63
02
Foreword・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
Commitment to the Environment・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
History of Environmental Conservation・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
The Automobile Industry and Environmental Problems・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
Honda Environment Statement・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・�
04
05
06
08
10
Section 1�
Product Development・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・11
�
column
Automobiles
Full-scale Efforts towards the Century of the Environment:
Decision to Replace Various Engines with New-Generation “ i-series ” Engines・・
・ Cleaner Exhaust Gas・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ Improvement of Fuel Economy・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ Practical Use of Alternative Energies・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Motorcycles
・ Cleaner Exhaust Gas・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ Improvement of Fuel Economy・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ Technologies to Pursue New Possibilities for Motorcycles・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Power Products
・ Cleaner Exhaust Gas・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ Improvement of Fuel Economy・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ Technologies for Next-Generation Lifestyles・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・New Local Transport Systems・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・�
12141618
202223
24262728
Section 2
Production and Purchasing・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・29
column
Commitment to Zero Emission
・ Reduction of Waste・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ Conservation of Air, Water, and Soil Quality・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Energy Saving ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Environmental Management・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Symbiosis with Local Communities/
Comfortable Working Environment・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ Measures Taken at Honda’s Overseas Factories・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Green Purchasing・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・�
30323436
363738
Section 3
Transportation, Sales, and Administration・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・39Improvement of Transportation Efficiency・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Reduction of Packaging Materials・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Measures Taken by Honda Dealers・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Measures for Offices・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・�
40414244
column
Section 4
Disposal and Recycling・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・45Measures Taken at the Development Stage・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Measures Taken at the Production Stage・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Measures Taken at the Use Stage・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Measures Taken at the Waste Stage・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Measures for the Future・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・�
�
Efforts Made by Suppliers・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・�
4648484951
52
Internet Links�Honda ECOLOGY is generally revised every three years. For the latest information, please refer to the website
introducing Honda’s commitment to the environment
www.honda.co.jp/environment
・Using a combination of brief sentences and visual illustrations helps readers easily understand Honda’s ideas, past
activities, and future plans for environmental conservation.
・The aims and details of Honda’s environmental activities are introduced as specifically as possible.
Honda ECOLOGY is structured as below so that a wider range of people
may understand this outline of Honda’
● Page structure of Honda ECOLOGY ① Introduction to the themes and an outline of Honda’s
s environmental activities.
environmental activities② Depiction of the background, ongoing efforts, and progress for such themes③ Explanation of the aim and specific details of activities
Using Honda ECOLOGY
03
①�
②�
③�
Section 5�
Organizational Structure・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・53System to Promote Environmental Activities・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Environmental Management・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・LCA System to Quantify Environmental Impact・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・�
545556
Section 6
Social Activities・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・57Contribution to Nature, the Next Generation,
and to Local Communities・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Overseas Activities・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Environmental Communication・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
Terminology・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・�
Index・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Honda Environmental Information Disclosure・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・�
585959
606263
Unless otherwise specified, all references are domestic.
04
Foreword�
Global environmental problems represented by global warming, resource depletion, and the
disposal of waste began to be internationally recognized as common problems for everyone in the
1990s. At the Kyoto Conference held in 1997, targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
were set and at the World Summit on Sustainable Development held at Johannesburg in 2002, the
Johannesburg Declaration was adopted to promote sustainable development and environmental
conservation at the same time.
Since the 1960s when pollution was recognized as a serious problem, Honda has been aggressively
striving to solve environmental problems by promoting technological development, including the
development of CVCC engines, towards a goal of ensuring a “blue sky for children.” Honda’s
strenuous efforts for environmental conservation also includes the development of world-leading
exhaust emission reducing technology, and the hybrid technology to achieve the world’s highest
fuel efficiency. As a result of such effort, the users of Honda products, including motorcycles,
automobiles, and power products, exceeded 12 million people around the world in fiscal 2001.
By the year 2010, Honda is determined to become a company that all people can look up to. To
attain this goal, and to be a leader in environmental conservation, we have always promoted our
efforts in the environmental field. As a result, the Honda FCX has become the world’s first fuel cell
vehicle to obtain U.S. government approval for commercialization. We would like to further our
commitment to the environment throughout our corporate activities and to provide customers with
products that totally satisfy them.
This booklet is published separately from the Honda Environmental Annual Report, and is revised
every three years to promote a wider understanding of our ideas, past efforts, and future projects
concerning environmental conservation.
We would be very pleased if this fully revised edition gains more readers, and look forward to
receiving the frank opinions and reactions of our readers.
December 2002
Hiroyuki YoshinoPresident and CEO
Michiyoshi HaginoSenior Managing DirectorDirector responsible forenvironmental activities
Hiroyuki YoshinoPresident and CEO
Michiyoshi HaginoSenior Managing DirectorDirector responsible for environmental activities
05
Commitment to the Environment
To Share Our Dreams and Joys with More Customers
In order to pass on joy to future generations while sustaining social development, Honda will do its part to solve environmental challenges on a global scale.
Creating new values of joy
Expanding joy
Joy for the next generation
A company that people
can look up toWe continuously strive to be a leader in brining forth new values and creating joy.
Honda will seek to expand the circle of joy by putting down roots in the communities in which it operates while maintaining its position as a global corporation.
Handing down “Joy” from one
generation to the next
Honda has long been engaged
in environmental conservation,
aggressively undertaking measures
suitable for the time. In the 1990s,
amid the increasing momentum toward
environmental conservation and the
acceleration of environmental meas-
ures all over the world, we improved
our organizational structure and system
step by step (see page 54) and made
our “Honda Environment Statement”
as guidelines for our attitude towards
the environment (see page 10).
In the 21st century, Honda is
accelerating its environmental activities
to create new joys for its customers
through giving full consideration to the
global environment. Also, it is aiming to
become a company that all people can
look up to, by aggressively
communicating with local people and
with its customers throughout the
world and sharing its joys with them.
Towards higher goals
For the effective promotion of
environmental conservation activities
and for the steady achievement of
results, we are always setting higher
goals. For example, for every product
domain, we announce the quantitative
targets for cleaner exhaust gases and
for fuel economy, with time limits,
and disclose information about the
achievement of these targets in the
Honda Environmental Annual Report
and at our website.
For global and social sustainability
Honda thinks it important to deeply
understand what impacts companies
have on the world’s environment,
society, and economy and to act bas-
ed on this understanding. To share joys
with a greater number of customers,
we will search for ways to enable the
development of society in harmony
with the environment.
In the 1950s and 1960s In the 1970s In the 1980s
●1972
●1973●1978
The Club of Rome points out the finiteness of the earth in its Limits to Growth.First oil crisisSecond oil crisis
●1987●1988
Montreal Protocol adopted.Law concerning the Protection of the Ozone Layer through the Regulation of Specified Substances and Other Measures enacted.
●1968 The Air Pollution Control Law enacted.
●1978 Regulations on exhaust gas
●1970●1975
The Muskie Act enacted (U.S.).The CAFE regulations introduced (U.S.).
●1970�
●1970●1974
A diet session on pollution held and 14 pollution-related laws enacted or revised.The Water Pollution Control Law enacted.The total emission of SOx comes under regulation.
●1972�
●1973
The CVCC engine meets the requirements of the Muskie Act—a world first.CIVIC CVCC goes on sale.
●1988 VTEC engine unveiled.
●1983 REV-featured motorcycle (CBR400F) goes on sale.
●1966
●1966
Research on low-emission vehicles started to attain the goal of a “blue sky for children.”AP Lab formed inside Honda R&D.
●1958 Super Cub goes on sale.
●1970●1971�
�
●1972�
●1975●1976�
●1976●1979
●1980
�
●1989
Committee to deal with energy issues established (as a part of the committee to deal with oil issues).Committee to deal with CFCs established.
●1966 Circulative use of industrial water started (in the coating process).
General
Japan
U.S.
Europe
In relation to companies
Aut
om
ob
iles
Mo
torc
ycle
sP
ow
erp
rod
ucts
Corporate�activities
Mo
vem
ents
in t
he w
orl
dH
ond
a’s
acti
viti
es
In r
elat
ion
to it
s p
rod
ucts
In
rel
atio
n to
pro
duc
ts
Headquarters for anti-pollution measures established.Hamamatsu Factory introduces wastewater treatment facilities, adopting the activated sludge method (for the first time in Japan).Sayama Factory attaches Japan's first electric dust collector to its cupola.Committee to deal with oil issues established.Meeting to present examples of effective resource/energy use launched.The Furusato Afforestation Project launched.Committee to promote environmental conservation established (as a part of the headquarters for anti-pollution measures).
Meeting the Challenges of the Age and Making Progress towards the Next AgeHonda’s History of Environmental Conservation
06
Honda’s history of environmental conservation: this means to meet the challenges of the time and
to make progress towards the future. Honda has always wanted to pass on the beautiful natural
environment to the next generation, and will continue its environmental conservation activities,
meeting the high goals that it has set independently.
In the 1990s In the 2000s
●1990●1993●1997●1999
Japanese government announces its plan to prevent global warming.Basic Environment Law enacted.Third Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Kyoto Conference) held.Law concerning Rational Use of Energy revised.
●2001●2002
Basic Law for Establishing a Recycling-based Society enacted.World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg.
●1998●1999
Step-by-step regulation of exhaust gas from motorcycles.Fuel economy criteria for 2010 established based on the revised Law concerning Rational Use of Energy.
●2000 Exhaust gas regulations for 2000
●1994●1994●1996●1998
LEV regulations introduced (in California).Regulations on the exhaust gas from CARB general-purpose engines started (in California).U.S. EPA introduces regulations on exhaust gas from marine engines.U.S. EPA introduces marine emission regulations.
●2001●2001●2002
U.S. CARB Marine Tier 2EPA Phase 2 RegulationsRelease of ultra low emission vehicles (Accord/Accord Wagon)
●1991●1997
●1998
Law for the Promotion of Utilization of Recyclable Resources enacted and the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law revised.Regulations on dioxins started on a full scale. (Dioxins are newly included in the substances specified under the Air Pollution Control Law.)Manifest system begins to be applied to end-of-life vehicles.
●2001●2002
Law on Promoting Green Purchasing enforced.End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Law enacted.
●1993●1998
Boden Lake regulations introduced.EU 2000/2005 regulations introduced.
●1991●1993●1995●1995●1995●1996●1996●1996●1997●1997●1997●1997●1998●1999●1999●1999●1999●1999
CIVIC equipped with a VTEC-E engine goes on sale.Accord equipped with a new VTEC engine goes on sale.CIVIC meeting the LEV standards of California goes on sale.CIVIC equipped with a 3-stage VTEC engine goes on sale.Honda ULEV technology unveiled.New Dream wins first prize in the World Solar Challenge.Honda LEVHonda EV Plus (electric car with batteries) unveiled. CIVIC GX (natural gas vehicle) unveiled.Accord, meeting the ULEV standards of California, goes on sale.Honda ZLEV technology unveiled.CIVIC FERIO and PARTNER, meeting Honda LEV standards, go on sale.Z and LIFE go on sale as the first LEV-spec minicars.Insight (a hybrid car) goes on sale, achieving the highest fuel efficiency (35 km/l) for a mass-produced gasoline-powered vehicle in the world.Accord meets the U.S. SULEV standards for the first time in the world.S2000 goes on sale as the first vehicle meeting the 2000 emission standards.Next-generation 2-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine goes on sale.Prototype fuel cell vehicle unveiled.
●2000●2000�
●2001●2001●2001�
�
●2001●2001●2002
●2002�
●2002
●1994●1997●1998
Outboard engine BF6/8/40 meets the Boden Lake Regulation criteria.GX22/31 (a supersmall 4-stroke engine) goes on sale.THE BF series meet the U.S. EPA’s emission standards and the voluntary emission criteria of the Japanese Marine Equipment Association.
●2001 All Honda models in the world meet the CARB Tier 2 and EPA Phase 2 standards.
●1994●1994●1997●1998●1998●1998
●1998●1999●1999
CUV ES (electric scooter) goes on sale.RACOON (electric motor-assisted bicycle) goes on sale.CRM250AR, introducing the AR combustion technology, goes on sale.LEAD goes on sale as the first motorcycle meeting motorcycle emission regulations in Japan.CBR600F equipped with the air injection system goes on sale.VFR800FI equipped with the 3-way catalytic converter system that achieves an emission level below one-tenth of the emission criteria in Europe goes on sale.LEAD and VTR250 meet the domestic noise regulation.GIORNO Crea equipped with a 4-stroke engine goes on sale.CB400 SUPER FOUR equipped with a HYPER VTEC engine goes on sale.
●2001�
●2001
Crea SCOOPY and Dio (equipped with water-cooled 4-stroke 50 cc engines) go on sale.STEP COMPO goes on sale.
●1990●1991●1994●1997●1997●1997�
●1998●1998●1999●1999●1999
A recycling committee established.Environmental Committee established to deal with environment-related issues.Use of CFC-12 and 1,1,1-trichloroethane totally discontinued in production processes.Green Factory Project launched.New Recycle Project launched.Honda Belgium N.V. acquires ISO 14001 certification, followed by other Honda subsidiaries in various countries.Green Dealer Project launched.All plants acquire ISO 14001 certification.Suzuka Factory achieves zero landfill waste.Honda Green Conference started (as a part of the meeting to present the examples of efficient resource/energy use).Europe Recycle Center (ERC) established.
●2000●2000●2001�
�
●2001●2002●2002�
●2002
Domestic plants achieve zero external landfill waste targets.Green Dealer Certification System launched.Closed system adopted for the water wasted in the outboard engine assembling process (Hosoe Plant of the Hamamatsu Factory).Green Purchasing Guidelines established.ICVS operation starts in Singapore.Hosoe Plant starts its operations with dramatically improved energy efficiency (Hamamatsu Factory).Honda Chemical Substance Guidelines established.
Fuel cell vehicle (FCX-V3) running tests start.STREAM (equipped with the new generation engine DOHC i-VTEC engine) goes on sale.New CIVIC GX (a natural gas vehicle) certified as an SLEV vehicle.CIVIC and CIVIC FERIO go on sale as SLEV vehicles.CIVIC Hybrid goes on sale, achieving the world’s highest fuel efficiency among mass-produced five-passenger gasoline-powered vehicles.Fit (equipped with an i-DSI engine) goes on sale.FCX-V4 (fuel cell vehicle) goes on sale.FCX becomes the first fuel cell vehicle in the world to be certified by the U.S. government and leased to the city of Los Angeles.Accord and Accord Wagon go on sale as SLEV vehicles.FCX certified as the first fuel cell vehicle by the Japanese government and leased to the Cabinet Office.
07
History of Environmental Conservation
08
�
Generation of end-of-life vehicles
Emission of CO2 and waste at offices
Emission of CO2 and waste, and soil/water pollution in the course of sales activities
Implementing measures based on the Honda Environment Statement
Taking Steady Measures to Share Joy with People All over the WorldHonda has been delivering its products to its customers all over the world to share its joys with them, while at the same time making every effort to solve environmental problems, recognizing the impact it has on the global environment. We are now determined to continue to fulfill our environmental responsibilities, which are increasing in their importance, while endeavoring to obtain more than 20 million customers by fiscal 2004.
Global environmental problems and countermeasures
◎Global warming�A rapid increase in the consumption of
fossil fuels such as oil and coal seen after
the industrial revolution has resulted
in a rise in temperature, which exerts
an influence over the ecosystem and
increases wind and water damage. The
emission of CO2, which represents a typical
greenhouse gas, has been increasing since
fiscal 1990, in ordinary households and in
the transportation sector.
◎Resource depletion�Resources used for automobiles are roughly
divided into oil and metal resources. For oil,
which has been supporting the automobile soci-
ety, the time remaining before depletion is being
prolonged, but in view of increasing consumption,
the absolute amount may decrease. For mineral
resources, it is said that the amount presently
mined per month greatly exceeds the total
consumption of mineral resources before the
beginning of the industrial revolution!
◎Ozone depletion�The ozone layer surrounding the earth
absorbs most ultraviolet rays in the sunlight
and thus protects the living creatures on the
earth. The use of CFC-12 for automotive air
conditioners, which destroys the ozone layer,
was fully discontinued in 1995 but there is still
a problem of how to collect and completely
destroy CFC-12 from end-of-life air condi-
tioners.
Time to saturation of landfill sites
(Estimated in 1999)
Amount of industrial waste
General waste
Industrial waste
12.3 years
3.7 years
1975 1999
240 million tons
400 million tons
Sources: upper graph— website of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.
Lower quantitative data—Report on a Recycling-Based Society 2002, Ministry of the Environment.
End-of-life vehicles:
approximately 5 million vehicles per year
Resource depletion
Time to depletion for major resources (as of 2000)
Oil Natural gas
40years
61years
161years
227years
266years
43years
Iron Coal Aluminum (as of 1999)
Lead
Source: Quality of the Environment in Japan 2002, Ministry of the Environment.
Exhaust gas, CO2, and noise from products
Change in CO2 emissions in the world (from 1950 to 1996)
Source: Estimates by Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (in the U.S.).
7,000(Million tons)
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
01950 1960 1970 1980 1990
(Year)
Total
Developed countries
Developed countries in the West
Developing countries
Eastern Europe plus former Soviet Union
In t
erm
s of
car
bon
Honda’s activities and environmental challengesSevere situation concerning landfill sites
Products �・ Higher fuel efficiency through the introduction of “i-series engines” (pages 12 and 16) ・ Practical use of clean energy technologies, including fuel cell vehicles (pages 18, 23, and 27)・ Adoption of 4-stroke engines to motorcycles and power products (pages 22 and 26)
ProductionEnergy saving through the introduction of natural gas cogeneration systems (page 34)
Sales・ Collection and destruction of CFC-12 from automotive air conditioners (page 42)
Air pollution caused by factories
Water and soil pollution
Exhaust gas and CO2 emitted from transportation activities
The Automobile Industry and Environmental Problems
09
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
1,800
2,000(10,000 units)
1990 2004
(Fiscal year)
’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 2000 ’01 ’02
Change in the sales quantity of Honda products
Motorcycles
Automobiles
Power products
Honda aims to obtain more than 20 million customers by fiscal 2004
(i.e. by March 2005) through its sales of automobiles, motorcycles, and power
products. It is determined to accelerate its environmental conservation activities to
fulfill its important responsibilities as a global company while providing new values
to as many customers as possible.Regional environmental problems�and countermeasures
◎Air pollution�Air pollution is caused by carbon monoxide
(CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides
(NOx), and suspended particulate matters
(SPMs), and the emission of these sub-
stances should be reduced. In recent years,
the emission from a single automobile
has been remarkably reduced thanks to
the development of exhaust gas cleaning
technologies, but total emissions have
remained on the same level due to an increase
in the overall number of automobiles through
the progress of motorization. For example,
approximately 30% of areas do not meet the
NOx emission standards according to data
obtained from pollution monitoring stations
located on roadsides.
◎Air, water, and soil pollution�In the high economic growth period, it was
required to take measures against dust and
sulfur oxides (SOx) generated from fuels
combusted in metal casting furnaces and
against water pollutants contained in waste-
water. Most of these pollutants have been consid-
erably reduced thanks to the development of
pollution prevention technologies. It is now
required to reduce the environmental impacts
caused by our production activities by reducing
the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for
drying paints for parts, properly managing the
transfer of chemical substances used, and by
reducing landfill waste.
◎Waste problem�In recent years, the leaching of harmful
substances from landfill sites has become
a problem and people are increasingly
demanding advanced waste disposal
measures and opposing the construction of
new landfill sites. On the other hand, waste
disposal costs are rising, causing the illegal
disposal of waste. Presently, approximately
5 million vehicles are wasted every year as
end-of-life vehicles, around 70 to 80% of
which are recycled. The remaining 20%
or so are shredded and such shredder
residue also needs to be reduced.
Products・ Cleaner exhaust gas by the introduction of “i-series engines” (pages 12 and 14)・ Practical use of clean energy technologies, including fuel cell vehicles (pages 18, 23, and 27)
Production・ Taking VOC measures through the introduction of water-based paints (page 32)・ Circulative use of industrial water (page 32)・ Soil and underwater monitoring (page 33)
Sales・ Drastic pollution prevention by creating a risk management manual (page 42)
Production・ Zero landfill waste (page 30)
Recycling・ Research on the end-of-life vehicle disassembling lines (page 50)
Collection rate of CFC-12 (for 2000)
Source: Quality of the Environment in Japan 2002, Ministry of the Environment.
Refrigerators �for �
households
Freezers �and air �
conditioners �for industrial use
Automotive �air conditioners �(including �
destruction rate)
27 %
57 %
13 %
Increase of customers all over the world, and increasing environmental responsibilities
Ozone depletion by CFCs
Honda will pursue challenging goalsfor the conservation
of the global environment.
10
Honda Environment Statement
As a responsible member of society whose task lies in
the preservation of the global environment, company will make
every effort to contribute to human health and the preservation of
the global environment in each phase of its corporate activity.
Only in this way will we be able to count on a successful future
not only for our company, but for the entire world.
�
We should pursue our daily business interest under the following principles:
1. We will make efforts to recycle materials and conserve resources and energy at
every stage of our products’ life cycle from research, design, production and
sales, to services and disposal.
2. We will make every effort to minimize and find appropriate methods to dispose
of waste and contaminants that are produced through the use of our products,
and in every stage of life cycle of these products.
3. As both a member of the company and of society, each employee will focus on
the importance of making efforts to preserve human health and the global
environment, and will do his or her part to ensure that the company as a
whole acts responsibly.
4. We will consider the influence that our corporate activities have on the regional
environment and society, and endeavor to improve the social standing of the
company.
Established and announced in June 1992
Honda Environment Statement
Reduction of
air pollutants
Reduction of CO2
emissions
Practical use of
alternative energies
Improvement of environmental performance
1
It is important for us to improve the environmental performance of
our products to enable our customers to use the products
without being concerned about the impacts caused by these
products to the global environment. In their lifecycles, our
products tend to cause the largest environmental impacts while
they are in use, and we need to reduce such impacts. To meet
this requirement, Honda is striving to build a better relationship
between people, the earth, and our products by setting severe
voluntary standards for environmental conservation, including
cleaner exhaust gases and higher fuel efficiency.
Ongoing Technological Developments to Attain Higher Goals for the Next Generation
Section 1Product Development
11
Heading the world, Honda unveiled a CVCC
engine that met the criteria of the Muskie Act
(the U.S. exhaust gas regulations) in 1972,
and has long been taking measures to
achieve cleaner exhaust gas. In the latter
half of the 1990s, various international
agreements were made, including the Kyoto
Protocol, which accelerated the global
movement towards environmental conserva-
tion. Accordingly, people increasingly de-
manded higher fuel economy to reduce CO2
emissions from automobiles as part of efforts
to reduce global warming.
Under such circumstances, Honda began
developing two new types of engines: a 1.0-
liter engine as the main power train for the
Honda IMA System used for Honda’s hybrid
car, the Insight; and a 2.0-liter DOHC engine
for Honda’s sports car, the S2000. The
former achieved the “ultimate high fuel
economy” of 35 km per liter in the 10・15
mode and the latter achieved the “ultimate
power” of 250 horsepower from a 2.0 liter
engine. Exhaust gases from these two
engines were 50% or less than the 2000
exhaust gas emission standards and the
S2000 became the first automobile to meet
the 2000 emission standards. Also, these
engines were light and compact, enabling
a more flexible design. As a result, the
aerodynamic performance and the energy
absorbing ability of the crushable zone were
improved. Thus these engines have greatly
contributed to the provision of products that
are excellent in handling, fuel economy, and
safety. Honda, while developing such tech-
nologies to achieve “ultimate” functions, made
a new, challenging decision: to introduce the
new-generation designs to various engine
classes, to be the world’s No. 1 in terms of
power, clean energy, and fuel economy.
The development and production
departments would need to cooperate
together to accomplish the substantial work
of developing a new engine, which requires
the creation of hundreds of new parts,
including the cylinder block and cylinder
head, which serve as the framework of
the engine. Honda, however, decided to
commence this difficult task, thinking it
impossible to achieve the high goal that it
had set for the next generation by simply
improving existing engines.
The first objective was “downsizing
the engines by 10% in terms of weight,
improving their fuel economy by 20%, and
increasing their output by 10%.” For their
specifications, the following three issues
were decided: to change the engine’s
revolving direction, which had previously
been set reversely from general engines,
to install all the engines sideways; and to
develop new transmissions for these
engines. As for application technologies,
To meet the next-generation requirements
1 Honda’s decision to develop a new engine
2
Environmental goals in the “Century of the Environment”
●Contribution to society
●Contribution to customers High-levelcombination
Replacing all engines with “new-generation” engines
DOHC i-VTEC i-DSI
Environmental measures�
Resource saving�
Safety
Joy of driving
Overwhelmingly excellentrunning performance
Comfort
Targets to be achieved to make Honda’s new-generation engines “World’s No. 1”
Clean performance
Fuel economy
Compactness
Output
Production technology
: to reduce exhaust emissions to the utmost limit
: to improve fuel economy by 10 to 20% compared with previous engines: to downsize the engines by 10 to 15% in terms of weight to make them the world’s most compact
: to achieve torqueful performance in the whole speed area
: to achieve higher production efficiency and more innovative production
Ultimatepower
Clean
Ultimate fueleconomy
S2000
Insight
●Honda’s concept about the replacement of engines
Full-scale Efforts towards the Century of the Environment:Decision to Replace Various Engines with New-Generation “i-series” Engines
column
12
Honda, hoping to make its most popular engines in each class the “World’s No. 1 Engines” at the beginning of the
21st century, is now developing the new-generation “i-series” engines. Towards the “Century of the Environment,”
we are pursuing higher goals with all our strength, utilizing the unsurpassed skills of our product development
department.
it was decided to adopt the optimal
technologies for each engine, not using
the same technologies for the engines
for different models. Thus we started to
“develop the ultimate gasoline engines,”
using diverse application technologies
and all our skills, including the advanced
technologies accumulated in the develop-
ment of the Insight and S2000.
As the first result of these efforts, Honda
unveiled a 2.0-liter “i-VTEC” engine in 1999.
The new-generation, 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder
gasoline engine was characterized by its
high performance and light and compact
design, and was used for the STREAM. For
this “i-VTEC” engine, a lean-burn combus-
tion method was adopted as a result of trials
and tribulations for improving fuel economy,
environmental performance, including cleaner
exhaust gas, and driving functionality.
The second product of the new-
generation engine series was the 1.3-liter
“i-DSI” engine used for the Fit. This engine
achieved a high fuel economy of 23 km per
liter in the 10・15 mode, and was equipped
with two ignition plugs per cylinder.
The “i” signifies “intelligent engine” and
Honda plans to replace various engines with
its new “i-series” engines.
Honda then decided to replace existing
engines with new-generation engines as a
part of its production line reforms, in order to
improve the efficiency and flexibility of its
production bases within and outside Japan
for the manufacturing of products with
higher qualities as well as for the further
reduction of its environmental impact.
Traditionally, at Honda factories, different
engines were manufactured by different
production lines and the line and factory
operation rate differed depending upon order
quantities. If, however, the production lines
were improved to increase the number of
engine types that one production line could
handle, more popular products could be
manufactured by multiple lines, and
production could be allocated to various
factories. Thus, more options could be
provided and the needs of customers could
be met more flexibly, leveling the work load
and improving the production efficiency of
each production line at all Honda factories
across the world.
To manufacture multiple engine types
on one production line, however, careful
consideration must be given to the produc-
tion process, even as early as the engine
design stage. The replacement of engines
was therefore an important decision to promote
production line reforms.
As a result, for the STREAM and the Fit,
which had become very popular with
customers, we were able to establish
production systems to fully meet customers’
needs.
There are presently two types of engines in
the “i-series”: the 1.3-liter in-line 4-cylinder
“i-DSI” engine and the 2.0-liter in-line 4-
cylinder “i-VTEC” engine. The “i-DSI” engine
corresponds to 1.2 to 1.5-liter engines and
the “i-VTEC” engine corresponds to 2.0 to
2.4-liter engines. We are now planning to
expand the application of these new engines
to other models. Also, we are rapidly develop-
ing new engines with other displacements.
By 2005, all other Honda models, in addition
to the STREAM and the Fit, will be equipped
with “i-series” engines, and thereby all Honda’s
objectives concerning cleaner exhaust
emissions and higher fuel economy will be
achieved (see figure below). In addition to
the sophistication of gasoline engines, we will
also aggressively take other environmental
measures, reducing CO2 emissions from
diesel engines, expanding the application of
hybrid engines, and developing power trains
for the next-generation technologies–
including fuel cells. Also, for motorcycles and
power products, we will take the necessary
measures to reduce their environmental
impacts.
Newly developed engines3
Production innovation and synergies
4
Pursuing diversified possibilities for power trains
5
Influence of engine replacement
Environmental goals for automobiles to be achieved by 20051)
To achieve clean emissions of 50% or less of the 2000 emissionstandards for all models by 2002
To reduce the total HC and NOx emissions from new automobiles by approximately 75% by 2005
To obtain “ULEV” certification for most of Honda passenger vehiclesfrom the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport by 2005
To achieve the 2010 fuel economy criteria for all the weight categories by 2005
To improve the average fuel economy by approximately 25% by 2005 (compared with the 1995 level)2)
1) These goals are all domestic goals to be achieved within Japan.
2) Already achieved in 2002.
Engine replacement exerts great influence over many elements, including the design, performance, and production system of an automobile. In order to replace our engines in various classes, all the departments in the company would have to cooperate together.
Automobiles
13
1 9 7 2
Improvement with the times, starting with CVCC1)
1 Meeting the LEV 2), ULEV 3), and SULEV 4) standards for the first time in the world
2
Progress to i-VTEC 5) and to the “Excellent Low Emission” level
3
1 9 9 6 1 9 9 9
CIVIC CVCC (Released in 1973)
S2000(put on sale in 1999)
First applied to CIVIC FERIO (put on sale the in 1997)
Honda LEVImproved combustion at engine start, when the engine is cold. Also, by keeping exhaust emissions at a high temperature, it is made possible to quickly maximize the catalyzer’s cleaning ability.
Approved as the first vehicle meeting the exhaust emission standards for year 2000
CVCC�Announcement in 1972 of the CVCC technology to meet ahead of others the U.S. exhaust emissions standards called the “Muskie Act,” which was said to be impossible to comply with. Release in Japan in 1973 of the CIVIC CVCC using the latest CVCC technology
To disseminate automobiles with cleaner exhaust emission technology
CVCC Honda LEV
Technologies to comply �with the exhaust emissions �regulations enforced in California
� �
1 9 9 5 1 9 9 7 1 9 9 9Met the LEV standards
Met the ULEV standards for the first time in the world
Met the SULEV standards* for the first time in the world
*（The world’s strictest clean exhaust gas standards for gasoline-powered vehicles)
CO, HCs, and NOx contained in exhaust gases
may cause photochemical smog and acid rain,
and exert diversified influences on people.
Honda has been giving the first priority to
the reduction of these substances and
improving its exhaust gas cleaning
technologies. Following the movement of the
times, we have entered benchmarking
technologies for low emission engines in the
market, including CVCC, Honda LEV, and
DOHC i-VTEC technologies. We have also
been conducting research to comply with
our high, voluntary environmental standards
in addition to the environmental regulations
implemented in different countries.
In 1995, in its pursuit of the ultimate
technologies, Honda unveiled the ultra low
emission engine to meet ahead of others in
the world the ULEV standards of California,
which were said to be the strictest in the
world. (In 1997, in the U.S., we released an
Accord equipped with this engine.)
At the same time, we were developing the
“Honda LEV” technology, which reduced the
CO, HCs, and NOx contained in exhaust
emissions to one-tenth of the levels set by
Japan’s automobile exhaust emissions
regulations for 1978, and released the
products equipped with the technology
within Japan. This marked the start of the
distribution of products having clean perfor-
mances much higher than those of the stand-
ard products marketed at that time. The
technology was subsequently applied to nine
remodeled Honda automobiles. In 1999, the
ULEV technology was further improved to
meet ahead of others in the world the SULEV
standards of California.
Subsequently, in Japan in 2000, the Minis-
try of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
implemented the Low Emission Vehi-
cles’ Approval System. Under the sys-
tem, vehicles are classified as “Good,”
“Excellent,” or “Ultra” low emission vehicles.
Honda, by inputting the new-generation
DOHC i-VTEC engine, obtained certifica-
tion as “Excellent” low emission vehicles
(achieving emissions that are 50% or less of
the emission standards for 2000) for almost
all its models other than light trucks as of
October 2002. By 2005, we intend to obtain
the certification as “Ultra” low emission
Cleaner exhaust gas target for 2005:�◎To reduce the total exhaust emissions of HC and NOx by approximately 75% for new vehicles by 2005 (compared with 1995)*◎To achieve a clean performance that exceeds the 2000 exhaust emissions standards of Japan by 50% or more for all vehicles*◎To obtain certification as “Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV)” from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for most Honda models*
1) CVCC: Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion2) LEV: Low Emission Vehicle3) ULEV: Ultra Low Emission Vehicle4) SULEV: Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle5) i-VTEC: Intelligent-Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic
Control System
Cleaner Exhaust Gas
Steady Improvement of Engines to Achieve Cleaner Exhaust Gas
*Targets for Japan
14
Honda has been developing environmental technologies, giving first priority to the reduction of exhaust emissions and setting its own high goals for each of the periods. We developed CVCC engines in the 1970s, and released LEV-spec engines and met the highest emission standards such as ULEV and SULEV standards for the first time in the world in the 1990s. Also, we introduced the “i-series” new-generation engines towards the 21st century. Further accelerating the progess in environmental technologies, we will provide the world with greener vehicles.
Announcement of the new-generation, 2-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine “i-VTEC”
2 0 0 5
“Ultra Low Emission Vehicle” certification level
2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2
STREAM
Progress of VTEC, exhaust systems, and catalyzers In addition to Honda’s unique VTEC, more precise control of in-take valve timing has realized low exhaust gas, high fuel economy, and higher torque performance. Also, the adoption of a rear dual exhaust system and a NOx absorbing catalyzer for leaner burn has made it possible to comply with the Excellent Low Emission Vehicle certification level set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
DOHC i-VTEC
CIVIC G
Accord 20E
To obtain Ultra Low Emission
Vehicle certification for
most models
�Implementing careful measures to reduce the noises caused by automobilesNoises caused by automobiles include engine noise, air intake and exhaust noise, and noise caused by the friction between tires and roads. Honda is reducing such noises to improve the quietness performance of its automobiles. Specifically, we have improved the engine intake and exhaust system, applied sound absorbing materials to the engine compartment, and improved silencers and mufflers. We are thus implementing considered measures for noise reduction.
Noise reduction
Automobile noise reduction technologies
Air intake system・Centralized air intake system・Adoption of a large-capacity air cleaner with a muffler
Air exhaust system・Adoption of a large-capacity silencer ・Adoption of a double catalyzer cover
Engine・Adoption of “silent chains” for the timing belt・Improved parts rigidity
Use of sound absorbing materials
Road noise reduction measures・Adoption of low noise tires
vehicles (achieving the emissions that are
25% or less of the emission standards for
2000) for most of our passenger vehicles.
We started the sale of “Ultra” low emission
vehicle-certified CIVIC and CIVIC FERIO in
October 2001 and have also obtained the
ULEV certification for the CIVIC Hybrid,
Accord, and Accord Wagon.
Honda has been improving its exhaust gas
cleaning technologies based on a consistent
approach: to completely combust the
gasoline in a highly efficient engine and to
clean the exhaust gas by the use of three-
way catalyzers.
This approach requires the combustion
control according to changing external
conditions and running conditions. Honda
has been trying to meet the requirement step
by step by increasing the sophistication of
computer technology and by conducting
research to pursue the possibilities of
increasing catalyzer density and the use of
new materials. We will further continue to
make these efforts to provide customers
with automobiles of ever higher clean
performances.
Evolution from the CIVIC4
Automobiles
15
Reducing HC and NOx emissions by achieving cleaner exhaust gas for new vehicles
0
80
60
40
20
100
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2005
Sales quantity (in Japan)
(%)-75%
800,000 vehicles
Total HC and NOx emissions from new vehicles (shown in a percentage to the level of 1995)
・・・・�(Fiscal year)
2.18 (regulations in 1973) CVCC (first CIVIC)3.00 (regulations in 1972)1.20 (regulations in 1975) CVCC-1 (CIVIC)2.00 (regulations in 1975)
0.85 (regulations in 1976) Over 1 ton
0.08 Regulations in 2000
0.60 (regulations in 1976) 1 ton or below1.50 (regulations in 1977)
0.25 (regulations in 1978) CVCC + oxidation catalyzer (CIVIC, Accord, Prelude)1.00 (regulations in 1980)0.40 (regulations in 1982)
1973
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2002
U.S. CARB regulations (for NOx) Unit: g/mile Regulations for the emission of NOx enacted in Japan Unit: g/km
*The regulations cannot simply be compared between Japan and the U.S., because the units and test methods differ.
NOx regulations in Japan and the U.S.*
0.05 （g/km）0.1
Regulations in 2000 J-TLEV
Honda LEV（S2000）・・・J-LEVJ-ULEV
0.080.06
0.040.02
Tier I0.40TLEVLEVⅠ
LEVⅡ
0.40LEV・・・Honda LEV (CIVIC)0.20ULEV・・・ULEV (Accord)0.20LEV0.05ULEV0.05SULEV・・・Meeting SULEV standards
0.02
0.20
1.003.00
0.40（g/mile）
1.00 2.002.00
2 0 0 5
1 9 9 3 1 9 9 5 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 51 9 8 9 1 9 9 1
First applied to the INTEGRA(put on sale in 1989)
First applied to the CIVIC(put on sale in 1991)
First applied to the Accord(put on sale in 1993)
First applied to the CIVIC(put on sale in 1995)
Features two cams on a single camshaft—one for the high-speed range and the other for low-and mid-speed ranges. By using either of these cams according to driving conditions, the engine achieves superior fuel economy while delivering high power output.
Improvement of engine efficiency
VTECFeatures two intake valves, one of which is suspended at low engine revolutions. Through this, the engine achieves fast but stable lean combustion with high fuel economy.
VTEC-EDeveloped by combining the advantages of the VTEC engine, which produces an excellent balance of power and fuel economy, with the intake valve suspension mechanism for VTEC-E engines that achieve superior fuel economy.
New VTECOptimizes intake valve timing and lift in three stages (low, medium, and high speeds), and achieves the highest fuel economy and power output in the 1.5-liter engine class.
3-stage VTEC
Combust gasoline with no waste. Use the
derived energy as driving power to the
greatest possible degree. These are the
objectives that every engine design pursues.
For example, the VTEC engine released in
1988 achieved high power output and high
fuel economy through the use of two alternate
cams mounted on a single camshaft—one for
the high-speed range and the other for low-
and mid-speed ranges. Honda further
improved the VTEC technology, and
subsequently in 1999 unveiled the i-VTEC
engine as the most advanced VTEC engine.
Through technological renovation such as the
sophistication of combustion controls by an
intelligent system and drastic downsizing
(through lighter and more compact design),
we combined “higher fuel economy” and
“cleaner exhaust gas” with the “joy of driving”
in a sophisticated manner. The “ i ” means
“intelligent” and by 2005 we intend to
upgrade all our engines in various classes to
intelligent engines as the “i series.” In 2001,
we developed the 1.3 liter i-DSI* engine and
adopted it in the Fit.
The efficient transmission of power generated
by highly efficient engines contributes to
greater fuel economy. Honda has therefore
also been making efforts to improve power
transmission efficiency. We equipped the 6th
generation CIVIC released in 1995 with an
innovative automatic transmission called
“Honda Multimatic,” together with the 3-stage
VTEC engine to greatly improve its fuel
economy. Honda Multimatic is a continuously
variable transmission composed of two of
Honda’s own pulleys and a special metal belt.
In 1998, we further developed the Honda
Multimatic S, improving fuel economy
compared with that of the Honda Multimatic
by adopting the PROSMATIC, which
optimizes the timing for speed changes,
widening the pulleys, and by improving the
precision of oil pressure control. The Honda
Multimatic S has also been applied to the HR-V,
Fit, and CIVIC Hybrid.
In 1999, Honda developed a hybrid system to
improve the fuel economy of gasoline-
powered vehicles to the utmost limit, and
released the Insight, in which the Honda
integrated motor-assist (IMA) system was
installed. The IMA system uses a gasoline-
powered engine as its primary power source
Hybrid3
* i-DSl : Inteligent Dual & Sequential Ignition
From VTEC to new-generation �i-VTEC
1
Honda Multimatic S2
*Targets for Japan
Improvement of Fuel Economy
Honda’s Unique Approach to Improve Fuel Economyto Reduce CO2 Emissions: Input of New-Generation Engines and Hybrid Systems
16
Honda, as its approach to the remarkable improvement of fuel economy, has developed the VTEC mechanism that enables high fuel economy as well as high output, a hybrid car that achives the world’s highest fuel economy, and the transmissions that enable the effective transmission of power. We also introduced new-generation “i-series” engines. In the 21st century, we will accelerate the development of environmental technologies to further reduce the emission of CO2 from vehicles.
Fuel economy improvement target for 2005�◎To achieve by 2005 the new fuel efficiency standards of Japan for 2010 for all weight categories*◎To improve the average fuel economy by approximately 25% (compared with 1995)*
2 0 0 01 9 9 9 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 22 0 0 2 2 0 0 5
Further improvement
of fuel economy
With higher combustion efficiency, the lighter and more compact “1-liter lean-burn VTEC engine,” the highly efficient motor-assist system, the light aluminum body and with better aerodynamic performance, the model achieves the world’s highest fuel economy, running 35 km on a liter of gas (10・15 mode/5-speed transmission).
With the combination of the Honda IMA system, the newly developed 1.3-liter, i-DSI cylinder idling VTEC engine, the DC brushless motor, and of the Honda Multimatic S, the model achieves among the highest fuel economy for mass-production gasoline-powered vehicles for 5 passengers, running 29.5 km on a liter of gas (10 •15 mode).
Equipped with the DOHC i-VTEC engine, the model achieves the highest fuel economy in the class, running 14.2 km on a liter of gas (10 •15 mode).
Improvement by 30%, exceeding the objective of improving average fuel economy by approximately 25% (in March 2002)*
The progress of the transmission
1 9 9 5 2 0 0 0>> Continuously variable transmission >> Automatic transmission
In combination with the 3-stage VTEC engine, the transmission improves the fuel economy of automobiles by 20% compared with those equipped with traditional transmissions.
IMA system
1999 The Insight, running 35 km on a liter of gas 2001 The CIVIC Hybrid, running 29.5 km on a liter of gas
Honda is reducing the emission of CO2, which causes global warming, by improving the fuel economy of its vehicles in all the classes. We have improved the fuel economy by 30%, exceeding the objective of improving the average fuel economy by approximately 25% by 2005 (in March 2002).
Improvement of average fuel economy
＋25%
The STREAM, running 14.2 km on a liter of gas
The ultimately compact engine intelligently and extremely precisely controls combustion.
DOHC i-VTEC By the use of twin plugs, which is revolutionary for a 1.3-liter engine, the engine comes close to the “ideal engine,” which is “fast and enables complete combustion.”
i-DSI engine
Through a combination of the i-DSI engine and Honda Multimatic, this model achieves the world’s highest fuel economy.
The Fit, running 23 km on a liter of gas
Application of “i-series” engines to various classes
Honda MultimaticWith higher efficiency, the transmission improves the fuel economy of automobiles by 8% compared with those equipped with the Honda Multimatic.
Honda Multimatic SCompared with the Accord equipped with a 4-speed AT (put on sale in 1998),the fuel economy is improved by approximately 7%.
Direct-control 5-speed AT*
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
1996 1997 1998 1999 200120001995
Change in the average fuel economy
(Fiscal year)
* 10 •15 modes
Hybrid Technologies
and a motor as an auxiliary power source. The
Insight, with this system, runs 35 km (10 •15
mode) on a liter of gas, which represents the
world’s highest fuel economy for a mass-
production gasoline-powered vehicle. The
Insight was ranked as No. 1 in the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s fuel
economy ranking consecutively for four years
(as of October 2002).
Furthermore, in 2001, we released the
CIVIC Hybrid installed with the new Honda
IMA system. We are thus applying higher fuel
economy technologies to our standard
products, contributing to environmental
improvement through our products chosen by
a greater number of customers in various
product categories.
Automobiles
17
*AT: Automatic transmission
* Target for Japan
Annoucement of thenew-generation, 2-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine “i-VTEC”
*
1 9 9 7
Honda believes that the value of environment-
friendly technologies will increase through the
use of such techologies by a greater number
of people. Based on this belief, we have been
developing alternative energy vehicles giving
the first priority to the improvement of their
performance to make it comparable to that of
vehicles currently available on the market,
including speed, accelerating ability, and
safety in the event of a collision. For example,
we started to develop the technologies for
electric vehicles (EVs) in the latter half of the
1980’s and released the Honda EV Plus in
1996 and the natural gas-powered CIVIC GX
in 1997. Subsequently in 2000, we released
the remodeled and improved CIVIC GX as the
New CIVIC GX. All of these products embody
Honda’s efforts to achieve a performance
comparable to that of traditional models,
including a longer cruising range and more
space for passengers. Further, since 1990, we
have been participating in a world solar car
race as a challenge to new technologies. The
race provided us with an opportunity to
increase the sophistication of various tech-
nologies for higher energy efficiency and provide
feedback to EV technologies. We utilize the
technologies accumulated through diversified
methods in combination for the development
of fuel cell electric vehicles.
Honda unveiled experimental fuel cell electric
vehicles named the “FCX-V1” and “FCX-V2,”
and their prototype “FCX” in 1999. This
vehicle uses fuel cells as its power source.
The chemical reaction between hydrogen and
oxygen, whose principle is just the opposite
of the electrolysis of water, creates electrici-
ty that runs the motor. Fuel cells generate
electricity by a chemical reaction that oc-
curs at a low temperature, and the energy
conversion efficiency is as high as 60%. In
addition, the reaction produces only water
and generates almost no CO or NOx. Honda
has been developing two types of fuel cell
electric vehicles: one is a type that uses pure
hydrogen as fuel, stored in a hydrogen-
absorbing alloy, and the other is a type that
uses methanol as raw material and retrieves
hydrogen from the methanol using a reformer.
In 2000, Honda released the FCX-V3 that
installed a stack manufactured by Balard and
used high-pressure hydrogen as fuel. The
riding capacity was improved from two to four
by downsizing the system. In 2001, the FCX-
Developing new-generation vehicles based on a complete understanding of the characteristics of alternative energies
Electric vehicle Experimental fuel cell electric vehicles
Experimental fuel cell electric vehicle
New-type Dream
Natural gas vehicle
FCX-V2
FCX-V1
1 Honda EV Plus, which is powered by natural gas
2 Development of fuel cell electric vehicles as the FCX Series 3 Launch of FCX-V3 test runs
on public roads
Practical use of alternative energies
Motor drive technology
High-pressure gas storing technology
Honda has been participating in the World Solar Challenge. The model won massive victories in the competitions held in 1993 and 1996.
FCX-V3More suitable for practical use with improved accelerating ability from standstill and higher fuel economy
Type that uses pure hydrogen as fuel, which is stored in a hydrogen-absorbing alloy
Type that retrieves hydrogen from methanol by the use of a reformer
Honda EV PlusIn 10.15 mode, the model runs 220 km on a single charge. Its specially designed body is roomy enough to seat four adults comfortably.
CIVIC GXThe model reduces CO2 exhaust emissions by approximately 20% compared with gasoline-powered vehicles. Further, it nearly eliminates CO, HCs, and NOx from the exhaust gas.
New CIVIC GXThe model features a newly designed engine, longer cruising range, and more space for passengers.(Put on sale in 2001)
Energy management technology for the Insight
High-pressure gas storing technology
Next-generation technology target:◎To introdue fuel cell electric vehicles into the market by 2002
18
1 9 9 0 1 9 9 9 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 3
Practical Use of Alternative Energies
Use of Clean Energy Vehicles in Our Daily Lives for the FutureHonda, to popularize clean energy vehicles characterized with extremely low CO2 and other emissions, has improved the performance of electric and natural gas vehicles. Also, by utilizing the technologies accumulated in the development process, we promoted the practical use of fuel cell vehicles. In July 2002, our fuel cell vehicle became the first in the world to obtain an approval for commercialization from the U.S. government. Furthermore, we obtained an approval for the car also in Japan and started its sales in a limited quantity both in Japan and the U.S.
V4, which is an experimental fuel cell electric
vehicle achieving a maximum speed of 140
km/h and a cruising range on a single charge
of 315 km, which are comparable to the
performance of vehicles available on the
market, was developed. We have already
started test runs on the public roads for the
FCX-3 and FCX-V4, both in the U.S. and in
Japan. We are also developing peripheral
technologies, including the experimental
operation of a hydrogen production and
fueling station, which produces hydrogen
through the use of solar power without
emitting CO2.
Honda continued the development of the FCX
to intraduce it in to the market at the end of
2002. As a result, in July 2002, the FCX became
the first car in the world to obtain an approval
for commercialization from the U.S.
government. In October of the same year,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reached a
basic agreement with the city of Los Angeles on
the world’s first sale of fuel cell vehicles. Also in
Japan, the FCX was approved by the Minister of
Land, Infrastructure and Transport in November,
and the leasing of the vehicle was started both
in the U.S. and in Japan in December 2002.
Honda is determined to further develop the FCX
as a next-generation clean vehicle.
4 Obtaining approval to commercialize The FCX, and starting its limited sale both in the U.S. and in Japan
Honda established a hydrogen production and fueling station within its research institute in Los Agneles in the U.S. to generate hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles from water by the use of solar energy. It started experimental operation in July 2001. The station utilizes solar power in order not to emit CO2 in the process from the production and saving to the supply of hydrogen. At the station, solar cells are used to generate electricity and the electricity is used to extract hydrogen from water. The extracted hydrogen is pressurized and supplied to fuel cell vehicles, and recycled as water.
Hydrogen manufacturing and supply station
FCX-V4With a more compact power unit, the cruising range is prolonged from 180 km to 315 km. To be comparable to the performance of models available in the market, the performance of the model was improved regarding the maximum speed, acceleration, and safety in case of collision. FCX
In July 2002, the FCX becomes the first fuel cell electric vehicle in the world to obtain EPA and CARB certifications required for sales in the U.S. It achieves a powerful accelerating ability from standstill, a maximum running speed of 150 km/h, and a cruising range of 355 km through the improvement of the motor torque performance by approximately 15% from that of the experimental FCX-V4, as well as by the improvement of the medium-and high-speed output characteristics.
Introducing a fuel cell electric
vehicle in to the market
Automobiles
19
2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 3
Air supply system
Conceptual diagram of the fuel cell electric vehicle
Using clean energy for producing hydrogen
Fuel cell stack
Humidification
Humidification
Drive motor High-pressurehydrogen tank
Cooling system
Ultracapacitor
1 9 9 8
The world’s first exhaust emissions
regulations for motorcycles were adopted in
the United States in 1978. Since then, other
countries have followed suit. Japan has
introduced motorcycle exhaust emission
regulations in stages since 1998. Even before
such regulations were established, Honda
has been developing its very own technolo-
gies to achieve cleaner exhaust gases. These
technologies are used in a variety of its motor-
cycles.
For example, with the PGM-FI, which is a
light and compact fuel injection system that
provides optimal air-fuel ratio, we have
achieved cleaner combustion. Furthermore,
we introduced a secondary air injection
system to inject fresh air into the exhaust gas
immediately after it is discharged from
the combustion chamber to promote the
combustion of unburned gas. In 1998, we
equipped the VFR800FI (made for the
European market) with a 3-way catalytic
converter system called HECS3, which
Honda developed independently. As a
result, we have complied with the exhaust
emissions regulations in Europe, the U.S.,
and Japan, achieving emissions far below
the regulation standards.
To introduce exhaust gas cleaning
technologies for automobiles to compact
motorcycles, we needed to solve a number
of problems in terms of technologies and
cost. Despite these difficulties, Honda has
been transferring its advanced technologies,
such as PGM-FI, to motorcycles, first
targeting large motorcycles and then
gradually expanding the target to include
smaller ones. For example, the SILVER
WING, released in 2000, is equipped with
PGM-FI for the first time as a 600 cc model,
which has reduced the CO and HC contain-
ed in the exhaust gas to approximately
half of the regulation standards.
Honda has also been making efforts to
achieve cleaner exhaust gases for scooters,
which are popular as a simple means of
transportation and are sold in large quan-
tities. For example, in 1998, we adopted the
oxidation catalyzer that we independently
developed to the LEAD to reduce its CO and
HC emissions to half or one-third of those
Exhaust gas cleaning technologies for scooters
V F R 8 0 0 F ICombined use of three exhaust �gas cleaning technologies
1 9 9 9
idlestop
1 9 5 1 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 5
Advanced exhaust gas cleaningtechnologies for high performance motorcycles
1
Adoption of exhaust gas cleaning technologies in larger to smaller motorcycles
2
*Average of total emissions in Japan, the U.S., Europe, and Thailand
Advanced exhaust gas cleaningtechnologies for motorcycles
HECS3
Secondary air injection system
PGM-FI
Exhaust gas cleaning technologies for large motorcycles
First compliance with the domestic exhaust emissions regulations for motorized bikes with engines by the adoption of more efficient 2-stroke engines and oxidation catalyzers
LEADAdoption of a water-cooled 4-stroke 50 cc engine Adoption of the world’s first “idle stop system” for a mass-produced motorcycle in the GIRONO Crea Deluxe
GIORNO Crea
Mainly developing clean, fuel efficient, and quieter 4-stroke engines
Traditional use of 4-stroke engines since its adoption in the Dream E model
Further increase in the number of scooters in which 4-stroke engines
(“Clean 4” engines) are used
○HECS3*: (3-way catalytic converter system)Remarkably reduces the CO, HC, and NOx contents of exhaust gases by combining the 3-way catalyzer with the O2 sensor that precisely controls the air-fuel ratio for cleaner fuel combustion.* Honda Evolutional Catalyzing System 3
○Secondary air injection systemSends air to the exhaust port to combine oxygen with exhaust gas. This promotes the combustion of unburned gas to reduce CO and HC emissions.�○PGM-FI (Programmed fuel injection) systemAn electronic control unit (ECU) controls the air-fuel ratio according to operational situations and thereby reduces the emission of air pollutants.
Introduction of “Clean 4”* technologies to scooters to make their exhaust gases cleaner
3
20
Cleaner exhaust gas target for 2005:◎Reduction of total HC emissions from new Honda motorcycles to one-third by 2005 (compared with the 1995 levels)*
Cleaner Exhaust Gas
Applying 4-Stroke Engines to All Types of Motorcycles, from Large Motorcycles to ScootersHonda, since its foundation, has been developing motorcycles equipped with 4-stroke engines that are clean and excellent in fuel economy. In recent years, we have accelerated the application of 4-stroke engines to scooters, including the GIORNO Crea. Also, we decided to expand the application of programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) systems that had been limited to large motorcycles, including the application to cheaper 50cc products by 2005. Thus we are promoting the improvement of environmental performance for all the classes.
from the previous model.
Starting with the GIORNO Crea, equipped
with a water-cooled 4-stroke 50 cc engine
released in June 1999, we have also been
introducing our advanced exhaust gas
cleaning technologies to scooters, naming
4-stroke engines characterized with four
advantages (clean, silent, economical, and
tough) “Clean 4.” We have applied water-
cooled 50 cc engines to scooters, although
the adoption of such engines is said to be
difficult for scooters with small displace-
ments. Combined with the adoption of very
small air injection systems, the CO and HC
emissions from these scooters have been
reduced to approximately half of the
regulation standards. To reduce exhaust
emissions and to improve fuel economy, we
are also dynamically introducing the “idle
stop system,” which automatically stops the
engine when the motorcycle comes to a
standstill (e.g. at traffic lights) and restarts
the engine when the rider opens the throttle.
Although the PGM-FI system is indispen-
sable for automobiles, the application of this
system is limited to large motorcycles be-
cause it is difficult to apply it to cheaper
motorcycles in terms of cost and technol-
ogy. Despite the difficulty, Honda is
determined to apply the PGM-FI system to
some of its 50 cc models by 2005 as part of
its efforts to set the standards for motor-
cycles in the 21st century.
2 0 0 12 0 0 0 2 0 0 2
Adopting PGM-FI in 50 cc models
Application of 4-stroke �engines to motorcyles
*
idlestop
idlestop
2 0 0 3 2 0 0 5
Sale of 125 cc and 150 cc scooters equipped with PGM-FI in Europe in the spring of 2003Gradual adoption of the system in small scooters also in Asia (including Japan)
300 cells100 cells
For the GOLD WING, which was fully remodeled in August 2001, and the VFR, fully remodeled in January 2002, we have achieved cleaner exhaust gases by greatly increasing the number of cells in the HECS3 3-way catalytic converter system from 100 to 300 cells. As a result, their CO and HC emissions are now one-tenth of the domestic regulation standards and NOx one-fourth, which represents the world’s highest environmental performance.
The system employs electronic controls to automatically stop the engine when the motorcycle comes to a standstill, such as at traffic lights. When the rider opens the throttle, the engine restarts and allows the rider to proceed. Due to the system, fuel economy has been improved by approxi-mately 5.1% compared with models not equip-ped with this device. (Measured by Honda based on the assumption that the motor-cycles are running in urban areas.)
Many models are equipped with the idle stop system, including the GIORNO Crea Deluxe, the Crea Scoopy i, the FORZA S, and the FORZA ST.
The engine automatically stops when the motorcycle
comes to a standstill.
When the rider opens the throttle, the engine smoothly restarts and
allows the rider to proceed.
GOLD WING
New VFR
FORZA S
More advanced exhaust gas cleaning technology for the new GOLD WING and the VFR
0 0.5 1.0
Cleaner exhaust gas (g/km)
New VFRVFR 2001 model
CO
HC
NOx
idlestop Idle stop system
idlestop
Crea Scoopy i SMART-Dio Deluxe
Equipped with PGM-FI for the first time as a 600 cc model
The SILVER WING
Clean 4 : “Clean” (efficient gasoline combustion), “Economy” (high fuel economy), “Silent” (high quietness), and “Tough” (high durability)
Applying the PGM-FI system to 50 cc motorcycles
4
21
Motorcycles
1) Measured internally by Honda at a specified driving mode (ECE R40) 2) Measured at a constant speed of 30 km/h
As the “Clean 4” series, Honda is introducing
scooters with high environmental performance
into the market. One of the important themes
for these scooters is “economy” or the
improvement of fuel efficiency. The Crea
Scoopy, released two years after the GIORNO
Crea in 1999, represents Honda’s efforts for
further improvements of the new models for
fuel economy.
Honda adopted a newly developed water-
cooled, 4-stroke 50 cc engine for the GIORNO
Crea. The water cooling system stabilizes
combustion and improves the compression
ratio, thereby contributing to higher fuel
economy. The Crea Scoopy, through improve-
ment of the 4-stroke 50 cc engine and of
various devices, including the starter, has been
made more compact. Further, Honda has used
computer technology to optimize the
specifications of engine components, has
improved the precision of the machining
technologies and reduced friction to increase
the output and improve fuel economy. To
further improve fuel economy, we are now
developing a small fuel injection system for
motorcycles to optimize the air-fuel ratio, and
are making efforts for the practical use of
various technologies to provide more
advanced scooters.
The reduction of body weight greatly
contributes to the improvement of fuel
economy. In September 1998, Honda, jointly
with its other cooperative suppliers,
developed a welded structure made of
aluminum die cast and extruded aluminum
materials (this technology is known to be
difficult), and in the same year adopted highly
rigid aluminum die-cast frames for the CBR
600F. These frames were subsequently
applied to other models, including the
GIORNO Crea. For the Crea Scoopy, the
frames for the GIORNO Crea were applied to
the front part after making some modifications
to the frames and new frames were designed
for the rear part to further reduce the body
weight. Also, the material for the radiator tank
was changed to resin. As a result, the entire
body weight has been reduced by 6 kg.
Further improvement �
of fuel economy
3
Progress in technologies for higher fuel economy
Technologies to make motorcycles lighter and more compact
Technology to reduce friction
>> ACG starterThe ACG starter used for scooters has been improved and its weight reduced by adopting a new operating method.>> Highly rigid aluminum die-cast frameFor the GIORNO Crea, we have reduced the weight through the adoption of highly rigid aluminum die-cast frames. Furthermore, for the Crea Scoopy, we have achieved a further weight reduction by using the frames developed for the GIRONO Crea for the front part, after making some modifications to the frame, and by designing new frames for the rear part.>> Resin radiator tankWe have adopted resin as the material for the radiator tank.
We have reduced friction by optimizing the specifications of engine parts using computers and by improving the precision of machining technologies.
Highly rigid aluminum die-cast frame
Resin radiator tank
1 9 9 9 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 5
*Average fuel economy for Japan, the U.S., Europe, and Thailand
1) Measured internally by Honda at a specified driving mode (ECE R40) 2) Measured at a constant speed of 30 km/h
Fuel economy improvement target for 2005:◎To improve the average fuel economy* by 30% or more by 2005 (compared with 1995 levels)
Improvement of Fuel Economy
Continuous Development of Technologies to Improve Fuel Economy, Focusing on Motorcycles with the Fuel Efficient 4-Stroke EnginesSince its sale in 1958, the Super Cub has been loved by people all over the world. With its history of evolution and improvement that extends over 40 years, this product has achieved a high fuel economy, running 75.4 km1)–130 km2) on a liter of gas. Honda has been improving the fuel economy of its motorcycles and scooters, mainly focusing on 4-stroke engine technologies, to provide a satisfactory lineup of products with less CO2 emissions and better economical efficiency.
World’s first water-cooled 50 cc engine. The installation of the water cooling system on a 50 cc engine is made possible by downsizing and integrating the cooling system components. Various technologies, including the more compact combustion chamber, have contributed to the improvement of fuel economy.
Water-cooled, 4-stroke 50 cc engine
The model is equipped with a more efficient and more compact engine. The body weight is reduced by the improvement of components and of the die-cast frame.
Crea Scoopy (75.0 km/l 2))
This model is equipped with a newly developed water-cooled, 4-stroke 50 cc engine as well as with the idle stop system (for the first time as a 50 cc motorcycle).
GIORNO Crea (51.8 km/l 1)/71.3 km/l 2))
Weight reduction, downsizing, and friction reduction technologies
Through these technologies, the weight of the engine alone has been reduced by 4 kg and the weight of the entire body by 6 kg.
From the GIORNO Crea to the Crea Scoopy
1 Improvement of the water-cooled, 4-stroke 50 cc engine
2
Improvement for the reduction of body weight
22
Honda has been developing electricity-
powered scooters since the latter half of the
1980s. In 1994, we released a small scooter
called the CUV ES as an electric scooter
adopting a low-vibration DC brushless motor
that produces very little operating noise. The
built-in charger can recharge the battery on
household 100-V power supply and the
scooter runs 60 km on a single charge,
which takes eight hours.
Since the release of the CUV ES, we
have been continuously pursuing the pos-
sibilities for new-generation motorcycles and
have introduced various experimental
motorcycles at motor shows, etc.
In 1995, Honda released an electric motor-
assisted bicycle, the RACOON, which uses
electricity as an auxiliary power source. In
1998, we released the RACOON COMPO,
adopting highly rigid aluminum frames. The
RACOON COMPO is made foldable by the
reduction of the battery weight. In 2000, we
totally remodeled the RACOON to reduce its
weight by 3.5 kg compared with the previous
model. Furthermore, in 2001, we released
the STEP COMPO, further improving the
RACOON by the addition of an “ECO mode.”
The cruising range of the STEP COMPO is
almost double compared with that of the
RACOON COMPO.
Honda will provide the products with little
environmental impact that meet the various
needs of society by aggressively developing
products that use alternative energies, such
as electricity.
Electricity-powered motorcycles
Noise reduction measures for motorcycles
Noise reduction technologies used for the VFR
Air intake system・ Larger air cleaner capacity・ Two-chamber structure・ Air intake resonator
Engine・ Improved gear accuracy・ New combustion chamber shape・ Noise-proof engine cover
Vibrating system・ Rubber engine mount
Sound prooting and sound absorbingin aterials
Air exhaust system・ Larger muffler capacity・ High capacity sound-abatement system・ Use of glass wool・ Use of punching divider
Driving system・ Lighter chain・ Low-noise tire tread pattern・ Morris damper for drive and driven sprockets
2 0 0 5
1 9 9 8 2 0 0 11 9 9 4
Electric scooter
Technologies to Pursue New Possibilities for Motorcycles
Focusing on Alternative Energies for Creating New Lifestyles and New PleasuresHonda, in the pursuit of new possibilities for motorcycles, has been developing and releasing products that use energy sources other than gasoline. For example, we released an electric scooter using electricity, which has attracted much attention as a clean energy vehicle, and subsequently unveiled concept models for the next generation. Also, we are increasing our lineup of electric motor-assisted bicycles, which are becoming quite popular.
Charged by a 100-V power supply. The model runs 60 km on a single charge, which takes eight hours.
CUV ES
Released as a transportation method with little environmental impact. The model has increased the possibilities for motorcycles. Anyone can easily operate and enjoy it.
Electric motor-powered commuter scooter introduced as a concept model at the Tokyo Motor Show.
RACOON
MOBIMOBA
e-DAX
The first electric motor-assisted bicycle that adopts the aluminum die-cast monocoque frame. The cruising range is almost doubled compared with the RACOON COMPO.
STEP COMPO
The first electric motor-assisted bicycle that can be folded.
RACOON COMPO
Electric scooter CUV ES1
Lineup of electric motor-assisted bicycles
2
Engine>> Through the adoption of the V4 VTEC engine, two of the four valves are suspended at low rpm. This lowers the sound pressures level inside the combustion chamber.>> A silent chain drive was adopted for the camshaft.
The newly developed “Silent Cross Chain” and a drive sprocket developed specially for the chain are utilized.
Drive system>>
Electric motor-assisted
bicycle
Analyzing various noise sources and implementing careful noise reduction measuresHonda employs a computer-assisted sound source analysis technology to promote research for the prevention of any noise from motor-cycles. Based on accumulated research results, we succeeded in realizing significant noise re-duction for the LEAD and the VTR 250, released in January 1998. These models complied with Japan’s noise regulations enacted in October 1998, ahead of other models. In the remodeling process, we have been taking further noise re-duction measures, including the reduction of noise from the drive chains and tires.
Noise reduction
Motorcycles
�
23
1 9 9 4 1 9 9 7 2 0 0 01 9 9 8 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 8
Used in everyday life and often in the natural
environment, power products must be “clean,
easy to use, tough, and durable.” To this end,
Honda has been using 4-stroke engines for all
its power products from the outset, believing
that 4-stroke engines are the best choice due
to their excellent environmental performance
in terms of exhaust gas, fuel economy, and
operating noise. Since the beginning of the
1990s, power products have been required
to be environment-friendly against the back-
drop of worldwide enhanced environmental
awareness. Following this trend, we have
continued to make numerous improvements
to our products, based on the use of
environment-friendly 4-stroke engines. As a
result, our power products have achieved
emission levels far below the levels set by the
following regulations: the Boden Lake
regulations set in Europe for outboard
engines, and the EPA and CARB (California
Air Resources Board) regulations set in the
U.S. for multipurpose engines.
One of the well-known exhaust emission
regulations for outboard engines is the Boden
Lake regulations, which were put into effect in
Europe in 1993. To meet these regulations,
Honda input technologies to make the air-fuel
mixture leaner and to optimize ignition timing.
One year earlier than the enforcement of the
regulations, we released a number of out-
board engines that met these regulations.
In the U.S., the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) has enforced marine engine
exhaust emissions regulations, which are to
become increasingly strict in phases from
1998 to 2006. All 17 models in Honda’s
outboard engine lineup have already met the
2006 standards of the EPA regulations. We
are further expanding our clean exhaust
outboard engine lineup and improving their
performance. For example, in 2000, we
released the BF8/BF9.9, which is the world’s
lightest 4-stroke outboard engine with the
highest durability in its class and has
achieved emission levels far below the
standards set by the CARB 2008 standards.
Furthermore, in 2001, we released the world’s
largest outboard engine, the BF225, as one
that represents our efforts to make a “high
quality, 4-stroke outboard engine that is both
user and environment friendly and econom-
ical.” This engine complies with the 2008 CARB
standards.
1) EPA: Environmental Protection Agency 2) CARB: California Air Resources Board
Regulations for outboard engines
The e-spec mark is placed on every Honda power product that meets the EPA'sfinal emission standards, which are the strictest in the world.
All products shown in the timeline have this
mark.
CARB 2000 Tier 2 regulations (below 65cc)
Enforcement of the Boden Lake Stage 2 regulations (from 1996)
The U.S. EPA marine engine exhaust emission regulations (1998–2006)
Boden Lake regulationsRelease of nine models in compliance with the Stage 1 regulations (enforced in 1993)
Exhaust emissions regulations for multipurpose engines
The world’s first multipurpose, 4-stroke engines that can be operated at any angle in any directionThese models achieve clean exhaust gas and almost double the fuel economy compared with their 2-stroke counterparts.
GX22/GX31
This model achieves emission levels far below the 2006 standards (final goal) of the U.S. EPA1) marine engine exhaust emissions regulations.
BF130
Improved models of the outboard engine widely used for a variety of vessels including those for starters and professionalsThese models achieve emission levels far below the CARB2) 2008 standards, which are even stricter than the EPA 2006 standards.
BF8/BF9.9
To comply with the world’s strictest environmental regulations
1
Lineup of “clean and high quality” outboard engines
2
2 0 0 2
24
*Average emission levels worldwide
Exhaust gas cleaning target for 2005:◎To reduce the average exhaust emissions of HC and NOx by approximately 30% (compared with 1995)*
Cleaner Exhaust Gas
Compliance with the World’s Strictest Exhaust Emissions Regulations with Power Products that Can Be Used Safely in Different SituationsUsed in everyday life and often in the natural environment, power products must be “clean, easy to use, tough, and durable.” To meet these requirements, Honda has been using 4-stroke engines with excellent environmental performance for all its power products from the outset.
Since the beginning of the 1990s, power products have been required to meet various environmental regulations. In response, Honda has applied its environmental technologies also to its power products. We have released a wider range of products that comply with the world’s more strict exhaust emission regulations.
Compliance with the world’s standards
Working environments that require clean energy products�・ Ill-ventilated places・ Long time use of the products
Efforts to achieve �cleaner exhaust emissions
2 0 0 1
Compliance with the CARB 2008 standards, the world’s strictest marine engine
exhaust emissions regulations
Products using clean energies
Cleaner exhaust gas from BF8 (HC+NOx)
Cleaner exhaust gas from BF225 (HC+NOx)
Supporting various activities with clean energy
Proposing clean energy products generating few hazardous substances
2 0 0 5 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 8
In 1995, for the first time in the world,
California introduced exhaust emissions
regulations for power products. In response,
Honda has been improving the clean
performance of its power products with the
goal of meeting the final standards of such
regulations, which are to be strengthened in
phases. By the end of 2001, we complied
with the EPA Phase 2 regulations, which
are currently the strictest environmental
regulations in the world, for all our power
products. These products are now available
both within and outside Japan.
For example, in the past, most handheld
hedge trimmers were powered by 2-stroke
engines. As exhaust emissions regulations
were strengthened, however, there were
increasing expectations for the use of 4-
stroke engines that offered superior envi-
ronmental performance. In 1997, to meet
such expectations, Honda released the
GX22/GX31 as the world’s first 4-stroke
engines that could be operated at any angle
in any direction. Compared with their 2-stroke
counterparts, the HC emissions from 4-stroke
engines were reduced to one-tenth and the
fuel economy was almost doubled. Further,
by the adoption of the “compact OHV” and
“uni-block cylinder” technologies, the unit
weights of the engines were kept to almost
the same as those of the 2-stroke ones. In
April 2002, we released the world’s lightest
handheld engine, the GX25. This model
complies with the EPA Phase 2 regulations,
which are said to be the world’s strictest, as
well as with the CARB Tier 2 regulations. Also
in January 2001, we entirely upgraded the
small tiller “Komame” to comply with the EPA
Phase 2 and CARB Tier 2 regulations.
A lot of power products are used in various
working environments as devices to support
operations. Honda, in order to provide
products that contribute to the improve-
ment of working environments, has been
developing power products using cleaner
natural gas and electricity while also making
gas emitted from gasoline-powered products
cleaner. For example, we applied in-wheel
motors using electricity to electric motor-
assisted wheelbarrows and self-propelled
carts for harvesting leaf tobacco. (The leaves
covering the fields tend to confine the exhaust
gas within the fields.) In 2002, Honda’s GX390
compressed natural gas-powered engine was
adopted by a wholesale market in Sapporo
City for trucks used inside the market.
>> The small natural gas-powered GX390 engine Small, compressed natural gas-powered 4-stroke engine developed as the engine for trucks to be used within wholesale markets to transport fresh food, etc. CO and HC emissions have been greatly reduced compared with gasoline-powered engines. The model has been adopted by a wholesale market in Sapporo City as the engine for the trucks used inside the market.
>> The electric motor-assisted wheelbarrow HPE60 “Nekomaru”The electric motor-assisting technology adopted for the RACOON has been utilized. The wheelbarrow reduces the work load for transporting goods in ill-ventilated or unpaved areas.
Achievement of the target (reduction of average emissions by approximately 30%)
BF225 13.17
10 15
（g/kWh）
20 25 30 35 40
Achieving cleaner exhaust gasses from marine engines
Old BF8New BF8
35.717.9
10 15
（g/kWh）
20 25 30 35 40
CARB 2008 standards
CARB 2008 standards
2001Compliance with the present strictest CARB Tier 2 and EPA Phase 2 regulations for all the models, which are now available all over the world
The U.S. CARB marine engine exhaust emissions regulations (2001, 2004, and 2008 standards)
This model achieves high reliability and durability with its light and compact body. It complies with the world’s strictest EPA Phase 2 regulations.
GX100
The tiller complies with the EPA Phase 2 and CARB Tier 2 regulations, which are the world’s strictest exhaust emission standards.
Small tiller “Komame”
This model complies with the EPA Phase 2 regulations and CARB Tier 2 regulations at the top level in the classes*.* EPA: Class 1-A, CARB: 65 cc or below
Small multipurpose engine GX25
Equipped with the GX100Generator EU16i
This model achieves emission levels far below the EPA 2006 standards. Furthermore it complies with the CARB 2008 standards for the first time as a large-sized outboard engine.
BF225
Earlier compliance with regulations for multipurpose engines
3Improving the working environment with clean energy products
4
CARB Tier 2 (65–225cc: horizontal, 225cc or above)EPA Phase 2 (below 100cc: hand held) EPA Phase 2 (below 50cc: hand held)
EPA Phase 2 (100–225cc: new)
EPA Phase 2 (50cc or above: hand held)
EPA Phase 2 (100–225cc: continued)
CARB Tier 2 (65–225cc: vertical)
Power Products
2 0 0 22 0 0 2
25
Improvedby 30%
Improvedby 20%
Improvedby 10%
Improvedby 100%
4-stroke side valve
BF9.9
EM1500 (output equipment)
HS1390Z
Honda’s 4-stroke engines, which have a long
history, have been further improved for better
performance. By the adoption of advanced
technologies such as electronically controlled
ignition and lean-burn combustion systems,
our power products equipped with 4-stroke
engines are now more energy saving. The
outboard engine BF9.9, which was fully
remodeled in 2000, provides a performance
equivalent to its previous model, despite the
reduction of the displacement from the
traditional 288cc to 222cc, which has led to
the downsizing of the product as a whole by
20%. As a result of adopting a cross-flow
center plug, a hemispherical combustion
chamber, highly precise digital ignition timing
control, and lean-burn combustion
technologies, fuel economy has been
improved by 30% compared with the previous
model, achieving both high output and high
fuel economy.
For the inverter generator EU16i, released in
2001, we adopted our own high-speed, multi-
way alternator, which has made the product
approximately 30% lighter than the previous
model, although maintaining the same output.
Furthermore, the adoption of a highly efficient
inverter and an eco-throttle has enabled
control of the engine rotating speed to be kept
in accord with the capacity of the machine
equipped with the generator, thereby pre-
venting unnecessary fuel consumption. With
these environmental technologies applied
to EU16i, we have achieved a 20% improve-
ment in fuel economy compared with the
previous model.
Furthermore, Honda sometimes chooses
to downsize engine displacement for the
improvement of fuel economy. For example,
for the Komame F220, a tiller remodeled in
2001, we have adopted a new 57cc OHV
engine instead of the 90 cc side-valve engine
traditionally used for the product. By develop-
ing the technology to achieve a higher output
with a smaller displacement, the fuel economy
of the Komame F220 has been almost doubled
compared with the previous model.
The snow blower Snowra i HS1390i,
released in 2001, is the world’s first hybrid
snow blower: the snow blower apparatus is
driven by an engine, and the drive part is
powered by an electric motor. Given the
higher work efficiency and smoother operation
achieved by hybridization, the actual fuel
economy has been improved by approximate-
ly 10% over the previous model and the time
over which the machine can be operated has
been prolonged.
Accurate control systems and innovative ideas
2
1 9 8 0 1 9 8 3 1 9 8 7 1 9 9 5 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 22 0 0 2 2 0 0 5
Higher fuel economy
Ave. fuel economy up approx.30%
Fuel economy can be improved by achieving the same horsepower with a compact but more efficient engine. With improved fuel economy, the fuel tank can in turn be downsized, making the product lighter, more compact, and handy.
Technology to achieve a performance equivalent to
larger engines with a compact one
Fuel economy improvement target for 2005:◎To improve the average fuel economy by approximately 30% (compared with 1995 levels) by 2005
Improvement of Fuel Economy
Achieving Excellent Fuel Economy by Taking Advantage of 4-Stroke EnginesFor power products often used in business, fuel economy is one of the most important performance criteria. Honda has improved the fuel economy of outboard engines and generators by making full use of the 4-stroke engine technologies that it has been developing over many years. Also, it put on sale the world’s first hybrid snow blower, which has higher fuel economy than traditional ones, as one of its measures to promote the fuel economy of its power products.
Fuel economy by model
Technology to control fuel economy in a highly efficient manner
We have developed and adopted the technologies to control the fuel supply according to loads on the engine, including a programmed fuel injection system that optimizes the ignition timing and “eco-throttles.” We have also developed and adopted a hemispherical combustion chamber to get higher thermal efficiency and a carburetor with an accelerator pump. These fuel economy improve-ment technologies have made it possible to operate power products for longer durations.
We developed a special 4-stroke OHV engine for Komame and achieved the fuel consumption of 225cc per hour.
Small tiller “Komame”
With the BF9.9, we achieved the top level fuel economy in its class through the adoption of a carburetor with an accelerator pump that permitted lean-burn combustion, PGM-IG; a hemisphere combustion chamber, and a cross-flow center plug
Outboard engine BF9.9
We developed the lightest model in its class. The generator automatically controls the engine rotating speed according to the capacity of the machine equipped with the generator by the adoption of a highly efficient inverter and an eco-throttle.
Inverter generator EU16i
The world’s first hybrid snow blower. The snow blower apparatus that requires high levels of power is driven by an engine, and the drive part that needs to be carefully controlled is powered by an electric motor.
Hybrid snow blower Snowra i HS1390i
Further improvement of fuel economy by downsizing 4-stroke engines
1
�
26
Continuous noise reduction based on a full understanding of product characteristicsTo reduce the noise pollution caused by power products, it is basically necessary to adopt engines that have excellent low-noise features for these products. Honda, based on the use of the 4-stroke engines that have excellent quietness performance, has been applying OHC and OHV technologies to multipurpose engines, and downsizing the engines without reducing output. Further, we have adopted larger and higher performance air silencers and mufflers for outboard engines and tillers, respec-tively. We are implementing further measures for noise reduction, including the adoption of a double- soundproof structure for generators and the use of engine covers for tillers.
Noise reduction
・ 4-stroke engine・ Large air silencer・ Large idle chamber・ V-6 engine (for the BF225, BF200, and BF175)・ Water-cooled idle port・ Chamber (for the BF20 and BF15)
・ Eco-throttle・ Double-soundproof structure
・ Reduced displacement・ Large silent muffler・ Large air cleaner・ Soundproof engine cover
・ OHC mechanism・ Built-in timing belt・ Large muffler
Noise reduction for power products
Outboard engine Generator Tiller Multipurposeengine
Honda has been aggressively promoting
research and development for using
environment-friendly energies, and has
developed technologies for next-generation
lifestyles, including devices to improve energy
efficiency within people’s households. Based
on the know-how that we have accumulated,
we will continue to make various proposals to
support more people in leading environment-
friendly lives.
In 1998, Honda released a series of household
devices using clean energies, including the
GF160V, which was powered by natural gas
and was widely applicable as a power source,
and a household cogeneration system for
power generation and hot water supply. By
using natural gas as the fuel, CO2 and NOx
emissions were greatly reduced compared
with cases in which gasoline-powered
products were used. Further, with our natural
gas-powered products, we have achieved the
goal of “zero CFC-12.”
Furthermore, in 2001, we developed a
cogeneration unit for households and put it
into pilot operation in a number of households.
This unit generates electricity and heat with its
special sine wave inverter generator driven by
a natural gas-powered engine. The total
thermal efficiency for power generation and
hot water supply is 85%, and the unit is
expected to reduce CO2 emissions by
approximately 20% (according to calculations
made by Honda in comparison with thermal
power generation and gas-powered hot water
supply).
Honda has also been developing advanced
technologies to use solar energy. The
manufacturing of solar cells used for solar
power generation requires relatively large
amounts of energy and it is important to
reduce the environmental impacts of the
cells throughout their lifecycles. To meet
this requirement, Honda unveiled its
“next-generation thin film solar cells”
in 2002 and with these cells succeeded in
reducing the energy required for manufac-
turing to a fraction of that required for manufac-
turing traditional solar cells.
Development of next-generation household devices
2
1 9 9 8 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2
2 0 0 2 2 0 0 5
(Example: Hosoe Plant, Hamamatsu Factory, see page 35.)
Komame F210 (old)Komame F220 (new)
85.580
70 75 80 85 90
Noise level heard by an operator when using a standard rotor tiller (Surveyed by Honda)
dB(A)
Household devices using clean energies
1
Advanced technologies for using solar energy
3
Technologies for Next-Generation Lifestyles
Making Proposals for “Next Lifestyles” without Being Shackled by Traditional IdeasHonda develops technologies and manufactures products while paying attention to society’s development, including those occurring in people’s lifestyles. In 1998, we unveiled a cogeneration system for households, which utilizes the technologies that we have accumulated. Also in 2002, we unveiled next-generation thin film solar cells. We are thus always developing and proposing new technologies.
Technologies for next-generation lifestyles
The world’s smallest gasoline-powered engine. Utilizing Honda’s years of experience in developing highly efficient engine technolo-gies, it is compact and quiet, has a long life, and achieves clean emis-sions.
GF160V
The total thermal efficiency for power generation and hot water supply is 80%. The size has been reduced, for the first time in the world, to a compact size usable even in ordinary households.
Cogeneration system for households
The total thermal efficiency is 85%, and with the use of natural gas as fuel, it is expected that CO2 emissions will be reduced by approximately 20%.
Cogeneration unit for households
Through the use of non-silicon compounds as the main material, the energy used for manufacturing has been reduced to a fraction of that required for manufacturing traditional solar cells.
Next-generation thin film solar cells
Power Products
27
In 1998, Honda began the public operation
of the Intelligent Community Vehicle System
(ICVS), a new local transport system, at Twin
Ring Motegi in Tochigi Prefecture. The ICVS
allows the members of the system to jointly
use vehicles with small environmental
impacts and to use other transportation
modes according to their needs, and thereby
reduces the environmental impacts caused
by transportation. The introduction of the
ICVS is expected to lead to more efficient
use of public space, including parking lots,
and to a considerable reduction in traffic
congestion. Based on the ICVS concept,
Honda has been promoting the experimental
operation of various transport systems in
different areas of the world.
In March 2002, Honda started operation of
the ICVS in Singapore to further improve this
system for practical use. Within the central
business district of the country, we
established multiple ICVS ports for the
shared use of CIVIC Hybrids by the
members, who will utilize them for business
trips and for commutation in the morning
and evening.
Also, in Japan, we are promoting the
practical use of new local transport systems,
including the sale of “Honda Cycle Partner,”
which is a system for the shared use of
electric motor-assisted bicycles, mainly at
apartments in metropolitan areas.
1 9 9 8 1 9 9 9 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2
System for the Intelligent Community Vehicle System (ICVS)
Vehicles are picked up and returned at a single port.
Honda Cycle Partner
ICVS Singapore
UCR IntelliShare
Port
Port Port
Port Port
Destination
Station
Company Home
ICVS operation in Singapore2
CarLink Car Link II
Seeking New Vehicle Utilization Methods Around the WorldThe popularization of automobiles and the increasing use of private automobiles for transportation have resulted in serious traffic jams and lack of parking spaces. To solve these traffic problems, Honda is implementing the projects for new local transport systems called “ICVS” all over the world. Noting that a lot of vehicles are parked without being used in urban areas, we are promoting the shared use of automobiles for effective transportation within the areas, which will lead to more public space and smoother traffic. In the ICVS projects, we are pursuing the possibility of the effective use of resources and the improvement of the living environment, while ensuring the comfortable transportation by private cars.
Projects for new local transport systems
Demonstration of a new local transport system called ICVS was started at Twin Ring Motegi.
The pilot operation of a system for using natural gas vehicles was started jointly with the University of California, Davis (UC Davis).<Station car system>
The pilot operation of a system for using electric vehicles was started jointly with the University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside).<Multi-port system>
Honda Cycle Partner was developed as a system for the shared use of electric motor-assisted bicycles in apartment areas, etc.<Single-port system>
Public operation of an ICVS project was started in Singapore.<Multi-port system>
The pilot operation of a system for using CIVIC ULEVs was started jointly with the California Department of Transportation.<Station car system>
1. Single port systemVehicles are picked up and returned at ports established near stations for transport between homes and offices.
2. Station car systemSeveral ports are established in the area and vehicles can be picked up and returned at any of these ports.
3. Multi-port system
New local transport system ICVS1
28
New Local Transport Systems
Reduction of Environmental Impacts to Zero to Achieve Environment— Friendly Factories That Local People Can Be Proud of
Zero emission
2
29
We input a variety of resources and energy into our production
processes to manufacture products.
Honda is implementing measures to minimize the impact that its
production activities have on the global environment, improving
the working environment, and promoting symbiosis with local
communities around its factories in order to develop them into
“Green Factories” that local people can be proud of.
Also, we are conducting various environmental conservation
activities in cooperation with our suppliers of materials and parts,
encouraging them to obtain ISO 14001 certification.
Section 2 Production and Purchasing
Resources and energy
Environmental management
Comfortable production
activities
Symbiosis with society
GreenFactories
Onsite examination of actual situations
2
Efforts for recycling and zero landfill disposal
3
●Green factory measures
Themes: Issues:
Zero emission
Resource and energy saving
Environmental management
Comfortable production activities
Promotion of recycling
Reduction of waste
Reduction of air pollutants
Conservation of water quality
SludgeWaste tiresGeneral waste
Casting sandIron, aluminum, GlassFluorescent tubes Dry batteries
Waste wood
Composite resin Remnants
Waste oil Cutting fluid
1 9 9 5 1 9 9 7 1 9 9 91 9 9 9 2 0 0 02 0 0 0 2 0 0 2
30
Reduction of Waste
Zero Emission for the Effective Use of ResourcesHonda has been promoting “zero emission” to reduce waste generated from and environmental impacts caused by its factories to the minimum under its green factory project. In July 2000, by reducing the generation of waste and promoting recycling, we achieved “zero landfill disposal” at all of our plants in Japan. Also, we are aggres-sively implementing countermeasures against waste sources to reduce the total amount of waste generated.
Target for waste reduction◎Achievement of zero landfill disposal by 2001
Efforts for zero landfill disposal
Reduction of waste by 50% (compared with 1991 levels) at all factories
Launch of the green factory project
Reduction of waste to be incinerated
Achievement of zero landfill disposal by the Suzuka Factory
Achievement of zero waste at all factories
“Zero landfill disposal”1
“After materials are carried into a factory,
nothing but products should be carried out
from it.” This is the words of Honda’s
founder. In the production process, a
significant amount of resources and energy
are used, and not only products but also
waste products, wastewater, air pollutants,
and CO2 are generated. Honda, aiming to
reduce the environmental impacts caused
by these by-products to zero, has long
been implementing the measures for zero
emissions. As part of such measures, we
started to implement “zero landfill disposal”
measures in 1996 and achieved the objective
at all of our factories in July 2000. “Zero
landfill disposal” represents Honda’s
fundamental idea about the environment,
which has been promoted within the
company since its foundation.
As of 1996, Honda disposed of
approximately 7,000 tons of waste as landfill.
To reduce such waste to zero, we first
examined and analyzed the actual situation:
what kinds of waste were generated, and in
what ways, and why were they disposed of
as landfill. We analyzed these waste
problems in relation to our activities,
materials, technologies, and costs, and
planned practical measures to reduce all
waste. Our staff made many proposals for
waste reduction, including a method to
recycle even the labels attached to parts.
At most of our factories, pocket-sized
brochures detailing the waste items to be
sorted were prepared and everyone carries
these brochures with them to help with the
careful sorting of waste. It has been proved
that the careful sorting of waste leads to a
reduction of the loads imposed on waste
incinerators and to the reduction of dioxins
generated by incineration.
If we depended entirely upon external
recycling companies, it would not be
possible to achieve 100% recycling. We
have therefore been examining methods
to recycle materials that are said to be
unsuitable for recycling in cooperation with
our suppliers as well as with external
CanadaWaste reduction in the coating process
Incineration Incineration ash
Recycled as cement material
Recycled as paving materials
Reused as resources
Recycled as litter for plants
Reused as various resources
Reused repeatedly
Crushing
Separation and sorting
Disposal
1 9 9 9 2 0 0 0
31
New incinerator installed at the Suzuka Factory
Fiscal 1996 Fiscal 2001
7,000 tons
Zero
Achievement of “zero landfill disposal”
Introduction of a new incinerator
Efforts for zero landfill disposal at factories
Commitment to Zero Emission Manufacturing
In September 1999, the Suzuka Factory achieved “zero landfill waste” for the first time in the automobile industry. This was followed by the Saitama and Hamamatsu Factories in March 2000, and by the Tochigi and Kumamoto Factories in July 2000, and “zero landfill disposal” was achieved at all of Honda’s factories in Japan one and a half years earlier than planned.
This incinerator has greatly reduced the emission of dioxins to the level that meets the world’s strictest dioxins emissions standards, as enforced in Europe.
Incineration ash from an incinerator is sieved to remove foreign matter.
Waste casting sand is sorted to be reused as sand or for paving stones and blocks.
Crushed waste wood is used as litter to protect plants within the premises.
Cutting fluid dispersed in the form of mist in the cutting process is collected. Also, cutting fluid attached to chips generated in the cutting proc-ess is collected and reused after removing oil from it.
recycling companies. For example, we
developed a device to remove foreign matter
from incineration ash and improved this
again and again. As a result, approximately
2,100 tons of incineration ash, which had
previously been sent to landfills, were
recycled as a material for cement or as
paving materials (recycled as paving
materials after being fused and solidified).
Also, we have significantly increased the
recycling of waste oil, cutting fluid, and
composite resin remnants. Thus a large
amount of waste that was previously
destined for landfills, is now recycled.
For the achievement of “zero landfill
disposal,” each of Honda’s factories
simultaneously implemented their own
measures and any measures that proved to
be effective at one factory was aggressively
introduced to other factories to accelerate
achievement of our goals. As a result,
approximately one year earlier than planned
(in July 2000), “zero landfill disposal” was
achieved at all our factories in Japan. The
diagram shown above outlines our efforts to
attain this goal. Such efforts have also been
made at our factories overseas. For example,
at Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing Ltd.
(HUM) in the United Kingdom, the
amount of waste for landfills was
reduced to less than one-third compared
with the level of 1995 (60 kg/vehicle).
Thus Honda is promoting localized waste
reduction activities all over the world.
Implementation of localized measures both within and outside Japan
4
●Green factory measures
Switching to alternativefuels as anti-NOx and SOx measures
Conservation of water quality according to Honda’s voluntary standards
33
1 9 6 4 1 9 7 1
1 9 7 2
32
Conservation of Air, Water, and Soil Quality
Measures and New Technologies to Prevent Air and Water PollutionHonda has long been taking measures to prevent air and water pollution based on the principle of “preventing the generation of pollutants at the source.” We are preventing air pollution by introducing pollutant removing devices and pollutant emission reducing devices and by switching to cleaner fuels.
At the Hosoe Plant of the Hamamatsu Factory, unique measures are implemented for the conservation of water resources and water quality, including the adoption of a closed system for wastewater.
Themes: Issues:
Zero emission
Resource and energy saving
Environmental management
Comfortable production activities
Promotion of recycling
Reduction of waste
Reduction of air pollutants
Conservation of water quality
Measures to prevent air pollution
Measures to purify wastewater
Independent development of Japan’s first electric dust collector(to remove dust emitted from casting incinerators) (at the Sayama Plant of the Saitama Factory)
Circulative use of industrial water
Japan’s first general wastewater treatment plant that adopts the activated sludge method (at the Hamamatsu Factory)
The plant started its operations in 1971 and was improved in 2000 to reduce the disposed sludge to zero.
1970Establishment of a pollution measures headquarters (developed into an environment
promotion committee in 1979)
Prevention of air pollution at the source
1
2 Implementation of drastic anti-dioxin measures
In the 1970s, it was regarded as one of the
important objectives for companies to
prevent pollution. Accordingly, at Honda’s
plants, measures were promoted to prevent
air pollutants such as SOx (sulfur oxides), HC
(hydrocarbons), and NOx (nitrogen oxides)
from being generated in the combustion
of fuels as a heat source in the parts
manufacturing and heat treatment
processes, including the casting process.
Subsequently, measures to reduce dioxins
generated at the incineration of wastes were
also implemented. Presently, all plants are
making further efforts to reduce the
generation of pollutants and to deal
with volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
generated in the painting process. Over
many years, the plants have been
consistently taking anti-pollution measures
based on the principle of “preventing the
generation of pollutants at the source.”
Specifically, they are trying not to generate
pollutants but if this is unavoidable, they
introduce devices to control the generation
at places near to the polluting sources.
For example, to reduce SOx and NOx
emissions, they have switched from heavy oil
to kerosene and to natural gas as fuels for
boilers. Further, they have dramatically
reduced pollutants through the use of
catalyzers and of more environment-friendly
incinerators. For anti-VOC measures, they
have introduced water-based paints as well
as highly efficient painting machines, thereby
reducing the amount of paints used and
VOC emissions.
Honda has introduced incinerators that
remarkably reduce dioxins contained in
exhaust emissions to some of its factories,
including the Suzuka Factory. The factories,
however, do not solely depend on these
incinerators: they also sort waste that
contain chlorine, which can cause the
generation of dioxins, before incinerating
them. Further, the factories are reducing the
use of materials that contain chlorine. For
example, in 1998, the Suzuka Factory
started to use chlorine-free cutting fluid,
instead of that containing chlorine, as a
lubricant in the parts cutting process.
Because the newly adopted cutting fluid
does not disperse in the form of mist
compared with the traditional cutting fluid,
the environment within the factory was
improved, in addition to making recycling
easier.
Honda has been taking water pollution
prevention measures also based on the
principle of “prevention at the source.”
Since 1970, we have been introducing
general wastewater treatment plants to each
of our factories and have been treating and
managing wastewater in a sophisticated
manner according to our voluntary
standards, which are actually stricter
than those set by laws and government
ordinances. Over this period, we have
consistently been trying to reduce the
consumption and waste of water at the
source by the circulative use of water.
For example, the Kumamoto Factory,
Commitment to Zero Emission Manufacturing
Drastic sorting of wastes to be incinerated
Introducing new-type painting machines to reduce VOC emissions
1 9 9 8 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1
1 9 9 8 2 0 0 12 0 0 0
�
�
�
1 9 9 9
�
Approximately 100,000 tons
Approximately300,000 tons
Circulative use: approximately 12,000,000 tons(reuse rate of 97%)
Regulating reservoir
Ground water
Purification test using vagetation
The figures represent those for a period of a year.
Steps towards “zero wastewater”
1) Contact oxidation (highly activated sludge method): System to improve treatment efficiency by attaching microorganisms to shells and plastics2) Closed system: system to conserve water resources and water quality by the circulative use of water, which reduces wastewater to zero
33
Test plant (at the Kumamoto Factory) for “zero wastewater”
Operating new-type incinerators to prevent dioxin emissions (at the Suzuka Factory)
Switching from kerosene to natural gas as higher quality fuels (at the Kumamoto Factory)
Introducing devices to remove phosphorous in order to reduce the phosphorous content in wastewater(at the Suzuka Factory)
Introducing a system to monitor wastewater on a 24-hour basis (at all Honda factories)
Introducing the facilities to treat concentrated wastewater (at the Hamamatsu Factory)
“Closed system”2) for wastewater from the outboard engine assembling process (at the Hosoe Plant of the Hamamatsu Factory)
Introducing facilities to treat wastewater that contains oil (at the Hamamatsu and Kumamoto Factories)
Introducing the contact oxidation system1) to the general wastewater treatment plant (at the Hamamatsu Factory)
Discontinuing the coated surface pre-treatment using hexavalent chromium and adopting a harmless treatment method using zinc phosphate (improvement of the pure water cleaning tank) (at the Takanezawa Plant of the Tochigi Factory)
Enabling remarkable reduction of dioxins in exhaust gases
Sorting wastes containing chlorine by the use of test paper to prevent the generation of dioxins The highly efficient bell
painting machine for metallic coating has reduced VOC emissions by 50%.
which started operations in 1976, is reusing
97% of industrial water supplied to the
factory. It is making efforts to further
increase the reuse rate and is reducing
the amount of ground water pumped by
switching to the use of rainwater. Rainwater
contains a smaller amount of minerals than
the ground water that has been traditionally
used as industrial water and the minerals
contained in rainwater will not easily
concentrate, even after repeated use.
Rainwater can therefore be used longer than
ground water, thus reducing the amount of
water that is finally wasted. Towards the goal
of “zero wastewater,” we are putting into
practical use the technology to remove
nitrogen and phosphorous concentrated in
reused water through the power of vagetation.
Honda factories, attributing importance to
“symbiosis with local communities” in their
green factory activities, conduct research
and monitoring of soil and underground
water at the observation wells bored within
their premises. The results show that no
harmful substances used at the factories
have flowed out of the premises. Also, we
are increasing the number of survey points
and promoting the monitoring and research
of soil and underground water even at the
places where no harmful substances are
used.
Launch of the Green
Factory Project in 1997
Presently: discharged in to the river (110,000 tons)
Future: Recycling by purification using vegetation
Removing nitrogen, phosphorous, and chlorine ions (concentrated in reused water)
Water saving through the use of rainwater
Expanded use of rainwater in the supplementary supply of water to production processes
Full recycling of wastewater by ecological treatment
4 Conservation of soil and ground water quality
Honda’s energy saving target in the production domain:◎To reduce energy intensity by 15% by 2001 (compared with 1990 levels) [already achieved]◎To reduce energy intensity by 30% by 2010 (compared with 1990 levels)
●Green factory measures
Issues:Themes:
Zero emission
Resource and energy saving
Environmental management
Comfortable production activities
Improvement of energy conservation technology and energy efficiency
To reduce the emission of air pollutants such
as CO2, NOx, and SOx from our factories,
Honda has been switching its fuel source to
natural gas, which represents one of the clean
energies. Further, we generate energy to
supplement the electricity purchased from
power plants, while carefully controlling CO2
emissions.
In a cogeneration system, an engine, such
as a gas turbine, runs a generator to generate
electricity and the gas exhausted from the
engine is also used as a source of energy. The
heat from the exhaust gas is used to generate
steam, which is in turn used for multiple
purposes, including use in air conditioners. In
the case of electricity purchased from power
plants, approximately 60% of the electricity is
lost in the generation or transmission process.
In a cogeneration system, however, such loss
is minimized and higher energy efficiency can
be achieved.
In 1998, we introduced a cogeneration
system powered by natural gas to the Suzuka
Factory. The unit achieved a total energy
efficiency of 70%, reducing the CO2 emis-
sions from the factory by 2,500 CO2-tons on
an annual basis. By further improving the
waste heat recovery efficiency and the power
generation efficiency, we expect to achieve
energy efficiency as high as 86% for the
cogeneration unit installed at the Saitama
Factory and for the third and fourth systems
to be installed at the Suzuka Factory in
September.
In addition to reducing the environmental
impact caused by the generation of energy,
it is also necessary to use generated energies
in the production processes efficiently and
without waste. Honda started to improve its
production lines in 1999, including increasing
the number of models that could be produced
by a single production line. We are now im-
proving the production lines at our factories all
over the world in order to reduce the environ-
mental impact caused by our production
activities.
Specifically, for welding, coating,
and assembling, we have introduced new
technologies and reviewed the processes for
the promotion of energy saving. For example,
in the welding process, we replaced hy-
draulic robots, which had been operated
constantly, with electric servo robots, which
can be operated only as required. We
thereby reduced the energy consumed by
the welding robots to less than half, and,
1 9 7 6 1 9 9 5 2 0 0 1 2 0 1 0
1 9 7 6
34
CO2
Pursuit of Energy Efficiency for the Reduction of CO2 EmissionsHonda is committed to the efficient use of resources, materials, and energy for production without waste, thereby reducing the CO2 emissions that cause global warming.
We are improving our factilities and production methods by introducing natural gas cogeneration systems and by improving our production lines to reduce the environmental impacts caused by our factories and to make them the most energy efficient in the world.
Efforts made targeting power sources
Efforts made targeting production processes
Introduction of a water thermal storage system
Holding meetings to present examples of the effective use of resources and energies
Introduction of an ice thermal storage system
Expanded use of energy-saving equipment
1
Production line innovations2
Energy Saving Manufacturing
�
furthermore, shortened the time required for
welding. As a result, the total CO2 emissions
from the entire welding process have been
reduced by 20% compared with the level
before the aforementioned improvements
were made. Regarding the coating process,
we simplified the layout of the lines and
aggressively introduced advanced tech-
nologies to improve coating s efficiency and
total energy efficiency. Also, we started to
use water-based paints for intermediate and
finish coatings to improve coating efficiency
and reduce emissions of VOCs. As a result of
these efforts, the CO2 emissions from the
coating process have been reduced by 20%
compared with previous levels.
At the Hosoe Plant of the Hamamatsu Factory
constructed in September 2001 for producing
outboard engines, a variety of devices and
technologies are introduced to improve
energy efficiency. For example, multiple
models can be now manufactured by a single
production line more speedily and easily. By
advanced management of the production
system and space, both efficient production
and comfortable environment for workers
are achieved at the plant. Also, the next-
generation thin film solar cells that Honda has
independently developed are attached to the
plant’s roof for solar power generation (see
page 27). By the improvement of efficiency
and introduction of advanced technologies,
the plant has reduced its consumption of
electricity to almost a half of that of traditional
plants.
1 9 9 8 2 0 0 12 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 1 02 0 1 0
1 9 9 91 9 9 8
35
Power generation/transmission loss (60%)
Power plantGenerationefficiency (40%)
Input (100%)
Input (100%)
Fuel (100%)
Combustion loss (20%)
Effective heat (80%)
Gas-turbine generator loss
(5%)
Exhaust loss (20—25%)
Total (70—75%)
●Energy efficiency of the purchased electricity
●Energy settings for a cogeneration system
Manufacturing a variety of outboard engines from two horsepower en-gines to 225 horsepower ones by one production line
Highly efficient production system
Aiming at power generation of 100,000 kWh a year, taking advantage of the abundant sunshine amount in Hamamatsu
Next-generation thin film solar cells
Energy saving measures implemented at the Hosoe Plant
Welding process
In the past, it was necessary to use different welding devices for each model, but now a device that can be used for a variety of models has been developed. Also, the introduction of electric servo robots has sped up the welding process.
Coating process
The coating line has been shortened by streamlining the pretreatment process. Water-based paints are now used for intermediate and finish coatings and coating efficiency has been improved to reduce the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Body assembling process
In the past, the time requir-ed for assembling varied by model, but by the use of subassembly lines, the differences have been re-duced. Presently, using a more compact assembly line, a vari-ety of models are assembled.
Examples of improvements �made in production processes
Reducing the parts to which the MIG welding method that uses CO2 gas is applied, thereby reducing CO2 emissions by 20%
Production line innovations Expansion throughout the world
Introduction of a cogeneration system
Starting the operation of the Hosoe Plant with greatly improved energy efficiency (at the Hamamatsu Factory)
Reducing the unit energy consumption by 15% compared with 1990 levels
Aiming at reducing the unit energy consumption by 30% compared with 1990 levels
Cogeneration system
Boiler
Electricity (28—36%)
Steam (34—47%)
State-of-the-art factory with higher energy efficiency
3
(Compared with 1993 levels)
At Honda’s factories, efforts have been made
to prevent sensory pollution such as noise,
vibration, and bad odors by introducing
soundproof walls and deodorizers. Also,
greening activities named “Furusato (native
place) Afforestation” have been continuously
conducted since 1976 to plant broadleaf trees
that are suitable for the local ecosystem in
and around the factories to help improve the
local environment and reduce CO2. And at
Honda’s overseas factories, we are implemen-
ting various measures for symbiosis with local
communities and the natural environment
(see page 58).
At Honda’s factories, automation has been
promoted and the devices that ensure workers’
health and safety have been aggressively
introduced to improve the working environment.
For example, at the Hosoe Plant of the
Hamamatsu Factory, which started operations
as the newest production base in Japan in
2001 to manufacture outboard engines, new
engine assembling tools have been introduced.
The tools decrease the load placed on
employees by enabling them to assemble
engines from all the directions. Furthermore, the
plant has introduced conveyors to move the
outboard engines to the water testing tanks and
thereby freed workers from heavy lifting.
Furusato Afforestation
�
Honda, to continuously reduce and manage
the environmental impact caused by its
production facilities and processes, has
been aggressively introducing ISO 14001-
certified environmental management
systems. In Japan, the power products
manufacturing plant in the Hamamatsu
Factory was the first among Honda’s
factories to acquire ISO 14001 certification
(in 1997), and by the end of fiscal 1998, all
the other factories had acquired this
certification. Also, at overseas factories,
we have promoted the acquisition of
certification, and as of the end of fiscal
2001, a total of 32 Honda factories in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and
Oceania are ISO-14001 certified. Furthermore, in Europe, we are also promoting the
acquisition of EMAS.* * EMAS: Eco Management and Audit Scheme
●Green factory measures
Themes: Issues:
Zero emission
Resource and energy saving
Environmental management
Comfortable production activities
Encouraging the acquisition of
ISO 14001 certification
●Green factory measures
Themes: Issues:
Zero emission
Resource and energy saving
Environmental management
Comfortable production activities
On this land of approximately 346,000 square meters, as many as 550,000 trees were planted.
Tools to reduce work loadsA variety of tools have been developed to reduce the loads imposed on staff in moving heavy objects, etc.
Prevention of sensory pollution and greening activities for symbiosis with local communities
1 Provision of a comfortable working environment
2
1 9 9 7 2 0 0 21 9 9 81 9 9 8
Environmental Management Manufacturing
Symbiosis with Local Communities/Comfortable Working Environment Manufacturing
ISO 14001/EMAS-certified Honda business sites as of the end of fiscal 2002
Eight business sites in Europe (Three EMAS-certified: sites)
Eight business sites in North America
Fifteen business sites in Japan (including all factories)
Fourteen business sites in Asia and Oceania One business
site in South America
36
Aggressive Introduction of ISO 14001-Certified Environmental Management SystemsHonda has been promoting the introduction of environmental management systems to manage and reduce the environmental impacts caused at each stage of its production activities. By 1998, all Honda domestic factories acquired ISO 14001 certification. We are also encouraging our suppliers to acquire the certification. In foreign countries, 31 Honda factories have acquired ISO 14001 or EMAS certification.
Making Our Factories in Harmony with Local People and EmployeesSince its foundation, Honda has been attributing importance to the philosophy of “Respect for the Individual.” Based on this, Honda factories are conducting symbiosis activities with local commu-nities and improving the working environment, in order to become factories that are appreciated by local people as well as by those working in them.
Expansion of environmental management
Acquisition of ISO 14001 certification by Honda Belgium N.V. and subse-quent acquisition of this certification by other Honda group companies in different countries
Acquisition of ISO 14001 certification by the Hamamatsu Factory
Acquisition of ISO 14001 certification by all Honda factories in Japan
Encouraging the acquisition of certification by major suppliers
Encouraging the acquisition of certification by Honda’s overseas factories
More comfortableworking environment
Activities for symbiosiswith local communities
�
Measures Taken at Honda’s Overseas FactoriesTo provide worldwide customers with the products that satisfy them, Honda has established a system for local Honda staff to develop, manufacture, and sell products that meet the needs of local communities throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. For environmental conservation, which is now a common theme for people all over the world, we make it a rule for our local staff to take environmental measures that are optimal for local communities. Some of these measures are introduced below.
1 9 9 8
37
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (in Alabama, U.S.)
To become a global standard for environment-friendly factoriesIn establishing Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) as Honda’s newest factory in North
America in November 2001, Honda set itself the goal of integrating the factory into the local
community as a factory that people can look up to and introduced various advanced
environmental conservation measures. For example, as measures to prevent soil pollution, the
factory minimizes the risk of oil spills at the time of delivery by concentrating all oil supply facilities
into one location. Also, all the supply pipes are installed overhead and are equipped with drip
pans to enable easy visual inspections and to prevent oil from soaking into the soil in the event of
pipe leaks. Furthermore, treated wastewater is discharged through a double-walled effluent line
and monitored by sensors to give special protection against leakage. To prevent air pollution,
water-based paints are used for coatings, and state-of-the-art facilities to make volatile organic
compounds harmless were introduced to ensure double and triple measures for environmental
●U.S.
Energy saving measuresHonda of America Mfg., Inc. (HAM), which is Honda’s production base in North America, is
reducing the environmental impact caused by its production activities based on it own policies
concerning environmental activities. The East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP) centrally manages the use
of energy and water by each of its production processes, and fully examines the improvement
possibilities of the processes. The remarkable results of effective measures taken at the plant
include the improvement of energy efficiency on holidays and 53% energy saving by replacing
hydraulic motors with electric motors for transporting paints to the coating process.
●Belgium
Installation of new water purifying equipment to improve the quality of treated wastewaterHonda Europe N.V. (HE) installed bio-rotors to improve the quality of treated wastewater. The
rotors stir the wastewater, introducing fresh air to activate the bacteria in the water, and thereby
purifying it. HE regards the treatment and further purification of wastewater as one of its most
important tasks.
●Thailand
Reduction of electricity consumption by the use of natural lightThai Honda Mfg. Co., Ltd. (THM) replaced mercury vapor lamps with fluorescent lighting fixtures
(each with two tubes) and thereby reduced the consumption of electricity for lighting equipment.
To further save energy, THM has installed skylights in the roof of its factory. Because natural
light streams in through them, there is no need to turn on the lights during the eight hours of
daylight, which is half the time that the factory is in operation. The company has greatly reduced
its electricity consumption.
Preventing oil leakagesOverhead supply pipes enable problems to be detected quickly, and oil drip pans are installed in the bottom sections of the pipe in case of leakage.
Electric motors used for transporting paints (small cylinder-shaped objects in the center of the photo)
Central monitor to check the amount of remaining paints and to control the motor operation
Bio-rotor (water purifying equipment)
Before the installation of skylights
After the installation of skylights
column
38
Classification Management item
Products1)
Manufacturing2)
Corporatesystem3)
Target
�
One single automobile is composed of 20,000
to 30,000 parts, most of which are purchased
from suppliers. To reduce the environmental
impact caused by the manufacturing of
automobiles, it is therefore necessary for
automobile makers and their suppliers to
cooperate with each other. Honda asks its
suppliers to introduce ISO 14001-certified
environmental management systems. So far,
55 major suppliers have already acquired this
certification. In 2002, all factories (or plants) of
suppliers, providing materials to, or manufac-
turing products for, Honda, started to promote
the acquisition of ISO 14001.
Honda set its green purchasing guidelines to
aggressively promote the green procurement
of materials and parts in December 2001. The
guidelines provide details of the specific
management items and targets to be dealt
with by Honda and its suppliers toward 2010,
for the three fields as shown in the table
above. We will continue to ask our suppliers
to manage and disclose data on environ-
mental impacts and will continue to purchase
environment-friendly materials and parts.
Based on the principle of green purchasing to
promote the preferable purchasing and
popularization of environment-friendly
products and services, we are also
purchasing environment-friendly products and
services for our offices. The following shows
Honda’s basic ideas for green purchasing:
1.
2.
3.
At Honda, general office supplies have
been replaced with environment-friendly ones
and as of 2002, 353 items used in the offices
are environment-friendly products.
Honda Green Purchasing Guidelines
Office supplies targetedfor green purchasing
�
Promoting the acquisition of ISO 14001 certification by suppliers
Establishment of the Green Purchasing Guidelines
Honda’s guidelines on chemical substances
Target:Acquisition of ISO 14001 certification by all Honda suppliers (in Japan)
Target:Zero landfill disposal at suppliers
Target:Acquisition of ISO 14001 certification by all Honda suppliers (overseas)
Target:Reduction of CO2 emissions by 6% over 2000 at suppliersExplanatory
meetings for suppliers
Management of chemical substances contained in products (purchased parts)
Content of chemical substances in products (parts and materials)
CO2 emission volumeWaste amount (reduction of landfill)
Further acquisition of ISO 14001 certification
Compliance with the schedule set forth in Honda’s guidelines on chemical substances4)
2010: 6% reduction over 20002007: Zero landfill
2005: Completion in Japan2008: Completion in other countries
Management of environmental impacts by suppliers
Promoting environmental management systems at suppliers
1) Products purchased by Honda2) Manufacturing process of products3) Environmental management system to manage the manufacturing process4) The guidelines show the schedule for reducing, discontinuing the use of, or replacing with alternatives for chemical substances with environmental impacts, including those regulated in Europe (lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium) and those voluntarily regulated by Honda.
Reduction of environmental impacts in cooperation with suppliers
1 Establishment of Honda Green Purchasing Guidelines
2
Green purchasing of office supplies
3
Purchase products and services by taking
into account the various types of environ-
mental impacts on each stage of the
products’ life cycle.
Purchase products and services that are
produced and sold by businesses that have
management policies concerning the
environment and that are actively engaged
in environmental conservation.
Actively obtain environmental information
concerning products, manufacturers, and
distributors, and use the information for
making purchasing decisions.
�
Green Purchasing
Promotion of green purchasing
2 0 0 1 2 0 0 72 0 0 7 2 0 1 02 0 1 02 0 0 2 2 0 0 52 0 0 5 2 0 0 82 0 0 8
Outline of Honda Green Purchasing Guidelines
For the Procurement of Environment-Friendly Materials and PartsTo reduce the environmental impact caused by our products throughout their life cycles, it is necessary to cooperate with suppliers. Honda, in order to procure environment-friendly materials and products, established the Honda Green Purchasing Guidelines and held a number of meetings to explain the guidelines to suppliers. We are thus implementing effective measures to promote green purchasing, which means to choose environment-friendly products and services.
3
Measuresfor dealers
Reduction of packaging materials
Measures for indirect
departments
Improvementof product
transportation efficiency
H
3939
Delivering Products to Customers, Taking Considerations to Environmental Conservation at Every Stage
Honda is striving to reduce its environmental impacts at every
stage of its activities, including the transportation of products to
destinations, the marketing of products to customers, and the
administration of its operations.
For example, at the transportation stage, we have reduced CO2
emissions and the use of packaging materials by improving the
efficiency of our distribution system.
At the marketing stage, we have launched the “Green Dealer
Project” to encourage our dealers to contribute to environmental
conservation, thereby pleasing our customers and local
communities.
Furthermore, we are introducing environmental management
systems to encourage our indirect departments, such as our
offices, to all become involved in environmental activities.
Section 3Transportation, Sales, and Administration
2 0 0 7 2 0 1 02 0 0 5 2 0 0 8
For the transportation of products, Honda
has been improving efficiency by reducing
the emission of CO2 and other gases,
reducing waste generated in the trans-
portation activities by using recyclable
packaging materials, and introducing
environmental management systems.
Recently, as one of the most important
themes for transportation, we have been
maximizing transportation efficiency by
using different transportation methods in
combination, taking into consideration their
various advantages and disadvantages. For
example, a ship can carry a large amount of
products at one time and thereby the CO2
emission per product can be kept to a low
level. However, it takes more time to deliver
products by ship. On the other hand, while a
truck discharges more CO2 per product, it
requires less time for delivery and is suitable
for sending products to multiple destina-
tions. Transportation efficiency can be improv-
ed by optimally combining different transporta-
tion methods based on such characteristics
as these.
In the past, products destined for Hokkaido
were all shipped to Tomakomai Port and
then delivered to each destination within
Hokkaido by truck. Now, however, products
destined for the eastern parts of Hokkaido
are shipped to Kushiro Port to shorten the
delivery distances by truck.
At the same time, we are aggressively
promoting joint transportation by ship and
truck with other companies. For example,
we transport our own products to their
destination, and then transport the products
of another company on the return trip. At
Honda, as mentioned above, transportation
efficiency has been improved by the shift to
railways and ships and by mixed modes
(optimal combination of transportation by
truck with other transportation methods).
Energy loss in transportation can be reduced
by eliminating relay points. In the past,
products were delivered from factories to
dealers via sales offices. However, Honda
is now promoting the direct shipping of
products from factories to dealers to improve
energy efficiency in transportation.
Honda asks its associated transportation
companies to promote environmental
activities and to acquire ISO 14001
certification for their environmental
management systems. In addition, we are
replacing our trucks with low-emission
vehicles and conducting surveys on diesel
particulate filters (DPFs) and low-sulfur fuels.
In cooperation with the transportation com-
panies, we will continuously improve such
activities to further reduce the environmental
impact caused by the transportation of our
products.
�
2 3 Cooperation with transportation companies to reduce environ-mental impact
Improvement of transportation efficiency by reforming the entire transportation system
1
Reduction of energy loss through the optimization of transportation methods
Direct transportation
Dealer
Productionplant
Product control center
Transportation by ship
Productcontrolcenter
Expansion of measures to reduce CO2 emissions
Expansion of the areas to which products are transported by ship
Direct transportation from the factories
Upsizing of the transportation vehicles
Joint transportation with other makers
Export from the ports nearest to the factories
●�
●�
●�
�
�
�
1997
●�
●�
●�
●�
�
�
1998
●�
●�
●�
●�
�
�
1999
●＝measures have been implemented
●�
●�
●�
●�
●�
�
2000 2001
●�
●�
●�
●�
●�
�
Dealer
Efforts made for improving transportation efficiency
2 0 0 0
Improvement of Transportation Efficiency Transportation
1 9 9 71 9 8 0 2 0 0 2
40
HONDA
HONDA
Optimization oftransportation logistics
Port Port
Pursuit of Highly Efficient, Environment-Friendly TransportationHonda has been improving transportation efficiency by expanding the areas to which products are delivered by ship as well as by promoting joint transportation by multiple manufacturers. Also, we are implementing diversified measures for green logistics, including the introduction of ISO 14001-certified environmental management systems to associated transporation companies.
Transportation-related targets:◎To introduce environmental management systems to associated transportation companies◎To improve transportation efficiency
Upsizing of transportation vehicles
Switching to transportation by ship for the delivery of automobiles to the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions
Joint transportation with other companies (by ship and truck)
Export of products from the ports nearest to the factories
Acquisition of ISO 14001 certification by three of the four associated transportation companies that have a large share in the transportation of Honda
Further implementation of measures to reduce CO2 emissions and the promotion of efforts to acquire ISO 14001 certification
Dealers remote from the factories
(in Hokkaido, Kyushu, etc.)
�
Reduction of packaging materials by a shift to simple packaging
1 Recycling and reuse of waste packaging materials
3KD shipments using returnable cases
2
Efforts to reduce packaging materials (Japan)
Reduction of Packaging Materials Transportation
1 9 9 9 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2
Honda has been making efforts to reduce the
use of packaging materials. For example,
cardboard, which is a representative
packaging material, is now recycled. To
reduce environmental impacts, however, it is
also necessary to reduce the use itself. We
are now reviewing packaging materials from
various aspects, including proper strength
and impingement protection methods, and
are shifting towards much simpler packaging
such as improved packaging pads. Montesa
Honda Factory S.A. in Spain has introduced
a system to transport motorcycles imported
from Italy for sale without using packaging
materials. This system is called the Non
Packing Import (NPI) system and we intend to
introduce it to other countries.
We are also using returnable cases for knock-
down (KD) parts, which are manufactured in
Japan and exported overseas for local
assembly. We are exporting KD parts by
using returnable external cases to 10
countries around the world, including the U.S.
and Canada. In 2001, we newly developed
returnable internal cases and have been using
these to export KD parts to the U. K., thereby
greatly reducing the amount of cardboard
used for such exports. Further, Honda Europe
N.V. has introduced returnable cases for
motorcycles and has greatly reduced the use
of packaging materials. The company is
located in Belgium as Honda’s base for
supplying products to Europe and manages
the import and export of automobiles,
motorcycles, power products, and repaired
parts.
For the reuse of waste packaging materials,
we are also working to recycle vinyl and film
materials, which account for a major part of
packaging materials used for transportation.
All of the shrink-wrap films used instead
of ropes to bundle the packages to be sent to
and within Japan are collected and recycled.
Moreover, for protecting the hoods and
trunks of the automobiles to be sent from
factories to customers, we have developed
and are now using recyclable water-soluble
films, which can be attached to the hoods
and trunks without adhesives.
As another example of the careful
measures that we are taking to promote
recycling, we have discontinued the use of
adhesive labels for vinyl bags. In the past, we
printed the necessary information on the
labels, which prevented the recycling of the
vinyl bags, but now the information is printed
directly onto the bags.
Shift to �simple packagingShift from the use of both cardboard and bubble wraps (vinyl packaging material encapsulating air bubbles) to the use of bubble wraps only
41
1 9 9 9 2 0 0 01 9 9 3 2 0 0 1
* KD shipments: export of knock-down (KD) parts for local assembly
Returnable internal cases
Returnable external case
Surfacetransportation
Marinetransportation
Localunpacking
Surfacetransportation
Marinetransportation
Unpacking
Delivery
Packaging
Deliverymanagement
Folding of the cases
Loading into a transportation container
Reduction of packaging materials (in domestic transportation)
Transportation using returnable containers
Reduction of Waste Generated in Transportation to Promote Resource SavingHonda is reducing the use of packaging materials by encouraging the use of returnable containers in addition to the use of simple packages, review of packaging materials, and alteration of packaging specifications. Also for products exported overseas, we are aggressively introducing returnable containers, not only to the shipment from Japan but also to transporation between overseas areas.
Introduction of returnable containers to the transportation of repair bumpers (PP returnable
plastic cardboard containers)
Starting the use of returnable external cases
Starting the use of returnable internal cases: for the export of parts to the U.K.
Promoting the reuse of packaging materials in KD (knock-down)* part-importing countries
Development and application of new returnable internal cases for the export of parts to the U.K.
Expanded use of returnable external cases: Italy and Spain
Starting the use of returnable cases for exporting outboard engines
Using returnable cases for the export of completed motorcycles to Europe
Starting the recycling of vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) films and polyethylene sheets used as packaging materials: U.K.
Shift to simple packaging (from individual packaging to the use of
reinforced bubble wraps)
The Hosoe Plant producing outboard engines started the use of returnable containers for the domestic transportation of its products.
Use of returnable containers in a greater number of parts
Further reduction of packaging materials
Introduction of a tabulation system to check the exact amount of packaging materials used
Transportation-related targets:◎Reduction of packaging materials
Efforts to reduce packaging materials (Overseas)
Before improvement
After improvement
Honda has been promoting the acquisition of
ISO 14001, which is the international standard
for environmental management systems, to
improve the environmental activities in its
sales and service stages. In August 1999, the
Planning Management Block, the Service
Division of Japan, and the six service centers
around the country received this certification
for the first time in the automobile service
industry in Japan. Honda Dealers have also
been making aggressive efforts. In November
1999, Honda Clio Kyoto Co., Ltd. became
Japan’s first automobile dealer to acquire this
certification. This was followed by Honda
Verno Aichi Co., Ltd. in December and Honda
Primo Tokyo Minami Co., Ltd. in January
2000. Based on the know-how accumulated
through the activities necessary to obtain ISO
14001 certification, Honda has started the
Green Dealer certification system as part of its
unique environmental management system.
This system will be utilized extensively by
Honda dealers to reduce the loads imposed
on them in acquiring ISO 14001 certification
and to reduce the environmental impacts of
their activities.
Honda dealers who have achieved
compliance with relevant laws and
environmental improvement are certified as
“Good Green Dealers” (Step 1) and then
certified as a “Best Green Dealer” if they meet
the stringent criteria for further improved
environmental efficiency. The certified dealers
play their roles as advanced Honda dealers
who contribute to environmental conservation
and please customers and local communities.
They continuously try to improve their
activities based on the PDCA (Plan, Do,
Check, and Act) cycle. Honda also publishes
various manuals and posters to make people
more aware of the environment and thereby
supports Honda dealers in obtaining Green
Dealer certification. As of the end of March
2002, 2,254 dealers were certified as Good
Green Dealers and 1,024 as Best Green
Dealers.
Honda urges its dealers to issue manifests (to
manage end-of-life vehicles) and is taking
measures for the proper disposal of end-of-
life parts and other materials. For example,
we have aggressively exploited the CFC-12
recovery and destruction system which is
used in automotive air-conditioning systems,
established by the Japan Automobile
Manufacturers Association and local
governments, and completed a nationwide
promotion in October 1998. Also for air bag
inflators, we are cooperating with other
manufacturers in the inflator recovery and
disposal system examinations promoted by
1 9 9 8 1 9 9 9 2 0 0 1
��
2 0 0 0
H
2 0 0 2
First stepNumber of dealers certified in fiscal 2000: 1,693
First stepNumber of dealers certified in fiscal 2001: 561
Second stepNumber of dealers certified in fiscal 2001: 1,024
●Green dealer expansion concept
Green Dealer expansion Improved energy efficiency
Contribution to local community
Improved environmental conservation
Proper disposal of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs)
Proper disposal of waste parts and oil
42
Continuous improvement
●First step
Compliance with laws: 100% recovery of CFC-12 and air bags; proper disposal of ELVs, waste parts, and oil; compliance with equipment-related laws; improvement of the environment within and around the dealers; and cleanup activities
Continuous management of energy consumption and implementation of energy saving measures�Establishment of environmental objectives,
including the sorting and reduction of waste�Promotion of environmental education
through the organization of environmental events and distribution of environmental brochures
Flow of the Green Dealer certification system
1
Two-step improvement of environmental conservation activities
2 Proper disposal of end-of-life products and CFC-12
3
Advanced Dealer Activities to Please Customers and Local Communities and to Win Their TrustHonda is implementing its unique environmental management system and the Green Dealer certification system to further sophisticate its environmental activities in its sales and service segments. Honda dealers are promoting steady environment conservation activities by continuously implementing improve-ment measures to become advanced dealers who can please their customers and local communities.
Environmental targets for dealers◎Introduction of environmental management systems◎Promotion of proper disposal of end-of-life products
Introduction of environmental management systems to Honda’s automobile dealers
Launching the Green Dealer Project
Acquisition of ISO 14001 certification by each company in the Honda Primo, Clio, and Verno channels (see page 55)
Starting the unique Green Dealer certification system based on the know-how accumulated through the acquisition of ISO 14001 certification
Theme: Compliance with laws and improvement of the environment
●Second stepTheme: Environmental efficiency improvement
From the acquisition of ISO 14001 certification to the implementation of the unique environmental management system
●Examples of measures taken by “Green Dealers”
●Introduces two “Eco-Ice” ice-heat accumulating air conditioners (each equivalent to a 13-hp unit).
Honda VERNO Shin Tokyo Co., Ltd.
●“Environmental corner”: Installed to make customers more aware of the environment
●Countermeasures against oil emissions: As a precaution against oil emissions, displays the wastewater flow by arrows.
Honda VERNO Aichi Co., Ltd.
●“Eco-Ice” effectively air-conditions the extensive void space by using electricity in midnight, which reduces the generation of CO2.
Honda VERNO Shin Tokyo Co., Ltd.
●Drastic energy savings: Time in which electricity can be used is indicated on the lighting switches for energy saving
Honda CLIO Minami-Sapporo Co., Ltd.
●Neighborhood cleanup: All employees are engaged in neighborhood cleanup activities
Honda CLIO Shin Kanagawa Co., Ltd.
●Drastic waste sorting:Waste is sorted clearly for both employees and customers to recognize the distinguished waste
Honda VERNO Aichi Co., Ltd.
the automobile industry.
Honda is promoting energy saving and
pollution prevention measures in order to
control and reduce the environmental impacts
of its sales activities. For example, we have
created a special environmental account book
for our dealers to encourage them to control
their energy consumption to attain their
energy saving goals. In addition, we are
introducing energy saving devices such as
“Eco-Ice,” which is an ice-heat accumulating
air-conditioning system.
Honda also adopts a wide variety of
environmental pollution prevention measures,
including the proper disposal of waste parts
and oil treated by Honda dealers. To prevent
pollution as far as possible, some of the “Best
Green Dealer” certified dealers have created
risk control manuals as a precaution against
the emission of waste oil. Honda collects
such initiatives and introduces them in its
environmental manuals or through its
information magazine, GD Press, to promote
information sharing among dealers.
In order to expand its environmental
conservation activities, Honda believes it
necessary for the sales activities of Honda
dealers, who have direct contact with
customers, to be understood and recognized
by the customers. We therefore ask our
dealers to contribute to local communities,
starting from activities that can be easily
undertaken. For example, some are engaged
in cleanup activities not only in and around
their companies but also in the entire local
community. Others are dispatching envi-
ronmental information, including how to
protect the environment by installing “envi-
ronmental corners” within their stores to make
local customers visiting the stores more
aware of the importance of their environment.
Also, the experimental “Eco Wagon” mobile
seminars that enabled children to enjoy
crafting and experience the natural
environment, were highly evaluated by
participants. Honda intends to continue these
activities and obtain even greater support
from local people to expand its environmental
conservation activities.
Honda is expanding the Green Dealer system
to the dealers of motorcycles and power
products in addition to automobile dealers.
For the dealers of Honda motorcycles, we
will promote the Green Dealer system for the
proper disposal of wasted motorcycles and
parts and for the aggressive reduction of
environmental impacts caused by their sales
activities in line with the development of
Honda Dream Shops. Honda Dream Shops
are new style shops dealing with sports bikes
and we are planning to establish 200 shops
all over Japan by fiscal 2005. Also for dealers
of Honda power products, we will establish a
Green Dealer certification system in or after
fiscal 2002 and encourage more dealers to
participate in the system.
H
43
Full consideration for the environment, including the implementation of energy saving and pollution preventing measures
4Aggressive contribution to society to become dealers that are admired by local communities
5
Activities targeting the dealers of Honda motorcycles and power products
6
Honda CLIO Kyoto Co., Ltd.
Honda PRIMO Tokyo-Minami Co., Ltd.
Measures Taken by Honda Dealers Marketing
44
�
Full Consideration for the Environment in All Daily Business ActivitiesHonda also gives full consideration to environmental conservation at its offices and believes that it is most important to indirectly improve the environment by encouraging its factories, suppliers, and even its customers to contribute to environmental conservation by demonstrating good examples in its business activities conducted at its offices, including sales activities.
Environmental conservation objectives for our offices◎Establishment and continuous improvement of environmental management systems
Measures for Offices Administration
Introduction of environmental management systems to office buildings
Honda Head Office (Aoyama Building) starts activities for the acquisition of ISO 14001 certification.
Head Office acquires ISO 14001 certification.
All six regional offices acquire ISO 14001 certification.
Head Office enters the second stage of ISO 14001 certification.
For the establishment and continuous improvement of environmental management systems
Honda is implementing measures to give full
consideration to the environment at its offices.
For example, our Head Office in the Aoyama
Building started to implement measures to
reduce the environmental impact of its
activities at the end of 1998 and obtained
ISO 14001 certification during 1999.
Subsequently, our six regional offices also
obtained this certification in 2001. At the
Aoyama Building, three years from the start
of activities to obtain ISO 14001 certification,
employees now conduct activities to reduce
their direct environmental impact as a part of
their daily business activities. The Head Office
is planning to add more environmental
aspects to its daily operations.
Each Honda office is also promoting the
reduction of waste and resource saving. For
example, at the Aoyama Building, employees
sort their waste into 14 types, installing boxes
to collect each one.
Energy saving is also promoted as one of
our important environmental conservation
objectives. For example, incandescent lamps
in the corridors of each floor are being
replaced with fluorescent lamps, only some
lamps are switched on, and the ventilating
fans of the underground parking space are
turned on only when automobiles actually
enter. At the Aoyama Building, wastewater
from restrooms, kitchens, and cooling towers
are collected and used for flush toilets to
promote the conservation of water resources.
As a part of the measures to reduce the
environmental impact caused by corporate
activities, Honda is introducing or replac-
ing existing vehicles for its own use with
government-certified low-emission vehicles,
including those emitting extremely small
amounts of harmful substances.
1 9 9 8 1 9 9 9 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 22 0 0 2
Introducing low-emission vehicles as company-owned vehiclesHonda aggressively introduced the government-certified low- emission vehicles for its own use.
Indirectly improving the environment by encouraging customers, suppliers, and factories to contribute to environmental conservation by making proposals, giving instructions, or conducting sales activities
First-stage measures (reduction of direct environmental impacts)
Customers
Suppliers
Factories
Head Office (in Aoyama Building)
Second-step measures
Head Office in the Aoyama Building
Lighting equipment
OA equipment
WasteEmergency
power generation facilities
Kitchenfacilities
Cooling facilities
Office air conditioners
・ Energy and resource saving・ Waste sorting
(Reduction of direct environmental impacts)
First-step measures
Environmental measures at offices: acquisition of ISO 14001 by the Head Office and regional offices
1 Waste sorting and recycling for resource saving
2 Introducing low-emission vehicles as company-owned cars as part of environmental conservation activities
3
Indirect influence
4
Recycling flow of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs)
2 0 0 2
�
45
“From Cradle to Cradle”Pursing further recycling possibilities
Presently in Japan, approximately 5 million vehicles are annually
wasted as end-of-life vehicles, of which approximately 4 million
are disposed of within the country and 75–80% of them are
recycled in terms of weight.
In recent years, the remaining 20–25% of shredder residues have
become a problem in the lack of landfill sites and in the conver-
sion to a recycling-based society, and people are increasingly de-
manding the proper disposal of these residues. To solve this prob-
lem, the End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Law was enacted in 2002.
Under these circumstances, Honda is continuing to implement
aggressive measures to minimize the use of substances with
environmental impacts and the amount of landfill waste, and
promote the recycling of resources at every stage of its products’
lifecycles, including development, production, use, and waste.
Section 4 Disposal and Recycling
Cus
tom
ers
Dis
asse
mb
lers
Rec
yclin
g (7
5–80
%)
Land
fill o
r inc
iner
atio
n (2
0–25
%)
Shr
edd
ing
co
mp
anie
s
Automobiledealers
Second-hand parts (engines, air conditioners, tires, and exterior parts)
Materials (catalysts, non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum, and oils)
Remainder (bodies, etc.)
Materials (iron and non-ferrous metals)
Automobile shredder residue (ASR)
Localmunicipalities
Second-handcar dealers
Wastevehicles
Honda aims to reduce waste as far as
possible and to minimize the environmental
impacts of its production activities by
adopting the “3R” concept in its product
design.
●“Reduce”
means to reduce waste by making parts
smaller, lighter, more durable, and easily
repairable, which requires a design that
provides sufficient functions with fewer
resources.
●“Reuse”
means to reuse resources that were wasted in
the past, thus reducing waste, which requires
a design that enables easy dismantling and
longer product lives.
●“Recycle”
means that materials that were wasted are
once again used as materials, which also
requires a design that enables easy disman-
tling and longer product lives. It is also impor-
tant that materials that can be easily recycled
are used for those parts that will be dismantled.
It is also necessary to design products for
which the use of substances that do have an
environmental impact can be reduced to the
minimum.
Recycled materials need to be used as
much as possible. They can be used to make
new parts and thereby the use of new mate-
rials can be reduced, which contributes to the
efficient use of resources.
1 9 8 3 1 9 9 2 1 9 9 81 9 9 6 1 9 9 7
1 9 9 2 1 9 9 4 2 0 0 1>> Commencing introduction of an advance evaluation system for the recyclability of motorcycles
>> Starting the introduction of an advance recyclability evaluation system for automobiles
>> Improving the advance recyclability evaluation system based on the “3Rs”
46
Honda has improved the 3Rs by reflecting the following evaluation results in the product design since the development stage: recyclability; how easy to dismantle the product; how easy to sort the end-of-life parts; safety at the final disposal; compactness; light weight; long life; and reusability.
Technological�
research
Ene
rgy
savi
ng t
echn
olo
gy
Res
our
ce r
ecyc
ling
tec
hno
log
yR
ecyc
led
par
ts
Accumulation �
of technologies
Planning
Pro
duc
ts w
ith im
pro
ved
3R
s
Designing
Verification of the mass production plan
Research stage Planning stage Development stage Mass production preparation stage
Feedback Feedback
Advance recyclability evaluation system
Consideration for Product Recyclability from the Product Development StageTo promote recycling, Honda gives full consideration to product recyclability right from the earliest development stage. At the development stage, we strictly evaluate our products from the following three “R” aspects: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Further, we use environment-friendly materials and structures for our products.
Consideration for recyclability at the development stage
Advance recyclability evaluation system
Consistent use of polypropylene (PP) bumpers, which can be easily recycled
Clear indication of materials weighing 100 grams or heavier on all the products to make it easier to sort end-of-life products for recycling (Since 1999, names of materials weighing 5 grams or heavier have been indicated.)
Introduction of bumpers that can be easily dismantled
Improvement of recyclability by using only olefin materials for instrument panels instead of composites
Introduction of an integrated design for faster and more appropriate disposal of the air bags of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs)
Meeting to evaluate technologies
(eva
luat
ion
mad
e at
the
dev
elop
men
t co
mp
letio
n)
Meeting to evaluate the product in advance
(eva
luat
ion
mad
e at
the
com
plet
ion
of th
e pr
oduc
tion
prep
arat
ion)
Product design based on the “3Rs”1
By dividing the bumper, which was integrally molded in the past, into parts, it can now be more easily dismantled and only the broken parts need be replaced with new ones, thereby reducing the generation of waste.
Side protector braids were traditionally made from metal and resin. For the CR-V, however, only polypropylene materials are used. Downsizing by gas assist injection molding made it possible to reduce the amount of materials used while maintaining the necessary rigidity, resulting in a reduction in weight by 50% compared with the previous model.
●Dividing a bumper into parts
Lead has been used to ensure the free-cutting ability of crankshafts, etc. Now lead-free materials are used in the crankshafts for the minicar That’s, the motorcycle CBR954RR, and for the “GX Series” multipurpose engines.
Hexavalent chromium has been used to ensure resistance to corrosion. Already, chromium-free paints are used for outboard engines.
Acrylonitrile-Ethylene rubber-Styrene (AES) has been newly developed as a material for the exterior of motorcycles. AES, which can be clearly colored and is highly light resistant, is now used for rear cowls and front covers, eliminating the need for subsequent painting, which was necessary when ABS resin was used as the material. The use of ASE has improved the recyclability of motorcycles.
Traditionally, the following three different materials were used: polyvinylchloride (PVC) as the covering material; polypropylene foam (PPF) as the foaming material; and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) as the base material. Presently, however, olefin materials mainly composed of polypropylene (PP) are used for all the instrument panel layers. This makes it unnecessary to sort the crushed materials and it is now possible to recycle them as a base material for instrument panels.
2,0001850 g
Reduction by using alternative
materials
250 g
1,800
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
core metal of iron plate + PVC
�Traditionaldesign
PP integrated hollow casting
Reduceddesign
Crushing
Crushing
Sorting for disposal
Recycled
Used as heat source
Disposed of as waste
* Thermoplastic olefin
● Composed of single material (mono-material technology) Instrument panel
Recycling
Measures Taken at the Development Stage
●Downsizing side protectors ●Use of single resin material for instrument panels
Front bumper consisting of 2 parts
Rear bumperconsisting of 3 parts
Step wagon
Base material ABS
PVCCovering material
●Use of colored material for the exterior of motorcycles
Technologies have been devel-oped for promoting the use of lead-free parts, and the target for 2005 (reduction in the use of lead to one-third of 1996 levels) was achieved for all the models as early as 2001.
●Reduction in the use of leadUse of lead(in grams)
●Reduction in the use of lead ●Minimum use of hexavalent � chromium, mercury, and � cadmium
●Parts of a scooter to which recycled materials are used
●Parts for which materials recycled from bumpers are used
Reduction tohalf in 2002
Reduction to one-third in 2005
Guidelines set by the Japan Automobile
Manufacturers Association
Traditional composition and recycling of instrument panels
New composition and recycling of instrument panels
● Composed of different materials
Covering material: PVC�
Foaming material: PPF�
Base material: ABS�
�
Covering material: TPO*
Foaming material: PPF
Base material: PP
PPF
Materials recycled from bumpers replaced with new ones in repairing, etc. are used for various other parts.
�
47
Examples of “reduced” design
Example of a design that reduces environmental impacts
Example of using recycled materials
Example of a use of recyclable materials
Standard use calculated by the Japan Automobile
Manufacturers Association
Use of lead per CIVIC
Measures are now being implemented so that lead is no longer needed in electrodeposition coating and in the production of electronic boards
Splash shieldRear center shelf
Aerodynamic undercover
Rear fender
Air cleaner case/cover
Undercover
Floor carpet Side spacer
Trunk mat
1996 2002
1 9 9 1 1 9 9 5 1 9 9 9
1 9 9 3 1 9 9 7 2 0 0 2
2 0 0 0
In the production of instrument panels, it is
important to reuse the material wasted from
the punching process. Initially, it was difficult
to reuse the waste because it was made of
PVC and PPF. By the development of sorting
technologies and devices, however, it became
possible to recycle PVC materials. In 2002,
it was decided to use only olefins as the
covering material. Now the waste is crush-
ed and recycled into pellets to be used for
injection molding by adding virgin PP and talc
(materials that provide rigidity). The pellets are
used as resin materials for defroster ducts,
etc.
Pursuit of Recyclability through the Development of TechnologiesHonda is aggressively developing technologies to make effective use of resin materials, which are difficult to reuse or recycle. Based on newly developed technologies, we are examining the possibility of reusing or recycling wasted resin materials as parts for new products or as repair parts.
Establishment of a System to Recover and Properly Dispose of Waste PartsHonda has been making efforts to build networks for the recycling and proper disposal of waste parts. We started the establishment of a network to recover and recycle bumpers replaced with new ones in 1991. Since then, supported by our dealers and those in related industries, we have been expanding such
Recycling technologies for the production stage
(PVC-PPF covering material)Development of a sorting technology using a crusher and water tankTo PVC tool bag
Establishment of a bumper recovery network
Starting the recovery of bumpers (in the Kanto and Koshinetsu areas)
Completion of the bumper recovery nationwide network
Starting the recovery test of bumpers from wasted automobiles (in specific areas)
Expanding the recovery from Honda dealers to general maintenance shops
(PVC-PF covering material)Development of an integrated sorting device with an air separatorTo PVC covering material
(Covering material composed of olefins alone)Establishing recycling technologies by injection moldingApplication to resin interior parts
Recycling technology for materials for covering instrument panels
1
Establishment of a nationwide network for recovery and recycling of bumpers
1
Measures Taken at the Production Stage
Measures Taken at the Use Stage
Hokkaido region
Amami-Oshima and Okinoerabujima
●EbetsuHokkai Jushi Kogyo Corporation
Sendai●�
Saitama●�
Mie�●�
● HiroshimaTakase Gosei Kagaku Co., Ltd.
Gotofukue
�
Blue: Intermediate processing companies�Red: Recycling companies��
After a period of trial and error to establish an
infrastructure for recovery, Honda has built up
a network for recycling bumpers that have
been replaced with new ones throughout
Japan. We first began tests in the Kanto and
Koshinetsu regions in October 1991. Later, we
spread the area to the Chubu and Kinki
regions, the Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu
regions, and the Hokkaido and Tohoku
regions. Then, in November 1995, the network
was extended to Okinawa and the remote
islands (Okinoerabujima, Amami-Oshima, and
Goto) to complete our nationwide coverage.
We have taken steps to make the recovery
process as smooth as possible. For example,
by locating intermediate processing plants
between the recycling plants (in Saitama and
Mie prefectures), we have reduced the cost of
recovery from remote areas. In order to reduce
the load on dealers, we have designed a
shipping system that allows dealers to ship the
bumpers without cutting them into sections,
thereby also improving recovery efficiency. In
fiscal 2001, we recovered approximately
280,000 bumpers. Since the start of the
recovery system, we have recovered approxi-
mately 1.58 million bumpers in total. In 1999, we
also began a geographically limited model ex-
periment to collect and recycle bumpers from
ELVs.
Bumper recovery technology
1 9 9 6>>
1 9 9 9 2 0 0 1
Tosu ●�Nishiki Co., Ltd.
48
Vacuum formed
Punching
Remnant Instrument panel
Recycling
Development of the sandwich molding technology
>> Removing most of the paint films using metal mesh screens
>> Development of a technology to remove the paint film on bumpers
Bumpers are collected and transported to an intermediate processing company by courier service.After being crushed at the intermediate processing company, they are delivered to a recycling company by marine container transportation.
・��・�
Tohoku regionBumpers are collected and delivered to Sendai by courier service and then to the final processing company as they are.
・�
Chugoku and Shikoku regionsBumpers are collected and transported to an intermediate processing company by courier service.After being crushed at the intermediate processing company, they are delivered to a recycling company.
・����・�
Kyushu regionBumpers are collected and transported to an intermediate processing company by courier service.After being crushed at the intermediate processing company, they are delivered to a recycling company.
・��・�
Okinawa regionRecovered by a courier and transported to Tosu by air
・�
Kanto and Koshinetsu regionsDepending upon the number of collected bumpers, return trucks that deliver repair parts or special bumper recovery trucks are used to deliver the collected bumpers to a recycling company.
・�
Chubu and Kinki regionsDepending upon the number of collected bumpers, return trucks that deliver repair parts or special bumper recovery trucks are used to deliver the collected bumpers to a recycling company.
・�
Nabeka Co., Ltd.
Kyowa Sangyo Co., Ltd.
In 1996, we developed a technology to
manufacture bumpers using recycled
materials as core materials. This technology is
called “sandwich molding technology,” and
uses the recycled bumpers without removing
the paint film. (The paint film on bumpers
made it difficult to recycle them in the past.)
The bumpers, with the paint film still on them,
are crushed, washed and pelletized, and used
as the core materials for bumpers.
Since October 1998, Honda has been selling
at reasonable prices parts recycled from
those parts replaced with new ones during
repair work. At genuine Honda parts
manufacturers, end-of-life components in
those parts to be reused are replaced with
new ones, and the new parts are recycled as
fully functioning high-quality parts, monitored
to Honda’s criteria.
We have been selling those parts that were
selected and removed from ELVs based on
the Honda Standards and parts of new
automobiles replaced with optional parts as
reusable parts at lower prices since July 2001
in the Kanto region and since January 2002 in
all the regions in Japan.
1 9 9 5 1 9 9 8 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2
Further Reuse and Recycling of PartsHonda started to market the parts that had been wasted after use as “Honda Recycle Parts” (composed of recycled and reused parts) under the slogan of “Effective use of second-hand parts for the environment while maintaining quality and minimizing the burdens imposed on customers” to further promote the recyclability of our parts.
Reuse and recycling of parts
Launch of the remanufacturing business (in the U.S.)
Launch of the remanufacturing business (in Japan)
Starting the sale of Honda Recycle Parts
Promoting the sale of Honda Recycle Parts
Remanufacturing of parts1
Sale of reused parts
Technology to recycle recovered bumpers
2
●Sandwich molding technology for bumpers Honda asked its dealers to cooperate in the
establishment of systems to recover and
destroy the CFC-12 used for automobile
air conditioners, and completed the es-
tablishment of such systems all over Japan in
1998. We are further promoting the proper
disposal of harmful substances through
measures such as the introduction of
equipment for recovering and recycling
HFC134a.
Establishment of a system to recover and destroy CFC-12
3
We have established the technology to
remove the paint film from bumpers jointly
with recycling companies. Bumpers are
crushed into chips and the chips are forcefully
rubbed together to generate frictional heat,
which removes the paint film. Materials
recycled from bumpers using this technology
have been used as repair bumpers made from
100% recycled materials.
●Technology to remove the paint film from
bumpers
2
Measures Taken at the Waste Stage
Recycled parts
Second-hand parts Removed parts
49
Sandwich molded bumper
Chips before removing the paint film
Chips after removing the paint film
Recovery of CFC-12
Power steering pump assembly
Exterior parts and metal parts (doors, hoods, trunks, etc.)
Power steering gearbox assembly
Torque converter Distributor Drive shaft assembly
Reused parts
●�
Audio systems, radios, cassettes, etc.
●�
Functional parts, such as dampers
●�
OthersSide garnishes, wheels, etc.
●�
Lighting parts (headlights, taillights, etc.)●�
In recent years, much of the beautiful
and rich beach environment has been
damaged due to waste generated by
various leisure and sports activities
conducted on beaches. Honda has
developed a beach cleaner that effi-
ciently collects driftwood, ropes, PET
bottles, discarded cigarette stubs, etc.
The cleaner is to be pulled by an all
terrain vehicle (ATV) equipped with
balloon tires, which are entirely suit-
able for beach activities. This cleaner
contributes to the efficient recovery
of waste, which is a key to waste
recycling, and to the maintenance of a
wholesome beach environment.
Image of a dismantling line
Recovery of IMA batteries usedexclusively in hybrid cars
Dismantler
�
�No
tific
atio
n o
f re
ceip
t
Pic
kup
of
reco
vere
d b
atte
ries
Flo
w o
f IM
A b
atte
ries
Flow of IMA batteries
1 9 9 6
Dismantling manual Manifest
2 0 0 21 9 9 7
In March 2003, we announced a new dis-
mantling line equipped with a new vehicle
turnover device for dismantling, which
enables the recovery of glass and rear
suspensions even while the automobile is
being turned over. Due to such improve-
ments, the time required for recovery has
been reduced by approximately 62%
compared with the previous model.
We commenced the sale of such devices,
targeting vehicle dismantlers. The dismantling
line enables dismantlers to deliver end-of-life
vehicles to their plants, dispose of waste
liquids, remove parts and press the dismantled
automobiles in a single work flow.
Accordingly, work efficiency has doubled
compared with the traditional dismantling
methods.
Honda prepared the manual explaining
how to dismantle the parts designated by
the public organizations and the parts
recommended by Honda in an easy-to-
understand manner. Copies have been
distributed to all Honda sales bases and the
associated dismantlers in January 2002.
IMA batteries used for Honda’s hybrid cars
are nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries,
and we established our own system to
recover these batteries in 1999. The
recovered IMA batteries are effectively
recycled into stainless steel and battery
materials.
Honda has been asking its dealers to manage
ELVs using manifests*. Also for air bag
inflators, we are cooperating with other
manufacturers in the examinations on their
recovery and disposal system promoted by
the automobile industry.Publication of a dismantling manual2
Example of measures to improve the environment and to recycle waste
Development of an extremely light beach cleaner to be pulled by an ATV
2
5
Recoveringair bags
RecoveringCFC-12
TransferRemoving covers
Removing liquids
Waiting andpreparation
Recoveringfront window glass Transfer“A” press
Recovering instrument panel harnesses
*Documents used for managing the disposal of industrial waste, including ELVs, which clearly shows the responsibilities of those generating the waste.
50
Delivery of an ELV from a customer or a distributor
1
4
Supporting People Engaged in Recycling by Providing Them with Devices and Systems for Efficient Dismantling Honda is developing devices and systems to remove parts more rapidly in the dismantling process and to dispose of them more safely.
We are supporting dismantlers by proposing the use of such devices and systems and promoting the proper disposal and recycling of materials.
Development of dismantling support technologies
Development of a vehicle turnover device for dismantling
New vehicle turnover device for dismantling
Development of diversified dismantling support devices such as a wire harness winder
Measures Taken at the Waste Stage
Vehicle turnoverdevice for dismantling
Evolution of the vehicle turnover device for dismantling for a new dismantling line
1
System to recover batteries used exclusively in hybrid cars
3
Management of ELVs using manifests, and proper recovery and disposal of air bag inflators
4
Honda Trading Co., Ltd. (responsible for the management
of recovered parts in general)3
Nippon Express Co., Ltd. (carrier certified by Honda)
Nihon Recycle Center (recycling company)
Instructions on the removal of IMA batteries from the vehicle
Not
ifica
tion
Extremely light beach cleaner to be pulled by an ATV
Objects to be removed from the beach: discarded cigarette butts, filters, wood chips, charcoal, firework remains, etc.
In December 1999, we established a
dismantling verification center within Honda
Engineering’s Tochigi technical center. The
dismantling verification center is mainly
engaged in research on the necessary
technologies for dismantling ELVs, information provision, providing feedback in order to
help design automobiles that can be more easily dismantled, and in identifying the
requirements for ELV dismantling support devices.
In 1998, APH, Honda’s distributor in
Thailand, started to purchase second-hand
Honda motorcycles sold in the domestic
market, rebuild them at its special plant,
and to sell them as rebuilt products. This
was an attempt to make more effective
use of resources, reduce waste, and to
promote recycling. By June 2002, a total of
4,273 rebuilt motorcycles were marketed.
Specifically, second-hand motorcycles
purchased at auctions, etc. are dismantled
at APH’s special plant and the parts are
stored after being sorted, repaired or
repainted according to their condition.
These parts are then rebuilt into
motorcycles, which are sold through sales
companies selected by APH. APH has
been providing the rebuilding know-how
to sales companies, who themselves are
establishing the system to procure, rebuild,
and sell second-hand motorcycles. Already
23 sales companies have their own
rebuilding facilities, demonstrating how
such rebuilding efforts have been made
across the entire country. AHP will further
pursue the possibility of a completely
closed recycling system for motorcycles
by taking further appropriate measures.
Motorcycle rebuilding line in Thailand
Example of measures taken overseas
Rebuilding motorcycles in ThailandA.P. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (APH)
Dismantling verification center
SellingPurchasing
second-hand motorcycles
Recycling second-hand motorcycles
Market
Cleaning
Rebuilding Repainting
Minimization of waste
Honda will try to reduce the environ-mental impact of its activities by accelerat-ing recycling-friendly designs in order to achieve an actual recycling rate of 95% by 2015 and by reducing the use of substances with environmental impacts in compliance with its guidelines on chemical substances. Further, we are conducting surveys on ASR disposal technologies to achieve zero ASR* in landfill wastes.
Honda’s future recycling goals
* Automobile shredder residue
1 9 9 0 2 0 0 11 9 9 7 1 9 9 9
Honda’s organizations responsible for recycling
New Recycle Project
World Environmental Committee
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Honda R&D Co., Ltd.
Sales, service, parts departments, and �overseas departments
Recycling evaluation, technological �development, and assessment
Dismantling and recycling technologies
1 9 9 8
51
To Further Promote Recycling for the Next AgeIn Japan and indeed throughout the world, people are keenly moving towards the establishment of recycling societies. Honda, ahead of many others, has been implementing diverse environmental projects. In the future we intend to conduct research to establish our projected visions to enable us to steadily move towards realizing a true recycling society.
Honda’s recycling activities
Establishment of a recycling committee
Launch of the New Recycle Project
Announcement of the Honda Recycle Initiative
Launch of the Green Dealer Project
The dismantling verification center started operations in Tochigi.
Launch of a project to comply with automobile recycling laws
Establishment of the Europe Recycle Center (ERC).
Measures for the Future
Establishment of the dismantling verification center
1
Honda Engineering Co., Ltd.
●Examples presented at the Honda Green ConferenceEfforts Made by Suppliers
Honda GreenConference
A monitoring unit is installed in front of the signboard. A timer automatically turns off the lights.
The new case can be easily assembled using square pipes and bolts.
Honda Express Co., Ltd.
Honda Express, which is one of the carriers of Honda products and parts, has been making efforts ahead of others in the industry to reduce the packaging materials used for transportation. For the export of products to Europe, the company has developed a returnable case that is lighter but as durable as the returnable cases traditionally used for exporting. The new returnable case is made more suitable for collection because it can be compactly folded. By promoting the usage of this cases, the company has reduced the amount of waste to one-tenth of previous levels. Furthermore, by reducing the amount of energy required for transportation through reducing the weight of the case, this has also reduced CO2 emissions by 5,780 tons on an annual basis.
Honda Verno Kobe Co., Ltd.
Honda Verno Kobe, which sells Honda automobiles in the Kobe District in Hyogo Prefecture, newly installed a unit to monitor power consumption on an hourly basis in cooperation with an electric appliance manufacturer. As a result, it was revealed that electricity was being consumed for lighting even on regular holidays, and that the peak of the consumption was during 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Based on this finding, the company has implemented the following countermeasure: on the day before a holiday, electricity is turned off at the distribution board, and a timer is installed for the accurate management of power consumption. Also, the delivery of automobiles to the company is scheduled not to be concentrated at any one time, so that energy consumption can be spread. Thanks to these measures, power consumption has been reduced by 12% and CO2 emissions by 6,494 kg.
Honda aims to make both its employees and its suppliers more aware of the importance of environmental conservation by holding the Honda Green Conference. At this conference, which is held as a group-wide event, participants exchange information about their environmental improvement activities and evaluate them to obtain more knowledge and skills on environmental conservation. At the second conference, held in November 2000, and subsequently,conferences a total of 10 major Honda suppliers made presentations about their environmental conservation activities.
Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
Achieving zero wastewater by recycling water in the coating process
Reducing waste to one-tenth by the introducing a new returnable case
Reducing the consumption of electricity by using a power consumption monitoring unit
Water purifying device using an RO membrane to make wastewater reusable
Yachiyo Industry, which manufactures Honda minicars, implemented measures to achieve zero wastewater by maximizing the water recycling efficiency in its repair parts production line. As a result, the company achieved zero wastewater at its factory for the first time in the automobile industry. Specifically, the company introduced two water purifying devices using reverse osmosis (RO) membranes to filter wastewater from the factory in two stages, thereby achieving a water recycling rate of 57%. The treated water is reused in the pretreatment and electrodeposition coating processes. The remaining 43% of the wastewater, is evaporated, thereby achieving zero wastewater.
52
●Zero wastewater
Water use: Reduced to 7,430 tons/year (May 2000 through April 2001)from the previous level approx 17,500 ton/year
column
Pretreatment (oil removal and coating)
Electrodeposition coating
No discharge of wastewater
Concentratedwater
Supplementarywater
▼�
No. 1 water purifying device using an RO membrane
Filtered water
Purifiedwater
Purifiedwater
▼�
▼�
Water used for final washing and supplementary water
Water
Achieving a water recycling rate of 57%
No. 2 water purifying device using an RO membrane
Simplified wastewater treatment
Evaporator
UFdevice
Sludge
5
53
Restructuring the Organization to Promote Environmental Conservation All Over the World
Honda is improving and expanding its organization to conduct
environmental activities on a worldwide scale in order to achieve the
following objectives: to conduct environmental conservation activities
at all stages of its operations and throughout the lifecycles of its
products; and to implement speedy and flexible measures through
company-wide environmental projects.
Further, to understand the degree of environmental impact caused at
each stage of our operations and to implement the most effective
measures for each stage based on this understanding, we have
established a lifecycle assessment (LCA) system.
Section 5 Organizational Structure
Worldwide System for Conducting Environmental ActivitiesEnvironmental conservation measures are required all over the world. Honda is implementing speedy and effective environmental conservation measures by establishing and expanding the system for conducting these activities all over the world, including the establishment of the World Environmental Committee and the launch of projects based on specific themes.
System to Promote Environmental Activities
* Plan, Do, Check, Action.
●Organization for worldwide environmental activities��
Regional operations (Japan)
Regional operations (North America)
Japan Environmental Committee
Head of Functional Divisions/R&D/ProjectsHead of Regional OperationHead of Business Operation
Motorcycle operations
Automobile operations
Power products operations
Service parts operations
World Environmental Committee
Environment and SafetyPlanning Office
Honda R&D Co., Ltd. MotorcyclesAutomobiles Power Products
Head of Purchasing Division
Head of Administration Division
Head of Administration Division
Honda Engineering Co., Ltd.
Green Factory Project
New Recycle Project
LCA Project
Environmental conservation can be said to
be one of the most important management
objectives for a company to continue
sustainable corporate activities in the future.
Honda announced its Honda Environment
Statement in 1992 to clearly demonstrate
the direction of its ongoing environmental
activities, and improved and expanded its
organizational structure towards the achieve-
ment of the goals cited in the Statement.
Before the announcement of the
Environment Statement, the company
established an Environmental Committee in
1991, as a body that would take the central
role in corporate environmental activities. The
organization was subsequently expanded for
environmental conservation in the Americas,
Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
In 1995, the World Environmental
Committee was established to plan and
implement worldwide environmental con-
servation activities. In 1999, the Committee
was given a position equal to the Executive
Committee, which enabled the company to
make management decisions more speedily
and more globally in the environmental field.
Within Japan, the Japan Environmental
Committee sets the company’s environmental
goals and policies for the company to con-
duct more sophisticated environmental
conservation activities. These goals and
policies are set according to the situations
of each department and coordinated for the
entire company to maintain and improve its
environmental performance through the
lifecycles of its products. Also, we have a
system to implement projects for specific
environmental themes on a company-wide
scale. For example, in 1997, we launched the
Green Factory Project to respond to recycling-
based society initiatives and the New Recycle
Project to promote recycling activities for the
circulatory use of resources. In 2000, we
started the LCA Project to further analyze and
quantify the various environmental impacts
caused by our activities.
At Honda, environmental activities are
conducted as follows: First, the Executive
Committee decides upon midium-term
environmental policies, based on which each
department makes their own plans. The
Environmental Committee discusses and
approves the plans and then each depart-
ment subsequently conducts environmental
activities based on the approved plans. The
results are then examined and evaluated by
the Environmental Committee. Their
evaluations can then be reflected in the
54
PDCA
Establishing the Environmental Committees for global environmental conservation
1
Domestic environmental organizations and company-wide projects
2For continuous environmental activities
3
Regional operations (Europe, the Middle East, the Near East, and Africa)
Regional operations (Asia and Oceania)
North America Environmental Committee
European Environmental Committee
South America Environmental Committee
Asia & Oceania Environmental Committee
Regional operations (South America)
Individual Departments
Execution
Regional Environmental
Committee
World EnvironmentalCommittee
PDCA* cycle
Establishment of environmental conservation organizations
Committee to deal with energy issues established.
Recycling committee established.
Committee to deal with CFCs established.
World Environmental Committee established.
Green Factory Project launched.
New Recycle Project launched.
LCA Project launched.
1 9 8 0 1 9 8 9 1 9 9 1
�
1 9 9 2 1 9 9 5 1 9 9 7 2 0 0 01 9 9 0Japan Environmental Committee established.
Honda Environment Statement announced.
From Product Development to DisposalIntroducing Environmental Management Systems to Each Stage of Product LifecyclesHonda, in order to drastically reduce the environmental impact caused by its activities, is introducing environmental management systems at every stage of product lifecycles. Also, we give environmental education to all grades of employees to help them to take environmental measures in their daily business activities.
Environmental Management
Introducing environmental management systems to all corporate activities related to product lifecycles
Sales and service
Transportation
Production
Purchasing
At offices
H
formulation of the next goals and plans. This
process is called a Plan, Do, Check, and Act
(PDCA) cycle and the departments conduct
their activities based on detailed plans,
following this cycle.
Throughout the product lifecycle, including
development, production, transportation, and
marketing, Honda is reducing its
environmental impact by introducing ISO
14001-certified environmental management
systems, both within Japan and overseas.
ISO 14001 is an international standard for
environmental management established by the
International Organization for Standardization
based in Switzerland. By conducting environ-
mental impact assessment, environmental
management and auditing according to this
standard, we can continuously improve our
environmental conservation activities.
Honda encouraged its factories to obtain
ISO 14001 certification and all the factories in
Japan obtained certification by the end of
1998. In 1999, the Head Office in the Aoyama
Building also acquired certification, followed
by all the regional offices throughout the
country in 2000. For overseas factories, those
in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania
are making efforts to obtain certification. In
Europe, factories are also striving to acquire
the Eco Management and Audit Scheme
(EMAS) certification.
Honda gives environmental education for each
employee to understand his/her role in the
company’s environmental activities and to take
part in such activities as part of their daily
business activities. Different education
programs are provided for “new employees,”
“employees working for two to eight years in
the company,” and for “those to be promoted
to managers.”
For new employees, training is provided to
help them understand Honda’s commitment to
the environment and work in their departments
in consideration of the environment. For those
being promoted to managers, training is pro-
vided to enable them to encourage environ-
mental activities from the standpoint of managers.
In fiscal 2001, the basic training provided
mainly to younger employees working at
factories was revised to add more environ-
mental conservation aspects to the training.
ISO
●ISO 14001-certified dealers
55
Introducing environmental management systems to help get all Honda sites ISO 14001-certified
4
Environmental education and training to promote employee awareness of the environment
5
All Honda factories in Japan have acquired ISO 14001 certification, and the acquisition is being promoted at its overseas factories.
As of fiscal 2001, three of the four companies that transport Honda’s products in large amounts are ISO 14001-certified.
Honda is encouraging its suppliers to obtain ISO 14001 certification. As of fiscal 2001, 125 factories among 55 suppliers are ISO 14001-certified.
●ISO 14001-certified officesNovember 1999—the Head Office in the Aoyama BuildingFebruary 2001—
1999:
2000:
2001:2002:
Honda Clio KyotoHonda Verno AichiHonda Primo Tokyo-MinamiHonda Primo Toriko Honda Clio KansaiHonda Clio KinkiHonda Primo Hokuriku Head Office
The Head Office in the Aoyama Building and the six regional offices are already ISO 14001-certified.
Based on the know-how obtained from the acquisition of ISO 14001 certification, Honda is implementing its own Green Dealer Certification System.
Environmental booklet for the families of employees Environmental
training text for new employees
Regional offices in Sapporo, Sendai, Sakurashinmachi (in Tokyo), Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka
*Corporate names were those at the time of ISO 14001 acquisition
The CIVIC Hybrid is equipped with a special IMA system and batteries and its CO2 emissions at the raw materials and production stages are higher than the CIVIC FERIO. At the driving stage, however, CO2 emissions from the CIVIC Hybrid are much lower thanks to its high fuel economy. As a result, over the entire lifecycle, CO2 emissions from the CIVIC Hybrid are around 25% lower when compared with the CIVIC FERIO.
From Product Development to DisposalQuantifying Environmental Impact at Every Stage of a Product’s LifecycleHonda launched the LCA Project in 2002, in order to quantify the environmental impacts caused by its activities at each stage of its operations and to take effective countermeasures. In June 2002, we designed and introduced the Honda LCA System and since then have been expanding use of the system.
LCA System to Quantify Environmental Impact
*Rate when total emissions from the CIVIC FERIO are defined as 100
Lifecycle stage
Raw materials Production Driving Service Disposal Transportation Total
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Honda launched the LCA Project in June
2000 and built and introduced the Honda
LCA System in June 2002 to quantify the
environmental impact caused by its business
activities. LCA is a method to comprehen-
sively examine environmental impact at each
stage of a product’slifecycle, from the
procurement of materials to production,
distribution, use, and finally disposal, by
calculating resource/energy consumption,
CO2 emissions and the amount of waste
generated. Honda regards LCA as a most
important tool to accurately assess its overall
environmental impacts.
By utilizing the Honda LCA System, the total
amount of CO2 emitted from Honda’s annual
activities and the environmental impacts
caused by Honda products used within
Japan can be calculated. The Honda LCA
System comprises the Honda LCA Data
System in which environmental impact data,
such as the amount of materials and energy,
are managed, and the Honda LCA
Management System, used to set
environmental impact reduction objectives.
The System can be commonly utilized for all
Honda products, including motorcycles,
automobiles, and power products.
Manufacturing products
Manufacturing parts
Transportation
Disposal and recycling
Service maintenance
Driving (use)
Mining and producing materials
Honda LCA Data System
LCA
●Honda Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) System
CO2 emission rate (%)*
56
Comparing CO2 emissions from the CIVIC FERIO and the CIVIC Hybrid
under the Honda LCA System
CIVIC FERIO CIVIC Hybrid
Building an LCA system to quantify environmental impact
1
Managing environmental impact data and setting the reduction objectives
2
6Section 6 Social Activities
57
Expanding Social Activities and Dispatching Relevant Information, Recognizing Honda’s Social Responsibilities as a Global Company
Honda is aggressively conducting social activities—in addition to its
corporate activities—in order to contribute to society at large. Based
on partnerships with people in different positions, we are promoting
social exchanges and activities all over the world. Also, we are
dispatching and disclosing information in relation to environmental
conservation to share more data with a wider range of people.
Through these activities, Honda will participate in society more
dynamically, fully recognizing its social responsibilities as a company.
Social Activities to Pass on Lush Greenery and a Love of Nature to Future GenerationsHonda, as a part of its social activities, is conducting “Green Renaissance” activities for global nature conservation and is encouraging its factories and offices to harmonize themselves with local communities. Also, we are enthusiastically organizing and cooperating in a variety of environment-related events.
Honda has been conducting nature con-
servation activities to pass on the richness of
nature to the next generation under the
auspices of its Green Renaissance Office.
Specifically, support is given to organizations
engaged in nature conservation, such as
reforestation, as well as to volunteer activities
conducted by its employees and OBs. For
example, the Green Renaissance Office gives
support to the Desert Afforestation Volunteers’
Association, an NPO that carries out a model
afforestation and agricultural project that
contributes to preventing desertification
through sand-arresting afforestation in the
Horchin Desert of the Autonomous Region of
Mongolia in the People’s Republic of China.
The office started this “Joyful Forest Project”
as a joint project with the Association and the
local community in fiscal 2000.
The office also provides children, who will
be the major players of the next generation,
with opportunities to have real contact with
nature. For example, it organized “Eco
Wagon,” a program that enables children to
experience and study nature. Approximately
24,000 children participated in the program in
total as of the end of September 2002. Also,
the office established a nature observation
course named “Hello Woods” in a natural
forest located within Twin Link Motegi in
Tochigi Prefecture, and organized an “Eco
Wagon Expeditionary Party” to provide
participants with an opportunity to be in direct
contact with nature. Through these activities,
Honda is improving its environmental
educational programs.
Honda, since its foundation, has been
conducting its corporate activities attribut-
ing importance to “symbiosis with local
communities,” which means not to cause any
problems for local people, to meet as many of
their expectations as possible, and to become
integrated in local communities as a corporate
citizen. Based on these ideas, Honda’s facto-
ries and offices are conducting a variety of
cleaning and nature conservation activities.
For example, at its factories and offices
throughout Japan, cleaning activities have
long been conducted in cooperation with local
people to regularly clean local rivers and
roads.
Honda implemented the “Joyful Forest” Project in the Horchin Desert, within the Autonomous Region of Mongolia in the People’s Republic of China. Under the project, poplars, pine, acacia, and elms were planted.
Plans for the afforestation of a desert in China—the “Joyful Forest” Project
Children participating in an “Eco Wagon Expeditionary Party,” which was held at Twin Link Motegi to provide participants with an opportunity to be in contact with nature throughout the four seasons.
Eco Wagon: a program for children to experience and study nature
Honda supports its employees in participating in the research activities of international organizations involved in sustainable devel-opment and the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage.
Supporting employees in participating in nature experience and research programs
Honda has been supporting and participating in a reforestation project named the “Riverhead Forest (Tone River) Volunteer Revitalization Project.” This project for the conservation and revitalization of nature through reforestation is being undertaken by the CCC Creative Plant’s Gunma Project.
Supporting reforestation activities
For more than 20 years—since 1981—Honda has been holding a fuel economy competition, in which participants compete on “how many kilometers they can drive using only one liter of gasoline.”
Fuel economy competition
At Honda’s factories and offices throughout Japan, employees cooperate with local people to regularly conduct local cleaning activities. Such activities are conducted also at Honda’s business sites in foreign countries.
Cleaning operation
Publication of Honda Philanthropy
In 2001 Honda started to publish Honda Philanthropy, to outline the results of its annual social activities and has since been publishing it on a regular basis to disclose information about its social activities. Also, we introduce our activities and solicit participation in our events at our website to promote even wider communications with people.
58
Contribution to Nature, the Next Generation,
and to Local Communities
“Green Renaissance” activities for reforestation, and environmental education
1Contribution and symbiosis with local communities at domestic factories and offices
2
Promoting Symbiosis with Local Communities and Supporting Environmental Activities Across the WorldHonda is promoting symbiosis with local communities and supporting environmental research activities at its business sites all over the world.
Disseminating Information about Environmental Measures through Various ChannelsHonda dispatches environment-related information to society at large through a variety of media, including the Internet and brochures, and by holding particular events. Also, we are promoting environmental communication by organizing environmental exhibitions targeting local communities.
Honda discloses information about its
environmental activities by publishing
HONDA ECOLOGY and the Honda
Environmental Annual Report, as well as by
introducing related activities at its website.
At the website, environmental specifications
by product and environmental news are
updated from time to time. Also, Honda has
attracted the attention of its customers,
shareholders, suppliers, and local people,
as well as society at large due to its
commitment to environmental conservation.
This is achieved through advertising “Honda
e-TECH” (representing Honda’s ecology-
conscious technologies) and by using eco-
marks for environment-friendly products and
activities.
To promote symbiosis with local commu-
nities, Honda’s factories and offices hold en-
vironmental exhibitions, conduct cleaning ac-
tivities, and participate in local environmental
events, such as low-emission vehicles fairs,
especially in “Environment Month” every June.
At the FAN FUN LAB at Twin Link Motegi,
environment-related exhibits are permanently
displayed to enable children and adults to
study environment-related issues in an
enjoyable manner.
Honda is promoting symbiosis with local
communities and supporting environmental
research activities at its business sites all
over the world. For example, in the U.S.,
Honda of America Mfg., Inc. (HAM), which is
Honda’s production base in North America,
holds Environmental Expos on “Earth Day,”
held by the U.S. government. Also, HAM
conducts research on vegetation that is
effective for soil and water conservation on
the land within its premises. Furthermore, in
cooperation with local NGOs and
universities, it has been actively conducting
surveys on the changes happen-ing in the
ecosystem that affect geese, which seems to
be partially caused by climate change.
It has been observed that wild geese, which migrate to lakes from Canada to spend the winter, often stay at the lakes even after winter has gone. Honda of America Mfg., Inc. (HAM) cooperated in research on this issue to protect the local ecosystem, temporarily holding the wild geese for protection.
Researching and protecting the ecosystem (in the U.S.)
At this website, information about Honda’s environmental conservation activities is introduced, including updates about its latest activities. Various environment-related brochures can be downloaded from the website.
�
Environment-related marks
Symbolizing Honda’s application of envi-ronmental technologies to products and enthu-siastic environmental measures taken in relation to the manufacturing, disposal, and recycling of its products
Clean 4(for motorcycles)
e-SPEC(for power products)
Green Dealer(for dealers)
Honda Recycle Parts(for parts)
�
59
Symbolizing Honda’s environmental measures
Overseas Activities
Environmental Communication
A variety of activities promoting symbiosis with local communities and environmental conservation
1
Website to introduce Honda’s commitment to environmental conservation
Honda exhibits low-emission vehicles at the environment-related events organized by municipalities to provide visitors with opportunities to see Honda’s low-emission vehicles and next-generation technologies.
Low-emission vehicle fair
At FAN FUN LAB at Twin Link Motegi, environment-related exhibits are permanently displayed on four themes, including air pollution prevention, global warming prevention, and recycling.
FAN FUN LAB
Distributing environmental information through various media
1 Disseminating information through events and exhibitions
2
Terminology
60
A
Activated sludge methodActivated sludge (clump of microorganisms) is used
to clean wastewater such as sewage and industrial
effluent that contains a substantial amount of organic
matters.
Air injection systemA device that improves the clean performance of
motorcycles. It introduces external air to the exhaust
gas from the engine’s combustion chamber to
incinerate unburned gas and reduce the amount of
carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HCs).
CFC-12 and HFC-134a for automotive air-conditionersCFC-12 used for automotive air-conditioners was
found to destroy the ozone layer, and its production
and consumption were totally banned in 1995. As an
alternative, HFC-134a was developed. As HFC-134a is
a greenhouse gas, however, its alternative is now
being developed.
Club of RomeFormed in 1970, the Club of Rome is an international
private organization of scholars who study and
comment on problems concerning the livelihood of
mankind. The Club of Rome revealed its report, Limits
to Growth, at the United Nations Conference on the
Human Environment (Stockholm Conference) in 1972,
and warned that should the trend of population
increase and environmental deterioration continue,
the earth’s growth will reach its limits within 100 years.
Since then, international efforts have been made to
reach “sustainable growth.”
COPAcronym for the Conference of the Parties to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change. In 1992, the United Nations concluded the
Framework Convention on Climate Change to
promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
as a step towards solving the global warming
problem. COP is an international conference where
the signatories gather to discuss specific measures.
COP has met eight times as of November 2002. At a
COP7, held in Marrakech in Morocco, the Marrakech
Accords were created, which set the specific rules for
implementing the Kyoto Protocol (Kyoto Mechanism).
CupolaA casting furnace for melting steel for molding into
parts and others. The combustion gas that is
produced when coke as fuel is burned contains a
minute amount of metallic powder and dust that are
harmful to the human body. The gas was one of the
causes of air pollution in the years of high economic
growth in Japan (1960s, 1970s). Later, the problem
was alleviated with the development of the bag filter,
a cloth bag that removes dust.
Cutting fluidThe liquid that is used in grinding or cutting materials
such as steel or aluminum with a machine tool to
prevent wear and improve precision of the work.
DioxinsGeneric term for such dioxins as polychlorinated
dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated
dibenzofurans (PCDFs). While the toxicity differs by
type, some dioxins are highly poisonous and can
cause skin disorder, intestinal disorder, cancer, or
deformed childbirth.
Dismantling business and shredding businessA dismantling business primarily removes parts of
value from ELVs, then collects and sells the parts.
After that, a presser or shredder (an intermediate
processing business) presses or crushes the body
and sorts metals from non-metal materials, then
properly disposes of the materials.
Electrically controlled fuel injection systemThe system uses sensors to detect the engine’s
operating conditions, uses a computer to calculate
the optimal fuel injection volume, and then supplies
the fuel into the cylinder of the engine.
Energy Saving law (Law concerning the Rational Use of Energy)Enacted in 1979, after the second oil crisis, this law
is intended to encourage the effective use of fuel
resources. This law points out gasoline-powered
vehicles as specified machinery and requires their
manufacturers to make an effort to improve their
energy consumption efficiency. The law also
stipulates fuel efficiency target standards. Automotive
fuel efficiency standards have been amended in the
past. The Japanese government established the
“Guideline of Measures to Prevent Global Warming”
to realize the greenhouse gasses reduction target
established at COP3. In June 1998, the law was
amended based on this guideline (enacted in April
1999) and set targets for gasoline-powered passenger
cars by a top-runner scheme. The target calls for a
22.8% fuel economy improvement by 2010 (compared
to 1995).
End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling InitiativeThe former Ministry of International Trade and
Industry of Japan established the “End-of-Life Vehicle
Recycling Initiative” in 1997 as a comprehensive
policy package to promote the recycling and proper
disposal of end-of-life vehicles. The initiative defined
specific targets to achieve an effective recycling rate
and recyclability rate within specified time limits.
End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Law Short for the Law concerning the Recycling of End-of-
Life Vehicles. This law was enacted in Japan on July
5, 2002, jointly proposed by the Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry, the Ministry of the Environment,
and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Full-scale enforcement is planned for 2004. According
to the law, automobile manufacturers and importers
will be required to collect and recycle end-of-life
vehicles and to report about the movement of these
vehicles (“the automobile manifest system”). Users
will pay the cost for recycling when they purchase
new cars. (For vehicles already in use, users will pay
the cost at the first compulsory automobile inspection
conducted after the enforcement of the law.) Also,
automobile makers and importers have to collect
CFCs, air bags, and shredder residues from waste
cars and dispose of them appropriately.
Fluorocarbons Recovery and Destruction LawShort for the Law concerning the Recovery and
Destruction of Fluorocarbons. This law aims to limit
emissions of fluorocarbons, which cause the de-
pletion of the ozone layer and global warming, and
mandates the proper recovery and destruction of
these substances at the disposal of specific products,
including automotive air conditioners. It sets forth the
systems for promoting their recovery and destruction,
as well as the responsibilities to be fulfilled by the
national and local governments, and by manufacturers.
Greenhouse gassesGeneric term used to refer to gasses that cause global
warming. COP3 (refer to the definition for COP)
pointed out six types of greenhouse gasses: CO2,
methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), HFC, PFC, and
SF6.
Green Purchasing NetworkThe Green Purchasing Network was established in
February 1996 to promote green purchasing among
consumers, companies, and governmental organiza-
tions in Japan. The network aims to establish a
society where first priority is given to environmental
friendliness, in addition to price and quality, when
products and services are purchased.
ISO 14000The set of international standards established by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO),
including the Environmental Management System
(ISO 14001), Environmental Audit (ISO 14010), and
Environmental Label (ISO 14020). ISO 14001, the
certification that many companies and municipal
governments are attempting to acquire today, was
established in 1996.
IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was
established in 1988 jointly by the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World
C
E
D
G
I
F
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61
Meteorological Organization (WMO) as an official
forum for world governments to discuss issues related
to global warming. The Panel examines global warm-
ing from a scientific perspective, and accumulates
and announces technological findings and information
concerning the effects of global warming (including
socioeconomic influences) and possible
countermeasures.
Johannesburg Summit(World Summit on Sustainable Development)
International conference (“Rio + 10”) held in
Johannesburg in South Africa in August 2002. Ten
years after the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil, in June 1992, the participants discussed the
situation concerning the implementation of Agenda
21 (the action plan made at the Earth Summit) and
other issues that have subsequently arisen. At the
Johannesburg Summit, the Johannesburg Declaration
on Sustainable Development and an implementation
plan detailing 152 specific objectives, including the
ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, were adopted.
LCA (Lifecycle Assessment)The technique of determining the total environmental
impacts of a product’s lifecycle (recovery of raw
materials, production, distribution, use (consumption),
and disposal) by taking into account the amount of
resources and energy consumed and the amount of
waste disposed. Due to the wide acceptance of this
concept, various segments of the industry the are
taking active steps to reduce environmental impact in
all the stages of lifecycle.
Lean burnAn internal combustion method whereby the engine is
run on a lean air-fuel mixture (the fuel is proportionate-
ly lower to air than usual). The air-fuel ratio (mass ratio
of air to fuel) of gasoline engines is typically about
1:15. Fuel efficiency can be improved and fuel
consumption reduced by using a leaner air-fuel ratio
during low loads.
Montreal Protocol(Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the
Ozone Layer)
This protocol set forth the production limits and
consumption limits of substances that deplete the
ozone layer based on the Vienna Convention (adopt-
ed in 1985) that set the international framework for
actions to protect the ozone layer. It was adopted in
1987 and subsequently reviewed and reinforced in a
number of phases.
Ozone layer depleting substancesGeneric term used to refer to the substances that
deplete the ozone layer, which absorbs the majority of
ultraviolet rays in sunlight before they reach the
ground and protect organisms on the earth. Examples
include the CFCs (Freon) and halon used as
refrigerant and detergent, and some of carbon
tetrachloride, trichloroethane, and methyl bromide.
PRTRAcronym for Pollutant Release and Transfer Register.
PRTR is used by companies to keep track of the
movement of chemical substances that may pollute
the environment from factories and others to the
atmosphere, water, or soil as releases or transfers
included in waste. These movements are reported to
the government, which makes a list from the data, and
makes it public. As a result, the information can be
widely shared and used to control risks associated
with chemical substances.
Recycling societyA social system that minimizes the environmental
impact by minimizing the total waste volume disposed
in the environment by preventing the occurrence of
waste, reusing products, and recycling resources as
much as possible. It has attracted attention as the
form of a new society that can achieve sustainable
development and a replacement of the mass-
consumption society. The Basic Law for Establishing
a Recycling-based Society (promulgated in 2000)
provides for what is necessary to establish such a
society and gives first priority to the restraining of the
generation of waste, reusing and recycling waste, and
to the proper disposal of final waste.
10・15 mode/11 modeDriving conditions for measuring exhaust emissions
and fuel economy. The 10・15 mode cycle is derived
from the 10-mode cycle simulating driving conditions
on general roads by adding another15-mode segment
of a maximum speed of 70 km/h, which simulates
driving conditions on urban expressways. The 11-
mode cycle is divided into 11 patterns simulating
driving conditions in the suburbs and the maximum
speed is set at 60 km/h.
Thermoplastic resinPlastic that softens when heated, that shows
thermoplastic property (retains the changed shape),
and that hardens when cooled. As the change by
heating and cooling can be repeated indefinitely, the
material is superior in recycling ease. Today, it is
abundantly used for automotive interior parts. Typical
examples of thermoplastic resin are polypropylene
(PP) and acrylonitorile butadiene styrene (ABS).
3-way catalytic converterSuch precious metals as platinum, palladium, and
rhodium are used as catalysts to remove carbon
monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and nitrogen
oxides (NOx) from exhaust gas at the same time.
Three constituent elements in exhaust gas (CO, HC, and NOx)Co is carbon monoxide, HC is hydrocarbon, and NOx
is a generic term for nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrogen
dioxide (NO2). The three constituent elements are
referred to as the three major contaminants and are
included in exhaust gas from automobiles and
factories. The NOx concentration in the atmosphere in
urban areas has been leveling off.
2- and 4-stroke enginesA 2-stroke engine completes the four processes
conducted within a cylinder (fuel intake, compression,
combustion, and exhaust) with 2-strokes of the piston
(one rotation of the crankshaft), whereas a 4-strokes
engine requires 4-storkes (two rotations of the
crankshaft). An engine causes mixture of fuel and air
to explode to gain a reciprocal action from the piston
in the cylinder. This reciprocated movement is
converted into the rotating movement of the
crankshaft to create power. A 4-storke engine is
structurally more complex than a 2-stroke engine.
However, 4-stroke engines are better than 2-stroke
engines in environmental performance such as
quietness, exhaust emissions, and fuel economy.
VOCsAcronym for volatile organic compounds. Primary
examples are organic solvents included in paint and
adhesives. Besides having long-term toxicity, VOCs
lead to the depletion of the ozone layer in the
stratosphere and formation of photochemical smog in
the troposphere.
Wire harnessAn automobile has a massive number of wires
(approximately 1,000) that form wiring networks to
convey electronic information and supply electric
power. Wire harnesses are used to systematically
install terminals and connectors that connect these
wires and facilitate their installation on the car.
Zero emissionThe primary concept is to redesign production
processes in an industry to create a new recycling
industrial system that minimizes the creation of waste
to minimize the environmental impacts imputable to
waste from industrial activities. The term was first
used to advocate a zero emission research concept at
the United Nations University in 1995.
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Index
��ABS・・・・・47�Accord・・・・・07,14�Activated sludge method・・・・・06,32�Air bag inflators・・・・・42,50�Air injection・・・・・07,20,21�Air pollution・・・・・09�Aluminum die cast frame・・・・・22�AR combustion・・・・・07�Automation of work with heavy objects・・・・・36���Beach cleaner pulled by an all terrain vehicle (ATV)・・50�BF series・・・・・07,24,25,26,27���CARB・・・・・07,19,24,25�CarLink Project・・・・・28�CBR600F・・・・・22�CFCs for automotive air conditioners・・・・・08,42,49,60�CIVIC・・・・・06,07,14,15,16�CIVIC Hybrid・・・・・07,14,17,56�CIVIC FERIO・・・・・07,14,56�CIVIC GX・・・・・07,18�Clean 4・・・・・20�Cleaning operation・・・・・58�Closed wastewater treatment・・・・・07,33�Club of Rome・・・・・06�Co generation system・・・・・34,35�Contact oxidation system・・・・・33�Continuously variable transmission・・・・・16,17�COP・・・・・60�Crea SCOOPY・・・・・07,21,22�Cupola・・・・・06,60�Cutting fluid・・・・・32�CUV ES・・・・・07,23�CVCC engine・・・・・04,06,14���Dioxins・・・・・07,30,33�Dismantlers・・・・・45,60�Dismantling Verification Center・・・・・51�DOHC i-VTEC・・・・・12,13,14,16,17���Eco wagon・・・・・58�e-DAX・・・・・23�Electric motor-assisted bicycle・・・・・07,23�Electric Vehicle (EV)・・・・・18,28�Electric scooter・・・・・07,23�Electronically controlled fuel injection system・・・・・20�End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Initiative・・・・・51,61�End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Law・・・・・07,45,51�Energy Saving Law・・・・・07,60�Environmental Committee・・・・・07,54�EPA・・・・・07,24,25�e-SPEC・・・・・24,59�Europe Recycle Center・・・・・07,51�EU series・・・・・25,26���FAN FUN LAB・・・・・59�FCX・・・・・04,07,18,19�Fit・・・・・07,17�FORZA S・・・・・21
Fuel cell vehicle・・・・・04,07,18,19
Fuel Economy Competition・・・・・58
Furusato (Native Place) Afforestation Program・・06,36
GIORNO Crea・・・・・07,20,22Global warming・・・・・08GOLD WING・・・・・21Green Dealer Project・・・・・07,42,43,59Green Factory Project・・・・・07,30Greenhouse gasses・・・・・08Green purchasing・・・・・07,38GX series・・・・・07,24,25
Highly efficient bell painting machine for metallic coating ・・33Honda Cycle Partner・・・・・28Honda e-TECH・・・・・59Honda Environment Statement・・・・・05,08,10,54Honda EV Plus・・・・・07,18Honda Green Convention・・・・・07,52Honda IMA System・・・・・17Honda LEV・・・・・07,14Honda Multimatic・・・・・16,17Honda Recycle Parts・・・・・49HPE60 Nekomaru・・・・・25Hybrid car・・・・・07,16,17HYPER VTEC・・・・・07,22
ICVS・・・・・07,28i-DSI engine・・・・・07,12,13,17IMA battery recovery・・・・・50Idle stop system・・・・・21Insight・・・・・12,17Instrument panel・・・・・46,47,48Integra・・・・・16ISO 14001・・・・・07,36,42,44,55
“Joyful Forest” Project・・・・・58
Komame・・・・・25,26
Lake Boden regulations・・・・・07,24Lifecycle Assessment (LCA)・・・・・56LEAD・・・・・07,20Lean burn・・・・・15,60Low emission vehicle fair・・・・・59
Manifest system・・・・・42,50Modal mix・・・・・40Modal shift・・・・・40Montreal Protocol・・・・・06Muskie Act・・・・・06,14MOBIMOBA・・・・・23
Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV)・・・・・07,18New recycle project・・・・・07,51New CIVIC GX・・・・・18New DREAM・・・・・07,18New Honda IMA system・・・・・17New Local Transportation System・・・・・28New VTEC・・・・・07,16New VFR・・・・・21,23Next-generation thin film solar cell・・・・・27,35Next-generation 2-liter, 4-cylinder
gasoline engine・・・・・07,13,14,17 Noise reduction (automobiles)・・・・・15Noise reduction (motorcycles)・・・・・23Noise reduction (power products)・・・・・27
NPI・・・・・41
Olefin・・・・・46,47,48
Outboard engines・・・・・07
Oxidation catalyzer・・・・・20
Ozone layer depleting substances・・・・・08
Packaging materials・・・・・41
PGM-FI・・・・・20,21
Presentation on Effective Use of Resources
and Energy・・・・・06,34
PP・・・・・46,47,48
PRTR・・・・・61
PVC・・・・・48
RACOON COMPO・・・・・07,23
Recovery of bumpers・・・・・48
Recovery of CFC-12・・・・・08,42,49
Recycling committee・・・・・07,51
Recycling society・・・・・07,45,51,60
Reducing lead content・・・・・47
Remanufacturing business・・・・・49
Returnable containers・・・・・41,52
REV・・・・・06
Sandwich-molded bumper・・・・・49
Shrink-wrap film (stretch film)・・・・・41
SILVER WING・・・・・21
Smart Dio Deluxe・・・・・21
Snowra i HS 1390i・・・・・26
STEP COMPO・・・・・23
STREAM・・・・・07,14,17
SULEV・・・・・07,14
Super Cub・・・・・22
Thermoplastic resin・・・・・61
3 constituent elements in exhaust gases
(CO, HCs, and NOx)・・・・・09,14,20,61
3-stage VTEC・・・・・07,16
3-way catalytic converter・・・・・07,15,20,21
3R・・・・・46
TPO・・・・・47
Treatment method using zinc phosphate・・・・・33
Twin Link Motegi・・・・・28,59
Ultra low emission・・・・・07,14,15
UCR IntelliShare Project・・・・・28
ULEV・・・・・07,14
Vehicle turnover device for dismantling・・・50
VFR800FI・・・・・07,20
VOC・・・・・32
VTEC・・・・・06,14,16
VTEC-E・・・・・07,16
Water-cooled 4-stroke 50 cc engine・・・・・07,20,21,22
Wire harness・・・・・61
Work posture improvement・・・・・36
World Environmental Committee・・・・・54
Zero emission・・・・・30,31,61
Zero landfill disposal・・・・・07,30,31
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Description of environmental commitment
●Basic stance concerning the environment●The environmental conservation activities of each department●Future directions
Honda ECOLOGYBrochure: Revised every three yearsWebsite: Updated from time to time
For all inquiries concerning the contents of this brochure, please contact:●Environment and Safety Planning Office Tel: 81-3-5412-1155 Fax: 81-3-5412-1154●If you need a copy of this brochure, please contact: Customer Center: Tel: 0120-112010 (toll-free number available only within Japan) (Office hours: 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
1-1, 2-chome Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
September 24, 1948
Hiroyuki Yoshino, President and Chief Executive Officer
¥86,067 million (as of the end of March 2002)
Consolidated:¥7,362,438 million Unconsolidated: ¥3,211,186 million
Consolidated: 120,600 persons (as of the end of March 2002)Unconsolidated: 28,500 persons (as of the end of March 2002)
Corporate Profile
●You can download the brochure from Honda’s website: www.honda.co.jp/environment/ecology●You can also check for the latest information on the website.● , , FAN FUN LAB, VTEC, Honda LEV, Honda Multimatic, FCX, ICVS, PGM-FI, Snowra, Cycle Partner, HELLO WOODS, , and IMA are the registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ●Puchina, Eco Wagon and i-DSI are now under application for registered trademarks.
HondaEnvironmentalAnnual Report
HondaEnvironmentalAnnual Report
HondaEnvironmentalAnnual Report
Roles of each brochure
Name FrequencyRole
We are using two different brochures to convey and disclose environmental information in order to reinforce and strengthen our two key concepts:
Honda’s disclosure of environment-related information
Honda ECOLOGY
Honda Environmental Annual Report
Annually
Every three years
1st year 2nd year 3rd year
It is vital that we convey accurate information on the progress made in our environmental commitment during the previous year by clearly distinguishing between “Annual Results” and “Past Results and Future Efforts”.
We see the Honda Environmental Annual Report as an integral part of Honda’s Plan, Do, Check and Action (PDCA) Process, relating to our environmental commitment made over the entire report year.
Company name
Head office
Established
Representative
Capital
Sales (results of fiscal 2001)
Total number of employees
Major products
63
Honda Environmental Information DisclosureHonda publishes two types of brochures as its primary media for environmental information disclosure. These are Honda ECOLOGY and the Honda Environmental Annual Report, both of which have been made available to the general public on the Internet.
Describes in detail all of Honda’s environmental activities, including Honda’s basic stance concerning the environment, the environmental conservation activities advanced by each department, and future directions.
Introduces the latest activities and the specific results obtained during the previous year.
●�
It is important to convey a full picture of our environmental commitment, past, present and future, so that the general public are able to assess our results for the year for themselves. This furnishes them with the essential information by which we are judged.
We trust that the public will understand this and make the best use of Honda ECOLOGY and the Honda Environmental Annual Report to make an informed assessment.Honda ECOLOGY is revised every three years and the Honda Environmental Annual Report is issued in the summer every year.
●�
Overview of environmental commitment
●Report and assessment of accomplishments during the previous year●Announcement of annual plan
Accomplishments and plans concerning environmental conservation activities
Environmental Annual Report
<Automobiles> Ordinary vehicles, small-sized vehicles, and minicars<Motorcycles> Small-sized motorcycles, mini motorcycles, and motorbikes<Power products> Agricultural instruments, tractors, generators, multipurpose engines, mowing machines, hedge trimmers, transporters, snow removing machines, outboard engines, pumps, etc.<Number of consolidated subsidiaries> 300 subsidiaries (as of the end of March 2002)
Honda Environmental Conservation Activities
