Towards a Decarbonized Society
Fundamental Approach
AGC Group regards climate change as a critical determinant of both corporate value and business strategy, and proactively addresses it from the perspectives of both risk and opportunity. Recognizing the profound impact of global environmental change on society, we believe it is essential to contribute through both technological innovation and our business activities. Under our medium-term management plan, AGC plus-2026, we aim to help realize a sustainable society by advancing three core social values: “Blue planet,” “Innovation,” and “Well-being.” In particular, under “Blue planet,” we are advancing climate action and the efficient use of resources, striving to balance environmental impact reduction with business growth.
Governance
AGC Group recognizes environmental issues, including climate change, as management priorities and has established a governance structure centered on the Board of Directors. In addition, the Sustainability Committee, chaired by the CEO, regularly reviews and evaluates climate-related risks and opportunities. Furthermore, through the Environmental Response Meeting, which oversees operational execution, we promote both risk management and value creation. This governance framework enables us to achieve sustainable growth while ensuring accountability.
Governance and oversight centered on the Board of Directors
AGC Group positions climate change as a material issue affecting corporate value and has established an oversight framework centered on the Board of Directors. Climate-related assessments and policies are reported twice a year and reviewed in connection with strategic decision-making. The outcomes of committee and meeting deliberations are reflected in management decisions, helping to translate climate action into a source of competitive advantage.
Role of senior management and executive bodies
- Sustainability Committee
The Sustainability Committee is the highest decision-making body responsible for addressing climate-related risks and opportunities. Chaired by the CEO, the committee meets four times a year and is attended by the CFO, CTO, Audit & Supervisory Board members, and heads of key business divisions. The committee deliberates on policies and targets, monitors progress, and conducts scenario analysis. It reports to the Board of Directors at least twice a year, serving as a bridge between management and environmental strategy. - Environmental Response Meeting
The Environmental Response Meeting is an operational body responsible for analyzing environmental issues and implementing initiatives, in line with the direction set by the Sustainability Committee. Led by the responsible executive, the meeting involves participation from both business units and corporate functions. Through eight meetings per year and thematic projects, it advances risk responses and provides recommendations to senior management as needed.
Indicators for evaluating executive compensation
Under AGC plus-2026, which aims to advance sustainability-driven management, Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity (per unit of sales) has been incorporated as a performance metric for determining stock-based compensation for directors and executive officers, including the CEO. This indicator is incorporated into the compensation system alongside financial KPIs such as ROE, EBITDA, and relative TSR, strengthening incentives for management to work toward improving sustainable corporate value, including climate change response.
Strategy
To assess the short-, medium-, and long-term impacts of climate change on its business, the AGC Group conducts both quantitative and qualitative analyses of transition risks—such as carbon pricing and regulatory tightening—and physical risks—such as extreme weather events and rising temperatures. These assessments are based on multiple climate scenarios, including the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (the NZE Scenario, which aims to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels), the Announced Pledges Scenario (reflecting national climate commitments), and the RCP8.5 Scenario (projecting a temperature increase of around 4°C).
Risks
- Transition risks
In assessing transition risks, the AGC Group analyzed the potential socioeconomic impacts based on the NZE Scenario. Under this scenario, we estimated the potential impacts of fluctuations in carbon pricing, energy, and raw material costs, and assessed how strengthened decarbonization regulations and the expansion of low-carbon product markets could affect our business. We also evaluate how the transition to a decarbonized society—driven by advances in low-carbon technologies and shifting market dynamics—may generate new growth opportunities through the expanding demand for GHG reduction technologies and solutions that help minimize environmental impact. - Physical risks
The AGC Group assesses a range of physical climate-related risks—including water risks such as floods, storm surges, and droughts; natural disasters such as heavy rainfall, typhoons, and lightning; and the business impacts of rising temperatures. These risks may lead to operational shutdowns or disruption in logistics, potentially resulting in lower sales and an increased cost for implementing countermeasure. For medium- to long-term risks, we conducted an in-depth assessment using scenario analysis. Based on the RCP8.5 scenario—which projects approximately 4°C of warming above pre-industrial levels—we analyzed the potential impacts of physical disasters on our manufacturing sites.
Impact on Business, Strategy, and Financial Planning
Transition risks
Policy and Regulatory Risks: Rising business costs and adaptation burdens from strengthened carbon regulations
The AGC Group assesses the impact of carbon pricing policies across different countries and regions. If Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions remain at current levels, rising carbon prices by 2030 could result in up to 1 billion USD (approximately 150 billion yen) in additional annual costs. This estimate is based on AGC Groupʼs 2023 GHG emissions and incorporates projected policy trends and carbon pricing forecasts in major markets—such as a carbon price exceeding 100 Euro per ton of CO₂ under the EU ETS by 2030.
To mitigate the impact of these transition risks, the AGC Group is advancing the following initiatives.
- Fuel conversion, oxygen combustion, electrification of float glass melting furnaces
- Reduce electricity consumption intensity and introduce renewable energy in chlor-alkali electrolysis facilities
- Utilize internal carbon pricing in investment decisions
- Evaluate business portfolio based on scenario analyses and carbon efficiency
In addition, under AGC plus-2026, the company has allocated over 50 billion yen for investments to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, accelerating the transition to a low-carbon society.
Technology: Shifts in competitive advantage and rising adaptation costs driven by advances in low-carbon technologies
As markets shift toward decarbonization, companies are under growing pressure to reduce GHG emissions, heightening the risk of increased capital expenditures and rising operational costs. We have identified the rising costs associated with energy transition and the adoption of low-carbon technologies as factors impacting the entire Group. This includes higher direct costs for fossil fuel alternatives, increased capital expenditures for low-carbon technology development, and rising implementation costs for renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.
The AGC Group is implementing the following measures to minimize the impact of transition risks.
- Expanding low-carbon businesses through strategic business portfolio review
- Investment in the reduction of Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions
- Enhancing incentives for the development of emission reduction technologies through the implementation of an internal carbon pricing (ICP) system
- Introducing energy-saving technologies and adopting renewable energy
In addition, under AGC plus-2026, the Group has allocated over 50 billion yen to accelerate Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction through the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies.
Reputation: Stakeholder Perception and Litigation Risk
Disclosing climate-related information may entail the risk of stakeholder complaints stemming from differences in interpretation, as well as the associated burden of responding to them. We also recognize the potential litigation risk from investors and other stakeholders should the AGC Groupʼs response to climate change be deemed insufficient. In particular, we carefully assess the disclosure of climate-related risks in our securities reports, as there is a risk that statements regarding their impact on financial results and business operations could be misinterpreted.
The AGC Group works to ensure accurate and appropriate disclosure of climate-related information, minimize associated risks, and comply with relevant disclosure requirements in each country.
- Highly transparent disclosure aligned with TCFD recommendations
- Appropriate risk assessment and information review in compliance with each countryʼs laws, regulations, and disclosure standards
- Ensuring consistency in disclosures to prevent misinterpretation
- Enhancing stakeholder trust through strengthened dialogue and engagement
Market: Shifts in demand resulting from climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts
As climate change measures progress across society, demand is expected to shift—expanding markets for low-carbon products and renewable energy, while shrinking demand for conventional high-carbon products. In addition, customers’ decarbonization strategies and the tightening of environmental regulations may shift product selection criteria, intensifying market competition. Furthermore, there are concerns that rising transaction costs for products and raw materials with high carbon footprints, as well as reduced competitiveness in markets subject to carbon regulations, may negatively affect business performance. Given the potential impact of these factors on the AGC Groupʼs revenue and profit, we are actively assessing market risks and implementing appropriate countermeasures.
The AGC Group is implementing the following initiatives to address market risks related to climate change and to maintain and enhance its business competitiveness.
- Strengthening the development and sales of low-carbon and environmentally conscious products to adapt to shifting demand
- Shifting toward a product portfolio with a lower carbon footprint
- Enhancing solution proposals aligned with customersʼ decarbonization strategies
- Improving carbon footprint management and ensuring transparent information disclosure
Acute Physical Risks
The AGC Group recognizes physical risks from floods, storm surges, and droughts as long-term management challenges. These risks are particularly concentrated in the Asian region, where we anticipate the following financial impacts.
Number of high flood risk sites: 15 in Asia, 2 in Europe, 1 in the Americas
Maximum envisioned damage as of 2050: 20.0 billion yen
Average envisioned annual damage (assuming a 1-in-100-year probability): 200 million yen
Number of high storm surge risk sites: 3 in Asia
Maximum envisioned damage as of 2050: 2.0 billion yen
Average envisioned annual damage: 20 million yen
Number of high drought risk sites: 17 in Asia, 3 in Europe, 1 in the Americas
Potential impacts on production processes and raw material procurement are of concern.
We also consider physical risks in the supply chain to be a critical issue. Specifically, some raw materials rely on geographically concentrated resources, and depending on the location of our sites, transportation constraints can result in longer lead times. We also source from suppliers located in regions exposed to water-related risks. In addition, certain procurement items require consideration of geopolitical risks such as conflicts, which we recognize as factors that may increase supply chain vulnerability.
The AGC Group is implementing the following measures based on the results of its physical risk assessments.
- Countermeasures at Our Own Sites
Establishing Business Continuity Plans: Development of standardized response measures to prepare for wind and flood damage
Enhancing Physical Measures: Installation of waterproof barriers and drainage pumps, and implementation of flood prevention measures
Utilizing Insurance: Procurement of insurance policies to cover losses caused by wind and flood disasters - Measures for the Supply Chain
Diversifying the Supply Chain: Decentralization of procurement sources and securing alternative sourcing routes
Optimizing Inventory Strategy: Mitigating supply risks by increasing inventories of products and raw materials - Strengthening long-term risk management
The AGC Group is currently developing systems and operational rules to implement a PDCA cycle for long-term physical risk management across the Group, aiming to enhance integrated risk management.
Chronic Physical Risks
The AGC Group recognizes that chronic physical risks such as rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and challenges in securing water resources may affect the manufacturing processes and raw material procurement in our glass and chemicals businesses. However, we believe these risks can be effectively managed through appropriate measures, allowing us to maintain stable business operations.
We are enhancing our resilience to chronic physical risks by managing its manufacturing sites, improving energy efficiency, and diversifying its raw material supply. In addition, we are securing greater flexibility in risk response through the sustainable use of water resources and the optimization of production systems.
Opportunities
The AGC Group expects business opportunities to grow even under a NZE scenario. Leveraging market forecasts from trusted third-party institutions, we analyze shifts in product markets and incorporate these insights into our business planning. Under the NZE scenario, the decarbonization market is expected to expand at an accelerated pace. For example, the renovation ratio is projected to double, while the cumulative installed capacity of water electrolysis equipment is expected to surge from 5.2 GW to 558 GW. Furthermore, the market size of low-GWP refrigerants is expected to grow to 2.2 times its current size by 2030, and EV sales also expected to increase by 3.2 times. These trends will accelerate the adoption of next-generation low-carbon technologies across the construction, automotive, and chemical sectors, thereby strengthening the AGC Groupʼs product competitiveness. In addition, in anticipation of stricter regulations, we are accelerating the development of decarbonization-related products to strengthen regulatory alignment and translate emerging market opportunities into business growth.
Under AGC plus-2026, the AGC Group plans to invest over 30 billion yen to expand sales of products that contribute to GHG emissions reduction.
We are accelerating the development of low-carbon technologies particularly in the construction, automotive, and chemical sectors, aiming to enhance our product portfolio in support of a decarbonized society.
Furthermore, we are advancing technological development to improve energy efficiency and broaden the application of low-carbon technologies.
By strengthening our global supply network, we are building a resilient business foundation capable of ensuring stable product supply and adapting flexibly to market shifts.
Resilience of Scenario-Based Strategies
The AGC Group is enhancing the resilience of its business strategies to ensure sustainable growth across a range of climate scenarios. To address both transition and physical risks while maintaining business competitiveness and financial stability, we are advancing the following strategic initiatives.
In the glass and chemical fields, we are developing low-carbon technologies and expanding our product lineup in response to the progress of a decarbonized society. In particular, we will leverage the market growth potential of low-carbon products such as high-insulation glass, components for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), and next generation refrigerants and solvents to address climate change and also strengthen our business portfolio.
To address rising carbon prices across various countries and regions, we are advancing the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and implementing measures to reduce energy costs. As part of this effort, AGC plus-2026 includes planned investments of over 30 billion yen to scale up sales of products that help reduce GHG emissions.
To prepare for long-term climate change risks, we are advancing the development of hydrogen-related technologies and energy-efficient products to enhance our market competitiveness. This approach ensures our ability to maintain business continuity and pursue growth under any scenario.
Alongside developing products that contribute to the realization of a low-carbon society, the AGC Group is actively engaged in shaping international rules and standards. By taking a leading role in standardization efforts and staying ahead of regulatory developments, we aim to drive market expansion and secure a competitive edge.
The AGC Group is advancing technological innovation in the glass melting process and transitioning electricity sources in its Chlor-Alkali Business to renewable energy, as part of its efforts to achieve key milestones. We are also driving the implementation of technologies aimed at reducing GHG emissions from float glass melting furnaces. By leveraging simulations of energy prices and carbon costs through 2050, we assess the economic viability of low-carbon technologies. At the same time, we promote global deployment of these technologies and optimize resource allocation to strengthen our long-term competitiveness.
Main categories | Risks / Oopportunities | Scenarios | Financial Impact | Responses |
---|---|---|---|---|
Transition Risks | Carbon Price Increase | Developed countries: US$140/t-CO2 Emerging countries: US$90/t-CO2 (2030 / NZE (1.5℃)*1)*2 |
Up to approximately US$1,000 million/year *Assumes no change from 2023 emissions level (Scope 1 and, 2 GHG emissions) *Considers possible introduction of carbon pricing in each country and region by 2030 consolidated basis / NZE (1.5℃) |
●Fuel conversion, oxygen combustion, electrification of float glass melting furnaces ●Reduce electricity consumption intensity and introduce renewable energy in chlor-alkali electrolysis facilities ●Reflect internal carbon pricing in investment decisions ●Evaluate and transform business portfolio based on scenario analyses and carbon efficiency |
Physical Risks | Acute Physical Risks (Floods) |
2050/RCP8.5(4℃)*3 | 0.36 billion yen/year (18 sites in Japan and other countries) | ●Installation of flood and storm surge prevention equipment |
Opportunities | Building renovation market | 2030 / APS (less than 2°C)*4 | Renovation rates in Europe to double by 2030 | ●Provision of window glass that excels in heat insulation and recyclability ●Provision of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) |
Market for next-generation refrigerants and solvents | 2030 / APS (less than 2°C) | Low-GWP refrigerant market expected to expand 2.2x in size by around 2030 | ●Provision of next-generation refrigerants and solvents | |
Hydrogen market | 2030 / NZE (1.5℃) | Increased water electrolyzer installation capacity (cumulative) (5.2 GW to 558 GW) | ●Provision of materials related to the production and use of hydrogen |
*1 Net Zero Emissions scenario
*2 The NZE scenario-based calculation results that represent the highest risk for calculating financial impact based on multiple scenarios
*3 Representative Concentration Pathway scenario published in the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report
*4 APS scenario
Risk Management
The AGC Group considers climate-related risks to be an important management issue and evaluates and responds to them under an integrated management structure. We utilize scenario analysis to supervise and manage at the senior management level, and continuously improve by running a PDCA cycle. The AGC Group identifies and assesses climate-related risks from short-, medium-, and long-term perspectives based on the AGC Group Risk Management Implementation Rules. Environmental, risk management, and business divisions collaborate to assessthe likelihood of occurrence and impact throughout the supply and value chain.
Risk management process
Climate-related risks are assessed in terms of both transition and physical risk perspectives. Regarding transition risks, we refer to the SBTiʼs emissions reduction standards and analyze them using scenarios that take into account each country's carbon pricing policies and regulatory trends. We are measuring the magnitude of risk by quantitatively assessing the impact on business costs by assuming changes in carbon prices in 2030 and 2050. We also employ external market data and energy price simulations to examine the impact of the diffusion of low-carbon technologies on each project. In assessing physical risks, we use the RCP8.5 scenario to analyze risks such as floods, storm surges, and droughts for each of our business sites. We qualitatively assess the level of risk on a five-point scale and, for floods and storm surges in particular, estimate the risk of flooding in 2050 based on facility location information and data from Aqueduct Floods*. We then quantify the financial impact by taking into account the number of days of business suspension in the event of a disaster. Based on these risk assessments, we are reviewing our product portfolio and moving ahead with the deployment of renewable energy to address material transition risks. For physical risks, we are considering risk reduction and transfer measures such as reviewing suppliers and production sites, updating business continuity plans (BCP), and utilizing insurance. The evaluation results are reviewed annually, and the evaluation methods and scope are expanded as necessary. The results of risk identification and analysis are deliberated by the Sustainability Committee, reported to the Management Committee, and reflected in decision-making. Each business division conducts risk assessments at each site and implements continuous monitoring under an integrated risk management framework. * Aqueduct Floods: A database of flood and storm surge inundation depths under current and future climate conditions provided by the World Resources Institute (WRI)
Integration into company-wide risk management
Under its integrated risk management framework, the AGC Group assesses climate change-related risks every three years and identifies major risk factors. Identified risks are supervised and deliberated by the Management Committee and the Board of Directors in accordance with the AGC Group Enterprise Risk Management Basic Policies, and are addressed on a company-wide basis. In addition, based on the AGC Group Risk Management Implementation Rules, the corporate divisions, in-house companies, and strategic business units (SBUs) formulate and implement management plans for important environmental risks. Each organization conducts a self-assessment of its risk management level at the end of the fiscal year, and senior management monitors the results to establish a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle and promote continuous improvement. In addition, the Internal Audit Division conducts independent monitoring and regularly verifies the appropriateness of the risk assessment process and the status of risk management. This ensures transparency and effectiveness in our risk management. Furthermore, we update our risk assessment tools and review assessment results annually toimprove the accuracy of risk assessments.
Metrics and Targets
With the launch of AGC plus-2026, which aims to deepen of sustainability management, the AGC Group has set new sustainability KPIs, including addressing climate change, and is strengthening strategic progress management. As risk and opportunity assessment indicators, we manage GHG emission reduction targets, which we have been working on, and growth indicators for products that contribute to the environment and energy fields, and reflect them in management decision-making.
Risks and opportunity indicators
Risks
The AGC Group manages Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions as KPIs and is promoting initiatives to realize a decarbonized society. Our 2030 GHG emissions reduction targets have received certification by SBTi as Science Based Targets (SBT) of “Well Below 2°C (WB2°C).”
Scope 1 and 2
The AGC Group aims to achieve carbon net-zero*1 by 2050, with a milestone of a 30% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 compared to 2019. *2
In addition, the AGC Group has set a target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions per unit of net sales by 50% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, as part of our efforts to realize sustainable business operations.
*1 Scope 1 + 2 *2 The electricity emission coefficient for 2030 is based on the figures determined using the Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS) published by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Scope 3
We target a 30% reduction by 2030 from 2019 levels for Category 1 (purchased goods and services), Category 10 (processing of sold products), Category 11 (use of sold products),
and Category 12 (end-of-life treatment of sold products), which account for approximately 70% of Scope 3 GHG emissions. In addition,
we have set an engagement target to encourage suppliers that account for 30% of GHG emissions in categories 1 and 3 to obtain SBT certification by 2027,
and are promoting emissions reductions throughout the entire value chain.
Opportunities
The AGC Group sees climate change as a new growth opportunity and is advancing the expansion of products that contribute to environmental and energy solutions. Currently,
products that contribute to the environment and energy field account for about 10% of the Groupʼs total sales.
We will continue to expand areas where we can contribute to reducing GHG emissions by leveraging our technological capabilities.
We have set the following as part of our sustainability KPIs for AGC plus-2026 to visualize the value created through addressing climate change. These indices use 2022 as the baseline (100),
and by continuously monitoring growth from 2023 onward, we are accelerating the creation of social value through our products.
- Architectural glass products: Accelerate the spread of energy-efficient high-insulation glass by setting “the shipment volume index for architectural products contributing to GHG reductions” as a KPI
- Low-GWP chemical products: Promote market growth of low-GWP refrigerants and solvents by using “Index for GHG emissions reduction by low-GWP products” as a KPI
Scope 1, 2 and Scope 3 GHG emissions volume and reduction policy
Scope 1 and 2
Approximately 99% of the AGC Groupʼs Scope 1, 2 GHG emissions originate from its glass segment (Architectural and Automotive), Electronics, and Chemicals businesses.
Of these emissions, approximately 50% come from the combined glass and electronics businesses, and approximately 50% come from the chemicals business.
Glass Business and Electronics Business
In the Glass and Electronics businesses, glass melting furnaces account for approximately 70% of Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, making their electrification and shift to clean fuels a top priority.
The AGC Group formulates strategies based on forecasts of GHG emission factors for electricity in each country and implements optimal measures for each region.
- Europe & Americas: We are prioritizing the introduction of electric boosters (electric heating assistance) due to the progress of electricity decarbonization
- Asia: Due to the relatively slow progress of electricity decarbonization, we will prioritize the introduction of energy-saving technologies.
Chemicals Business
The majority of Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from the Chemicals Business are derived from the electricity used to operate chlor-alkali electrolysis facilities.
Approximately 40% of the emissions come from on-site power generation, and the remaining 60% comes from electricity purchased externally.
In response, we are rolling out multiple measures at chemical production sites with a view to expanding the supply of renewable energy in the market.
Furthermore, we are expanding our procurement of electricity from renewable energy sources and ensuring long-term stability through extended procurement contracts.
Furthermore, we are switching to energy-saving electrolyzers to improve energy efficiency.
Scope 3
About 70% of the AGC Groupʼs Scope 3 GHG emissions come from Category 1 (purchased products and services) and from Categories 10-12 (processing, use,
and end-of-life treatment of sold products). Such emission reductions require cooperation throughout the entire value chain, and we place great importance on strengthening ties with our business partners.
Emission Reduction Strategies throughout the Value Chain
To reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions, we are promoting engagement with suppliers and encouraging them to reduce their major sources of emissions. Specific initiatives underway include the following.
- Supporting suppliers to obtain SBT certification: Encouraging business partners to obtain SBT certification for their emissions reduction targets to promote decarbonization throughout the entire supply chain
- GHG emissions data collection for raw materials: Collecting primary data for each raw material through surveys and quantitatively evaluating the reduction efforts of each material supplier
- Visualization of emissions throughout the supply chain: Conducting more accurate Scope 3 GHG emissions calculations and strengthening environmental impact assessments for each product
Priority measures by category
We are promoting the use of low-carbon materials and recycled materials to reduce GHG emissions in the procurement of raw materials.
Categories 10-12 (processing, use, and end-of-life treatment of sold products)
We are strengthening the development and market introduction of environmentally conscious products such as high-insulation glass, materials for ZEVs, and low-GWP refrigerants and solvents to reduce GHG emissions during the product use phase. Furthermore, we are promoting the development of product recycling technologies with the aim of reducing environmental impact throughout the entire product life cycle.