Kato: Because we are operating various businesses, we set out our CO2 emission reduction targets for the entire group on a sales basis. Each business department sets its emission standards in view of its business characteristics and shows specific emission targets in their annual plans. The CO2 emissions of the entire group are shown on a sales basis for convenience reasons.

Saito: For example, the Chemicals Company has a CO2 emission target on a production basis. For GHGs other than CO2, Asahi Glass generates fluorocarbons, HFC and SF6. For these gases, we are reviewing the manufacturing process to reduce their emissions into air and to prevent them from leaking, and we disclose information on the emission reductions in our CSR report and through other media.

Kozuma: As shown in Asahi Glass CSR Report 2005, the Asahi Glass achieved a 94% reduction from 1995 in the emission of fluorocarbons. This fact should be more highlighted. Ayukawa: What effects were brought about by the introduction of the new technology called “total oxygen combustion system”?

Arai: At present, we are using fuel oil to melt glass materials at high temperature. In this process, approximately 4/5 of the oil is actually heating the nitrogen in air. The total oxygen combustion system supplies only oxygen, instead of air containing much nitrogen that is not necessary for combustion, into a glass melting furnace. This reduces the use of energy by the amount used in heating nitrogen. Also, the combustion gas contains almost no nitrogen, which leads to a considerable reduction in the emission of NOx. The total oxygen combustion system, however, requires energy to produce oxygen, and we must develop technologies to cover the increased cost.

Nakanishi: A CSR report should first of all be read by employees and should be an interactive communication tool between the management and readers of the report, including employees. The feedback is essential. Kato:We published AGC Group CSR Book for employees in 2005. This book summarizes the commitment to CSR by the management and what the top managers expect from employees. Also, in making Asahi Glass CSR Report 2006, we regarded our employees as one of the major reader groups.

Kozuma: It is necessary for a company to have policies and systems to seek opinions from its stakeholders and give feedback on the collected opinions to employees. Recent CSR reports are evaluated by society based not only on the information that it communicates, but also on the information collection and preparation approaches. Proper policies and systems are required as preconditions for interactive communications.

Nakanishi: The non-alkali glass, which you have introduced to us and which has been manufactured for more than 10 years, contains no toxic substances. Unfortunately, end users are not aware of this fact. The AGC Group should promote PR activities to make people more aware of its manufacturing of double-glazed glass, which is more energy-saving than single-glazed glass, and of its contribution to the prevention of global warming, crimes, and disasters through its Glass Power campaign. The principal objective of PR activities is sales promotion, but these activities also serve to bring important issues to the attention of society and consumers. Our effort to help consumers choose products based on their environmental and social significance will eventually contribute to society.

Ishikawa: The AGC Group is engaged in B to B business as a materials manufacturer, and it may be difficult for the Group to communicate directly with end users. We still need to improve our PR activities aimed at our customers.

Toyama: Our outside directors strongly point out the importance of utilizing our group's technological advantages strategically in business.

Kozuma: Why don't you make an advertisement to the public? More consumers will use your products if they understand that they are environmentally friendly.