Sustainability Report 2017 -Web version- - 182 -
CSR for Value Provision The Source of Sustainability for Society and the Company Amid today s globalization, technology is changing and advancing at greater speed than ever. It is becoming tougher for a company to offer differentiated products or services so that customers purchase based on price. For a company to grow in this situation, it must provide advanced value by combining state of the art technologies resulting in new products that help society solve problems in fields such as energy, the environment, and health. Sharing Dreams and Ambitions Inside and Outside Daikin to Realize a Healthy, Comfortable Lifestyle through Air We fuse the core technologies we have built up with other state of the art technologies in order to create technologies, products, and services that contribute to solving issues faced by society in areas such as environment and energy, and health, thus providing the world with new value for society s future. - 183 -
Helping Solve Social Issues Working Toward Sustainable Development Goals We cooperate with industry groups and other companies, and work in industry academia tie ups in order to create technologies that help solve society s problems. The Daikin Group seeks ways to contribute to achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). - 184 -
Helping Solve Social Issues With problems such as climate change and air pollution increasing on a global scale, we are aiming to reduce environmental burden while providing new value that brings health and comfort to people and spaces. To this end, we are advancing the state of our core technologies of inverters, heat pumps, and fluorochemicals, and stepping up joint research with companies, organizations, and other external parties in order to come up with innovations that contribute to solving society s problems. Open Innovation through Collaboration with Other Companies Collaboration with Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. to Realize Next-Generation Offices by Using Proprietary Technology Airitmo For the past 15 years, Daikin has been conducting R&D on the theme of improving people s sleeping environment through air conditioning by using sensing technology that monitors people s physical state. The result was the development of our proprietary sensing technology, called Airitmo. By measuring the vibration of air within a tube, the technology allows measurement of physical information such as heart rate, breathing, body movement, state of sleep, and stress. Since it does not involve attaching apparatus to a person, it places no burden on the human body. This technology made possible the development Office chairs equipped with Airitmo technology in the 3X3 Lab Future of Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. of Daikin s Soine controller, which measures how deeply a person is sleeping so that the air conditioning can be adjusted to the most comfortable level. In March 2016, office chairs equipped with Airitmo technology were installed in the 3X3 Lab Future of Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd., a site for the sharing of business ideas. The products are the result of two years of verification experiments on the correlation between seasonal office environments and people s physical and mental state in order to realize an air environment matched to an individual s current state of health. The aim is the realization of the next generation office in which people enjoy greater comfort and productivity and thus get their work done smoothly. New Value Creation - 185 -
Teaming Up with NEC Corporation in Utilizing AI and IoT to Create Air and Space that Boosts Intellectual Productivity In October 2016, Daikin Industries, Ltd. and NEC Corporation began joint research utilizing AI and IoT aimed at realizing air and space that raises peopleʼs intellectual productivity. By fusing Daikin Industries, Ltd.ʼs technologies related to air conditioning and its knowledge in biometrics with NECʼs AI and IoT technologies in facial recognition and crowd behavior analysis, the parties aim to be able to create comfortable, focused spaces that are not just determined by factors such as climate and room environment, but that are geared to respond to the physical and mental feelings of the people in that space. Daikin Industries, Ltd. and NEC Corporation have so far conducted research in areas such as precise control of air conditioning and lighting and measurement of comfort level. However, more analysis needs to be done since there is still much to be learned regarding the cause-effect relationship between people and the air and space around them. As the base of research for this joint effort, the TIC is carrying out demonstration testing in office environments. Illustration of air and space improving intellectual productivity in an office - 186 -
Teaming Up with NTT West Using LPWA to Create New Air Related Value In November 2016, Daikin Industries, Ltd. and NTT West started a project to create new air-related value using a LPWA* (low power wide area) network. Combining our air conditioning technologies and NTT Westʼs LPWA technology, the project aims to keep large numbers of air conditioners connected to the Internet and identify equipment break-downs and diagnose the problems, thus shortening the time from initial break-down to response, as well as use information gathered from operational control to create new services. * LPWA: A communications standard in which powering by batteries allows minimal electricity consumption and long operation, and in which large numbers of machines can be connected over a wide area and offer high transmissions speeds. Teaming up with Softbank Technology Corp. and Aoyama Capital Co. Ltd. in Using IoT to Measure Stress In October 2017, Daikin Industries, Ltd., Softbank Technology Corp. (SBT), and Aoyama Capital Co. Ltd. began a joint project to meet the growing need to maintain workersʼ health and create a comfortable working environment. Demonstration testing is aimed at creating new value by using IoT to monitor peopleʼs physical indicators. An IoT device with built-in sensor is attached to the belts of participants to measure their stress based on things like heart rate. By analyzing the data accumulated in the cloud, the tests hope to clarify the correlation between workplace environment and stress levels, and the correlation between stress level and work and depth of sleep. Device to measure stress level Open Innovation through Industry Academia Collaboration DK Innovation Program with Kyoto University June 2013, Daikin Industries, Ltd. and Kyoto University concluded a comprehensive collaboration agreement with the goal of creating and researching new themes focusing on social values toward future oriented solutions in the fields of air quality, environment, and energy. Prototype of air conditioner that brings people together: blending sensual stimulation and design Under this program, researchers from not just the field of science but from the arts as well will pool their knowledge to solve social problems, thus creating new air related value. Areas are divided by level of temperature, images, and lighting to provide either relaxing or stimulating environments. New Value Creation - 187 -
Future Joint Research Laboratories Established with Nara Institute of Science and Technology In October 2012, Daikin Industries, Ltd. and the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) established the Future Joint Research Laboratories. In conventional agreements between industry and academia, the corporation generally names the project content and the university carries out the necessary project research. But this collaboration between Daikin and NAIST begins with a quest for pressing social issues, followed by discussions on how to solve them and then the start of research toward this goal. Daikin and NAIST are currently proceeding with research on the theme of clean innovations aimed at high level anti fouling. They are also holding periodic discussions aimed at identifying future research themes. Collaboration with Kansai University In November 2012, Daikin signed an agreement with Kansai University to collaborate fully on ways to contribute to communities in education, research, and human resource development. Through this collaboration, we are offering free lectures on fluorine and helping accelerate joint research. In September 2016, we established a base in the Organization for Research and Development of Innovative Science and Technology of Kansai University in order to accelerate joint research with the universityʼs science and technology departments in areas such as battery materials. In fiscal 2016, under the collaborative project in business and education, an initiative of the universityʼs Faculty of Business and Commerce, we sought applications for consumers of fluorine materials. The 26 participating students proposed unique and advanced business plans, which are now undergoing feasibility studies. We will continue to seek ways to create new value, not just in the sciences but in the arts as well. Daikin Collaboration Research Institute at Osaka University In 2006, Daikin Industries, Ltd. launched the Daikin (Fluorine Chemistry) Joint Research Chair at Osaka University, under which our fluorochemical technologies and the universityʼs advance research capabilities are combined in order to come up with innovative fundamental technologies. In 2016, the Daikin Collaboration Research Institute, which covers air conditioning related technologies, was launched and is conducting R&D in new materials, new processes, and processing technologies. This facility will continue studying the creation of new value in air and spaces by expanding its organization to include areas such as machinery, construction, information, and medicine. Tie-up with Tsinghua University In 2003, the Tsinghua University-Daikin R&D Center was established at Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of Chinaʼs top universities. Since then, Daikin and the university have worked together to jointly develop air conditioner technologies. In fiscal 2016, the parties began collaborating in the chemical field as well. The center will expand into environmental fields such as air and water quality and energy, as it carries out research with toplevel scientists aimed at solving environmental problems. New Value Creation - 188 -
Daikin Industries Ltd. and RIKEN Start Wellness Life Collaboration Program In October 2016, Daikin Industries, Ltd. teamed up with RIKEN, Japanʼs only comprehensive research institution dedicated to the natural sciences, to launch the RIKEN-DAIKIN Wellness Life Collaboration Program. Under the theme of comfortable, healthy spaces, the program aims to provide society with new value. The programʼs base is in RIKENʼs Cluster for Industry Partnerships, where Daikin and RIKEN conduct joint, strategic research based on research themes that involve the various centers of RIKEN. Cooperation with Influential Figures and Industry Groups Daikin Air Forum Since Fiscal 2013, Daikin Industries, Ltd. has held the Air Forum, a platform for discussion between outside experts and Daikin engineers on how to take on society s challenges with regards to air. The fifth session of the Air Forum took place in December 2015 at the Technology and Innovation Center, which opened in November 2015. Naoki Miyano, an associate professor at Kyoto University and a committee member of the Daikin Kyoto University Innovation Program (DKIP), delivered a lecture titled What is new social value? Participants, including experts in fields such as air conditioning, architecture, life sciences, and medicine, then discussed this topic in detail. World Sleep Conference Studies How Air Can Improve Sleep In March 2016, Daikin Industries, Ltd., Showa Nishikawa, Lion Corporation, and Renaissance Inc. jointly established the World Sleep Conference, a project to improve people s health through better sleeping. By March 2017, three companies Wacoal Corp., Philips Lighting Holding B.V, and Ricoh Japan Corp. had joined. With the organization now including companies dealing in clothing, lighting, and offices all crucial elements in sleep members are creating and sharing new ideas related to improving health through better sleeping. It is well known that sleep affects people not only physically but mentally as well. Poor sleep is said to lead to problems like depression and insomnia, which result in lack of concentration and poor productivity. Sleep disorders have emerged as a cause of some of todayʼs social problems. Against this background, Daikin Industries, Ltd. recognized the strong connection between sleep and warm environments. Utilizing the Sleep and Metabolism Laboratory at the TIC, which simulates a roundthe-clock living environment, we are coming out with new products and services that improve the quality of sleep through the power of air. Participation in the World Green Building Council Worldwide Daikin Industries, Ltd. strives to contribute to lower power consumption through energy-efficient air conditioners and buildings. In order to achieve even more environmentally conscious buildings through the provision of products and services, we have joined green building organizations around the world and our bases and sales regions are helping form regulations that will make it easier to provide products and services that help realize green buildings. and ZEBs*. * ZEB: A zero energy building is one that effectively consumes zero energy thanks to the energy efficiency of the building and equipment, as well as the use of renewable energy sources on site to power the building. New Value Creation - 189 -
Working Toward Sustainable Development Goals Our modern world is undergoing constant change that is bringing about problems like poverty, inequality, and climate change. To mount a global effort toward solving these problems, in September 2015 the United Nations adopted Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Daikin Group aims to contribute to the realization of the SDGs by identifying three themes: environment, cities, and health and comfort. Our aim is to use our world class technologies to reduce environmental impact while at the same time providing new value in the form of a healthy, comfortable way of living. Value Creation for the Earth Responding to Climate Change while Providing Air Conditioning Systems with Less Environmental and Energy Impact With global warming causing increasingly frequent occurrences of abnormal weather, the effects are being felt not just as changes in the natural environment but also as the spread of infectious diseases and other threats to human health. The rise in atmospheric temperature, economic advancement, and population growth around the world are fueling a constantly increasing demand for air conditioners. However, there are fears that large amounts of electricity consumption and refrigerant leakage will accelerate global warming. As a global air conditioner manufacturer, the Daikin Group is working to decrease greenhouse gas emissions through the dissemination of inverter air conditioners and low global warming potential refrigerants. In addition, we are utilizing our fluorochemical technologies and developing and providing new materials that contribute to the use and spread of renewable energy. - 190 -
Value Creation for Cities Creating Spaces that Respond to the Needs of Urbanization Economic and population growth in emerging countries are causing rapid urbanization. The number of mega cities with populations exceeding 1 million is on the rise, and these cities will require increasing amounts of energy. And with rising atmospheric temperatures, they will also require air conditioners to provide residents with comfortable living environments. Meanwhile, in the industrialized countries, where populations continue to drop, workers increasingly require comfortable spaces where they can do their jobs easily and productively. The Daikin Group provides air conditioners that create environments to meet the needs of people in both emerging and industrialized countries. Furthermore, we are working on realizing zero energy buildings, which use renewable energy sources in order to effectively achieve a net energy balance of zero, and utilizing ICT technologies, which promote energy efficiency through comfortable air conditioner operation throughout an entire town. The goal is to realize livable cities that achieve comfort and energy efficiency through city wide air conditioner control. - 191 -
Value Creation for Health and Comfort Contributing to the Reduction of Air Pollution and Safe Food Distribution to Achieve Both Healthy Living Environments and Economic Development With economic development come rapid industrialization, exploding population growth in cities, and ballooning traffic volume all of which contribute to more hazardous chemicals in the atmosphere that are detrimental to human health, as well as to spiraling healthcare costs. The Daikin Group believes that an effective way to reduce air pollution is to place filters on factories and other facilities that give off emissions containing hazardous chemicals. We also strive for pleasant indoor environments by making products that remove not only air pollutants but also odors. - 192 -
Sustainable Development Goals: SDGs 1. No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere 2. Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture 3. Good health and well being Ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all age 4. Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 5. Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 6. Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all 7. Affordable and clean energy Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all 8. Decent work and economic growth Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation 10. Reduced inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries 11. Sustainable cities and communities Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 12. Responsible consumption and production Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns 13. Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts 14. Life below water Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development 15. Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels 17. Partnerships for the goals Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development - 193 -