Use of by-products for culture medium

For GHG emissions reduction and efficient use of natural resource, we utilize by-products such as sawdust generated from wood processing for construction or wheat bran produced in the flour milling process. The use of by-products contributes to the emissions reduction equivalent to 18,243t-CO₂*.

• * Calculated for the base year (FY2020)
• * A by-product produced in the process of making a products is called a “reminder flow.” It is not allocated in IDEA (intensity database) calculation for GHG emissions, and its use contributes to the reduction of GHG emissions.

Energy savings with LED lighting and ground water

In our mushroom cultivation facilities, we are working to save energy in cultivation processes by using energy-efficient LED lights and taking advantage of abundant ground water of the snowy region to control temperature and humidity inside cultivation rooms.

Use of biomass energy

We use sawdust that worked as culture medium for cultivation as a biomass boiler fuel. We reduce the use of fossil fuel significantly through the efficient use of renewable energy source.

Switch to LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) with low GHG emissions is used as fuel for the cultivation facilities. Following its introduction at the Gosen Bio Center in January 2021, it was introduced at the Bio Center 3 in October 2022. As a result, GHG emissions in Scope 1 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 were reduced by approximately 13.1% at the Gosen Bio Center and approximately 10.8% at the Bio Center 3 compared to the previous year per production volume.

Modal shift to railway transportation

Since 2017, we have been using railway transportation with refrigerated containers. This has contributed to 80% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to truck transportation.

Total logistics management to reduce truck deliveries

In 2021, Sales and Logistics Department was established for the total management from production to sales, inventories, and logistics to improve loading efficiency and optimize the number of trucks.

Improvement of energy efficiency in head-office building

In Yukiguni Maitake’s head office in Minamiuonuma (Niigata Prefecture), renovation of the building, including a switch to LED lightings, was carried out in FY2020 to improve air conditioning efficiency. As a result, electricity consumption in the head-office building was reduced in FY2021 by 112,994kwh relative to FY2019.
We are exploring ways to improve energy efficiency in our Group companies’ offices as well.

Implementation of “Cool Biz” and “Warm Biz”

Since 2007, we have implemented a summer dress code (“Cool Biz”) and a winter dress code (“Warm Biz”) for all Group employees. Each employee can choose clothing according to room temperature all year round, including no neck ties. This helps to avoid extreme temperature settings of air conditioners and contributes to the reduction of electricity consumption in the office.