Environment
About
Energy-Saving Products
Prevention of Global Warming
Devising Appropriate Measures for Curbing CO2 Emissions in Accordance with Product Characteristics
We have introduced the Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) method, and collect and check data on CO2 emissions throughout the lifecycle of a wide range of products. To effectively reduce CO2 emissions, on the basis of our assessment results, we take measures tailored to each product's characteristics, e.g., products with higher emission rates during the production stage, or with higher rates when in use. Taking multifunctional peripherals (MFPs) as an example, CO2 emissions derived from power consumption when MFPs are used by customers account for the largest percentage of the total CO2 emissions throughout the lifecycle of MFPs. Also, more than 60% of power consumed during the use of MFPs is consumed by the fuser that heats the toner and fixes it to the paper. We have therefore worked to reduce energy consumption during the fusing process as an effective means of making MFPs more energy efficient. Each time we redesign MFPs we strive to realize even greater power conservation.
Energy-Saving Performance of Color MFPs
We have cut electrical use by about one third, while improving copy speed.
Launched in July 2007, the color MFP "bizhub C650" has achieved a startup time of less than 30 seconds when turned on with the sub-power switch,* or less than 85 seconds when turned on from the main power switch.* A shorter warm-up time is evidence of better warm-up performance. By speeding up the warm-up, we improved user convenience, and realized an energy-saving design that also reduces electrical consumption.
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- Sub-power switch: The power source for most machine operations, and is used as the daily power switch.
Main power switch: Controls the power to all of the machine’s functions, and is usually left on at night so that, for example, the machine is able to receive faxes.
By introducing original energy-saving technology to the bizhub C650, Konica Minolta was able to achieve the typical electricity consumption (TEC) level of 28.87 kWh, for good environmental performance. This was done by introducing the Simitri Toner HD, which has a lower fusing temperature, by incorporating IH Fusing technology, which uses the principle of induction heating to warm just the surface of the fixing roller, and by operating to control electrical consumption at the optimal level for each mode. Compared to the bizhub C450 from two years ago, power consumption in the new C650 has been cut by about one third despite achieving copying speeds that are 40% faster.
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- Based on the energy efficiency guidelines of the new International Energy Star Program, as of April 2007
| Black & white printing speed | Color printing speed | Annual electrical consumption* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| bizhub C450 | 45 sheets / min. | 35 sheets / min. | 671 kWh |
| bizhub C550 | 55 sheets / min. | 45 sheets / min. | 393 kWh |
| bizhub C650 | 65 sheets / min. | 50 sheets / min. | 462 kWh |
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- Annual power consumption: Obtained by multiplying the Typical Electricity Consumption (TEC) value, a standardized measurement established by the International Energy Star Program, by 52 (number of weeks per year).
The bizhub C650, as well as C550, won the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Director-General’s Award, in the 2007 Energy Conservation Grand Prizes hosted by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Energy-Saving Performance of Digital X-Ray Imaging Devices for Medical Treatment
We reduced device electrical consumption by about 70% over eight years.
Energy conserving performance has been improved for our digital X-ray imaging devices, which are used in medical settings to process images generated by X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and endoscopes. The "REGIUS MODEL110", a digital X-ray image reader, and the "DRYPRO MODEL832", a dry laser imager, both launched in 2007, feature 71% and 64% lower energy consumption, respectively, in comparison with previous models.
“REGIUS MODEL110” digital X-ray image reader
"DRYPRO MODEL832" dry laser imager
Reduction of CO2 Emissions during Product Distribution
We are minimizing the use of air transport.
The Konica Minolta Group has promoted a modal shift away from long-distance trucking to transport by rail and sea. We have also been working to improve our logistical efficiency through distribution center integration, joint transportation between distribution centers, and use of the return journey from product delivery to collect used copiers and photographic developer equipment. In fiscal year 2006, we established a goal to reduce CO2 emissions during product distribution by 30% per unit of sales as compared to fiscal 2000 levels. To achieve this goal, we have accelerated our reduction efforts.
Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "Business Technologies"), which produces and sells information equipment, is working to minimize air transport, which involve significant CO2 emissions. Although the company usually uses ships for international transport, occasionally it has no choice but to use aircraft. Business Technologies has striven to decrease the frequency of air transport. In addition, the company is committed to reducing CO2 emissions during distribution, by improving distribution efficiency through active reorganization of its worldwide distribution network.
Reduction of CO2 Emissions during Sales Stage
We are using electric cars as service vehicles.
Electric-powered vehicles
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Japan has been promoting the introduction of electric-powered vehicles. Service engineers use these vehicles when visiting customers to conduct maintenance of multifunctional peripherals (MFPs) and other equipment. Electric vehicles have less environmental impact than fossil fuel-driven vehicles, and their compact bodies afford better mobility in urban areas.
