Striving to Minimise Climate Change
Canon Medical Systems supports the 2015 United Nations’ Paris Climate Agreement and strives to minimise the impact of climate change. In December 2022, we established a medium-term plan for CO₂ emissions for Canon Medical and all its group companies and offices worldwide, aiming for a 42% decrease in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from 2022 levels by 2030. We are taking significant steps to achieve carbon neutrality.
Treading Lightly Towards a Better Future
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, which decreased from 36,260 tons of CO₂ in 2022 to 31,419 tons in 2024.
Factors contributing to this decrease include reductions resulting from the purchase of carbon credits, as well as reductions in standby power consumption at manufacturing facilities and upgrades to high-efficiency equipment as part of energy-saving initiatives at production sites in Japan.
Our sales companies are increasingly transitioning from gasoline vehicles to hybrid and electric vehicles to decrease fuel consumption in sales and service vehicles. Additionally, in some regions of Europe and Japan, renewable energy is being utilised to reduce CO₂ emissions.
Factors contributing to this decrease include reductions resulting from the purchase of carbon credits, as well as reductions in standby power consumption at manufacturing facilities and upgrades to high-efficiency equipment as part of energy-saving initiatives at production sites in Japan.
Our sales companies are increasingly transitioning from gasoline vehicles to hybrid and electric vehicles to decrease fuel consumption in sales and service vehicles. Additionally, in some regions of Europe and Japan, renewable energy is being utilised to reduce CO₂ emissions.
Environmental Targets and Achievements
| 2030 targets | 2024 Achievements | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total CO₂ emissions (compared to 2022)*1 | 42% reduction for Scope 1 & 2 | Scope 1 & 2: 13.4% reduction | |
| 2024-2025 targets | 2024 Achievements | ||
| Over all (Life cycle) | 3% per-year average improvement in lifecycle CO₂ emissions improvement index per product | Annual average: 102% worsening | |
| Products | 3% per-year average improvement in raw materials and use CO₂ emissions improvement index per product | Annual average: 102% worsening | |
| 2025 target | 2024 Achievements | ||
| Operation Sites *2 | Energy consumption per basic unit: 2.4% | Head office in japan | 13% improvement |
| Ako Office | 4% improvement | ||
| Total waste generation per basic unit: 1% | Head office in japan | 1% improvement | |
| Ako Office | 12% improvement | ||
| Water usage per basic unit: Maintained from previous year | Head office in japan | 2% deterioratin | |
| Ako Office | 44% improvement | ||
| Emissions of controlled chemical substance per basic unit: 1% | Head office in japan | 2% improvement | |
| Ako Office | ±０％ improvement | ||
*1 Domestic and overseas bases
*2 Domestic production base
Eco-Conscious Design
Each phase of our products' lifecycle is carefully designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising value for healthcare providers and patients alike.
We provide services to more than 190 countries and regions worldwide. Additionally, we collaborate with leading institutions worldwide to develop innovative technologies through joint research and development.
We distribute our products to the market each year to contribute to a sustainable global environment.
Based on our product development and design process, which complies with IEC 60601-1-9*, an international standard for the environmentally conscious design of medical equipment, we are implementing various measures to reduce our energy consumption and resource usage. We are also making an effort to embed eco-conscious design into our products, focusing on improving product efficiency, as well as providing our customers with environmental information concerning our products upon request.
*IEC 60601-1-9: International Electrical Standard or requirements for environmentally conscious design to ensure compliance of medical devices with environmental regulations in different countries.
We are active members of the Environment Committee of JIRA¹ and DITTA², its superior international organisation. In response to the EU Eco-Design Directive³, we also participate in a voluntary initiative to promote eco-design of products, led by COCIR⁴. We work in cooperation with other member companies to proactively conserve energy and resources, as well as manage the chemicals contained in our products.
The outcomes of these efforts are carefully reported and shared with the European Union (EU). Particularly in recent years, in response to the circular economy promoted in the EU, we emphasise exploring technology to identify and reduce the consumption of CRM⁵. We have also implemented proactive measures to eliminate toxic chemicals from our products.
We distribute our products to the market each year to contribute to a sustainable global environment.
Based on our product development and design process, which complies with IEC 60601-1-9*, an international standard for the environmentally conscious design of medical equipment, we are implementing various measures to reduce our energy consumption and resource usage. We are also making an effort to embed eco-conscious design into our products, focusing on improving product efficiency, as well as providing our customers with environmental information concerning our products upon request.
*IEC 60601-1-9: International Electrical Standard or requirements for environmentally conscious design to ensure compliance of medical devices with environmental regulations in different countries.
We are active members of the Environment Committee of JIRA¹ and DITTA², its superior international organisation. In response to the EU Eco-Design Directive³, we also participate in a voluntary initiative to promote eco-design of products, led by COCIR⁴. We work in cooperation with other member companies to proactively conserve energy and resources, as well as manage the chemicals contained in our products.
The outcomes of these efforts are carefully reported and shared with the European Union (EU). Particularly in recent years, in response to the circular economy promoted in the EU, we emphasise exploring technology to identify and reduce the consumption of CRM⁵. We have also implemented proactive measures to eliminate toxic chemicals from our products.
- JIRA: Japan Medical Imaging and Radiological Systems Industries Association
- DITTA: International Congress of Diagnostic Imaging and Therapy Systems Trade Association
- EU Eco-Design Directive: Directive aiming to establish a framework for ecological design requirements applied to energy-related products
- COCIR: European Coordination Committee of the Radiological, Electromedical and Healthcare IT industry
- CRM: Critical Raw Materials
Meaningful Innovation with Environmental Benefits
Canon Medical Systems offers healthcare professionals a wide range of high-quality products and services in the fields of diagnostic imaging, healthcare IT, and in vitro diagnostics.
Circular Economy
To ensure the most effective use of resources in our business, we are engaged in refurbishing used products and reusing used parts.
We have a robust refurbishment program called "Secondlife" that complies with IEC 63077*, the international standard for the refurbishment and maintenance of used medical imaging equipment.
*IEC63077: An international standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission for the refurbishment of used medical imaging equipment. Established in November 2019. Titled "Good refurbishment practices for medical imaging equipment.
Secondlife first selects and collects used medical imaging equipment. Next, the equipment we accept into the program is disinfected, cleaned (including repainting), tested for functionality and performance, and thoroughly checked for safety. Finally, the equipment is packaged, safely transported, and installed. Alongside this, we operate a second-hand parts supply system for reconditioned products, ensuring reliable support (see figure below).
Suitable parts collected from products are inspected, sorted, cleaned, verified, and quality tested before being sent to our parts centre for use in repairs.
We have a robust refurbishment program called "Secondlife" that complies with IEC 63077*, the international standard for the refurbishment and maintenance of used medical imaging equipment.
*IEC63077: An international standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission for the refurbishment of used medical imaging equipment. Established in November 2019. Titled "Good refurbishment practices for medical imaging equipment.
Secondlife first selects and collects used medical imaging equipment. Next, the equipment we accept into the program is disinfected, cleaned (including repainting), tested for functionality and performance, and thoroughly checked for safety. Finally, the equipment is packaged, safely transported, and installed. Alongside this, we operate a second-hand parts supply system for reconditioned products, ensuring reliable support (see figure below).
Suitable parts collected from products are inspected, sorted, cleaned, verified, and quality tested before being sent to our parts centre for use in repairs.
Positive Improvements in Packaging
We are working to reduce the amount of packaging materials, especially petroleum-based materials, which are used when shipping new products. Reduction is realised by simplifying the packaging process and reducing the number of items per system.
The amount of packaging material used in 2024 was 2,651 tons, a 3% increase from 2023, primarily due to the rise in shipments of products with a large number of packages.
The amount of packaging material used in 2024 was 2,651 tons, a 3% increase from 2023, primarily due to the rise in shipments of products with a large number of packages.
we continually improve packaging efficiency to ensure our products are delivered safely to our customers. For transportation within Japan, we have introduced new concepts and promoted the use of low-carbon transportation methods such as rail and ship. Our packaging materials are primarily made from renewable and recycled materials, and all our wood is FSC-certified.
*FSC is an international system of the Forest Stewardship Council®.
*FSC is an international system of the Forest Stewardship Council®.
A Collective Focus on Environmental Initiatives
Environmental issues are a priority for all of us. To encourage all our employees to focus on saving energy and resources, Canon has adopted the motto: “Minimum Energy 360.” Emphasising the need to minimise energy usage in every direction (360°), this motto encapsulates our commitment to the ongoing pursuit of multiple activities that use the minimum amount of energy at every step across the value chain. The concept incorporates every stage, from development and production to transportation and logistics, to the point of use and reuse. By adopting this motto throughout the Group, staff can view every corporate activity as an opportunity to minimise energy usage, thereby cultivating this as part of Canon's culture.
Raising Awareness of Biodiversity
Since 2013, we have been organising events to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity. In 2024, our focus was on Japan level. Biological surveys were conducted at the Head Office, and we planted trees and other plants to enhance biodiversity in the grounds of Canon Medical Headquarters.
Ministry of the Environment: Certified as a “Site in Harmony with Nature”
The Nasu Head Office has been certified as a ‘Nature Symbiosis Site’ by the Ministry of the Environment. The Ministry’s ‘Sites in Harmony with Nature’ system certifies areas where biodiversity conservation is being promoted through private initiatives and other means. These initiatives are necessary to achieve the global biodiversity conservation target (30 by 30), which aims to effectively conserve at least 30% of the land and oceans as healthy ecosystems by 2030. Since 2011, the Nasu Head Office has been developing biodiversity initiatives with the support of the NPO Tochigi Environmental Counsellors Association. It is working on the concept of creating a company that coexists with living creatures. These activities include the improvement of 10,000 m² of green space on the premises to develop a habitat-friendly environment for living creatures at the Nasu Head Office, as well as the annual Ikimono (living creatures) observation event. This initiative allows employees and nearby residents to experience firsthand the importance of biodiversity. In the future, we will continue these activities and take on the challenge of sustainably reusing thinned wood.
Learning to Save the Planet
We provide environmental training to all our employees, including those from contracting companies, to ensure compliance with our environmental policies and activities. In 2024, over 6,319 people completed their environmental education. Additionally, we offer training for specialists and internal environmental auditors to help them maintain maximum adherence within their teams and departments. Environmental training is also a part of the onboarding process for newly hired employees.
"Canon": Represents the entire group, including Canon Inc. and all of its consolidated subsidiaries.
"Canon Inc.": Represents Canon Inc. alone.
“Canon Medical Systems”: Represents the entire group, including Canon Medical Systems Corporation and all of its consolidated subsidiaries.
"Canon Medical Systems Corporation": Represents Canon Medical Systems Corporation alone.
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