Environment
Sustainability
Sustainability
Contribution to a sustainable global environment
The Group has adopted the basic unit of CO₂ emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) per net sales of the Group's domestic directly-managed stores as an indicator related to climate change. With the goal of reducing CO₂ emissions per unit of sales at directly operated stores in Japan by 1.0 ppt each year, each of our stores, factories, and head office are working to reduce CO₂ emissions.
REDUCTION OF CO₂ EMISSIONS
INTRODUCTION OF LED LIGHTING
Due to their high energy efficiency and long life, LEDs consume less electricity than conventional light bulbs and generate less waste over long periods of use, thus contributing to a reduction in environmental impact.
The Group's stores, factories, and headquarters have installed LEDs in all lighting fixtures, including restroom lighting and exterior signage. This not only reduces energy costs and the need for maintenance, but also contributes to the reduction of CO₂ emissions.Introduction of renewable energy
Some of our domestic stores have switched to electricity derived from renewable energy sources and have also acquired non-fossil certificates. These non-fossil certificates certify that the electricity used is not dependent on fossil fuels and is supplied from renewable and non-fossil energy sources.
The Group promotes the use of such renewable energy sources.Installation of energy-saving equipment (air conditioning)
The Group is actively introducing energy-saving equipment and has replaced air conditioning systems with enhanced energy-saving features in a number of its stores.
This initiative is carried out at the time of store remodeling and new store openings, and is focused not only on reducing CO₂ emissions, but also on creating store environments that are comfortable for customers and employees. In addition to air conditioning equipment, we are also considering the introduction of more effective equipment while repeating various test experiments.Energy Monitoring System
The Group has installed an energy consumption monitoring system and conducts regular monitoring. Through this system, we are able to visualize the status of energy consumption and are taking measures to improve efficiency. We will continue to utilize this system to reduce energy consumption.
Use of environmentally friendly materials
Aiming to reduce the environmental burden, our group has introduced company-wide business cards using new materials based on limestone as the main ingredient. Limestone is a resource that is abundant in Japan and does not require wood or large amounts of water for its production, making it possible to manufacture with a low environmental impact. This also leads to the protection of forest and water resources.
This new material is also used as a substitute for laminate and for trash bags at our headquarters. Compared to petroleum-based plastics, this new material reduces CO₂ emissions in the manufacturing and disposal processes, and also contributes to the reduction of plastic usage.
Waste Reduction
Food Waste Policy
The Group is committed to reducing food waste.
1. We will strive to reduce food loss from our stores and curb food waste from our factories.
2. We will strive to reduce food leftovers by our customers.proper inventory control
The Group ensures proper inventory management to prevent food waste by preventing over- and under-stocking and controlling the use of food ingredients at the appropriate time. Furthermore, by regularly reviewing order data and adjusting inventory according to seasonality and demand, we prevent wasteful disposal and realize more efficient use of food ingredients.
Provision of products by size and according to your preference
The Group offers some of its products in different sizes so that customers can choose just the right amount of food that they can eat without strain. Customers can also choose the hardness of the noodles, the intensity of the flavor, and the amount of fat to their liking. This allows customers to enjoy their favorite portions and flavors, while also reducing food loss.
Utilization of waste oil
The Group has signed a basic agreement with ENEOS Corporation, Yoshikawa Oil and Fat Co., Ltd. and Nomura Office Co., Ltd. on the use of waste cooking oil as a raw material for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
After collecting the waste cooking oil from stores, it will be used as a raw material at the SAF production plant (Wakayama Plant (Arita City, Wakayama Prefecture) with a capacity of 400,000 kiloliters/year), which ENEOS plans to commercialize in the future.Plant Initiatives
The Group's factories are also actively promoting initiatives to eliminate food waste. Scraps of fried pork from our factories are shredded and reused as ingredients for fried rice in our restaurants. Excess flour is taken to a specialized vendor for recycling, thereby reducing waste and making effective use of resources.
Waste Recycling
The Ayase Plant of the Minebea Group purchases from its suppliers the supernatant portion of oil that is produced when steaming chashu pork. This oil is reused as biofuel.
Other Environmental Initiatives
Preservation of water resources
The Group is actively working to conserve water resources through the installation of water-saving valves. The installation of water-saving valves not only saves costs by reducing water consumption, but also contributes to the conservation of local water resources and reduction of energy consumption.
By carefully selecting installation locations and identifying faucets that use the most water in the store, we are able to effectively save water and are also considering switching to other water-saving devices to maximize the water-saving effect. By repeatedly assessing current water usage, identifying issues, and examining improvement measures, we will continue our efforts to further increase the installation rate.Use of environmentally friendly materials
Aiming to reduce the environmental burden, our group has introduced company-wide business cards using new materials based on limestone as the main ingredient. Limestone is a resource that is abundant in Japan and does not require wood or large amounts of water for its production, making it possible to manufacture with a low environmental impact. This also leads to the protection of forest and water resources.
