Regional Activities

One of Kyushu Electric's most important intermediate management policies is gaining the confidence and recognition of society. Kyushu Electric implements a variety of environmental activities and other communication promotion events that harmonize with regional communities, and holds public lectures to increase awareness about environmental issues. Some of the main activities are introduced below.

[Paper recycling]

In a survey conducted by a Kagoshima Branch volunteer environmental task unit, a gap was identified between environmental awareness and actions taken by companies in Kagoshima Prefecture. Of the companies surveyed, 80% were interested in recycling activities but only 30% had actually implemented such activities. Spurred by these findings, in April 1998 the task unit began investigating the establishment of a paper recycling organization, called Office Eco Club, whose activities go beyond company borders.

Through activities such as hosting a tour of recycling facilities, the task unit proposed the establishing of a joint paper recycling program to businesses in the area. The task unit succeeded in gaining the support of 12 companies and organizations, and the joint recycling activities began in August 1998.

The program is characterized by its low obligation levels, and was totally free for participating companies between August 1998 and February 1999. From March 1999, recycling remained free for Japanese vellum and a charge of \10 per kilogram was set for magazines, newspapers and cardboard. Because the program is not registered as a corporation, no membership fees or other financial outlay is required from participating companies.

By March 2000, the program had 20 participating companies in Kagoshima City. A total of 70 tons of paper had been recycled since starting in August 1998, a quantity equivalent to 1,500 trees or more with a diameter of 14 cm and a height of 8 m.

Paper recycling

[Greening activities]

Since 1977, Kyushu Electric has participated in greening activities. Saplings grown by the company on Kyushu Electric premises are donated to public facilities and planted during annual Environmental Months and communication promotion periods. In this way, over 2 million trees were planted or distributed by fiscal 1999 on Kyushu Electric initiatives.

With a growing number of our offices involved in the volunteer tree planting activities, more than 2,100 trees were planted at schools and other public institutions in fiscal 1999 by 21 of our offices, together with the local community.

•Growing Oak Forests Project

Evergreen and broad-leaved trees including chinquapins and oaks were once the most common types of tree found in forests around Kyushu. By collecting acorns from the ground at parks and shrines with chinquapin and oak trees, saplings can be grown and planted to revive forests. Kyushu Electric is currently inviting participation in an afforestation project called Growing Oak Forests Project.

Re-planting forests of oak!

•Volunteer greening activities

Since fiscal 1998, Kyushu Electric has cooperated with non-government organizations to nurture skilled greening specialists called Green Helper; and an environmental study program was held in Fukuoka City in fiscal 1999. Similar study programs are planned for Saga and Oita Cities in fiscal 2000.

•Encouraging forestation awareness

Kyushu Electric has held public lectures under the theme of forestation at its head office, as well as the Hita Power System Maintenance Office of the Oita branch office, and the Kagoshima branch office to raise awareness of the importance of forestation. These lectures have resulted in the developing of specific plans such as growing trees on the premises of Hita Power System Maintenance Office starting in fiscal 2000.