Corporate Social Responsibility
Shinwa Sangyo has consistently engaged in activities to ensure the continuous provision of our services. In times of disaster, maintaining lifelines is essential for the well-being of the people. We have historically delivered our products and services during major disasters in Japan. As a result, we prioritize our corporate social responsibility (CSR) to safeguard these vital lifelines.
Activities in Emergency
In the event of a major disaster, if the gas supply is interrupted due to damage to the gas pipeline or other causes, our company swiftly dispatches employees to the affected areas. Our objective is to expedite the restoration of the gas supply. By establishing and operating local material yards, we provide support for material management essential for restoration work.
- 1995: Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake
- 2004: Sumoto City flooding caused by Typhoon No. 23
- 2007: Niigata Chuetsu-oki Earthquake
- 2011: Great East Japan Earthquake
- 2016: Kumamoto Earthquake
- 2018: Northern Osaka Earthquake
Gas operators from all over the country have assisted with the restoration work. However, due to each operator using different materials, there were instances where our company’s employees had to explain handling procedures on-site. The diverse knowledge of various products, cultivated through our dealings with operators nationwide, was invaluable.
Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
In the event that a company faces emergencies such as natural disasters, significant fires, or terrorist attacks, we have established a plan outlining activities to be carried out during normal times. This plan also includes methods and means to continue core business operations or enable rapid recovery during emergencies. The goal is to minimize damage to business assets while ensuring the continuation or swift recovery of essential operations.
Role and Response During Disasters
Drawing on the lessons from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake on January 17, 1995,
we have established a system to supply restoration materials required during disasters such as earthquakes.
We have built and maintained a structure (BCP) that ensures our operations can continue 24/7, 365 days a year, even during disasters, and set up material warehouses at our headquarters in Osaka, as well as in Kanto (Ibaraki) and Kyushu (Fukuoka), ensuring a swift delivery system.
If any of the material warehouses are affected in an emergency, the other warehouses will provide support.
The BCP System for Disasters
In response to earthquake disasters, as a company policy, we’ve planned and implemented a microgrid system to ensure business continuity even in the event of earthquakes or terrorist attacks. This was undertaken as part of our 60th-anniversary commemorative project.
Microgrid Implementation
- Micro Cogeneration [25.0kW]:
Blackout-responsive type - Micro Cogeneration [6.0kW]:
Waste heat is maximized for use in air conditioning desiccants, floor heating, and washbasin water heating. - Renewable Energy [60.6kW]:
We have installed wind power generation (MAX 0.6kW) and solar power generation of 60kW.
※Blackout-responsive type: The 25kW micro cogeneration is equipped with a “blackout start” function, allowing it to operate independently even during power outages. This ensures the system can be set up even if electricity or city gas supplies are cut off during disasters. Additionally, in case of city gas cutoffs, it’s always on standby, ready to operate by switching to LPG13A (or CNG) cylinders, serving as a constant dual-purpose disaster prevention machine.
Introduction of the Microgrid System
A microgrid is a system that generates and supplies on-site energy in the area of demand, different from the large-scale centralized power sources of utility companies. It efficiently operates various energy sources such as solar power, wind power, and cogeneration, providing a smaller-scale power supply network to specific regions. The microgrid contributes to energy conservation, reduction in CO2 emissions, and global warming prevention by harnessing natural energy sources.
Features and Effects of the Microgrid System
Solar and Wind Generation
- Solar Power Generation: We have installed a capacity of 4kW.
- Wind Power Generation: Maximum capacity is set at 0.8kW.
Additionally, outside of the main grid connection, we have installed a total of 46kW solar power generation in neighboring warehouses.
Micro Cogeneration
- Micro Cogeneration 25kW (Main Building)
- Micro Cogeneration 6kW (Separate Building):
Both units have been installed.25kW Cogeneration unit is equipped with a “blackout start” feature that allows it to start independently even if the supply of electricity or city gas is interrupted. It’s always on standby to operate by switching to LPG13A (or CNG) cylinders.
In addition to 6kW Cogeneration, its waste heat is maximally utilized for air conditioning desiccants, floor heating, and water heating.
The Gas and Electricity Hybrid Air Conditioning System “Smart Multi”
We use the Gas and Electricity Hybrid Air Conditioning System “Smart Multi” system that integrates the refrigerant piping of GHP (Gas Heat Pump) and EHP (Electric Heat Pump). With the remote control service “Eneflex Smart” provided by Osaka Gas, we utilize gas and electricity in an optimal balance. This ensures energy-efficient and cost-saving operations. (Completed in the Main Building in 2018):
Effects of Implementation
SAVING ENERGY WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE ENVIRONMENT AND COMFORT.
Achieve energy savings without compromising the environment and comfort.
Energy saving rate: 10.5%.
By peak-shifting the operation of CGS 25kW:
ENERGY SAVING RATE: 10.5%
- The energy-saving rate can be reduced by up to 16%.
- CO2 emissions reduced by approximately 11%.
- By further peak-shifting the operation of CGS 25kW:
CO2 EMISSION REDUCTION: 13%
CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to approximately 13% by changing the supply contract with the power company.
UTILITY COST SAVING: 28%
The utility costs for the entire facility have been reduced by about 28%.
While the main building operates on a high-voltage supply, the 1st to 5th warehouses utilize a low-voltage supply. By transitioning from individual electricity contracts to a unified high-voltage reception at the head office and distributing it to each warehouse, we optimized our energy strategy.
Community Contribution
Through the establishment of the microgrid system, even in cases of power outages due to disasters or other reasons, we can ensure the electricity necessary for our operations with the blackout start feature. Furthermore, in emergencies, we can open up the surplus space in our warehouse as an evacuation area for neighboring residents. As a result, we have entered into an “Agreement on Cooperation in Disaster Prevention Activities During Disasters” with Suminoe Ward. Thanks to our microgrid system, we can ensure light and warmth even in the event of a disaster.
Acquisition of ISO 14001
Certified under ISO 14001 (2015 edition).
※ISO 14001:2015 excludes the Tsurumachi branch, Hokkaido sales office, Tohoku sales office, Nagoya sales office, and Hiroshima sales office.
