The Idemitsu Group has in place an overarching risk management structure to address risks arising from changes in the business environment, natural disaster risks, risks attributable to operational accidents, climate change-related risks, and environmental regulatory risks. Water-related risks, which fall within these risk categories, are thus managed under the aforementioned structure.
Specifically, in line with the Environmental Protection Policy, voluntary targets regarding wastewater treatment have been set and incorporated into the Group’s Environmental Management System operations from the perspective of preventing pollution, effectively utilizing resources, and preserving biodiversity. These targets are even more severe than standards stipulated by national and local governments.
With particular focus on the effective utilization of water resources, we work to assess our status of water use on a global basis. In reference to the "Aqueduct" data published by the World Resources Institute (WRI), we have also confirmed whether our business sites operate in regions with water stress.
With particular focus on the effective utilization of water resources, we work to assess our status of water use on a global basis. In reference to the “Aqueduct” data published by the World Resources Institute (WRI), we have also confirmed whether our business sites operate in regions with water stress.
Although our six domestic refineries and complexes are not located in regions with high water stress, the volume of water intake by these business sites accounts for more than 95% of the Idemitsu Group’s overall water intake volume. As most of our water utilization volume is thus attributable to our domestic business sites, our focus regarding water consumption is on reducing usage via the recycling of water resources with the objective of promoting effective resource utilization in the course of domestic operations.
In addition, we have made it a rule to limit our water intake upon the request of relevant local government in cases where reserves fall below the dam water storage standard due to a temporary decrease in precipitation. In this way, we help eliminate water depletion risk. On the other hand, Japan's landscape is steep, and drainage from heavy rains can pour into rivers suddenly, which increases the risk of flooding due to increased rainfall. In recent years, the impact of weather has increased, and flood damage has become more frequent during typhoon passes.
As described above, in Japan, where our business is headquartered, we have a variety of water-related issues, and the risk of flooding is high. We anticipate that future damage will expand due to climate change, so we are moving forward with the strengthening of related infrastructure facilities. By implementing these measures and curbing sustained water stress, we are able to use stable water resources.
We also operate in countries and regions other than Japan where water resources are not necessarily abundant. The problem of water resources is becoming increasingly serious around the world, and it is said that more than 2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water. Recognizing the current situation, we have begun efforts to look overseas. At present, although we do not operate in areas with high water stress, in order to maximize the effective use of precious resources like water, we are promoting efforts to reduce the amount of water used in Japan, where our water utilization is highest.
Our refineries and complexes, which use large volumes of water, are working on reducing their water consumption and not just staying in line with waste water standards. A certain amount of water (seawater and fresh water) is required to cool the process fluid during the oil refining process at refineries. Fresh water that becomes hot when used for cooling is circulated in an air-cooled condenser to lower its temperature, and reused as cooling water for the process fluid to reduce the impact on the environment. As a water user, we will make further efforts to recycle water resources.
| Unit | FY2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial water intake | thousand t | 82,074 |
| Water recycling rate | % | 94 |
At Aichi Complex, we are working to reduce water consumption by cooperating with other companies within the industrial complex to share cold water. By effectively using the chilled water discharged from the LNG vaporizer of Chita LNG Co., Ltd., which is adjacent to the complex, as process cooling water, we are contributing to the overall reduction of water intake in the Chita area.
