World Water Day: Action to solve a global crisis that affects us all
Water is an element of nature, fundamental for the sustenance and reproduction of life on the planet, as it is an indispensable factor for the development of biological processes.
Weston, March 22, 2022- Water is an element of nature, an integral part of natural ecosystems, fundamental for sustaining and reproducing life on the planet as it is an indispensable factor for the development of biological processes. World Water Day is celebrated every March 22 to remember the importance of this essential element.
According to the United Nations (UN), "despite the fact that all social and economic activities depend to a large extent on the supply and quality of freshwater, 2.2 billion people live without access to safe drinking water. This celebration aims to raise awareness of the global water crisis and the need to seek measures to address it so that we achieve Sustainable Development Goal No. 6: Water and sanitation for all by 2030."
In this context, Ricoh promotes the "reduction of water use in business activities" as part of its resource conservation and recycling initiatives. The company regularly measures and monitors water consumption at all its business sites worldwide. The amount of water purchased from municipal supplies by each site is confirmed by monthly or bi-monthly invoices issued by the local water company. In addition, the amount of groundwater is measured monthly with meters. Based on this data, they monitor the total water consumption based on this data, and strive to reduce it at each facility.
In addition, incoming water quality is carefully managed at each site to comply with the laws and regulations of each country and region. Water stress and water depletion risks are also assessed at each location using the "Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas 3.0" offered by the World Resources Institute. This assessment covers 32 production sites with more than 90% of the Ricoh Group's water use worldwide.
The company set water consumption reduction targets in its 19th Environmental Action Plan: "Reduce water use in proportion to sales to improve on the previous year's level." In fiscal 2019, reduced water uses proportional to sales by 11.2% compared to fiscal 2018."
The company has a specific water resources policy:
Water resources policy
Bases its actions on the recognition that all people have the right to safe and secure water resources.
Understands the impact of the business on water resources, taking into account regional characteristics and setting business objectives.
Manages water resources in accordance with laws and regulations, international standards and initiatives, and public policies.
Innovates in technologies to help solve internal and external water resources problems.
Strives to raise awareness among all employees, and each employee engages with stakeholders to help solve community water resource issues.
Takes into account resource conservation, climate change and pollution prevention when procuring raw materials, products, services and equipment.
