5. Advices for other companies
While the company’s own installation provide insight to themselves, they can also give guidance and advice for other companies:
“It is clear that there will be a steady trend towards F gas free units with lower global warming potential. Therefore, we suggest making good use of subsidiary programs carried out by the Ministry of the Environment and installing one unit on a trial basis, in order to confirm its energy efficiency, GHGs reduction effect, safety, and stability. In addition, Aeon has established a project team to realize the Aeon Declaration on the Natural Refrigerants, which involves persons in charge of store construction, designing, and facilities management. The experts get together on a regular basis to share their ideas and information, and to consider future development. We believe this is another effective approach.”
Aeon Co., Ltd. -retail chain store
“Energy-efficient refrigeration units which are yet to be widely installed are still pricy. The subsidy Okayama Plan used for the installation had a scheme under which incremental expense due to switching from F-gas unit to energy-efficient unit would be partially offset by the subsidy to be provided by the Ministry of the Environment. Since the subsidy would not fully offset the incremental expense, we needed to explain to management why we would need to introduce the unit. I think it is important to properly explain to management that even though additional cost couldn't be fully offset by the subsidy there will be other benefits such as external positive publicity and effect on employees' environmental education.“
CALPIS Co., Ltd. Okayama Plant -beverage manufacturer
“In a practical sense, it is essential to officially acknowledge a company's F-gas free position in its corporate policy before introducing energy-saving natural refrigerant units. Without such an announcement, responsible efforts cannot be made. Furthermore, I think it is important that the policy should be incorporated in a company's business plan for the next few years, such as in its 3-year plan and monitor the progress going forward.“
Maruha Nichiro Logistics, Inc. -logistics
“We will obtain data and demonstrate the effect of energy-saving natural refrigerant equipment from now on, but I personally think that electric rates will only go up but never go down, and our customers and business partners are increasingly expected to pay greater attention to the environment. We recommend that you take measures at early timings.”
Shinetsu-Myojo Co., Ltd -noodle company
“Although Takaki Bakery has promoted the introduction of energy-saving natural refrigerant systems as F-gas free initiatives, it takes time and cost. Therefore, efforts must be made with good planning at an early timing. In order to do this, you need to explain to your management about potential risks by providing management or capital investment meetings with information at an early stage so that they can understand the need of taking proactive measures. It is important that by explaining to the management about how much budget will be needed to work toward F-gas free measures they become "prepared" for them. “
Takaki Bakery Co., Ltd –bread making
“I believe it is necessary to announce your company's commitment first. In the case of Coca Cola Japan, we have announced our goal to achieve HFC-free (natural refrigerants) in vending machines. A clear written target will help you take concrete actions. It is also important to cooperate with suppliers of vending machines. There is a limit to what a user company alone can do to try new things. By working together with a supplier, or a partner, you will be able to provide unprecedented value.
And last, but not least, is the importance of having positive communication with customers. If you are promoting environmentally-friendly approaches, such information should be delivered to customers in an easy-to understand manner. While deploying peak shift vending machines, we have actively promoted public relations activities. Our latest research indicated that public awareness of peak shift vending machines surpassed 50%.You take environmental steps, inform customers of the effort, receive appropriate recognition, and then link it to the next step. Building such a cycle, I believe, is essential.”
Coca Cola (Japan) Company, Limited -beverage manufacturer
Yokorei is now strengthening its environmental measures at the initiative of the corporate management, led by the president. Thanks to the top-down system, our company could make a shift swiftly. And since all the members of our company, including the management, have experience in field operation, they understand the reality of our work. Therefore, they do not make decisions from economic perspective alone. It might also be another unique point of our company that all the staff members have a shared viewpoint. The key to accelerate the introduction of natural refrigerants is the coordination of both top-down and bottom-up approaches. “
YOKOREI Co., Ltd. -cold storage warehouse
Voices of forerunners
- 1. Considering adoption of Natural Refrigerant Equipment
- 2. Assessing the befits
- 3. Overseeing problems in installation
- 4. Going further
- 5. Advices for other companies
