LIXIL makes pioneering water and housing products that solve everyday, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.
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Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
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Progress in FYE2024 (as of March 31, 2024)
- Scope 1 & 2 CO2 emissions (vs. FYE2019)
- -34.7%
- CO2 emissions from Scope 3 (vs. FYE2019)
- -21.6%
- Ratio of energy- and water-saving faucets sold (Japan)
- 94.1%
- Ratio of water-saving toilets sold (Japan)
- 99.4%
- Ratio of high-performance windows sold for new detached houses (Japan)
- 93%
Our Approach
Nineteen percent of global energy-related CO2 emissions are from direct emissions by building construction and materials industries, and another 18% are due to indirect emissions from buildings and homes in use.*1 To realize the LIXIL Environmental Vision 2050 ”Zero Carbon and Circular Living”, we have designated Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation as one of our focus areas and a priority among in our material issues. LIXIL set long-term targets to reduce CO2 emissions to net zero by 2050 by reducing the environmental burden of our operations and by providing environmentally sound products and services. This long-term target became the first in the Japanese building materials industry to receive SBT Net Zero approval in March 2024.*2
LIXIL's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions is not limited to our business processes, products, and services, but extends across society. We provide solutions for users to take measures against natural disasters or to prevent heat stroke, helping them adapt to climate change.
To achieve our targets, in 2024 we announced our Transition to a Low-Carbon Society which defines measures and actions for each of the three phases: Our Operations, Our Value Chain, and Expanding Our Impact. LIXIL’s comprehensive approach includes mid-term targets that go beyond fulfilling its responsibilities by minimizing the environmental burden of its business activities; but also for advancing efforts to create new value in the environmental field with our stakeholders for a greater impact on the environment and society.
*1 UNEP (A new page will open) ＞
Defining Our Strategic Approach and Mid-Term Targets
Our Operations
By FYE2031, LIXIL set the target of reducing CO2 emissions from our business sites (Scope 1 ＆ 2) by 50.4% (vs. FYE2019). To minimize the environmental burden of our business processes, LIXIL is working to reduce CO2 emissions by implementing thorough energy-saving measures at its plants and offices, by converting to renewable electricity and fuels with low CO2 emissions, and through electrification.
Scope 1 & 2 CO2 emissions
Boosting Efficiency, Reducing Energy Use, Electrification, and Fuel Conversion at Production Sites
Aging treatment for aluminum parts using hydrogen combustion
We strive to improve our energy efficiency and reduce the amount of energy we use by identifying issues with our production processes, reviewing facilities, and by implementing various activities at each production site. All factories that manufacture GROHE products and all GROHE distribution centers have received ISO 50001 certification for their energy management systems.
Meeting the high heat demand of processing materials into LIXIL products requires significant amount of fuel. In Japan, we use IoT technology to visualize energy use for sash manufacturing processes that use large amounts of fuel such as aluminum melting and extrusion molding to adjust combustion conditions to the optimum state inside furnaces. This has contributed to significant reductions of energy consumption.
We are also actively engineering energy conversion to reduce CO2 emissions. This includes transitioning from petroleum-based energy to electricity from renewable energy, and other sources that mitigate our environmental burden for low-temperature processes. At our Ariake Plant, we have switched from petroleum-based fuels to natural gas as fuel, lowering our CO2 emissions and other air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx), during combustion.
Aside from such efforts, approaching manufacturing processes with a high-temperature ranges requires innovation beyond conventional fuel and manufacturing methods. LIXIL has started evaluating innovations that incorporate new technologies such as hydrogen fuel conversion and carbon capture and utilization (CCU) that separates, captures, and effectively uses CO2. We are looking into other new technologies that are in the research stage with the view to apply for practical use from 2030 onward. In FYE2023, we successfully completed hydrogen combustion tests for manufacturing aluminum profiles at our Maebashi Plant. In FYE2024, we conducted hydrogen combustion experiments to successfully verify its use for high-temperature furnaces for aluminum-melting and firing sanitary ware and tiles. Moving forward, we are looking into equipment specifications and investment needed to consider practical applications for hydrogen fuel conversion as an alternative for decarbonizing our production.
While there are several major hurdles relating to the development of infrastructure for supplying hydrogen as a fuel, LIXIL has started technical verification for hydrogen procurement with the aim of establishing technologies across all processes from procurement through usage. In FYE2023, we conducted verification tests on the surface treatment process of applying color to aluminum parts being manufactured at our Oyabe Plant, and successfully recovered over 90% of the hydrogen generated.
Transition to Renewable Energy
Ratio of renewable energy used
Klaeng plant in Thailand
LIXIL is making the transition to renewable energy. As a testament to that commitment, we are a member of RE100, a global initiative of companies committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity for their operations.
We have successfully switched to electricity derived from renewable energy sources at 14 production sites, 6 offices, 10 distribution centers, and 82 sales bases in Japan. Outside of Japan, all 10 plants and distribution centers for LIXIL International faucet fittings have switched to 100% renewable energy. In FYE2024, our renewable energy ratio reached 28.3%.
In addition to purchasing renewable energy certificates, we started introducing solar power generation facilities at our manufacturing plants based on the on-site Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model* that considers additionality, encouraging further investment in renewable energy facilities inside and outside Japan. For on-site PPAs based outside Japan, all five of our GROHE plants generate approximately 10,200 MWh of electricity. The Klaeng plant in Thailand installed 3.2 MW solar panels on its rooftop, cutting annual CO2 emissions by approximately 2,000 tons. Moreover, the Hemer Plant in Germany installed 3.8 MW solar panels across approximately 20,000 m2 onsite, cutting annual CO2 emissions by approximately 950 tons. We also have solar power generation facilities operating under on-site PPAs at the Dalian, Jiangmen, and Suzhou Science and Technology Plants in China, and the Da Nang Plant in Vietnam. Additionally, we adopted off-site PPAs for the first time at four plants in Mexico in FYE2023.
In Japan, we have been operating 8 locations of megawatt-scale solar power plants that produce approximately 34,000 MWh of power in total per year. In FYE2024, the Kumayama Plant installed solar panels for self-consumption. Solar power generation facilities under on-site PPAs started operations at Otani Plant in FYE2023 and five other locations in FYE2024: Ariake, Nabari, Hisai, Onomichi, and Saga Plants.
* A business model that enables PPA service providers to install solar power generation facilities on the premises and rooftops of buildings owned by electric power consumers, and to sell electricity generated from those facilities to electric power consumers.
Our Value Chain
By FYE2031, we set the target for reducing CO2 emissions from our supply chain (Scope 3) by 30% (SBT WB-2ºC level*) (vs. FYE2019). Procurement and product use account for a large portion of Scope 3 CO2 emissions across the LIXIL value chain. In response to the need to reduce CO2 emissions from the lifecycle of buildings, which includes direct emissions from building construction and indirect emissions during building use, we continue to work with suppliers and other companies in procurement and logistics and to design more energy-efficient products. We are driving efforts to reduce CO2 emissions across the entire lifecycle of our products and services by using more low-carbon raw materials and components, utilizing recycled materials, creating resource-saving products, and applying designs to extend product life and facilitate reuse.
* The well below 2°C target of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to cap global temperature increase well below 2°C compared to pre-industrial temperatures
Scope 3 CO2 emissions
Reducing CO2 Emissions from Procurement
Collaboration with our suppliers is vital in reducing our CO2 emissions from procurement, which takes up around 40% of our Scope 3 emissions. We engage with all of our suppliers for their full comprehension and cooperation in our procurement activities that are conducted internationally in accordance with LIXIL’s environmental activities and Supplier Code of Conduct, as well as an additional set of Green Procurement Guidelines for Japan.
To effectively reduce CO2 emissions from our procurement, LIXIL is reaching out to suppliers through engagement. In FYE2023, we surveyed suppliers who account for the top 80% of all our procurement-related CO2 emissions inside and outside Japan. The survey aimed to assess the status of their CO2 emissions data collection and target setting. Based on the results of the survey and dialogue with suppliers, in FYE2024, we held briefings on LIXIL’s procurement activities and emissions accounting for approximately 400 major suppliers in Japan. These briefings were followed by additional briefings to provide Scope 1, 2, and 3 calculation tools and to demonstrate how to use them to suppliers who expressed their intent to start calculating CO2 emissions. We also proactively held multiple follow-up sessions to assist suppliers with practical implementation of the calculation methods. In July 2024, a supplier survey conducted after a follow-up session revealed that 30% of participants have been able to improve standards and coverage for calculations. To drive efforts to further reduce our CO2 emissions, we will continue to enhance our support for suppliers calculating their emissions through seminars, briefings, and other activities while ensuring the quality, quantity, and consistency of the collected data through discussions with individual suppliers. We will also be collaborating with overseas suppliers to meet national and regional conditions outside Japan.
To further ensure stable supply and responsible procurement, we will continue to facilitate acquisition and application of supplier data to strengthen collaborations that reduce CO2 emissions from procurement. We will also accelerate efforts to achieve effective reductions in CO2 emissions across our value chain by utilizing more low-carbon raw materials and components, and recycled materials.
Reducing CO2 Emissions from Distribution
In FYE2024, we increased operation of our container round use program that allows shared use of logistics equipment with other companies. We achieved round use of 643 shipping containers in total with our partners, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 85 tons a year.
We are also addressing the issues of declining loading efficiency and driver shortages by combining freight transportation with other companies in the same industry. At our Hokkaido Distribution Center, we conduct joint freight transport in the entire region. Together with partner companies we have cumulatively reduced total mileage by approximately 590,000 kilometers and 21% CO2 emissions per ton-kilometer, annually. In FYE2025, we will start conducting joint freight transport at the Tohoku Distribution Center to further reduce our CO2 emissions.
Providing Energy-Saving Products that Help Reduce CO2 Emissions During Product Use
LIXIL helps reduce CO2 emissions by offering energy-saving toilet and kitchen-related products. For example, one of our toilet products, the Satis S Type Toilet, reduces CO2 emissions by 111 kg per year by offering various functions including the Super Power-Saving Function, which automatically lowers the temperature of the toilet seat and hot water to conserve energy when not in use, and the One-Touch Power-Saving Switch, which enables the user to turn off the heater for set periods and consequently conserve energy.
Energy-Saving Products (Japanese only, a new page will open) ＞
Energy-saving toilet image
Expanding Our Impact
We have set targets to increase the sales ratio of high-performance windows for detached houses to 100% by FYE2026, and the sales ratio of energy- and water-saving faucets and water-saving toilets to 100% by FYE2031. In Japan, heating, cooling, and hot water account for about 60% of the energy consumed by the average home. To address this issue, we are seeking to expand our impact to mitigate climate change by providing highly insulated windows and front doors; introducing high-performance construction methods for reinsulating entire homes including walls, ceilings, and floors; providing energy- and water-saving products; offering products with energy-creating functions and associated services; and producing IoT-driven delivery boxes. We also pursue climate change adaptation by providing solutions that help improve preparedness for natural disasters, such as typhoons and torrential rains, and heatstroke due to extreme heat.
Developing High-Grade Thermal Insulation Products
・TW triple-glazed high-performance hybrid window (TOSTEM brand)
This hybrid structure window exploits the benefits of strong, durable aluminum on the outer side and resin that boasts strong thermal properties and reduces condensation on the inner side. It boasts an overwhelming high insulation performance thanks to its high-performance, gas-filled double hollow layer and cutting-edge triple-glazed, double Low-E specification. Heat loss can be reduced by approximately 80% when using a triple-glazed high-performance window compared to a single-glazed window, reducing CO2 emissions from a newly constructed house by 37%. By offering a high degree of thermal insultation, it reduces the amount of energy used for heating and air-conditioning and helps reduce CO2 emissions.
TW
・Thermal insulation renovation method for existing homes
Our Marugoto Dannetsu Reform is a high-performance housing construction method to reinsulate entire homes by improving the thermal insulation performance of walls, floors, ceilings, and openings, while utilizing the structure of existing homes. It helps improve energy-saving properties of existing houses by renovating homes to become high-performing, without a need to rebuild a house from scratch. Our scheme to support the installation of superior whole-house insulation using our Super Wall construction method has won the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Commissioner’s Award at the 2021 Energy Conservation Grand Prize.
Winning award for our Super Wall construction method (Japanese only, a new page will open) ＞
Marugoto DannetsuReform
Developing Water- and Energy-Saving Faucets
・Navish Hands-Free faucet (with Eco Sensor) (INAX brand)
The Navish Hands-free faucet is a touchless faucet for the kitchen with a built-in water purifier that enables you to access your preferred type of water by choosing between two touchless sensors for purified water or regular tap water. It saves energy and water through touchless functionality that enables water to be dispensed and stopped using an automatic sensor, and Eco Sensor functionality that separates hot and cold water. The sensor helps prevent unintended use of hot water, allowing users to save approximately 37% energy* and 30% water* compared to conventional faucets.
Navish Hands-Free faucet
* Please refer to the product webpage for more details on the product’s features (Japanese only, a new page will open) ＞
Water- and energy-saving products (Japanese only, a new page will open) ＞
・GROHE EcoJoy (GROHE brand)
The GROHE EcoJoy technology facilitates water and energy savings and is available on numerous models of showers across most of all style and price segments. The integrated flow restrictor automatically reduces water consumption by approximately 50%.
GROHE EcoJoy
Climate Adaptation Solutions
・External Style Shade sun blinds (TOSTEM brand)
It blocks approximately 80% of the sun’s heat on the outside and reduce indoor temperature by as much as 3.5ºC,* cutting energy use for air conditioning and preventing indoor heatstroke.
* Please refer to the product webpage for more details on the product’s features (Japanese only, a new page will open) ＞
Climate-change adaption products (Japanese only, a new page will open) ＞
Style Shade
・Residential Window Shutter (TOSTEM brand)
It can protect against or mitigate damage from natural disasters. Benefits include preventing damage to and the scattering of window glass caused by flying debris during typhoons, and reducing the risk of the roof flying off when strong winds blow into the room.
Disaster mitigation products (Japanese only, a new page will open) ＞
Residential Window Shutter
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