KAO Environmental Initiatives
Kumon Group Environmental Philosophy
In order to solve global environmental problems, it is necessary to combine the knowledge of people from all around the world.
The Kumon Group strives to develop individuals who will make contributions to the society. Accordingly, the Kumon Group believes that one of our core values is to fulfil our responsibilities and obligations with regard to solving global environmental problems.
The Kumon Group views the preservation of the global environment as an important challenge to be met as we carry out our business activities. We will incorporate this environmentally-friendly vision into our business planning and will work on a permanent basis to protect our precious planet and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations.
Kumon Group Environmental Policy
The Kumon Group will endeavour, throughout all our business activities, to conserve natural resources and preserve the natural environment through the development of human resources.
- The Kumon Group will strive to recognise how our business activities affect the environment. We will work to conserve energy and resources, as well as to carry out recycling, in order to reduce the amount of waste we produce. Our overriding aim is to prevent damage to the environment and to reduce pollution.
- The Kumon Group will work together with associated parties and business partners in order to reduce the impact of our activities on the environment. At the same time, we will act positively to protect the environment by promoting activities aimed at forest regeneration.
- The Kumon Group will operate in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations in all of the countries and regions in which we have business activities, and will permanently work to preserve the environment.
- The Kumon Group will strive to make each and every Kumon staff member more aware of environmental issues through education and consciousness-raising activities. At the same time, as a responsible corporate citizen, we will make information related to the environment publicly available.
KAO Green Initiatives
At KAO, we prioritise sustainability by minimising electricity and paper usage to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Our Environmental Management (EM) initiatives focus on reducing non-essential printing, optimising power management, and promoting paper recycling business activities. We endeavour to reduce the usage of electricity and paper, and thus CO2 emissions. We have tracked our progress using specific indicators.
Annual Usage Statistics
Electricity
We continue to implement energy-saving measures to reduce electricity consumption and promote responsible energy use across the workplace. These include the use of energy-efficient LED lighting and office equipment, encouraging employees to switch off lights and electronic devices when not in use, and applying automatic power-saving settings where possible.
Our electricity consumption decreased from 1,143,123 kWh in 2024 to 1,054,513 kWh in 2025, representing a reduction of approximately 7.8%. This reflects the continued efforts to improve energy efficiency and encourage more conscious electricity usage in our workplace.
Electricity usage in 2024 1,143,123 kWh
Electricity usage in 2025 1,054,513 kWh
Paper
We continue to encourage the use of e-signatures, to advance digital ways of working by promoting electronic document, and digital workflows to reduce paper dependency and support sustainable operations. Employees are also encouraged to adopt digital alternatives, optimize printing practices and leverage digital solutions wherever possible.
Paper usage totalled 1,481,044 sheets in 2025, an increase from 1,398,727 sheets in 2024, equivalent to approximately 5.9%. This trend highlights the need to further strengthen digital adoption and reinforce responsible printing practices to help manage paper consumption while supporting operational requirements.
Paper usage in 2024 1,398,727 sheets
Paper usage in 2025 1,481,044 sheets
Paper Recycling
As part of our commitment to responsible resource management, we continue to promote the proper segregation and recycling of paper waste. Physical documents that are no longer required are securely collected and processed for recycling, while digital document management and e-filing practices are encouraged to reduce paper consumption and minimize the need for physical storage.
In 2025, the amount of paper recycled increased to 12,673 kg, compared to 11,000 kg in 2024, reflecting an increase of approximately 15.2%. This growth demonstrates the ongoing commitment and participation of employees in paper recycling initiatives and supports our efforts to reduce waste, conserve resources, and foster a more sustainable workplace
In 2024 11,000 kg
In 2025 12,673 kg
CO2 Emission
Reducing electricity consumption also contributes to lowering our carbon footprint, as electricity use is a key source of CO₂ emissions associated with office operations. We continue to promote energy-efficient practices and encourage employees to adopt responsible energy-saving habits in their daily activities.
Our estimated CO₂ emissions decreased from 763 t-CO₂ in 2024 to 705 t-CO₂ in 2025, a reduction of approximately 7.6%. This reduction is aligned with the decrease in electricity consumption and supports our ongoing commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our operations.
In 2024 763 t-CO2
In 2025 705 t-CO2
Electrical Saving
Energy-Efficient Lighting
Switching to LED bulbs or energy-efficient lighting systems can drastically reduce electricity consumption. LEDs consume up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
Natural Light Use
Maximising the use of natural light by rearranging workspaces near windows. This reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Paper Reduction
Go Digital
Adopting digital tools for communication, document sharing, and collaboration. Tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Teams make it easy to work without paper.
Waste Reduction
Minimise Single-Use Items
Replacing single-use items like plastic cups, utensils, and packaging with reusable alternatives. Encouraging employees to bring their own mugs, bottles, and containers.
RSO-KSG office has implemented the environmental awareness initiative that introduced rental plants, recycling bins and environmental posters in the office. The initiative had a positive effect on the office culture.
The shared commitment to environmental consciousness fostered a sense of unity and purpose among staff; leading to potential improvements and further sustainable practices within the office.