Beyond its reputation for car exhaust system, SANGO is embracing a new identity as a leader in environmental responsibility, actively pursuing CO2 reduction initiatives.

SANGO is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive components, providing parts to numerous car manufacturers. Our unique strength lies in our integrated production process, encompassing both the processing of components and the secondary processing of steel materials. This allows us to manage the entire production chain from raw materials to finished products, a capability that sets us apart in the industry.

Our primary focus is on automotive exhaust systems. We manufacture environmentally conscious products such as exhaust manifolds that purify exhaust gases through catalytic converters and mufflers that reduce noise pollution.

While we have always addressed environmental concerns such as stringent emission standards and noise reduction through our product development, we launched a long-term project in 2017 called “Sango Environmental Challenge 2050” to further our commitment to carbon neutrality. This project promotes environmentally conscious practices throughout the entire product lifecycle. We have set an ambitious goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 (compared to 2013 levels), exceeding the Japanese government’s target of a 46% reduction by 2030. Through these efforts, we aim to transform our image from “Sango, the muffler company” to “Sango, the environmentally conscious company.”

While promoting environmentally sound business practices, we faced challenges in disclosing environmental information, particularly in responding to CDP requests from multiple customers. As requirements such as Scope 3 CO2 emissions calculations exceeded our internal capabilities, we decided to seek consulting support for CDP reporting. Simultaneously, we recognized the need for new initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality beyond simply responding to CDP questionnaires. We hoped that this process would provide valuable insights and sought a partner who could guide us on our journey towards achieving our environmental goals.

This section details SANGO’s experience with ASUENE and their reasons for choosing the platform. Here’s a translation that captures the key points and presents them in a clear, informative style:

We first learned about ASUENE through a phone call while we were seeking consulting support for our CDP response and exploring new initiatives for carbon neutrality. At that time, we were also facing the challenge of calculating Scope 3 emissions, so we decided to consult with ASUENE on this matter as well.

The key factor that led us to choose ASUENE was its high reliability, evidenced by its impressive track record of over 4,000 implementations and recognition such as the Ministry of the Environment’s Environmental Startup Ministerial Award in 2022. Furthermore, ASUENE is the only company in Japan certified as a CDP Climate Change Consulting/Scoring Partner, which further solidified our confidence in their expertise. During our initial meetings, their consultant was highly responsive and adaptable to our inquiries. Since many CDP questions are geared towards listed companies, they provided valuable advice on how we, as a privately held company, could best respond to these inquiries. They also shared the latest information on environmental regulations and best practices. These insights have been instrumental in shaping our approach to the “Sango Environmental Challenge 2050.”

By utilizing ASUENE’s consulting services, we gained a clear understanding of our shortcomings and identified new challenges in our environmental efforts. This “visualization” of our areas for improvement has been a significant benefit of implementing ASUENE. Moving forward, we anticipate that ASUENE will continue to provide valuable advice, not only to improve our CDP score but also to enhance our overall environmental activities.

This section details SANGO’s comprehensive approach to sustainability, including their “Sango Environmental Challenge 2050” and their commitment to creating a positive work environment. Here’s a translation that captures the key points and presents them in a clear, informative style:

Moving forward, we will continue our efforts to improve our CDP score, calculate Scope 3 emissions, and further strengthen our environmental initiatives. Our “Sango Environmental Challenge 2050” outlines our goals based on “Three Values to Create and Five Challenges to Overcome,” derived from our company name.

The Three Values are: “Expanding and creating environmentally friendly products,” “Reducing the environmental impact of our business activities,” and “Conserving the natural environment.” We are particularly focused on conserving the natural environment and have been engaged in tree planting activities since 2006. This initiative began after regulated substances were discovered at our Nagoya factory, our company’s birthplace. Starting with the aim of soil remediation, we have planted approximately 320,000 trees to date and aim to reach 350,000 trees by 2028. While we are committed to developing environmentally friendly products and eliminating energy waste, our manufacturing and transportation processes inevitably generate CO2 emissions. Through tree planting, we aim to offset these emissions and contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society.

In addition, the Five Challenges we have declared are: “Minimizing lifecycle CO2 emissions,” “Minimizing new vehicle CO2 emissions,” “Minimizing waste from production activities,” “Building a society in harmony with nature,” and “Establishing an environmental management system.” To minimize waste from production activities, we have set targets to reduce waste generation and are working to reduce not only CO2 but also other environmental pollutants such as waste, water, and chemical substances.

While profit is essential for business, we are not solely focused on financial gain. We aspire to be a company that achieves sustainable growth. At the same time, we want our employees to take pride in working at “Sango, the environmentally conscious company” and contributing to environmental protection. To remain a socially responsible company capable of sustainable economic activity, we must actively address environmental challenges. The demand for environmentally conscious practices will undoubtedly intensify, not only for automotive component manufacturers but for most companies. Together with ASUENE, we will continue to take action, step by step, by developing environmentally friendly products, implementing our own unique initiatives, and pursuing every opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future.