LIXIL is tackling social issues through our business operations in order to pursue our corporate purpose to make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. We are also delivering on a comprehensive Corporate Responsibility (CR) Strategy that contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations and which provides value beyond financial results to stakeholders, ensuring the long-term viability of our business. Contributing to solving complex social issues and working with diverse stakeholders presents opportunities for value creation and lays the groundwork for our sustainable growth. Furthermore, to ensure that our LIXIL employees at the heart of these activities can achieve their full potential, we are focused on building an inclusive culture where diverse employees can thrive, promoting flexible work styles, and enhancing the employee experience.

Contributing to Environmental Conservation through Our Business

As the consequences of climate change and other environmental issues intensify, at LIXIL, we believe that we can have a meaningful impact on reducing the environmental burden of society through our products and services as well as through our business activities.

To combat climate change at its source requires a fundamental shift in our working and living environment. LIXIL is committed to being a leader in this area. In Japan, over 90% of existing homes do not meet current energy-efficiency standards. LIXIL can improve the energy efficiency of these homes with our high-insulation products, which will significantly contribute to Japan’s decarbonization. As public awareness of the importance of such energy savings in housing is still low in Japan, we also engaged in advocacy activities in FYE2022.

Regarding water sustainability, we are making a critical impact by providing safe water through our water purification technology and tackling the global sanitation challenges, through SATO and other initiatives.

In addition, LIXIL is promoting the use of recycled materials in aluminum and resin sashes and developing and commercializing sustainable materials made from waste plastic and wood. These initiatives facilitate the circular use of resources, reducing our environmental footprint and thereby contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

Through these activities, we are making steady progress toward achieving our Environmental Vision 2050, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and preserve water and natural resources in operations, housing and lifestyle solutions for future generations by 2050.

Fostering an Inclusive Culture

LIXIL has established Diversity and Inclusion as a core pillar of our CR Strategy, supporting us to deliver on our purpose. We strive to improve the quality of life for all people through our products and services, irrespective of their age, gender, and level of disability, leveraging the knowledge and perspectives of our diverse workforce.

We are taking a people-centric approach and establishing an inclusive culture and building an organization where a diverse workforce thrives. Through these measures, we are working to achieve sustainable diversity that leads to innovation and customer-centricity. We believe it is vital to create an inclusive environment where employees feel that they are treated fairly and that they matter to LIXIL and to monitor and support the well-being of each employee.

Transforming Our Workstyle

Providing flexible working arrangements is critical to achieving an inclusive environment. LIXIL has been transforming how employees work through digitization, with the pandemic further increasing the demand for flexible work arrangements. Amid intensified competition for top talent, companies are expected to provide a work environment where employees can reach their full potential, develop their careers, and feel fulfilled at work.

For office-based employees, LIXIL has moved away from traditional ways of working, enabling employees to choose where, when, and how they work to match their individual lifestyles. This has empowered employees while also bringing an increased focus on productivity and efficiency.

LIXIL will not return to the ways of working seen pre-COVID-19. In August 2022, we will be moving our head office to a smaller office befitting our new workstyle. The new head office is designed not as the place where colleagues are expected to work but instead as a place for human connection, communication, and collaboration. In addition, the relocation and sale of land and buildings of the current head office will reduce head office operating costs and improve capital efficiency.

At LIXIL, we remain committed to contributing to society through our business activities. Partnering with various stakeholders, we will continue to aim to make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.