Framework for Pollution Prevention and Chemical Substance Management

In the Environmental Management Implementation Framework, NEC engages in environmental management as well as pollution prevention. Each of NEC plant utilizes a preliminary evaluation when installing facilities and equipment that generate chemical substances, wastewater, or exhaust gases, and conducts a preliminary evaluation of the potential environmental impact. We have also established environmental analysis and measurement regulations to appropriately monitor the environmental load of exhaust gases, wastewater, odors, and other substances to prevent pollution.

NEC Initiatives

Preliminary Evaluation of Chemical Substances

NEC has been conducting preliminary evaluations to examine environmental and safety aspects carefully when using a new chemical substance for the first time. These preliminary evaluations are a series of strict examinations of physical properties, toxicity levels, handling methods, emergency response measures, recycling methods, environmental impact, and other items related to chemical substances. Only substances that have passed these examinations are allowed to be purchased.

Safety data sheets (SDS) are obtained from manufacturers or prepared independently for all chemical substances used. These are used for reference when making judgments in considering safety countermeasures to apply when using the chemical substances. Manufacturing assessments are also carried out in all manufacturing processes to evaluate environmental and safety aspects of the chemical substances and production facilities.

Conformance to the PRTR System (Act on Confirmation, etc. of Release Amounts of Specific Chemical Substances in the Environment and Promotion of Improvements to the Management Thereof)

NEC discloses the results of managing the inputs and outputs of chemical substances used by the NEC Group that are subject to the PRTR System (Class I Designated Chemical Substances: 462 substances).

For chemical substances released into the atmosphere and public water bodies (including discharges into sewage systems), NEC has set its own voluntary standards, which are more stringent than the levels required by law, and ensures that these standards are strictly met.

Strict Control of Equipment and Parts Containing PCBs

At present, NEC strictly manages disposed-of devices (equipment and parts, including fluorescent light stabilizers) containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at its three plants under stringent double and triple measures for preventing leakage. The Law Concerning Special Measures for Promotion of Proper Treatment of PCB Waste was revised in 2016, changing the processing period set in the basic plan for the disposal of PCBs. In compliance with the change, NEC is revising its disposal plans to ensure that the waste is processed within the set deadline.

The amount of PCBs held by NEC (as of March 31, 2025) is as follows.
High concentration: 0 kg　Low concentration: 56,552 kg　Scope: NEC Corporation

Initiatives in Response to the Act on Rational Use and Appropriate Management of Fluorocarbons

NEC has established internal regulations based on the Act on Rational Use and Appropriate Management of Fluorocarbons, and strives to properly manage Class 1 Specified Products (commercial air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers) and track fluorocarbon leakage volumes.
In fiscal year 2025, the calculated amount of fluorocarbon leakage was under 1,000 t-CO₂, which is below the threshold requiring reporting to the competent minister.
NEC will continue working to prevent leaks—such as through reinforced inspections— and, during equipment upgrades, promote the use of non-fluorocarbon or low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants to reduce fluorocarbon emissions.

Ozone-depleting Substances

The use of all specific chlorofluorocarbons as a cleaning agent in manufacturing processes was discontinued in 1993. 
By the end of fiscal year 2011, efforts to totally discontinue the use of specific chlorofluorocarbons for refrigerant in air conditioners and specific halons used in fire extinguishers resulted in a reduction of 96%, almost completely eliminating their use.

Contribution through Our Businesses

Chemical Substance Management Solutions That Support Compliance with Environmental Laws and Regulations

We provide chemical substance management solutions in the form of implementation packages and cloud services for compliance with various chemical substance laws and regulations around the world, such as the RoHS Directive and the REACH regulations. We also provide related business systems that address conflict minerals and have SCIP database registration functions.

Response to Situations Including Environmental Accidents and Violation of Laws

The party who discovers an environmental accident or violation of laws and regulations that may lead to environmental pollution shall contact the environmental manager at the relevant management unit. The environmental manager who receives the notification shall immediately implement emergency measures and prevent the escalation of the incident in accordance with emergency response and other procedures, and shall report the matter to the head of the environmental management department and the site manager of the relevant plant based on the Criteria for Determining the Necessity of Information Escalation in an Emergency Situation. The head of the environmental management department and the site manager shall contact the police, fire department, or relevant authorities as necessary, and inform the Corporate Officer in charge of the Environment.
At the same time, the environmental manager shall carry out corrective measures such as identifying the cause and implementing measures to prevent recurrence. The head of the environmental management department and the site manager shall confirm the content of the corrective measures, and if they deem the measures ineffective, shall make improvements and confirm that the corrective measures have been implemented and are functioning effectively, thereby preventing recurrence.

President Appears in WEF Panel Discussion “Tech’s Answer to Pollution”

The President of NEC participated in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 (in Davos) and spoke at the panel discussion titled “Tech’s Answer to Pollution.” He delivered messages on pollution issues that, despite increasing global attention, still lack effective international measures, such as plastic pollution and the contamination of air, water, and soil, highlighting Japan’s history of pollution countermeasures, the role of technology, and recommendations for the international community. One reason modern pollution issues remain unresolved is the increasing complexity and globalization of supply chains. Business divisions, environmental and procurement divisions Implementing companies Main Initiatives.
He emphasized the importance of visualizing supply chains using ICT, and explained that technologies such as advanced satellite systems and traceability tools are already available. He also stressed the importance of environmental literacy, noting that consumer behavior and changes in investment flows can influence companies and drive behavioral changes in businesses.