Bridgestone Corporation
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022-01 to 2022-12)
Reporting Period: 2011
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental
- Social
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced power utilization by 37% (compared to a 25% goal) at 12 major worksites during summer 2011 to address power shortages.
- Improved tire rolling efficiency by 5.8% compared to a 2005 baseline while maintaining wet grip performance.
- Achieved full zero waste to landfill status at all 16 domestic plants in Japan and four tire plants in China.
Social Achievements
- Launched a health and hygiene awareness program in India, reaching 1552 participants.
- Launched a vocational training project in Venezuela, training approximately 300 people.
- Sent 628 employee volunteers on 22 missions to assist areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.
Governance Achievements
- Implemented a new management structure separating management and operational responsibilities among Chairman of the Board, CEO, and COO.
- Elected nine new directors, including four outside directors, to strengthen corporate governance.
- Established a four-member Board of Corporate Auditors (including three outside corporate auditors).
Climate Goals & Targets
- Achieve 100% sustainable materials by 2050 and beyond.
- Contribute to the globally-agreed target of reducing CO2 emissions by at least 50% by 2050 and beyond.
- Exist in balance with nature by 2050 and beyond.
- Improve tire rolling efficiency by 25% compared to 2005 baseline by 2020.
Environmental Challenges
- Raw material shortages in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
- Power shortages in Japan during summer 2011.
- Lagging development of medical infrastructure and inadequate public health education in India.
Mitigation Strategies
- Utilized global supply chain to minimize impact of raw material shortages.
- Reduced power utilization at major worksites through various initiatives.
- Launched health and hygiene awareness program and physical checkup initiative in India.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- CSR Procurement Guidelines addressing human rights, labor, environment, operations, health and safety, disaster prevention, fair business practices, ethics, and information security.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
Certifications: ISO 14001
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Run-flat technology tires
- Retread tires
- Half-weight Concept Tire
- Non-pneumatic (Airless) Concept Tire
Awards & Recognition
- Inclusion in Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) Asia Pacific
- Inclusion in Morningstar Socially Responsible Investment Index (MS-SRI)
- Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence 2012
- 8th Eco Products Awards
- carboNZero carbon offset certificate for ECOPIA tires
- Incentive Award at the 8th Life Cycle Assessment Society of Japan Awards
Reporting Period: 2012
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental
- Social
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced tire rolling resistance coefficient by 7.0% compared to 2005, while maintaining wet grip performance
- Exhibited a concept tire of “100% sustainable materials” at the 2012 Paris Motor Show
- Accelerated research on sustainable materials (guayule, Russian dandelion, and biomass-derived synthetic rubber, etc.)
- Expanded the solutions business using retread tires
- Wilson Plant in the U.S. became the first tire factory in the world to obtain ISO 50001 certification for its energy management system
Social Achievements
- Provided support to evacuees from the Great East Japan Earthquake, including communication events and recreational facility access
- Supported education initiatives in South Africa, Argentina, and other regions
- Launched employee-driven volunteer programs
- Implemented diversity initiatives, including career design training for women
Governance Achievements
- Implemented a series of management reforms focused on communication, bottom-up proposals, and teamwork
- Strengthened corporate governance by separating and clarifying the roles of CEO, COO, and Chairman of the Board
- Enhanced internal control systems
Climate Goals & Targets
- Achieve 100% sustainable materials by 2050 and beyond
- Reduce CO2 emission per sales from the company’s total operations and its products’ “after-use” by 35% compared to fiscal 2005 levels by 2020
- Improve tire rolling resistance coefficient by 25% compared to a 2005 baseline by 2020
Environmental Challenges
- Supply chain disruptions due to natural disasters (Great East Japan Earthquake)
- Environmental impacts of tires (TRWP)
- Need for sustainable materials
- Maintaining workplace safety
Mitigation Strategies
- Provided reconstruction assistance to disaster-stricken areas
- Examined potential environmental impacts of tires through the Tire Industry Project
- Researched and developed sustainable materials (guayule, Russian dandelion, biomass-derived synthetic rubber)
- Implemented Bridgestone Fundamental Safety Activities and promoted safety consciousness
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- CSR Procurement Guidelines addressing human rights, labor, environment, health and safety, and ethics
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Concept tire of “100% sustainable materials”, ECOPIA fuel-efficient tires, Air Free Concept Tire
Awards & Recognition
- Chairperson’s Award from the Eco-products Awards Steering Committee (ECOPIA EP001S)
- Award of Excellence at the 14th Green Purchasing Awards (Eco Value Pack)
- 3R Promotion Council President’s Prize (Seki Plant)
Reporting Period: 2015
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Mobility
- People
- Environment
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced CO2 emissions by 37.0% (compared to 2005) in manufacturing processes.
- Reduced water intake by 28.5% (per unit) compared with 2005.
- Reduced total SOx emissions by 64% and total NOx emissions by 78% compared to 2005.
- Achieved zero waste to landfill status at several plants (Wilson, Joliette, Bristol, Burgos).
- Introduced the Group's first biomass boiler in Costa Rica, reducing CO2 emissions by roughly 50%.
Social Achievements
- Launched the mining solutions company.
- Provided free industrial training education to technical high-school graduates in Indonesia.
- Participated in Brake and Tire Watch program in South Africa, training over 1,200 traffic officials.
- Improved disaster preparedness at LaVergne tire plant in Tennessee, achieving "Storm Ready" certification.
- Supported employee volunteer activities through volunteer leave program and Chobora Fund.
Governance Achievements
- Transitioned to a "Company with Nominating Committees, etc." model of corporate governance.
- Established a Compliance Committee as an advisory body to the Board of Directors.
- Strengthened internal control systems and compliance programs.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Use 100% sustainable materials in products by 2050 and beyond.
- Reduce overall CO2 emissions by at least 50% by 2050.
- Reduce tire rolling resistance to a degree that realizes CO2 emissions reductions exceeding the amount of CO2 emitted in all other life cycle stages by 2020.
- Reduce CO2 emissions per net sales within manufacturing processes by 35% by 2020.
- Reduce water intake at 35% (per unit) by 2020.
Environmental Challenges
- Meeting the expectations of diverse stakeholders.
- Addressing environmental issues, including climate change and resource scarcity.
- Ensuring employee safety and health.
- Maintaining fair business practices and competition.
- Managing risks related to natural disasters and infectious diseases.
Mitigation Strategies
- Focusing on innovation and technology to address societal issues.
- Implementing TEAMS (Total Environmental Advanced Management System) and setting long-term environmental goals.
- Promoting safety initiatives, including the Bridgestone Safety Fundamental Activities.
- Strengthening compliance structures and programs.
- Formulating Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) to address various risks.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- CSR Procurement Guidelines
- CSR Self-Check Sheet
- CSR Seminars
- On-site environmental assistance
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI G4
Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 50001
Third-party Assurance: Third-party assurance for water intake and CO2 emission reduction targets.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Guayule-derived natural rubber tire
- ECOPIA with ologic tires
- CoreGard™ Technology
Awards & Recognition
- 3R Promotion Council President's Prize
- Building Materials Equipment Award
- Good Design Award
- Nadeshiko Brand
- Health and Productivity Brand
- Award for Excellence in the Second Empowerment Award
Reporting Period: 2016
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Mobility
- People
- Environment
Environmental Achievements
- 28.5% reduction in water intake per unit (compared to 2005)
- 29% reduction in CO2 emissions per net sales from operations and products’ after-use (compared to 2005)
- 13% reduction in tire-rolling resistance (compared to 2005)
- 31% improvement in Resource productivity
Social Achievements
- Launched a new transportation solution utilizing a proprietary IT system in Rio de Janeiro, promoting economic development
- Provided educational opportunities to underdeveloped areas of the world, including free vocational training
- Supported education for the next generation through various initiatives
- Selected as a “Nadeshiko Brand” for four consecutive years for encouraging women’s success in the workplace
- Selected as a “Health and Productivity Brand” for focusing on employee health
Governance Achievements
- Transitioned to the “Company with Nominating Committee, etc.” model of corporate governance
- Established a Global CSR Enhancement Committee (GCEC) to prioritize Bridgestone’s approach to global issues
- Established a Compliance Committee to supervise Bridgestone’s compliance activities
Climate Goals & Targets
- Long-term Environmental Vision for 2050 and beyond: In balance with nature; towards 100% sustainable materials; contribute to globally agreed target
- Reduce CO2 emissions per sales from operations and products’ after-use by 35% by 2020
- Reduce rolling resistance of tires by 25% by 2020
- Reduce water intake per unit by 35% by 2020
- Reduce water intake per unit by 35% by 2020 (based on 2005 levels)
Environmental Challenges
- Social problems arising from mobility, such as traffic accidents and congestion
- Regional inequality due to a lack of means of transportation
- Concerns that conventional mobility is unsustainable
- Climate change and resource consumption
- Reducing the environmental impact of used tires
Mitigation Strategies
- Utilizing core competencies to resolve individual problems through its solutions business
- Working to reduce water intake by 35% (per unit) by 2020 based on 2005 levels
- Reducing CO2 emissions throughout the products' lifecycle
- Participating in the Sustainable Natural Rubber Initiative (SNR-i)
- Developing an effective management system for used tires through the WBCSD Tire Industry Project
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Global Sustainable Procurement Policy
- Supply Chain Partnership Development System
- CSR Self-Check Sheets
- Green Partner Award
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines (Version 4.0), International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRC)
Third-party Assurance: Third-party assurance for environment data (Asahi Carbon Co., Ltd., Shenyang Plant, Sao Paulo Plant, Burgos Plant)
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Run-flat tires
- BLIZZAK studless winter tires
- E-bikes with Dual-Drive system
- Self-adhering roofing membranes with Secure Bond™ technology
Awards & Recognition
- Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World)
- RobecoSAM Sustainability Award
- CDP (Climate Change) A-
- CDP (Water) A-
- CDP Supplier Engagement Ranking A
- Green Partner Award
Reporting Period: 2020
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental
- Social
- Governance
- Sustainability
Environmental Achievements
- Reached Milestone 2020 goals ahead of schedule in 2019: 40% reduction of water withdrawal intensity, 33% improvement of resource productivity, and 34% reduction of CO2 intensity globally compared to 2005.
- 14% reduction in CO2 emissions from manufacturing activities in 2019 compared to 2011.
Social Achievements
- Production and donation of face masks and face shields to support communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 24-hour free tire maintenance services for emergency vehicles in Spain.
- Active involvement in the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR).
- Workshops to help smallholder farmers improve operations in Thailand and Indonesia.
- Collaboration with WWF in Myanmar on sustainable natural rubber production.
- Development of AI technology to diagnose Para rubber tree diseases.
Governance Achievements
- Selected for DJSI Asia Pacific index 11 years in a row, FTSE 4Good Index Series 3 years in a row and STOXX Global ESG Leaders Index 2 years in a row.
- Received an A rating from CDP for Climate Change.
- 50% of tier 1 tire material suppliers completed third-party ESG risk assessments with EcoVadis by November 2020.
- Over 90% of natural rubber suppliers (based on purchase volume) completed third-party assessments with EcoVadis in 2019; 59% earned an EcoVadis Medal.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and beyond.
- Reduce absolute CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 50% by 2030 (from 2011 baseline).
- Increase ratio of recycled and renewable material to 40% by 2030.
- Enhance processes and accelerate human resource transformation by 2023.
Environmental Challenges
- Impact of COVID-19 on the global economy and Bridgestone's operations.
- Meeting rising global demand for natural rubber while addressing environmental and social risks.
- Reducing CO2 emissions across the entire value chain.
Mitigation Strategies
- Crisis management to address the impact of COVID-19.
- Rebuilding earning power in the core business.
- Strategic growth investment in solutions business.
- Development of a Sustainability Business Model focused on retread solutions, recycling, and resource circulation.
- Collaboration with industry players and stakeholders (e.g., GPSNR) to improve sustainable natural rubber supply chain.
- Sustainable procurement policy and third-party ESG risk assessments of suppliers.
- Implementation of water stewardship plans at manufacturing facilities in water stress areas.
- Increased use of renewable energy.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 50% of tier 1 tire material suppliers completed EcoVadis assessments by Nov 2020; over 90% of natural rubber suppliers assessed in 2019.
Responsible Procurement
- Global Sustainable Procurement Policy (launched 2018)
- Sustainable procurement seminars for suppliers.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Retread tires
- AI technology for Para rubber tree disease diagnosis
Reporting Period: 2021
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate Change
- Biodiversity
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced CO2 emissions by 25% compared to 2011.
- Achieved 100% renewable energy at several tire plants in Europe, Japan, China, and Italy.
- Installed 2,160 photovoltaic panels at the Chonburi plant in Thailand, supplying 1MW of solar power.
Social Achievements
- Launched the Bridgestone Group Awards (BGA) to recognize efforts related to social value creation, including CO2 reduction.
- Introduced the “Performance-Based Stock Compensation for Sustainability” to incentivize carbon neutrality efforts for executive officers.
Governance Achievements
- Established board-level oversight of climate-related issues with the CEO having ultimate responsibility.
- Implemented a company-wide risk management process that integrates climate-related risks and opportunities.
- Obtained third-party verification of 2021 GHG calculation results.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Contribute towards carbon neutral (2050 and beyond).
- Reduce absolute CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 50% by 2030 (versus 2011).
- Contribute to global CO2 emissions reduction across the lifecycle and value chain (Scope 3) exceeding five times its operation’s (Scope 1 and 2) CO2 emissions by 2030.
- Reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% or more by 2023 (compared to 2011).
- Increase renewable electricity ratio at production sites to 50% or more by 2023.
Environmental Challenges
- Disruption of raw material supplies due to extreme weather events (e.g., river floods, droughts).
- Increased production costs due to tightening regulations on CO2 emissions and carbon taxes.
- Decreased revenues due to reduced demand for products and services if investment in new technologies for better rolling resistance is unsuccessful.
- Increased stakeholder concern or negative stakeholder feedback leading to decreased access to capital.
Mitigation Strategies
- Improving rubber productivity at suppliers' farms (providing seedlings, technical training, disease diagnostic technology).
- Diversifying natural rubber supply sources (researching alternative plants like guayule).
- Maximizing energy efficiency (group-wide energy surveys, energy diagnosis technicians, high-efficiency equipment).
- Increasing use of renewable energy.
- Promoting manufacturing and engineering innovation.
- Developing and expanding fuel-efficient tires (ENLITEN technology).
- Developing and deploying retreading solutions.
- Obtaining third-party verification of data and timely disclosure of information.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 95% of Tier 1 tire material suppliers completed EcoVadis assessment by March 31, 2022.
Responsible Procurement
- Global Sustainable Procurement Policy
- EcoVadis partnership for ESG risk assessments
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Disruption of raw material supplies due to extreme weather events.
- Stronger typhoons, increased flooding and drought.
- Lower demand for winter tires due to reduced snowfalls.
Transition Risks
- Increased production costs due to carbon pricing.
- Decreased revenues due to unsuccessful investment in low-carbon technologies.
- Increased price of natural rubber due to stronger demand for forest protection.
Opportunities
- Commercialization of natural rubber derived from guayule.
- Increased demand for fuel-efficient tires and fleet solutions.
- Commercialization of the recycling business for used tires.
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: TCFD, GRI, SASB
Certifications: ISO 14064-3
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy)
- Goal 13 (Climate action)
Initiatives contribute to these goals through CO2 emission reduction, renewable energy use, and sustainable material sourcing.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Fuel-efficient tires (ECOPIA, ENLITEN)
- Tires using recovered carbon black (rCB)
Reporting Period: 2022-01 to 2022-12
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate Change
- Circular Economy
- Biodiversity
- Human Rights
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Governance
- Safety
- Community Engagement
- Supply Chain Sustainability
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 30% (Scopes 1 and 2) compared to 2011.
- Achieved approximately 38% recycled and renewable material ratio.
- 26% renewable energy (electricity) ratio in 2022, expected to reach 50% by 2023 and 100% by 2030.
Social Achievements
- Launched B-select retail and service solutions network in Japan.
- Expanded EV charging network in Europe and North America.
- Implemented Human Rights Risk Assessment Surveys (HRRAS) covering 100% of operational sites with no material risks identified.
- Launched FemTech program to address women-specific health issues.
- Supported various community initiatives, including road safety programs and disaster relief efforts.
Governance Achievements
- Introduced sustainability incentives in the compensation system for executive officers.
- Amended Articles of Incorporation to abolish the full-time position of Chairman and select a Chairperson from among Independent Directors.
- Conducted a survey in Japan to measure employee knowledge and feedback on ethics and compliance program.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Achieve carbon neutrality (2050).
- Achieve 100% sustainable materials (2050).
- Reduce CO2 emissions by over 30% compared with 2011 (2023).
- Increase renewable energy (electricity) ratio to 50% (2023).
Environmental Challenges
- Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical risks and raw material price fluctuations.
- Cyber incident in 2022.
- Meeting increasing sustainability requirements for natural rubber.
- Addressing the potential human and environmental impact of tire and road wear particles (TRWP).
Mitigation Strategies
- Implemented flexible and agile supply management.
- Established a global cyber security response team.
- Enhanced ESG due diligence for natural rubber supply chain, including on-site audits.
- Engaged with the tire industry and other partners to address TRWP issues.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: On-site ESG audits conducted for suppliers, including smallholders.
Responsible Procurement
- Global Sustainable Procurement Policy
- ESG due diligence for natural rubber supply chain
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Stronger typhoons
- Increased frequency of flooding and drought
- Changing rainfall patterns affecting natural rubber harvesting
Transition Risks
- Regulatory changes (carbon taxes, CO2 emission reduction obligations)
- Market shifts (demand for EV tires)
Opportunities
- Commercialization of guayule-derived natural rubber
- Development of energy-efficient products and solutions
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: International Integrated Reporting Framework, GRI Standards
Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 45001
Third-party Assurance: SOCOTEC Certification Japan
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
- Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
- Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
- Goal 13 (Climate Action)
- Goal 15 (Life on Land)
Initiatives contribute to these goals through carbon neutrality efforts, circular economy initiatives, sustainable procurement, and biodiversity conservation.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- ENLITEN technology for tires
- Tires with high ratios of recycled and renewable materials
Awards & Recognition
- iF GOLD AWARD for soft robot hand concept model
- Three Star Environmental Accreditation from FIA