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Environment

2005-7 (Vol.41, No.2)

This special issue describes the environmental activities of the Fujitsu Group —5 categories of Green Policy 21: Green Policy Management, Green Policy Solution, Green Policy Product, Green Policy Factories, and Green Policy Earth.

2005-7 (Vol.41, No.2) Contents

1. Preface (23 KB): The Fujitsu Group has made "Environment" one of the "Values" in "The FUJITSU Way," which is the set of principles and rules by which we have to act as a corporation and as individual employees. The activities we have been continually pursuing in this regard have "Green Policy 21. We make every activity green" as their slogan and "Manufacturing in Harmony with Nature" as a fundamental concept. ---[Masamichi Ogura, Corporate Executive Vice President]

2. Fujitsu Group's Environmental Management: Outline of Environmental Protection Program (Stage IV) (144 KB): Environmental activities are an important element of corporate management, and corporations engage in environmental management under which environmental activities are carried out within the framework of their business activities. The Fujitsu Group has been conducting env6ironmental activities in all of its business divisions under the slogan "We make every activity green." We have achieved excellent results in the basic structural elements of environmental management such as the building of environmental management systems, introduction of environmental accounting, publication of sustainability reports, development of Green Products, and fulfillment of our mission to achieve zero waste emission. In this paper, we focus on the Fujitsu Group Environmental Protection Program (Stage IV), which covers the fiscal period 2004 to 2006, and outlines our environmental management activities in response to regulations whose scope continues to expand both in Japan and other countries. ---[Hideru Yamaguchi]

Green Policy Management

3. Implementation of Environmental Management Based on ISO14001 (89 KB): To implement Environmental Management, by which environmental activities are conducted within the corporate activity framework, the Fujitsu Group started ISO14001 authentication acquisition activities in its plants. Then, in fiscal 2003, these activities were unified within the Group to enhance the environmental activities within the original business framework. These activities for collective Environmental Management System (EMS) authentication are characterized by a matrix organization consisting of lines and sites, establishment of an independency-oriented internal audit system, effective IT tool utilization, and use of environmental themes linked to the business of each division. These activities have been conducted on one of the largest scales in Japan. This paper introduces the past results and the future plan of Fujitsu Group EMS activities of the top management of Fujitsu Ltd. and all Group companies for environmental management conforming to international standards. ---[Mitsugu Satou, Seiji Kawaguchi]

Green Policy Solution

4. Reduction of Environmental Burden by Environmentally Conscious Solutions (53 KB): Around the world, Fujitsu has provided high-performance, high-quality products and solutions based on its strong capabilities in information and communication technology (ICT). The Solution Business Support Group of Fujitsu has developed an environmental burden assessment method and certified solutions that meet certain environmental burden reducing standards as "Environmentally Conscious Solutions." This department offers such solutions together with ICT products with the aim of helping customers and communities reduce the environmental burden and increase environmental efficiency. Introducing ICT in an enterprise can generally minimize the transportation of people and goods and the use of paper and other materials, resulting in a reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) and an improvement in management efficiency. Because of these environmental benefits of ICT, the Solution Business Support Group has started a certification system based on a quantitative environmental burden assessment method and is extending this system to all of its domains. ---[Masami Nishikawa, Hiroshi Kushima]

5. Method for Approving ICT Solutions as Environmentally Conscious (107 KB): Fujitsu Laboratories has developed an environmental burden assessment method for approving information and communication technology (ICT) solutions as environmentally conscious solutions. By separating environmental burdens into eight root factors (e.g., resource consumption, human transportation, and waste generation), this method estimates environmental burdens before and after an ICT solution is introduced. One particular characteristic of this method is that changes in operating efficiency, documentation space, and equipment floor space due to ICT introductions are collectively represented as changes in office space. We used this method to evaluate how various ICT solutions have reduced environmental burdens. We found that, of the eight factors, the biggest reductions in environmental burden in most cases were due to office-space reductions, which reduced working person-hours and therefore energy consumption. ---[Takafumi Hashitani, Shigeharu Suzuki, Yuzo Horikoshi]

6. Product Environmental Data Management System: ECODUCE (64 KB): Environmental problems have become important topics in corporate management. The regulations governing hazardous chemical substances contained in products have become strict. Manufacturers now have to consider more than just product quality, cost, and delivery time and will find it difficult to sell non-Green Products. Their parts procurement and product design must conform to regulations. Since 2000, to solve these problems, Fujitsu Nagano Systems Engineering Limited (FNS) has been providing a product environmental data management system, the core of which is a package called ECODUCE. This package supports the production of environmentally conscious products from design for environment (DfE) to green procurement. It uses surveys of hazardous substances contained in the parts of a product and the other materials used to make it. This paper describes ECODUCE. ---[Masaaki Takemae]

7. Facilities Management System That Reduces Environmental Burden of Buildings (102 KB): In recent years, the problem of global warming has become serious, and it has become an important challenge for architects to reduce the environmental burden of buildings. In response, Fujitsu has developed facilities management systems called Futuric that make buildings safer and more comfortable by collecting information about equipment in buildings and then making it available for management and control purposes. Lately, however, more importance has been attached to reducing environmental burden by providing energy-conservation functions for entire buildings. The Futuric facilities management systems have various energy conservation functions in their building energy and environment management systems (BEMSs) to support environmental burden reduction. This paper introduces the Futuric systems and describes how they help reduce a building's environmental burden using an example introduction in an office building. ---[Masahiro Maeeda]

Green Policy Product

8. Bio-Based Polymers (110 KB): Polylactic acid (PLA) is a resin that is synthesized by fermenting the raw plant material (biomass) that has been fixed within living plants such as corn and potatoes by photosynthesis. PLA is biodegradable and does not generate harmful gases during combustion. Also, because it is derived from plants, it can be produced using only small amounts of fossil fuel. PLA, therefore, is a material with a low environmental burden. We developed a PLA-based material for the housings of notebook computers using flameproofing and polymer-alloy technologies. This material has optimal physical properties for use in notebook computer housings. We use this material in the FMV-BIBLO NB notebook computer that went on sale in January 2005. This paper describes the development of this material and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluation. ---[Koichi Kimura, Yuzo Horikoshi]

9. Photocatalysis by Calcium Hydroxyapatite Modified with Ti (IV) (160 KB): Colloidal Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 hydroxyapatite (HAP) particles doped with Ti(IV) ions in different atomic ratios, Ti / (Ca + Ti) = XTi, by a coprecipitation method were characterized by JEOL transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV, Elmer Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Perkin-Elmer-induced coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP-AES). The photocatalytic activity of the modified HAP particles was examined by decomposition of acetaldehyde and albumin and bactericidal test by colon bacilli. The deodorization ability was measured using a six-stage sensory method. Ca(II) of HAP was substituted by Ti(IV) in a one-to-one ratio at XTi ≤ 0.1. When doped at XTi > 0.1, irregular particles of amorphous titanium phosphate were formed besides long, rectangular particles of HAP. XTi of the surface phase of the particles was much less than that of the whole particles; Ti(IV) is less contained in the surface phase than the bulk one. A UV beam was absorbed by Ti(IV)-modified HAP particles but not by the unmodified particles. The decomposition of acetaldehyde and albumin by Ti(IV)-doped particles was found under UV irradiation, while the unmodified HAP particles were inactive for the decomposition of both materials. Further, unlike TiO2, Ti(IV)-doped HAP showed a bactericidal function in the dark. A Ti(IV)-doped HAP adhesion filter demonstrates a high deodorization performance. ---[Masato Wakamura]

10. Development of Prototype Micro Fuel Cells for Mobile Electronics (155 KB): We have made great progress in developing a new micro fuel cell (μ-FC) technology that enables the use of 30% methanol fuel solution — the highest ever reported for passive systems — and the fabrication of a prototype power unit for mobile phones with the following specifications: a cradle-shaped interconnection for W-CDMA mobile phones, 18 ml of 30% methanol solution to recharge the internal Li-ion battery of the mobile phone to enable 150 minutes of continuous talking and 400 minutes of stand-by. In this study, our attention was focused on evaluating the environmental impact of newly developed μ-FCs to gather data, which is essential in developing environmentally friendly products. In this regard, we first evaluated the effect of greenhouse gasses such as CO₂ exhaust during material production, cell manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal of μ-FCs on global warming and ozone layer depletion. Then, we assessed the consequent impact on human health and the ecosystem as the society cost according to the LIME method. This evaluation revealed that the society cost of μ-FCs is only 5% that of LR6 (IEC) alkaline dry batteries for a 10 kWh energy supply if the same cartridge is used 10 times. ---[Fumio Takei, Nawalage F. Cooray, Kensuke Yoshida, Hiroaki Yoshida, Katsuji Ebisu, Shigeharu Suzuki, Norio Sawatari]

11. Promoting Development of Super Green Products (166 KB): The Fujitsu Group has begun activities for the development of "Super Green Products" as part of the new 4th Fujitsu Group Environment Action Plan, which was established in 2004. The Group has been promoting the development of Green Products, which are designed with greater consideration for the environment, since 1998. The goal of these new activities is to take environmental protection a step further by developing Super Green Products with world-leading, environment-friendly characteristics. In this paper, we introduce the Fujitsu Group's development activities regarding Super Green Products and describe some of the products. ---[Satoshi Oikawa]

12. Efficient and Unique System for Verifying Containment of Hazardous Substances (112 KB): The European Union's directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) prohibits the use of certain hazardous substances. One of the targets of our environment protection program is to eliminate these substances from all Fujitsu brand products by the end of March 2006. To achieve this target, we are promoting green procurement and non-containment verification of these substances. We have developed a unique system to efficiently verify that several hundred thousand types of parts composed of various materials do not contain the RoHS-prohibited substances. This system has two elements. One is a substance containment probability chart that is based on an investigation of situations in which those substances are used. The other is a high-accuracy quantitative technique that uses simple X-ray fluorescent (XRF) spectrometry. This system enables us to efficiently verify non-containment by screening parts that have a high substance-containment probability and then accurately measuring substance concentrations using XRF spectrometry. ---[Mitsuo Ozaki, Yasuo Yamagishi]

13. Substitute Materials for Complete Elimination of Hazardous Substances - Study of Whisker Growth on Lead-Free Plating - (204 KB): To elucidate the mechanism of tin (Sn) whisker growth on lead (Pb)-free plated electrodes, we studied their growth behavior. Concerning the structure in which Sn whiskers originate, we determined that the whiskers are created by the recrystallization of Sn when the Sn grain size of whisker sources is coarser than that of the surrounding grains. We also found that there is a more than 700-hour period of latency before the whiskers appear in Sn plating, which correlates with the incubation period of Sn recrystallization. The longer the latency period of the plating, the greater the danger of needle-like whiskers growing. We also observed that needle-like whiskers grow most easily under the conditions of 25°C plus the application of external stress. We therefore chose those conditions for a probability test of Sn whisker growth. ---[Seiki Sakuyama, Michinori Kutami]

14. Development of Sn-Zn-Al Lead-Free Solder Alloys (453 KB): Fujitsu has implemented a company-wide effort to progressively reduce the use of lead (Pb) and eventually eliminate this environmental pollutant from its products. As part of this effort, we have developed a new lead-free solder that consists of tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), and aluminum (Al) and yet offers superior productivity and joint reliability. The new lead-free solder has a melting point equivalent to that of an Sn-Pb eutectic solder and enables devices to be packaged at a lower temperature than with the increasingly popular Sn, silver (Ag), copper (Cu) solder. The new lead-free solder, therefore, accelerates the elimination of Pb from products. We have already used printed circuit boards containing the new lead-free solder in some products and plan to extend its use to other products. We made a solder composed of Sn, Zn, and Al and investigated its mechanical characteristics and the effects of adding Al. A tension test was conducted in air at 25°C and 60%RH at a tensile speed of 60 mm/min. The results showed favorable elongations in the following order: Sn-9wt%Zn < Sn-7wt%Zn < Sn-7wt%Zn-Al < Sn-9wt%Zn-Al. Al-added specimens showed better stress values than specimens without Al. Observation of the periphery of fractured specimens without Al revealed numerous, deep cracks and the contraction was smaller than in the Al-added specimens. We also joined Sn-Zn-Al solder balls to a Cu/nickel (Ni)/gold (Au) plated substrate at 215°C for Chip Size Package (CSP) applications. After 1000 hours of aging at 150°C , no deterioration was detected in the ball shear strength compared with the initial value. This paper describes a study and the characteristics of the new lead-free solders. ---[Masayuki Kitajima, Tadaaki Shono]

15. Fujitsu's Approach for Eco-efficiency Factor (113 KB): Eco-efficiency is one of the many indicators for measuring damage to the environment. The Eco-efficiency Factor is a quantitative indicator that enables us to evaluate changes in service performance and the environmental burdens that are imposed. This paper presents a case study of two notebook personal computers manufactured eight years apart. To evaluate service value, core hardware specifications such as CPU clock speed, memory size, and hard disk drive size were compared. The results show that the more recent notebook has about 24.6 times the service value of the older one. The results of inventory analysis from EcoLeaf, which is a Japanese Type III labeling program based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), are used as environmental burdens. Then, we used LIME (Life cycle Impact assessment Method based on Endpoint modeling) to integrate the inventory data of EcoLeaf. The integrated result showed that environmental burdens have dropped about 22%. It is concluded that the Eco-efficiency Factor has increased about 32 times in 8 years. Due to the usefulness of the Eco-Efficiency Factor, it could become an important communication tool between manufactures and green consumers in the near future. ---[Satoshi Oikawa, Katsuji Ebisu, Kensuke Fuse]

16. Establishment of Global Recycle Network (85 KB): In 1997, Fujitsu established the Fujitsu Recycle System (FRS) in Japan as the first nationwide recycling system in the industry and since then has taken the initiative in take-back and recycling of end-of-use IT (Information Technology) products. By utilizing the know-how gained through these activities, Fujitsu has diligently started to take-back and recycle the end-of-use IT products it has marketed overseas so the entire Group can exercise extended producer responsibility with a global perspective. In Europe, Fujitsu began considering the establishment of a recycle system to comply with the European Union (EU) recycle directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), which became effective in February 2003. Each EU member country has been transposing the WEEE directive into their national laws. Fujitsu and Fujitsu Group companies in Europe have started to work on the establishment of a European recycle system through mutual collaboration. Because of the strong demands to recycle end-of-use IT products in North America and Asia, Fujitsu is also studying the establishment of recycle systems in these areas. In the future, regional recycle systems should not only function independently but also be closely coordinated and developed into a Global Recycle Network (GRN) to share recycling know-how and information and circulate resources and products using recycle logistics based on international rules. This paper describes the establishment of the recycle systems and the concept for establishing a GRN. ---[Osamu Kanzawa, Makoto Takahashi]

Green Policy Factories

17. Green Process Aiming at Reduction of Environmental Burden (66 KB): Through its Green Process activities, Fujitsu is reforming its manufacturing and production technologies using an evaluation method based on the Cost Green (CG) index, which covers both cost and environmental factors. Green Process activities were first introduced in 2002 at Fujitsu's Mie plant, a semiconductor manufacturing base that succeeded in reducing both its costs and environmental load. Green Process activities have already resulted in a reduction in the volumes of chemical inputs per unit product at semiconductor mass-production bases in Japan, for example, the Iwate, Aizuwakamatsu, and Mie plants. ---[Shunichi Nagata, Shoji Okuda]

18. Activity to Reduce Sludge Generated from Septic Tanks to Zero Using Bacterial Method (151 KB): This paper describes an activity to reduce the sludge generated from septic tanks to zero. Several methods having the potential to reduce sludge emissions to zero were investigated, and a method using function-enhanced bacteria was judged to be the best from the viewpoint of cost-performance. This method was then tentatively applied to the septic tanks at Fujitsu's Nasu plant. In the trial, sludge emissions were reduced to zero at reasonable cost. Since the trial, the method has been regularly used in 15 plants in the Fujitsu Group, and about 1500 m³ of sludge in total has been resolved by these bacteria. As a result, environmental burden has been greatly reduced, and the activity has contributed much to the achievement of zero emissions in the Group. ---[Fukunobu Ohsaka]

Green Policy Earth

19. Fujitsu Group's Environmental Activities Are Contributing to Society (250 KB): Recently, there has been a growing demand for corporate contributions to society. In the environmental field, the Fujitsu Group positively promotes global environmental conservation as a good corporate citizen and community member. These environmental social contribution activities are underway with a focus on the efforts of employees, who play a central part in local communities and bases, as well as activities that originate in the Head-Office Promotional division. The contribution activities centered on every employee include environmental leader training and voluntary activities in bases, sites, and Group companies. The contribution activities at the company level include various projects such as Thailand tree-planting activities planned by bases, sites, and Group companies and educational activities such as the Environmental Contest planned by the Promotion divisions. This paper reports on the status of these activities. ---[Jun Takaki, Yuka Maezawa]

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