety. It is required that corporations
conduct environmental managementwith a good balance of these threeelements.

14

Factory/Office
EnergyCO2 reduction target

Trends observed in our energy consumption

NGK Spark Plug Group has set a target each year up until FY2005 toaddress this issue and to employ measures.

【Electricity】
Four NGK Spark Plug factories

Consumption（10,000 KWH）

・FY2005

35,000

Direct production sector

Emission per unit production

Other sections

Down 4%（on FY2001）
Down 4%（on FY2001）

Emission・Each FYNGK Spark Plug Group

30,00025,00020,000

Direct production sector Emission per unit production
Down 1%（on the previous year）
Other sections
Emission
Down 1%（on the previous year）

15,00010,0005,000【CO2 reduction target】
025,00023,2852.0

22,85721,3191.6

20,00015,000

0.989

1.2

0.973

0.950

0.916

10,000

0.8

5,000

0.4

0

2001

1995

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003 （FY）【Gas（converted equivalent CO2）】
CO2 emission per unit production（tons CO2/million yen）

Amount of CO2 emission（ton-CO2）

22,2081990

Direct production sector

Other sections

2002

2003

2005
（Target）（FY）

Four NGK Spark Plug factories

Consumption（tons CO2）

70,000NGK Spark Plug Group

60,00050,00040,00030,0000.0

20,00010,0004% decrease
0

Decrease of CO2 emissions

Converted equivalent CO2（10,000 tons CO2）

15

1.22

1.20
1.14
1.0

0.96
0.87

0.5

5

7.0

9.3

11.4

11.8

12.1

2003
11.5

1990

1995

2000

2001

2002

2003

Energy consumption
per unit production ＝

15

1.5

ECO report 2004

0.0
2010
（FY）

Energy consumption（converted equivalent CO2）
Output added value

Energy consumption per unit production（tons CO2/million yen）

2.0
16.4

0

2000

2001

2002

2003 （FY）

Four NGK Spark Plug factories

7,000

NGK Spark Plug Group

6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000

1990

1995

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003 （FY）

Energy consumption per unit production（Four NGK Spark Plug factories）

20

10

1999

Consumption（KL）

0

1.42

1998

1,000

【Amount of energy used in production（Converted equivalent CO2）】

15

1995

【Grade A crude oil】

The amount of CO2 emissions in NGK Spark Plug Group was 164,000
tons in FY2003. In Eco Vision 2010, we aim to reduce CO2 emissions to
150,000 tons（down 10% on FY2001）.
As for CO2 emissions in four NGK Spark Plug factories, in chronologicalorder, emissions have increased by 64% since production was increased
by 85% even though emissions per unit production have decreased by
20% on FY1990. In comparison to FY2002, emission per unit productionin our manufacturing divisions has decreased by 5.6%, while otherdivisions have decreased emissions by 1.8%.

Four NGK Spark Plugfactories
NGK Spark Plug Group

1990【Composition of energy consumption （converted equivalent CO2）- NGK Spark Plug Group】
Electricity（purchased）

8,288
（5%）

Gas
Grade A crude oil
59,880（37%）
95,292（58%）（tons CO2）

Examples of energy conservation■Energy conservation in large-size dust collector （Industrial Products Dept. FineCeramics Div.）The production of ceramic products has quite a lot of processes thatgenerate powder dust because they use a powdery raw material. A dust
collector is installed in factories to collect powder dust generated, since it
may have a harmful effect when inhaled in large quantities.
In the Industrial Products Section of the Ceramic Application Products
Division, electric power reduction measures were introduced from
FY2000, focusing on nighttime when the operation level of the dust
collector is lower.
1The dust collector is controlled by an inverter, and is operated
according to the volume of powder dust.
2Shaking （shaking the powder dust stuck to the filter） is notconducted at nighttime.

Average power
consumption（kW）

Reduction ratio（％）

Before measure

56.9

─

①Operation of inverter started at nighttime

41.0

27.9

②Shaking stopped at nighttime

37.7

33.7

（kW）

70
①Operation of inverter started at nighttime
60②Shaking stopped at nighttime
Power consumption

50
40
30
Ave.56.9kW

20

Ave.41.0kW

Ave.37.7kW

10
0

’02
/04

6

8

10

12

’03
/02

4

6

8

10

12

’04
/02

Large-size dust collector■Energy Conservation by continuous sintering of ceramic （Cutting Tool Division）
In the production process of ceramic cutting tools, there are two sintering stages

furnace is reduced then raised again. An energy conservation measure has been

including temporary sintering and main sintering.

introduced to process temporary sintering and main sintering in one furnace

From the perspective of the heat curve based on the process of main sinteringcontinuously.

after temporary sintering, there is an energy loss since the temperature of the

As a result, continuous sintering enabled a 13% reduction in power consumption.

【Heat curve of sintering furnace】℃

Main sintering 1600℃

BeforeTemporary sintering 800℃

370kWh500kWh

Time
℃

After

1600℃
Cutting tool made of ceramic

800℃

Power consumption（kwh）

Before

870

After

760

760kWhTime

13%reduction

Clean energy
We installed photovoltaic generation panels on the rooftop of the mainbuilding of our Head Office in October 2003. The electric power
generated is used to illuminate the product exhibition panel in the
showroom on the first floor of the main building.

【Outline】
Power generation capacity（maximum sustained power）

10kW

Estimated power generation

10,835kwH/year

Estimated CO2 reduction

3,575 kg CO2/years

Battery module

167w-60 panels
Photovoltaic generation panels

16

WasteZero emissions

1,600

100

1,400
80

1,200
1,000

60

800
600
400

40

200
0

Miyanojo Factory
September, 2002

Recovery rate

Recycling/reuse
Landfill/incineration

Recovery rate （％）

【Target and result of zero emissions achievement】【Trends in waste generation and recovery rate （four NGK Spark Plug factories）】

Waste generation（tons/month）

We have been conducting thorough sorting and recycling of waste
generated during the various steps of the raw material, design andproduction processes. As a result, four NGK Spark Plug factories
achieved zero emissions with a recovery rate exceeding 98%. Our GroupA and B affiliates and Ceramic Sensor are working towards achieving thesame result by FY2005.
Those factories that have already attained zero emissions will change
their stance and concentrate their efforts to minimize input mass bypromoting "Reduce" and "Reduction" of raw materials and waste within ourcompany （including waste consigned to recycling vendors）, trying tounderstand the material flow of the processes as a whole from the pointof view of "material balance".

Head Office/Factory May 2003
Komaki Factory May 2003
September 2003
Ise Factory

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003（FY）

20【Trends in waste disposal cost （four NGK Spark Plug factories）】
100

70
Affiliates
・Iijima Ceramic ・Kamioka Ceramic
・Nakatsugawa Ceramic ・Nittoku Seisakusho
・Kani Ceramic ・Nichiwa Kiki
・Nansei Ceramic ・Tono Ceramic
・Ceramic Sensor

Ise Factory

︵

60

︶

50
40

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005
（FY）

Disposal cost（10,000 yen/month）

Komaki Factory

Recovery rate %

80

4

3,000

3

2,000

2

1,000

1

0

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Disposal cost per ton（10,000 yen/ton）

Disposal cost
Disposal cost per ton

4,000
90
Miyanojo Factory
Head Office/Factory0（FY）■Definition of zero emissions■
In the NGK Spark Plug Group, zero emissions is defined as the state inwhich the quantity of waste, including both industrial waste andgeneral waste from our operations, that is buried or incinerated isreduced to a level that makes the recovery rate 98% or higher. Setting
the border line at 98% for zero emissions is to avoid excessive energy

Five ideas at therecycle centerIn addition to the routine process ofcollecting, separating andcompacting waste, the recycle
center at each factory implements
a number of ideas for utilizing or
reducing waste.

17

ECO report 2004

consumption that would result from perfectionism to recover garbage
such as cigarette butts and tea leaves, which is most suitably
incinerated.
The recovery rate is the percentage of waste that is reused or
recycled.

Improving efficiency by
centralized control of waste

Collecting

Recycling
resources by separating waste

Separating

Implementation of on-the-spot inspection ofwaste-disposal service providers
The Waste Disposal Law obligates operators to confirm on-site thecorrect intermediary and final treatment of waste generated.
NGK Spark Plug Group sent 121 representatives to 62 waste-disposal
service providers （at four NGK Spark Plug factories, 86 representatives
to 39 service providers） during FY2003 to check that their facilities andoperation methods were legal and satisfactory.

Cases of successfully reduced waste
In order to utilize photocopy paper effectively, we have been steadily
working on reduction activities.

■The main approach■◎Two-sided printing ◎Reduced printing size ◎Electronic distribution of documents【Trends in photocopy paper usage （four NGK Spark Plug factories）】（Tons）

90

Reduced by
8,070,000 sheets（A4 equivalent）

80.6

80
Volume

70
60.1

60
50

48.4
44.3

40

On-the-spot snspecton

2000

2001

2002

2003 （FY）

Cases of recycling （MIYANOJO Manufacturing Dept. Spark Plug Div.）In the spark plug manufacturing process, waste is generated from thecutting of metal parts, and so a pressing machine is used to press thiswaste and turn it into small blocks prior to the delivery to recycling
vendors.
Cutting oil stuck to the cutting waste is collected in the pressing
process. However, we found the following problems recently.
① There is a tendency for the collection rate to decrease and thepurchased amount of cutting oil to increase.
② Upon transportation, the oil which cannot be completely collected isscattered.

In order to collect as much cutting oil as possible, we have installed acentrifugal oil separator that enables 92% of the cutting oil to becollected. Moreover, the purchased amount of cutting oil has decreased
by as much as 86% due to filtering and reusing the collected cutting oil.

【Change in purchased amount of cutting oil before and after
the installation of an oil separator】

6,633

Beforeinstallation

After
installation

918

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000
（L）

Piles of cutting waste before the introduction of apressing machine

Reducing volume to improvetransportation efficiency

Compacting

Purchased amount of cutting oil（monthly average）

Pressed cutting waste

Learning ways to improve ouroperations

Learning

Sharing environmental
information and ideas

Communicating18

Hazardous substances
System to control hazardous substances

Customer's
requirements

Based on the environmentally hazardous substances ranking, NGK Spark Plug Group checks
and controls the chemical substances it uses in order to prevent environmental pollution. In
accordance with our control system, we address the reduction of emissions of hazardous
substances from the production process, as well as substitution with less hazardous
substances as hazardous substances contained in the products and hazardous materials
used during the course of the production process.
As for the emission of PRTR law-regulated substances, we are working towards the goal ofan 80% reduction by FY2010 in comparison to FY2002. In FY2003, NGK Spark Plug Grouphandled 27 substances with a volume of 732 tons and emissions of 169 tons. The
emission from our four domestic factories was 16 tons, representing a 6% decrease fromthe previous year.

Regulations

Obtaining information
Information management
Hazard ranking(in-house standard)

Control ofquantity consumed

Management of
reduction

Control of PRTR law-regulated substances
Air 168,158【PRTR law-regulated substance input and output（Kg）】

Water area for public use 1,006

Products 253,946

Quantity handled
731,643

Disposal by sale 40,904
Decomposition reaction 172,118

Landfill and incineration 18,055

Internal incineration 5,101
Recycle 72,209【Result of PRTR law-regulated substance total（April, 2003 - March, 2004）】
Name of chemical substances（Reporting required）

OrdinanceNo.
1

Publicwater area

Air

Soil

72

Decomposition
reaction

Landfill/
incineration（four NGKSpark Plugfactories）

2002
39,393

1,732

3,074

10,41010,41010,80036,974

38

30

1,085

1,085

87
（675）

123,397

2,032

1,114

8,122
（12,289）

46,972

3

0

0
（0）

149,767

1,799（2,891）

9,717

6

112

1,326

1

154

30

1,328

0

32

1,206

40

Ethyl benzene

5,958

2,634

2,520

43

Ethylene glycol

1,456

1,456

1,440

63

Xylene3,074
32,723（55,838） （14,915）

5,255（8,840）29,09264

Silver and its water-soluble compounds（2,277）

（276）

2,528

68

Chromium and trivalent chromium compounds

3,492（17,132）

1,907（1,916）

6,846

100

Cobalt and its compounds

175

2,568

108

Inorganic cyanogens compounds（except complex salt and cyanate）

64（2,351）

7,178

144

Dichloropentafluoropropane

10,800207

Water-soluble copper salts（except complex salt）

26,209211

Trichloroethylene（1,951）

227

Toluene

1,114
126,951（266,942）（140,488）00（0） （0）125,750（125,750）

230

Lead and its compounds

32,413（43,247）

0
（0）

0
（0）

0
（0）

231

Nickel116,363（125,029）

232

Nickel compounds

253
270

24,392（24,392）（3,898）
0

2,632
0
（0）

0
0
（0） （0）05,414（5,763）

10,80030

729（1,701）

7,801（8,893）00112（0） （112） （0）0（0）

Hydrazine（8,175）（0）（0） （0）（2,011）Di-n-butylphthalates（47,042）272

Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalates（3,239）283

Hydrogenfluoride and its water-soluble salts（2,445）299

Benzene304

Boron and its compounds

309

Poly (oxyethylene) nonylphenolether

1,366

310

Formaldehyde

4,600

0

311

Manganese and its compounds

5,489

0

314

Methacrylic acid

6,632

Molybdenum and its compounds
Total

Data of the entire group shown in brackets.

ECO report 2004

16,173（17,348）0（0）

Rating

2003

235

Antimony and its compounds
Condensation polymer of
4.4'-isopropylidendiphenyl and1-chroro-2.3-epoxypropane (also calledbisphenol A epoxy resin) (liquid form only)00（0） （0）

2002

303

6,452

3,089

（four NGK Spark Plug factories）

72

25

235

Quantity released and rating

9

38,828

8,167（12,147）

17

Effective use（recycling）

VolumeWater-soluble zinc compounds

346

19

Quantity
handled

Unit:kg
Removal/disposal
Volume of waste transferred
quantity

Release quantity（0）（6,164）（4,444） （11,890）（7,214）（2,752）（0） （393） （0）19（0）（2,052）
5,727

13

19

8,766

619

80

（0）

1,228
（1,228）

15

1,351

6,510

23

4,577

6,911

238

0

5,238

8,530

2

86

1,342

133

（0）
6,613

0
0
80
（0） （312） （0）

86

0

0
（0）

0

1,900
（13,313）0452,608
15,243381（731,643）（168,158）（1,006） （0）Substances of which over 1 ton/year is handled are listed.

1

129
（763）

1,287

3
41,388（18,055） （72,209）

510,164（2,265）
165,315（172,118）

16,623

15,623

Trends in PRTR law-regulated substances【Handling volume of PRTR law-regulated substances（four NGK Spark Plug factories）】【Emission of PRTR law-regulated substances（four NGK Spark Plug factories）】（Tons）（Tons）

600

18

500

16

2.4

14

2.0

12

1.7

Water-soluble copper salts（except complex salts）

10

10.4

Lead andits compounds

8

Xylene6

OthersWater-soluble
zinc compounds

4

Toluene

84.6

0.6
1.1
3.1

79.1
400

37.0

Others

47.0
300

26.2
32.4

29.1
39.4

32.7
38.8

149.8

116.4
200

100

127.0

123.4

10.8

XyleneNickel2

Dichloropentafluoropropane

Toluene
0

2002

2003

0

（FY）

The hazardous substance ranking classifies substances into threelevels: prohibited, restricted, and controlled. Prohibited substances
are prohibited from use. Restricted substances require a proposal
for a substitution program.
Handling standard

Prohibited
substances

Use is prohibited.

Restricted
substances

A substitution program
shall be proposed and thesubstances replaced.

Hazard level and toxicity areequivalent to prohibited
substances, but an immediatechangeover is impossible due
to its special characteristics.

Controlled
substances

Emission into theenvironment andsubstance manipulation
are controlled.

Mainly PRTR law-regulated
substances.

（FY）

Hazardous substances

Content of approach

Chlorinated organic
solvents

Four NGK Spark Plug factories：Abolished in March 2003

Substances covered
Substances prohibited fromuse or strongly restricted byregulations.

2003

Major efforts to reduce the use ofhazardous substances■Hazard ranking ■Hazard ranking

2002

PCB

Ozone-depleting
substances/
greenhouse gases

Affiliates：Abolished in May FY2004

High-voltage equipment and ballast for fluorescentlamps containing PCB are properly stored.

Dichloropentafluoropropane
Tests are underway on HCFC-225 to pursue
complete abolition by the end of FY2005.

Example to reduce xylene（Semiconductor Parts Division）
Since Xylene is a detergent and quick-drying, it is used to cleanequipment in the semiconductor manufacturing process. However, xylene
is a PRTR law-regulated substance, as well as an organic solvent
restricted by the Industrial Safety and Health Law.
The No.2 Manufacturing Division, Ise Manufacturing Section assumed
that the volume of xylene could be reduced if ethanol （a non-PRTR law-regulated substance/non-organic solvent） was mixed with xylene, andcarried out tests on three types of compound liquids, A to C.
As a result, they found that a mixture of 75% xylene and 25% ethanol
can replace 100% xylene and thus reduce consumption of xylene by25%.

Mixture ratio（wt％）
Swelling of emulsion

Easiness to wipe off

Dryness

Assessment

Moderate○

XyleneEthanolCompound

100

0

OK

OK

A

75

25

OK

OK

Moderate

○

B

50

50

OK

OK

Quick-drying

△

C

25

75

OK

OK

Quick-drying

×20

Green purchase
Shift to eco-products promoted for office supplies
The entire NGK Spark Plug Group is promoting a shift to environmentallyconscious eco-products by the purchase of stationery and daily nessities
that cause less environmental load.
In our four domestic factories, the"Green Procurement Guidelines （Inhouse Use）" have been revised topromote employee consciousness of
eco-products.
As for four NGK Spark Plug factories,
the ratio of eco-products to totalpurchases reached 89.1% in
FY2003, an 8 point increase on theprevious year.
As for our affiliates, the ratio of ecoproducts has exceeded their targetof 70%.

Eco-friendly cars
When replacing any vehicles to be used for NGK Spark Plug Group, wechoose low-emission vehicles in order to reduce the environmental load.
These vehicles produce considerably less emissions in comparison toregular cars in terms of the nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide content of
the exhaust gas.
Four NGK Spark Plug factories and sales office had 96 low-emission
vehicles in FY2003, an increase of 37 vehicles on FY 2002.

【Percentage of eco-products in office supplies（NGK Spark Plug）】
（％）

100

80

78

81

2001

2002

89

90

2003

2004 （FY）

68
60

40

40

20

0

1999

2000

（Target）
The shift towards eco-products was for office supplies from warehouses.
This has changed since FY2004 to cover direct purchasing by thebusiness departments.

【Number of low-emission vehicles（according to exhaust gas standards in 2000）】（No. of cars）
End of FY 2002

End of FY 2003

Extremely low-emission☆☆☆
（75%-decreased level）

17

40

Excellent low-emission☆☆
（50%-decreased level）

16

23

Good low-emission☆
（25%-decreased level）

26

33

Total

59

96

Green procurement
Green procurement guidelines
The "Green Procurement Guidelines （for Partners and Suppliers）" willdefine the environmental activity standards of our partners and suppliers
and the selection standards of raw materials, parts, and wrapping
materials. In response to the February 2003 revision of the hazardous
substance ranking, the "Green Procurement Guidelines" were also
reviewed in June.
We have also conducted an"Environmental Management Status
Survey" of our 432 main partners andsuppliers, and requested them to build theframework of an environmental
management system and check forhazardous substances. We plan to definea "Green Supplier System" which will
require our partners and suppliers to adopt
the system and material standard in the
future.

System standard

Material standard

ISO14001 Certification by third
company.

Prohibited substances as
specified by our company.

CertifiedNot certified

Used

Our company's
standard

NG

OK

NG

UnusedSystem of MSDS
management

OKNG

Environmental
improvement ofpacking materials

Green supplierOK

NG

Note: Our Materials Division will address raw materials, parts, and packing materials from FY
2004.

21

ECO report 2004

Noise measures
As per the policy of our Head Office's Manufacturing Department, "Create good products in a goodenvironment", we have proactively addressed the issue of noise to promote the improvement of the working
environment.

Noise measures by NAGOYA Manufacturing Dept. Spark Plug Div.
In a spark plug manufacturing factory, there is a lot of equipment that generate loud noise, such as metal coilcutting and processing equipment, or ceramic and metal parts assembly equipment. These have proven to bea challenge in terms of the working environment, since the noise made by these requires the use of earplugs.
The Head Office's Manufacturing Department and the Environmental Safety Department jointly set up the
Noise Measures Committee in October 2002 to implement noise reductions measures. Below is one example
of a measure that was taken on the oscillationg parts feeder (SYNTRON).

Example of measure

1

Example of measure

Installed a soundproofing sheet.

2

Installed a soundproofing cover.

▲▲
Before＞＞88.8dB on average

After＞＞85.6dB on average

Before＞＞91.7dB on average

After＞＞87.3dB on average【Change in noise level in each workplace】（dB）

Example of measure

3

Management category95

BeforeThe steel bowl at the bottom was replaced with a damping steel sheet.

After

90

85

▲

80

75

Before＞＞97dB on average

After＞＞85dB on average

70（Workplace）

We published newspaper andmagazine advertisements under
the theme of "Environment". The
advertisement on the left is titled"The Milky Way visible in the sky",in which we express our wish not
to pollute the atmosphere.

22

Products
Bathroo m
Products

Eco-design
Environment-friendly technology
One of NGK Spark Plug Group's main products is the spark plug,
which holds the No.1 position in the world with 25% market share.
With our spark plugs, we have achieved a reduction of engine gas
emissions and lower fuel costs by increasing electrode durability
through the use of an iridium alloy at the tip of the center electrodewhich enhances ignitability, start-up, and acceleration. Moreover,generally smaller and lighter plugs contribute to resource savings.
At the same time, we have eliminated hexavalent chromium fromthe surface treatment material of the main metal fittings in plug
production, and developed a material which does not use lead in theglazing of the surface of the ceramic insulator. Glow plugs for diesel
engines have contributed to the alleviation of environmental load,such as the reduction of smoke and smell upon start-up, theimprovement of fuel costs and the reduction of the battery
consumption.
Vehicle sensors help the car reach optimum operating conditions
by feeding back various types of information to the on-board
computer. The sensors help improve combustion and emissions
performance and hence play an important role in environmental
preservation. In the challenge of developing new clean vehicles, we havetaken the first step of developing sensors that may be used in fuel cellvehicles. Our aim is to develop products with technology that will be at
the core of future exhaust purification systems.
In developing our semiconductor and electronic parts to be smaller andhave lower power consumption, we are contributing towards
resource conservation directly through less material used andindirectly by saving power, such as with IC packages and filters
used in miniaturizing computers and cellular phones. We have also
developed organic packages supporting high-density flip-chipbonding of multi-terminal ICs such as MPUs, etc., using highly
reliable, low permittivity, low dielectric loss resin materials, andsupport products ever advancing in performance, compactness and lightweight.
In the ceramic application area, we have developed a ceramicheater by utilizing our IC package technology. It represents adownsizing and weight reduction of conventional metal heaters,
while providing better chemical resistance and durability. Our
artificial ceramic bone products, have also been well received by
medical specialists.
Cutting tools made of alumina and silicon nitride-based ceramics
and cermet cutting tools permit dry cutting, which means cutting
without oil. Ceramic cutting tools and cermet cutting tools are used formachining cast iron and steel, respectively. The advantage of thesecutting tools is that they permitting machining operation without
cutting fluid, which turns to industrial waste, without any reduction in
their useful life as a tool.

Ceramic Heaters
Composed of resistance wires encased in
ceramic bodies, these heaters have excellent
chemical resistance, reliability and longevity.

M achiner y

Ceramic Cutting Tools
These ceramic cutting tools are capable of dry
cutting (i.e. cutting fluid is not required) which
results in less environmental load.

Computers

23

ECO report 2004

Engines
Iridium Plugs
The adoption of a high-melting-point iridium
alloy in the center electrode realizes excellent
combustion efficiency and good fuel economy.

Wide Range Oxygen
Sensors
Leading edge automotive
sensors capable of measuring awide range of air-to-fuel ratiosfrom exhaust gas.

Exhau stManifo l d s

Antenna Switch Modules
With high integration, minimal loss and highdamping performance, these components
facilitate both low-profile and high-density
packaging as well as a reduction in size andweight of mobile communications terminals.

Organic Packaging
This is packaging where special plastics
are used for MPU containers. They areadvanced in performance, compactness
and lightweight.

M obile Phones24

Eco-design of spark plugs■Lead-free glaze①Lead-free ink for terminal printing（Completed FY2002）■Environmental improvements made in chromate treatment process（Completed FY2002）
Galvanized colored chromate → Galvanized trivalent chromate（Containing hexavalent chromium）②Weight reduction（miniaturization）
Continuously improved（Free of hexavalent chromium）③Environmental measures for packaging material（A）Change to paper trays（B）Change to plastic shipping cartons and trays

1Lead-free ink for terminal printing

OrangeYellow

Green

3Environmental measures for packaging material

Black

Blue

Existing type

Current
products

Developed
products

We tested the brightness and opacity of colors, and switched to lead-freepigments.

2Weight reduction （miniaturization）

Current

Future（A）Change to paper trays
Weight reduction
Down12％

Weight reduction
Down19％

Miniaturization
Down14％

Miniaturization
Down17％

M14HEX16
Normal-reach type

M12HEX14
Long-reach type

M10HEX12
Long-reach type

Production of light-weight plugs is increasing. The average weight of a
spark plug has decreased by 6.3% in the past six years.

25

ECO report 2004

Trays for corrugated cardboard
shipping cartons have beenchanged from styrene foam topaper.

（B）Change to plastic shipping cartons and trays
We have changed to plastic shipping cartons and trays so that they
can be used repeatedly for overseas manufacturers.

L C A■LCA in NGK Spark PlugNGK Spark Plug has evaluated the influence of products on theenvironment in the design phase for product assessment. In order
to conduct a more practical evaluation, we introduced an LCA in
FY2002.
We performed an LCA of IC packages in FY2002, and of spark
plugs in FY2003.

LCA （life cycle assessment） is a method ofquantitatively evaluating the impact on the environment in aseries of lifecycles, from the collection of resources tomanufacturing, use, disposal, and recycling.

LCA of spark plugs■Outline
We conducted an LCA of NGK Spark Plug's leading products, NGK
spark plugs （standard type and lightweight types） and NGK
platinum plugs （lightweight and long-life types）, in order tomeasure the impact per plug on the environment and to specify
any factors that make the impact more significant.

Environmental Issues
・Consumption of resources

・Acidification

・Global warming

・Solid waste

Standard
type

Light typeLight-weight andlong-life type（platinum plugs）

・Destruction of ozonosphereLife cycle of spark plugs…Range of evaluation【Influence on global warming】

Standard type

240

Light type

210

Platinum226

One plug

1201

Standard type

1049

Light type

226

Platinum■Additional survey
Platinum spark plugs provide fuel savings by way of better
ignitability performance. With an assumption of a 2% saving in
fuel, we conducted an LCA. Platinum spark plugs, which use lessgasoline, were found to positively contribute to the global warming
issue through a reduction of fossil fuels.

Landfill

Use

Transportation

Products manufacturing

2An LCA was executed in consideration of the longevity of theplugs. Assuming operation for 100,000 km: One platinum plugor five standard spark plugs are required, a fivefold decrease to
the environmental load. This reveals that platinum plugs havethe least influence on global warming when the longevity of theplug is taken into account.

Parts manufacturing

1Looking at the influence on global warming per plug, CO 2
conversion was 240g in standard plugs, 210g in lightweightplugs, and 226g in platinum plugs. This reveals that lightweightplugs have a 13% smaller load in comparison with the standard
plugs.

Material manufacturing

We conducted an analysis of the environmental load and its
impact on the above-mentioned environmental concerns. Following
we show the impact on global warming.

Resource collection■Result0100,000km operation
500

1000

1500

（g-GWP）

Longevity of plug
Spark plug （standard and lightweight）

20,000km

Platinum plug （long life）

100,000km

26Communication
Disclosure

Community

Publication of ECO report

Cleaning activity in the local community

NGK Spark Plug has published ECO report every year since 2000.
From ECO report 2003, we enhanced the content to include Group A
affiliates. We have also issued a site report which has the details of theactivities of four NGK Spark Plug factories and Group A affiliates towards
decreasing environmental load.

Head Office/FactoryJun. 2003 （3 people）
Clean campaign Nagoya 2003
Sep. 2003 （28 people）
Clean-up around the factory and along the trunk road.
Oct. 2003 （3 people）
Clean campaign Nagoya 2003
Nov. 2003 （15 people）
Nagoya Chamber of Commerce's "No litter campaign"
Mar. 2004 （28 people）
Clean-up around the factory and along the trunk road.

Komaki Factory
Apr. 2003 （7 people）
Komakiyama clean-up campaign
Sep. 2003 （46 people）
Clean-up of public roads around the factory
Oct. 2003 （8 people）
Komaki City residents' rally to stop litterMar. 2004 （45 people）
Clean-up of public roads around the factory■ Circulation of ECO report 2003
Japanese version

4,000 copies

English version

2,000 copies

Miyanojo Factory
August 2003 （103 persons）
Cleaning of town roads around the factory
Including participation in the clean-up
operation of Romantic Street（（

Factory Visits
In order to broaden the cycle of environmental preservation in society, we
strongly believe in the need for mutual opportunities to visit and study
each other's environmental efforts.
We have participated in Re-STEP （a mutual study system of corporate
environmental activities）, in response to a request by the Chubu Bureau
of Economy. We have also increased the number of visitors to ourfactories in order to revitalize environmental activities together with otherlocal corporations.

Plant tour

「Re-STEP」http://restep.zttc.or.jp/

Oct. 2003 （74 people）
Clean-up of local roads around the factory

Ise Factory
Aug. 2003 （34 people）
Clean-up along the trunk road and school-designatedcommuting roads in Enza-choAug. 2003 （35 people）
Clean-up along the trunk road in Ueno-cho

Iijima Ceramic

Nakatsugawa Ceramic

Kani CeramicJul. 2003 （13 people）
Dec. 2003 （14 people）

Sep. 2003 （9 people）
Mar. 2004 （9 people）

Jun. 2003 （18 people）
Nov. 2003 （17 people）
Feb. 2004 （19 people）

Nansei Ceramic

Kamioka Ceramic

Nittoku Seosalisho

Jun. 2003 （16 people）
Sep. 2003 （14 people）
Dec. 2003 （17 people）
Mar. 2004 （19 people）

Jul. 2003 （20 people）
Oct. 2003 （20 people）

Jun. 2003 （24 people）
Sep. 2003 （22 people）
Dec. 2003 （22 people）
Mar. 2004 （28 people）

Nichiwa Kiki

Tono Ceramic

Ceramic Sensor

Jun. 2003 （18 people）
Sep. 2003 （23 people）
Dec. 2003 （23 people）
Mar. 2004 （10 people）

May. 2003 （6 people）

Apr. 2003 （2 people）
Sep. 2003 （6 people）
Oct. 2003 （2 people）
Mar. 2004 （6 people）

Jun. 2003 （52 people）

Natural environment
Excellent Greening Factory
The Miyanojo Factory won the Director of Kyushu Bureau of Economy's
Excellent Greening Factory Award in October 2003.
During the selection process, we were highly regarded for opening natural
woods and grounds with paved walking trails to the public; our greening
management which creates compost from the garbage of the company
cafeteria; and our efforts to create beautiful scenery with cherry
blossoms.

27

ECO report 2004

Ceremony

Grand golf rally

Mind-Set
Education and enlightenment
Environmental Convention
We organized the Third Environmental Convention on June 5th, 2003 andpresented environmental lectures by guest lecturers, environmentallyfriendly products, and case studies of environmental improvements.
As for event participation by our employees, we asked for their"environmental proposals" for environmentally friendly products,
environmental improvements, and global-scale environmental preservation.
We also gave the President's Award to the best idea.

Measures to encourage the acquisitionof official qualifications
To ensure the continual improvement of environment conservation
activities along the company's environment policy, we develop, train andnurture dedicated staff such as pollution control managers, according to
the needs identified for each operation site.
Four Nittoku factories

Affiliates

Air

29（6）

2（0）

Water

54（7）

14（2）

Noise

34（6）

2（0）

Vibration

24（6）

2（0）

Work environment measurement engineer

14（0）

1（0）

Environment measurement engineer

2（0）

0（0）

Heat

18（2）

4（0）

Electricity

18（4）

9（3）

25（5）

14（9）

Pollution control manager

Energy manager
Specially controlled industrial waste manager※The figures in parentheses indicate the number required under laws.
※The numbers shown are based on the number of holders of each qualification.

Environmental newsletter
As part of our environmental training and education effort directed at
individual employees, we issue "Environmental News" periodically toprovide information on our ISO14001-based activities, environment
preservation activities and various related events.

Environment card
We distribute an environment card to every employee of the NGK Spark
Plug Group so that they are aware of and understand the main points ofour environment policy and the priorities of our environmental effort.
The environment card is designed to enhance employees' commitment toenvironmental conservation by showing the purpose and objectives of theorganization's efforts and the themes of the individual's own efforts.

Employee magazine "Nittoku"
We have pages dedicated to the environment in our monthly employee
magazine "Nittoku." The magazine deals with environment-related eventsand topics both in Japan and overseas, and the impact of environmentrelated regulations on NGK Spark Plug's activities, etc., in order to help
raise our employees' environmental awareness.

Proposals for improvement
NGK Spark Plug has a proposal system in which employees can propose
plans to improve the various jobs and tasks they do in their daily work.
In FY2003 there were 36,718 proposals, many of which included ideas
for environmental improvements. Every employee is making an effort,
however small, to contribute to energy and resource conservation by
improving their daily jobs.

28

Occupational safety and hygiene
Basic policies
The target of safety and hygiene activities iszero-disaster, zero-disease, and zero-accident.

Safety and hygiene management
organization
Members

Committee meeting●Central safety hygiene committee chairman

Central safety and hygiene
committee meeting（twice a year）（senior executive director）

1．In order to prevent industrial accidents and occupational diseases, allmanagers and supervisors including the president will ensure
uninterrupted operation of the safety and hygiene management
system, and obtain cooperation from all employees, to develop
comfortable and safe workplaces.
2．Meanwhile, all employees will consider safety and hygiene as their own
issues, comply with basic rules, practice preventive safety and hygieneprecautions, and endeavor to maintain and improve their own health.
3．We will strive to promote our risk management activities and theprevention of industrial accidents.

●Vice chairman（heads of factories)●Vice chairman（chairman of labor union)●Committee members（representatives of factories)●Factory administrator to supervise the safety
and hygiene (heads of factories)●Factory safety hygiene committee chairman

Factory safety and hygiene
committee meeting（once a month）(head of factory)●Vice chairman (chairman of labor union branch)●Company's medical advisor●Safety manager, hygiene manager●Committee member from the company●Committee member from the labor union●Committee members of labor union

Expert committee organizedwhen necessary, including
・Ad hoc assessment committee
・Traffic safety measure committee●Sub-committee chairman

Department/section safety
and hygiene subcommittee（once a month）(head of department/section)●Safety manager●Hygiene manager●Committee members（representatives of teams/groups）

Office meeting on safety
and hygiene

Management system of occupationalsafety and hygiene
Under the guidance of the Risk Assessment and Measures Committee,
we conduct the risk assessment of emergencies, unsafe conditions andactivities, and any facilities or tasks in which similar accidents haveoccurred since April 2004. We identify risk sources by risk assessmentand evaluate risks quantitatively according to the possibility of injury andthe significance of the injury.
We have been working on the construction of an occupational safety andhygiene management system （OHSAS18001） since October 2004 by
utilizing the results of our risk assessment.

Trends of index showing frequency and seriousnessof accidents resulting in absence from work
NGK Spark Plug's average index over the past ten years in the frequency
and seriousness of accidents resulting in absence from work is 0.2, and it
fluctuates significantly year by year. We have analyzed the cause of
accidents resulting/not-resulting in absence from work, and found thatmany are attributable to unsafe activities or conditions. In addition, we
conducted a risk questionnaire in May, 2004 on the entire group toeliminate disaster occurrences. We hope to link the analyzed results andfuture activities.

Index showing frequency Number of accidents resulting
and seriousness ofin absence from work
×1,000,000
accidents resulting in =Total working hours
absence from work.

Mental health
Recently, as social life becomes increasingly complex, more and more
people are suffering from mental illness due to worries, stress andpersonal relationships.
In FY2001 NGK Spark Plug opened a mental counseling network center
outside the company in an effort to take care of our employees' mental
health. The center provides mental care through telephone counselingand interviews with particular attention paid to the important issue ofprivacy.

Number of accidents resulting in
absence from work

（Index）

0.70

＜

'94

'95

'96

'97

'98 '99

'00

'01

'02

'03

2

2

0

0

3

5

2

3

2

Index showing frequency and seriousnessof accidents resulting in absence fromwork in 2003 for automobile industry

Car makers （14 companies）
Body makers（ 4 companies）
Parts makers（25 companies）

0.60

1

＞

NGK Spark Plug
Electric machinery
manufacturing

0.18
0.13
0.23

0.51
0.50 0.47 0.46 0.46
0.38

Earthquake disaster prevention committee
We have established an Earthquake Disaster Prevention Committee toprepare us for a large-scale earthquake based on sound precautions and arisk management system that can protect employees. We also organize
various activities to prevent disaster and minimize damage including theimprovement of buildings and evacuation drills.

0.40

ECO report 2004

0.34

0.34

0.36

0.35

0.38
0.30

0.23

Averageover ten
years

0.30

0.21

0.29

0.20
0.20
0.10
0.00
0.00

29

0.36

0.00

0.19

0.10

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003（FY）

Employment and personnel management system
Equality of opportunities
After the revision of the Equal Employment Opportunity Law in 1999, NGK
Spark Plug has strived to achieve a work environment that balances workand childcare or work and nursing-care, by introducing a childcare/nursingcare leave system. Also, in order for women to be able to work a threeshift, 24-hour system, we have reorganized the workplace by renovating
the facilities and providing alarms, etc.

Re-employment system of ex-employees who
retired at the retirement age
In view of the possible upward revision of the Koseinenkin annuity
system's qualifying age, there is a growing social need for enterprises toincrease employment opportunities for those who are over 60. Under
these circumstances, in April 2001 we introduced a re-employment
system of ex-employees who have retired in order to effectively utilize theknowledge, skills and experience cultivated by our employees in theircareers.

■Number of users of childcare or nursing-care leave■
Childcare leave

278 people

Nursing-care leave 8people（Total number of users as of the end of June, 2004）

Message from a user of the childcare leave system

Mrs. Keiko Yoshida

Happy Life Seminar
In 1994 we launched the Happy Life Seminar to help employees who
become 50 years old to pursue a more fruitful and enriched life after
retirement. It is an opportunity to make them think about a second life,
encouraged by lectures and group discussions focusing on threeperspectives: the purpose of living, health, and finance.

Personnel Dept.
I used the childcare leave system for the first time. I was worried about
having to quit my job upon having a child, but I decided to apply for thesystem to continue work as long as possible. I think that I have spent
most of my time at home, while I was taking leave to focus on child-rearing
and housekeeping. I returned to the office after one year, but it was toughsince my job had changed and I had to start from scratch. I managed
thanks to the help of my co-workers. Sometimes I was almost too worn out
to continue, but the lovely beaming and sleeping face of my childencouraged me to keep going. I
appreciate that I have beenbalancing my job and myhousekeeping thanks to thecooperation of my co-workers andmy family. It is harder now than
one year ago when I could staymostly at home, but my life ismore enriched now. I am glad that
I could take advantage of thesystem. I hope that many will use
the system to enjoy a more active
life in society.

Sexual harassment
In order to establish a comfortable workplace for women without
unnecessary concerns, the Sexual Harassment Measures Committee isplaying a central role to take measures such as enlightenment activities
through in-house publication, manager training, and opening a
consultation desk via the intranet and telephone.

■Participants in the Happy Life Seminar ■FY2003 86people

Total to date 815people（The number of participating employees as of the end of March 2004）

Support for volunteer activities
It is of benefit to and can be a valuable asset for both company andemployees for our employees to participate in voluntary activities andcultivate their personality. To support our employees' voluntary publicwelfare activities, we introduced volunteer leave （approximately 10 daysa year） and temporary retirement system （an employee is entitled totake leave for a consecutive period of two years and four months or less,once during his/her employment） in October 1996.

Labor force structure
In response to quickly changing social conditions along with technicaladvancement and informatization, we now have more opportunities to hire
non-permanent employees. Permanent employees make up 88% of NGK
Spark Plug's labor force structure.
【Labor force structure】

10％
1％

1％

Permanent employees
Part-time employees
Dispatched orcontract workers
Ohters■Behavioral norm set by the Sexual Harassment Measures Committee■（1）Preventive measuresenlightenment of people to prevent harassment cases（manager
training ⇒ application to workplaces）（2）Prompt action against harassment cases
if a harassment case occurs, prompt action should be taken toinvestigate and enforce proper instructions to prevent further
detrimental development of the case or recurrence of a similar case.
（3）Disciplinary action against serious offenders
in case of an offence, the case should be reported to the Disciplinary
Committee with recommendations for an appropriate penalty.

88％（As of June, 2004）30

Data section【PRTR】

Unit: kg
Ordinance
No.

Head Office/Factory

Komaki Factory

Miyanojo
Factory

Ise Factory

Iijima Ceramic

Nakatsugawa
Ceramic

Kani Ceramic
Nittoku
Seisakusho
Nansei Ceramic
Ceramic Sensor

1
40
63
68
108
144
227
231
299
304
1
25
30
40
63
100
108
207
227
230
232
299
304
309
310
311
346
1
68
108
144
231
304
43
63
230
310
311
63
68
108
230
231
232
270
346
63
64
68
227
230
270
272
346
63
270
211
231
230
253
283
304

Substance name （substance to be reported）

Quantity
handledWater-soluble zinc compounds
Ethyl benzene
XyleneChromium and trivalent chromium compounds
Inorganic cyanogens compounds （except complex salts and cyanate）
Dichloropentafluoropropane
TolueneNickelBenzeneBoron and its compounds
Water-soluble zinc compounds
Antimony and its compounds

7,098.0
1,501.7
16,096.2
2,096.5
1,210.7
3,625.0
115,856.8
33,493.5
5,618.2
1,109.7
6,189.5
1,325.9

Condensation polymer of 4.4'-isopropylidendiphenyl and 1-chroro-2.3epoxypropane （also called bisphenol A epoxy resin）（liquid form only）
Ethyl benzene
XyleneCobalt and its compounds
Inorganic cyanogens compounds （except complex salts and cyanate）
Water-soluble copper salts （except complex salts）
TolueneLead and its compounds
Nickel compounds
BenzeneBoron and its compounds
Poly （oxyethylene） nonylphenolether
Formaldehyde
Manganese and its compounds
Molybdenum and its compounds
Water-soluble zinc compounds
Chromium and trivalent chromium compounds
Inorganic cyanogens compounds （except complex salts and cyanate）
Dichloropentafluoropropane
NickelBoron and its compounds
Ethylene glycol
XyleneLead and its compounds
Formaldehyde
Manganese and its compounds
XyleneChromium and trivalent chromium compounds
Inorganic cyanogens compounds （except complex salts and cyanate）
Lead and its compounds
NickelNickel compounds
Di-n-buthylphthalates
Molybdenum and its compounds
XyleneSilver and its water-soluble compounds
Chromium and trivalent chromium compounds
TolueneLead and its compounds
Di-n-buthylphthalatesBis （2-ethylhexyl） phthalates
Molybdenum and its compounds
XyleneDi-n-buthylphthalates
Trichloroethylene
NickelLead and its compounds
Hydrazine
Hydrogenfluoride and its water-soluble compounds
Boron and its compounds

1,328.0
4,456.5
14,750.7
2,632.0
4,451.0
26,209.4
11,094.5
4,509.4
7,800.9
1,013.7
11,957.8
1,366.1
2,320.4
4,247.6
1,900.5
25,541.0
1,395.9
2,505.0
7,175.0
82,869.4
3,105.6
1,456.0
1,875.8
27,903.6
2,280.0
1,241.0
9,630.0
1,812.1
3,980.4
4,899.0
1,678.3
1,091.8
7,623.4
3,748.9
12,387.0
2,277.0
11,827.7
139,991.0
3,961.0
35,720.5
3,238.9
7,664.0
1,098.4
3,698.2
1,950.8
6,987.5
1,974.0
8,174.6
2,445.1
1,175.1

Removal/dispos
Volume of waste transferredal quantity

Release quantity
Public water Soil
area

Air

Decomposition Landfill/incine Effective use
reactionration（recycling）

1,679.7
1,501.7
16,072.6

23.6

0.0
587.8

1,194.0
3,625.0
367.0

115,489.8

14.9

5,603.3

0.1

72.0

17.4
1.5
0.1

235.4
1,209.8

0.0

0.0
747.1
0.0
0.0
4.0
0.0

1,587.6
8,319.7
0.0
1,715.4

0.0
30.0
0.0

10,260.6
0.0
0.0
1,009.3
0.3
14.7
23.2
0.0

112.4
76.3

0.0
0.0

86.1

0.0

9.5
45.7
153.9
31.9
2,633.5
5,219.7
175.5
63.5
728.8
86.8
550.8
1,798.9
1,141.3
1,351.4
2,297.2
4,136.8
128.9
4,726.6
1,319.5
0.0

2,505.0
7,175.0
4.0
1,841.0

1.0
6,044.4

77.1
1,456.0
35.0
7,570.8
2,280.0
1,101.0
3,585.6

1,170.6
0.4

348.3

3,021.3

2,287.7620.0

3,421.7
1,317.6

1,091.8
1,180.4

4,698.0

947.3

276.0
9.0
588.0
1,577.3
5,564.5
2,752.4
634.0

1,423.1

1,806.4469.4

2,010.9
0.0
0.0

0.0
0.0
0.0

1,970.0
6,163.7
2,051.9
0.0

2,727.6
139,374.0
6,661.5

1,098.4
1,700.8

0.0
0.0
0.0

0.0
393.2
231.7

【Waste】
Total volume ofVolume effectively Volume of landfill andemissions（tons）
used （tons）
incineration （tons） Recovery rate （%）

Head Office/Factory
Komaki Factory
Miyanojo Factory
Ise Factory
Iijima Ceramic
Nakatsugawa Ceramic
Kani Ceramic

899.8
8,412.2
3,056.8
2,063.6
1,098.8
362.3
74.5

894.1
8,345.1
3,038.1
2,050.1
981.7
129.7
17.3

5.7
67.1
18.7
13.5
117.1
232.7
57.2

99.4
99.2
99.4
99.3
89.3
35.8
23.2

Total volume ofVolume effectively Volume of landfill andemissions（tons）
used （tons）
incineration （tons） Recovery rate （%）

Nansei Ceramic
Kamioka Ceramic
Nittoku Seisakusho
Nitiwa Kiki
Tono Ceramic
Ceramic Sensor
Total

49.1
102.5
230.7
4.0
16.2
811.6
17,182.3

30.7
72.0
221.8
2.7
13.7
798.5
16,595.6※1･･･We changed the self-regulated value because the measurement method was changed to continuous measurement.
※2･･･We took measures by improving the exhaust silencer of the vacuum pump and changing the direction of the outlet of the compressor exhaust.
※3･･･We are working on soundproofing measures and earthquake-proof construction.
※4･･･We have reported this to Oguchi-cho, and are working on soundproofing measures.

31

ECO report 2004

18.3
30.5
8.9
1.3
2.5
13.1
586.7

62.6
70.3
96.1
67.5
84.5
98.4
96.6

【Water, air and noise】
Item
Atmosphere
Head
Office/ （boiler）
Factory
Atmosphere（incinerator）
Drain（drainage）

Type

Statutory
Voluntary
regulation value regulation value

Unit

Dust
（mg/Nm ）
ＮＯx
（ppm）
Dust
（mg/Nm3 ）
（ppm）
ＮＯx
ｐＨ
（mg/L）
ＳＳ（mg/L）
ＢＯＤ（mg/L）
n-Hexane（mg/L）
Cyan
Total chromium （mg/L）
Hexavalent（mg/L）
chromium
Zinc（mg/L）
Lead（mg/L）
Nitrogen（mg/L）
Phosphorus （mg/L）
Morning
Noise（dB）
Daytime（dB）
Evening
（dB）
Night
（dB）
Dust
（mg/Nm3 ）Komaki Air
Factory
ＮＯx
（ppm）
ｐＨ
Drain
（Public water ＳＳ（mg/L）
ＢＯＤ
area）（mg/L）
n-Hexane（mg/L）
3（mg/L）
Cyan
Total chromium （mg/L）
Hexavalent（mg/L）
chromium（mg/L）
Copper（mg/L）
Zinc（mg/L）
Lead（mg/L）
NitrogenPhosphorus （mg/L）（mg/L）
NickelManganese （mg/L）（mg/L）
Boron（mg/L）
Fluorine
Noise（dB）
Morning（dB）
Daytime（dB）
Evening（dB）
Night（mg/Nm3 ）Dust
Miyanojo Air
Factory（ppm）
ＮＯx（mg/Nm3 ）Atmosphere Dust（use of diesel for ＮＯx（ppm）
co-generation） ＳＯx（Nｍ3/ｈ）
Drain
ｐＨ（Public water ＳＳ（mg/L）
area）（mg/L）
ＢＯＤ（mg/L）
n-Hexane（mg/L）
Cyan
Hexavalent（mg/L）
chromium（mg/L）
Copper（mg/L）
Zinc（mg/L）
Lead（counts/cm3）
E. coli（mg/L）
Boron（mg/L）
Fluorine（dB）
Noise
Morning（dB）
Daytime（dB）
Evening（dB）
Night（mg/Nm3 ）
Air
Dust
Ise
Factory
（ppm）
ＮＯx
Drain
ｐＨ
（mg/L）（Public water ＳＳ（mg/L）
area）
ＢＯＤ（mg/L）
n-Hexane（mg/L）
Cyan
Total chromium （mg/L）
Hexavalent（mg/L）
chromium（mg/L）
Copper（mg/L）
Zinc（mg/L）
Lead（mg/L）
NitrogenPhosphorus （mg/L）
Noise
（dB）
Morning（dB）
Daytime（dB）
Evening
（dB）
Night
Air
（mg/Nm3 ）Dust
IijimaCeramic
（ppm）
ＮＯx
Drain
ｐＨ
（mg/L）（Public water ＳＳ（mg/L）
area）
ＢＯＤ（mg/L）
n-Hexane（mg/L）
Cyan
Total chromium （mg/L）
Hexavalent（mg/L）
chromium（mg/L）
Copper（mg/L）
Zinc（mg/L）
Lead

50
150
150
180
5.0〜9.0
600
600
30
1
2
0.5
5
0.1
−
−
70
70
70
65
200
200
6.0〜8.0
30
25
5
0.5
1
0.2
1
3
0.1
120
16
−
10
10
8
65
70
65
60
300
180
100
950
3.9
6〜8
35
20
5
1
0.5
3
5
0.1
3000
10
8
60
65
60
50
250
180
5.8〜8.6
90
25
5
1
2
0.5
3
5
0.1
120
16
55
60
55
50
100
150
5.8〜8.6
50
30
5
0.5
1
0.3
2
3
0.1

40
120
120
144
5.7〜8.7
480
480
24
0.8
1.6
0.4
4
0.08
128
16
68
68
68
64
160
160
6.2〜7.8
24
20
4
0.4
0.8
0.16
0.8
2.4
0.08
※1 60
4
−
8
8
6.4
63
68
63
58
240
144
80
855
3.12
6.5〜7.8
28
16
4
0.8
0.4
2.4
2.4
0.08
2400
10
8
55
60
55
50
100
140
6.0〜8.4
45
20
2.5
0.5
1
0.3
0.5
2.5
0.1
60
8
55
58
55
50
100
150
6.0〜8.0
10
25
5
0.3
1
0.3
2
3
0.1

Average

MAX

MIN

0.3
49
0.4
19
6.9
33.6
59.5
4.4
0.2
0.06
0.04
1.15
0.02
17.8
0.69
57
60
58
56
8.0
61.3
7.4
2.7
4.9
< 1.0
< 0.1
< 0.04< 0.040.02
0.11< 0.02
5.5
0.32
0.16
0.12
1
0.5
58
58
57
56
<７
51
12.5
705
0.26
7.5
5
4
< 2.5
< 0.05< 0.050.16
0.075< 0.01
0
0.9
0.2
47
48
48
46
<5
66
7.4
<1
2.0
<1
< 0.1
< 0.04< 0.04< 0.02< 0.005< 0.005
3.1
1.93
49.2
52.6
46.5
44.7
1.5
77
7.45
1.875
1.3
＜1
＜0.01
＜0.02
＜0.02
0.05750.07＜0.005

0.2
0.4
44
54
0.4
0.4
13
25
5.8
7.5
5
110
3
250
0.9
21
0.1
0.4
0.04
0.12
0.04
0.04
0.01
2.4
0.02
0.02
9.1
25
0.21
1.8
52
64
57
65
55
64
53
63
2
38
19
110
7.0
7.8
< 1
6
2.0
7.6
< 1.0
< 1.0
< 0.1
< 0.1
< 0.04 < 0.04
< 0.04 < 0.04
0.05 < 0.01
0.03
0.40
< 0.02 < 0.02
3.1
8.5
0.19
0.50
< 0.1
0.30
< 0.1
0.30
<1
1.00
0.2
0.80
53
61
50
62
51
61
50
58
<７
<７
51
51
7
18
570
840
0.11
0.41
7.1
7.8
4
9
1
11
< 2.5
< 2.5
< 0.05 < 0.05
< 0.05 < 0.05
0.27 < 0.05
0.07
0.08
< 0.01 < 0.01
0
0
0.8
1.0
0.2
0.2
42
50
46
50
45
50
45
47
<5
<5
24
102
7.2
7.6
<1
<1
<1
7.0
<1
<1
< 0.1
< 0.1
< 0.04 < 0.04
< 0.04 < 0.04
< 0.02 < 0.02
< 0.005 < 0.005< 0.005 < 0.005
0.1
9.1
0.69
3.86
45.5
51.1
51.5
53.8
41.2
50.9
41.2
49.0
1.5
1.5
77
77
7.2
7.6
1
11
0.5
4.6
＜1
＜1
＜0.01 ＜0.01＜0.02 ＜0.02＜0.02 ＜0.02
0.01
0.09
0.07
0.07
＜0.005 ＜0.005

Item

Noise

Nakatsugawa Air
Ceramic
Drain（Public water
area）

Noise

Kani
Ceramic

Air
Drain（Public water
area）
Noise

Nansei Drain
Ceramic （Public water
area）

Noise

Kamioka Drain
Ceramic （Public water
area）
Noise

Nittoku Drain
Seisakusho （drainage）
Head
Office/Factory
Noise

Nittoku Drain
Seisakusho （Public water
Oguchi
Factory area）

Noise

Nichiwa Drain
Kiki（drainage）
Noise
Air
Tono
Ceramic
Drain（Public water
area）
Noise

Ceramic
SensorAir
Drain（Public water
area）

Noise

Type

Unit

Phosphorus
E. coli
Morning
Daytime
Evening
Night
Dust
ＮＯx
ｐＨ
ＳＳ
ＢＯＤ
CＯＤ
n-HexaneNitrogenPhosphorus
E. coli
Morning
Daytime
Evening
Night
Dust
ＮＯx
ｐＨ
ＳＳ
ＢＯＤ
n-HexaneMorning
Daytime
Evening
Night
ｐＨ
ＳＳ
ＢＯＤ
Lead
NitrogenPhosphorus
Morning
Daytime
Evening
Night
ｐＨ
ＳＳ
ＢＯＤ
n-HexaneMorning
Daytime
Evening
Night
ｐＨ
ＳＳ
ＢＯＤ
n-HexaneMorning
Daytime
Evening
Night
ｐＨ
ＳＳ
ＢＯＤ
n-HexaneNitrogenPhosphorus
Morning
Daytime
EveningNightｐＨ
n-HexaneDaytime
Dust
ＮＯx
ｐＨ
ＳＳ
ＢＯＤ
n-HexaneMorning
Daytime
Evening
Night
Dust
ＮＯx
ｐＨ
ＳＳ
ＢＯＤ
CＯＤ
n-HexaneNitrogenPhosphorus
Boron
Fluorine
DaytimeNight（mg/L）（counts/cm3）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（mg/Nm3 ）（ppm）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（counts/cm3）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（mg/Nm3 ）（ppm）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（mg/L）（dB）（mg/Nm3 ）（ppm）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（dB）
（mg/Nm3 ）（ppm）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（mg/L）（dB）（dB）

Statutory
Voluntary
regulation value regulation value

16
3000
−
−
−
−
200
144
5.8〜8.6
50
15
40
5
10
3
3000
60
65
60
50
100
150
5.8〜8.6
200
160
5
50
60
50
45
5.8〜8.6
200
20
0.1
120
16
55
60
55
50
5.8〜8.6
200
160
5
60
65
60
50
5以上
600
600
50
60
65
60
50
5.8〜8.6
30
25
5
120
16
60
65
60
50
5以上
50
65
−
−
−
−
−
−
50
60
50
45
100
150
6〜8
18
18
18
2
30
4
10
8
70
60

16
3000
65
65
65
55
150
130
6.2〜8.2
35
13
30
4
10
2.5
1000
58
63
58
50
90
135
5.9〜8.5
180
144
4.5
50
60
50
45
5.8〜8.6
90
20
0.1
100
16
55
60
55
50
6.2〜8.2
50
40
2.5
60
65
60
50
5.8〜9.0
300
300
25
60
65
60
50
6.0〜8.4
30
20
4
60
8
60
65
60
50
6〜8
20
63
200
200
5.8〜8.6
200
160
5
50
60
50
45
100
120
6〜8
14.4
14.4
14.4
1.6
24
3.2
10
8
70
60

Average

MAX

MIN

1.55
6.75
52
57.4
53.6
49.8
3
72
7.5
1.6
2.7
4
0.5
2.3
0.1
36
48
48
48
48
< 8.0
54.0
7.1
1.4
15.0
1.0
47.0
47.0
49.1
47.5
7.5
13
5
< 0.0１
18.3
1.7
51
54
50
48
7.7
5.4
< 2.0
< 0.85
44.0
45.5
44.5
44.5
7.7
30
42
1.2
※3 61.9
64.5
60※3 54.7
7.3
2.7
1.4
1
0.55
0.01
55
57
54
46
6.9
15
58.7
< 10
135
8.4
22
24
1
45
52.7
45
43.7
1
78
7.1
6.2
4
10.1
1
12.9
0.65
3.05
3.2
57.1
56

1.9
11
52
57.4
53.6
49.8
3
72
8.1
4
6.2
8.3
0.5
5.4
0.56
170
51
52
51
50
< 8.0
54.0
7.1
1.4
15.0
1.0
※2 50.9
51.0※2 51.3※2 51.5
7.7
38
8< 0.0１
43.8
4
54
59
53
49
7.8
8.0
3.5
1.2
46
48
47
48
8.9
77
99
1.2
62.8
65.1
61.2
55.4
7.6
6
3.3
1
0.6
0.01
※4 62
64
58
※4 53
7.2
20
63
< 10
140
8.4
22
24
1
49
58
49
44
1
91
7.3
10
7
12
1
17
1.2
3.8
4.3
61.1
59.6

1
0
52
57.4
53.6
49.8
3
72
7.1
1
0.5
1.9
0.5
0.2
0.01
30
45
46
46
45
< 8.0
54.0
7.1
1.4
15.0
1.0
43.6
42.7
47.4
44.3
7.3
1
1
< 0.0１
3.9
0.3
53
51
49
46
7.6
2.8
< 0.5
< 0.5
42
43
42
41
7.1
5
0.7
1.2
61.3
62.5
58.3
53.6
7.1
1
0.5
1
0.5
0.01
50
52
50
40
6.7
10
56.1
< 10
130
8.4
22
24
1
43
47
44
42
1
73
6.9
4
2.8
6.7
1
9.1
0.25
2.3
2.1
53.8
52

32

Messages from stake-holders
Ms. Chiaki Ohara

Mr. Yuji Kawaguchi

2nd-year student
Science and Engineering Dept., Waseda
University Graduate School.
Belongs to the environment and safetyengineering laboratory, and studies
photocatalysts.

WriterPresented lectures in the Environmental
Conference 2004 on the safety hygiene ofIse Factory and the environmental issues
mainly focusing on seawater pollution.

Year by year, people are getting more interested in how each company
addresses environmental issues. I believe that NGK Spark Plug has beenworking on the analysis of the relationship between their business and theenvironment in a well-considered manner, and is taking various
environmental measures based on it. Especially, I was very impressed
because they don't limit themselves to the improvement of the
manufacturing process, but include improvements to their productdevelopment, pursuing environment friendly designs as seen in the spark
plug. I believe that this kind of attitude will become increasingly important in
the future as the social responsibility of companies is emphasized more andmore. I sincerely hope that they promote their environmental measuresfurther and achieve their Eco Vision 2010.

Industries in the twentieth century only paid attention to the benefits andmerits of science and technology, and tended to forget their negative
aspects. Now, as we move towards an age of considering environmental
issues from a global perspective, the expectations for corporate measureson environmental issues and social roles is growing bigger and bigger. I
would like to applaud NGK Spark Plug's efforts in publishing the ECO reportand implementing their various preservation measures. This is because I
can see their attitude in addressing challenges as a forerunner on every
page. I hope that this report will be utilized as a bench mark forenvironmental preservation activities, and that zero emissions will become akey word at NGK Spark Plug.

Mr. Shigeo Igaki

Ms. Yumiko Mori

District chief of the Iwasakihara area near
Komaki Factory, and participated in the
Safety Hygiene and Environmental
Convention 2004 as a guest.

Employee of NGK Spark Plug,
Belonging to the Purchasing Dept.

＊Safety Hygiene and Environmental Convention 2004
We have organized the Environmental Convention since2001. In FY2004, we also organized the Safety
Hygiene and Environmental Convention 2004, with themain convention at the Komaki Factory and the site
conventions at four NGK Spark Plug factories, Group A
and B affiliates, and Ceramic Sensor.

I took up the post of district chief in FY2004. Through my participation inseminars associated with environmental issues provided by NGK Spark
Plug, I recognized that each employee of NGK Spark Plug has been working
hard towards achieving ISO 14001 certification. Thanks to the lectures I
listened to in the Safety Hygiene and Environmental Convention 2004, I
gained a more positive view of the environmental issues in the future. I havealso read this ECO Report, and was strongly impressed by their stance ofanalyzing various environmental issues in a detailed and serious mannerand leading to practical solutions. I deeply hope that this kind of activity will
help develop the local community including the villages in the vicinity, andbridge corporations and the whole global community.

I am glad that the ECO report has been enhanced year by year and I could
join as one of the in-house auditors from last year. My own view towards theenvironment has been drastically changed since I became involved in the inhouse audit activities and green procurement. I believe that the theme ofthe environment will require the recognition and participation of many
people. I would like more people to play a role to communicate with the"outside", not just the "inside", in order for us and our children to be able tocontinue enjoying a rich and safe life in the future. I am hopeful for thefulfillment of the Eco Vision 2010.

■Contacts for inquiries
Operation site

Dept. name/tel

Operation site

Head Office/Factory Environment and Safety Management Dept. +81 52-872-5980
NGK Spark Plug

Nansei Ceramic

Dept. name/tel
General Administration Dept. +81 599-65-3366

Komaki Factory

Environment and Safety Management Dept. +81 568-76-1544

Kamioka Ceramic

General Administration Dept. +81 578-2-1112

Miyanojo Factory

Clerk's Office+81 996-53-2211

Nittoku Seisakusho

General Administration Dept. +81 52-811-3921

Environment and Safety Management Dept. +81 596-39-1534

Nichiwa Kiki

General Administration Dept. +81 52-382-0511

Iijima Ceramic

General Administration Dept.

+81 265-86-5211

Tono Ceramic

General Administration Dept. +81 574-63-1031

Nakatsugawa Ceramic

General Administration Dept.

+81 573-68-5484

Ceramic Sensor

General Administration Dept. +81 568-76-5400

Kani Ceramic

General Administration Dept.

+81 574-63-2511

Ise Factory■ Request for cooperation in a questionnaire ■Please kindly send your completed questionnaire to33

ECO report 2004▼

Thank you for reading our ECO report 2004. In order to improve future reports,
we would like to ask for your cooperation in completing the enclosed questionnaire.

FAX +81 52−872−5942

Third party examination
In order to secure the credibility of ECO report 2004, NGK Spark Plug Group has , for the first time, asked a third party to examine its content.
TUV Rheinland Japan, its ISO14001 certification organization, was requested to perform this task.
We will accept the result of their examination with sincerity in order to improve our information disclosure in the future.
・・

Third Party Verification Report
regarding the「ECO report 2004」 issued by NGK SPARK PLUG Co., LTD.

1．Object of verification
The ECO report 2004 has been issued by NGK SPARK PLUG Co., Ltd. in accordance to the Environmental
Reporting Assessment Guidlines established by the Japanese Ministry of Environment. The ECO report 2004
covers environmental performance information of NGK SPARK PLUG.. Co., Ltd. and 11 affiliated companies in Japanfor the reporting period from April 01st 2003 until March 31st 2004. TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd. verified this ECO report
2004 according to all requirements of the Environmental Reporting Assessment Standard (fiscal 2003 version) as
established by the Japanese Ministry of Environment.
2．Verification method
Following the Ministry of Environment s Environmental Reporting Assessment Standard, information reported for eachsite, calculation methods and description contents have been verified on a sampling basis during interviews at the
Headquarter site. Also, the accuracy of environmental information and calculation processes of relevant items havebeen assessed during environmental management system audits (ISO14001) at each site.
3．Conclusion..
TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd. assessed the ECO report 2004 as planned in accordance with objectives defined by theEnvironmental Reporting Assessment Standard. The assessment team verified appropriate implementation ofcorrective action required during the Headquarter audit. It was concluded that the Eco report 2004 fulfills theEnvironmental Reporting Standard and Guidelines, covering important information and correctly describing
environmental performance.
4．Opinion
The ECO Vision 2010 , which was based on the newly established Environmental Policy this year, defines specifictargets also for NGK group companies, and was evaluated as an action plan considering financial feasibility and issuesof corporate social responsibility (CSR). It can be said that such a group-wide basic policy including the overseas sites
is a good step into the direction towards sustainable development.
The material balance chart and challenges surrounding NGK group and ECO word mention in detail environmental
impacts arising during the product life cycle. These descriptions are deemed excellent and very easy to understand.
The company s stance to tackle those challenges is clearly described in ECO Vision 2010.
It is desired that each site will verify whether zero emission according to the definition for utilization of waste andsorted emissions is fulfilled. Also, a qualitative improvement of zero emission with 3R priority in mind should be
addressed in future.
For environmental accounting, clear establishment of calculation rules for effect of enviromental preservation isdesired. Specifically speaking, the calculation rule for effect of sales and waste recycling should clearly be established.
This will lead to increased transparency and activities with higher quality.
Activities with participation of everyone are implemented as part of the Environmental Management System, whichis certified for compliance to ISO 14001 for the entire NGK group. The fact that these activities brought about positive
result is highly acknowledged. The effective control by the Central Environmental Committee, which acts as a central
function for the system consisting of 12 companies, has certainly contributed in this point. Therefore, describing suchspecific performance status is recommended.
Clarification of the affiliated companies in Japan and consistency of data were required during the Headquarter audit
and were properly corrected. Also, although data about compliance levels and substances regulated by the PRTR law
were partially found inconsistent at the initial stage, these data have been revised and are now consistent.

Yokohama, 2004-08-09

Ralf Wilde
President
TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd.,
3-19-5, Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku,
Yokohama 222-0033, Japan34

Thinking for tomorrow's sake...
...and acting accordingly.

e

flo w

oo

m.

An

w

e r is a b o u t t o

bl14-18, Takatsuji-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Pref. 467-8525
http://www.ngkntk.co.jp

Publishing Department

Public Relations Sec., General Administration Dept.

TEL +81 52-872-5896

FAX +81 52-872-5999

Contact for inquiries

Environment & Safety Management Dept.

TEL +81 52-872-5980
FAX +81 52-872-5942
e-mail：eco@mg.ngkntk.co.jp

Created with 100% recycled paper in order to protect forest resources.
Printed with soy ink in the interest of the global environment.