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New office building exterior view

Environmentally responsible management

Gunze has set out its vision for 2030 in its medium-term management plan “VISION 2030 stage 1”, which states, "Gunze will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by creating new value and providing a” feeling of comfort”. And the company will further strengthen our company-wide efforts to reduce the negative environmental impact of our business activities.
In addition, the company aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 35% or more by 2030 (Scope 1+2) through significant promotion of energy efficiency & conservation, generation, and recycling activities. Gunze will also develop a Scope 3 reduction scenario in 2022.

Energy efficiency & conservation measures in building

The Konan plant office building is the first facility in Gunze to receive "ZEB" certification. With the introduction of high-efficiency gas heat pump air conditioners, the building is environmentally friendly with low CO2 emissions and incorporates a variety of energy-saving mechanisms, achieving an overall energy saving of 53%.
(1) Energy conservation by introducing high-efficiency gas heat pump air conditioners
For the air conditioning system, high-efficiency gas heat pump air conditioners were adopted, achieving a 44% reduction in power consumption.
(2) Significantly improved building insulation performance through the introduction of highly efficient equipment
The roof material is W-folded sheet roof, and low-e double glazing is used in all rooms, achieving "Budling Plaster Index (Annual Heat Load Criteria)" = 0.7. The structure is designed to prevent heat from flowing in and out of the rooms and the outside air.
(3) Energy conservation by installing a total heat exchange ventilation system
Total heat exchange ventilation was used to reduce the air conditioning load, and brushless DC motors and inverters were installed to achieve a 74% reduction in power consumption.
(4) Energy conservation by installing LED lighting with sensors
A 62% reduction in power consumption was achieved by automatically adjusting the lighting level with a daylight sensor and automatically turning it on and off with a motion sensor.

Energy generated by solar panels

Solar panels on the front of the office building generate energy equivalent to 49% of the energy used in the office building. This equates to 104.5 MWh/year of electricity generation.

Employee-friendly office

This office building was designed with the surrounding landscape in mind, with lush greenery and a woody feel that blends in with nature to create a comfortable environment for employees.
(1) Establishment of a cafeteria that doubles as a refreshment area where casual meetings can be held.
(2) Dimmable and color-controlled LEDs to create scenes that match biological rhythms.
(3) Installation of step-free access for easy access for everyone.
(4) Installation of wheelchair-accessible elevators.
(5) Installation of gender-neutral restrooms.

Gunze registered as ZEB Leading Owner

Gunze was registered as a "ZEB Leading Owner" by the Initiative for Environmental Co-Creation in recognition of its plans to introduce the new office building at the Konan Plant in 2022.
A ZEB Leading Owner is a company that takes a leading role in publicizing its ZEB promotion goals, ZEB implementation plans, and ZEB implementation achievements to the general public.
Gunze will continue to disseminate information on ZEB-related initiatives and technologies, as well as medium- and long-term ZEB implementation plans and targets, and practice environmentally friendly management.

*1 About "ZEB”
Net Zero Energy Building, abbreviated as "ZEV". It is a building that aims to achieve a comfortable indoor environment while reducing the annual primary energy consumption of the building to zero. It is a building that reduces primary energy consumption by 50% or more from the standard primary energy consumption excluding the amount of energy produced, and by 100% or more from the standard primary energy consumption including the amount of energy produced.
However, energy consumption can be reduced to zero on a net basis by reducing energy consumption through energy conservation and generating energy for use through energy generation.
(Source: Ministry of Environment ZEB PORTAL https://www.env.go.jp/earth/zeb/index.html)

*2 About "BELS”
BELS (Building-Housing Energy-efficiency Labeling System) is a third-party certification system established by the Japan Housing Performance Evaluation and Labeling Association. The five stars achieved by the Konan Plant Office Building is the highest rating.
(Source: Japan Housing Performance Evaluation and Indication Association https://www.hyoukakyoukai.or.jp/)
(Source: Ministry of Environment ZEB PORTAL https://www.env.go.jp/earth/zeb/index.html)

*3 About “The first ZEB-certified office in Japan to use gas heat pumps”
Certified by The Japan Gas Association.

About Gunze

Founded in 1896 in Kyoto, Japan, Gunze is a diversified company that is a leading developer and manufacturer of plastic films, engineering plastics, electronic components, medical devices, apparel and various other segments. Gunze employs more than 5,600 people in 10 countries worldwide.
With the goal of giving back to the society in which it operates, Gunze is determined to be a responsible corporate citizen by adhering to our founding philosophy, which emphasizes a people-oriented approach, a commitment to quality, and coexistence.