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The semiconductor and electronic components arm of NEC Corporation (NEC) (Tokyo, Japan) declared that NECElectron Devices has achieved "zero-emission" status in Japan at development and production sites within the company and at its affiliates. NECElectron Devices reputedly is the first semiconductor manufacturer to achieve such status in Japan.

NEC said it achieved the zero-emission standing (defined as the reuse of more than 99% of waste materials) in March 2000 at 10 corporate sites in Japan—including its head office, six plants, and three research and development laboratories. The company further is aiming to achieve zero-emission status at all of its 38 locations in Japan by March 2003.

NECElectron Devices's NEC Kagoshima, Ltd. in July 1997 was the first domestic location to achieve zero-emission status. Also NEC became one of the first Japanese corporations to establish organizational measures to protect the environment when the company established its Environmental Management Division in 1970.

The Zero Emission program promotes a review of material flows, encourages links with both internal and external organizations, and the exchange of know-how and experience between locations.

The Material-flows Process
The review of material flows begins with base processes in semiconductor production and continues through to assessment of procurement needs, properties of chemicals used, a reduction of material usage, and ways to increase recycling. Strict controls have produced encouraging results, with new chemicals and materials only being procured if they are recyclable.

NECElectron Devices said that, to accelerate its program, it employed various environmental-protection technologies developed by NEC's Environment Technology Laboratories in cooperation with a number of external organizations.

As well, NECElectron Devices' Environmental Management Division oversees efforts at each location and ensures an exchange of techniques and know-how through meetings and an internally focused home page. In addition, the unit established a Semiconductor Environmental Management Promotion Center in July 1998, which has proved to be the essential element in its program.

Not to be dismissed is NEC's environmental management program, which is a global priority in all areas of the company's business operations. NEC has an executive in charge of environmental programs in each of its three main areas of business (solutions, networks, and electron devices). They also are members of an Eco Management Committee that discusses these programs as an integral component of the company's business.

Specifics Ensure Compliance
Specific efforts at NEC include the issuing of an Annual Environmental Report and management and audit of operations to ensure compliance with company goals and regulations. They also include the development of environmentally conscious technologies and products that conform to ecological objectives through their entire life cycle, from concept and design through to disposal and recycling.

Contact: NEC Corporation, Aston Bridgman. Tel: +81-3-3798-6511; Fax: +81-3-3457-7249.

Edited by Paul Hersch
Managing Editor, Pollution Online