Social Contribution Activities – Not Just Developing New Drugs
Kyowa Kirin for Kirin's Pharmaceuticals
Since its founding in 1907, the Kirin Group has been engaged in research into fermentation technology and biotechnology through the brewing of beer, and since 1980, Kirin has focused on the development of pharmaceuticals by leveraging its expertise in this area, with the Pharmaceuticals domain now growing to become one of the Kirin Group's key pillars.
Under the Kirin Group slogan, "Joy brings us together," Kyowa Kirin, a leader in the Kirin Group's Pharmaceuticals domain, is working to develop innovative pharmaceuticals and establish treatments, while also conducting various social contribution activities such as environmental conservation for a sustainable future and holding events to foster the next generation of scientists.
Preserving the richness of the global environment for the future. Kyowa Kirin's Environmental Conservation Initiatives
The Kirin Group aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that come from a series of business activities to virtually zero by 2050.
To achieve this goal, Kyowa Kirin has introduced solar power generation equipment at its major business sites in Japan. In addition, 100% of the electricity used at Kyowa Kirin has been switched to renewable energy in Japan.
As a result of these efforts, approximately 95% of annual electricity consumption were derived from renewable energy sources in FY2024. In addition, the synergistic effect of these efforts and other energy-saving measures has reduced the Kyowa Kirin Group's overall annual CO2 emissions by approximately 65%.
Realizing environmentally friendly factory operations through energy conservation and energy generation
In particular, the Ube Plant, a pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan has received high praise for its energy-saving efforts, including an award from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2024.
In the past, the Ube Plant relied heavily on coal-derived energy sources that emit large amounts of CO2. Accordingly, it introduced a solar power generation system utilizing vast grounds (mega solar). In March 2023, the plant began generating electricity using an on-site PPA model (*). In April of the same year, it achieved a 100% renewable energy ratio by switching its energy supply from electric power companies to non-fossil fuel sources.
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*A system in which a power generation company installs and operates a solar power generation equipment on the building owner's premises, and the building owner purchases the power generated by the equipment.
These efforts have resulted in a reduction of approximately 1,029 tons of CO2 emissions per year. Furthermore, Ube Plant’s office building received the highest rank in ZEB certification, which is given to buildings with an energy balance of virtually zero through energy conservation (efforts to reduce energy use) and energy generation (efforts to generate energy using solar power generation, etc.).
Protecting the rich nature of the region. Environmental Action Spreading from the Plant
Waste liquids and other by-products generated in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process can pollute the environment if not properly disposed of. Therefore, it is important for pharmaceutical manufacturers to take the environment into consideration as they produce and deliver pharmaceuticals that makes people smile.
Since 2007, Kyowa Kirin, as a member of the Kirin Group, has been involved in activities to protect the bounty of water. This is because protecting water resources leads to protecting the natural environment and biodiversity.
One specific initiative is the Water Source Forest Creation Activity, which involves the maintenance of water source areas through clearing of underbrush and thinning of trees. The Takasaki Plant, located in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, has continued this activity since 2007*. The plant also holds events for children to interact with nature, such as craft workshops and flower planting, in an effort to protect the environment with local residents.
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*Canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, we are striving to create a lush green environment in harmony with the surrounding landscape by planting various types of plants on the factory grounds. These efforts have been recognized with an award from the Minister of the Environment of Japan for the contribution to forest conservation and raising environmental awareness among employees.
Inspire the next generation with the option of becoming Scientists
As a unique social contribution activity, Kyowa Kirin offers Bio Adventure, a science experiment program for children from elementary to high school age. This initiative was launched in 2000 with the aim of addressing the problem of children's declining interest in science. It continues to be offered at various laboratories and plants in Japan, and in 2016 it received the Commendation for Science and Technology from the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Under the themes of "microorganisms," "genes," "immunity," and "drug formulation," the program comprises subjects that take advantage of Kyowa Kirin’s business characteristics and strengths. The program is managed by researchers and staffs recruited from within the company, and aims to help children experience the fun of science through experiments and facility tours, and to foster the next generation of scientists.
In recent years, the company has expanded its activities outside the company, offering courses at local governments and other organizations. While leveraging our expertise as a pharmaceutical company, we are deepening our partnerships with local governments, expanding educational opportunities, and contributing to local communities.
