NKK AND THE ENVIRONMENT

As a responsible corporate citizen, NKK implements voluntary controls and undertakes activities that serve to ameliorate the impact of its operations on the environment. The Corporation has continuously endeavored to maintain a balance with the natural environment by utilizing its technical edge. Not only have we tackled ecological issues in the field of steel production, but we have also contributed to the development of effective methods for the recycling of industrial waste, preservation of water quality and conservation and effective use of energy. The Corporation seeks to work with local communities in the establishment of a recycling-oriented society and consistently augments its efforts to conserve energy and protect the environment.

Environmental Achievements and Goals

• Reducing energy consumption per ton of crude steel produced by about 20% since the oil crises of the 1970s
• Working to reduce total energy consumption to 5.6% below the fiscal 1995 level by fiscal 2010

• Utilizing waste plastics as blast furnace feed
• Converting more than 99% of steelmaking by-products into reusable resources

• Utilizing flue gas desulfurization equipment to prevent air pollution
• Preserving water quality through bio-treatment and ammonia liquor treatment processes

• Participating in projects to cut carbon dioxide emissions in developing countries
• Actively promoting technical tie-ups overseas and technology transfer to developing countries

• Maintaining an active role in the afforestation of the Kanagawa water basin
• Cultivating kenaf, a fibrous plant, at steel works, to raise employees' environmental awareness