Global Warming Adaptation
Panasonic is also making efforts for adaptation to address unavoidable impacts on the global environment that cannot be addressed by mitigation measures. Such adaptation is based on the matters indicated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) etc., focusing on the impact of climate change on the ecosystem, society, and the economy.
Further, we understand that it is important for the measures to take account of regional feature, as impacts of climate change vary according to the region. Our measures are currently implemented from the viewpoints of the following two aspects:
(1) Activities to reduce the impact of climate change through our products, services, and solutions; and
(2) Activities to reduce the impact on our corporate activities
Specific examples of (1) include the Silky Fine Mist.
Panasonic commercialized a two-fluid mist nozzle that sprays a fine mist for heat relief and performance purposes. The Silky Fine Mist (dry mist) is made by mixing water and air to create a fine mist that does not feel wet. It can be used to reduce the summer heat in open spaces or to create fantastic performances in spaces by combining the mist with laser light and music.
Since the mist evaporative cooling system can demonstrate a cooling capacity that exceeds the amount of heat exhausted from the equipment, it is gentle to the global environment and provides efficient cooling that cools space and directly removes human body heat. The two-fluid mist nozzle developed in-house has low air consumption and even with low-pressure air (of 0.25 MPa or less), it is possible to spray mist particles as fine as 6 to 10 μm in diameter. The compressed air and water supply system can be connected to the nozzle using flexible plastic piping, can be retrofitted to existing structures and can be designed to be integrated with benches and public monuments. It can efficiently form cool spots and create performance spaces, even in large-scale outdoor spaces such as stadiums and roads. It is expected to reduce the negative impact that global warming has on people's lives.
In addition, the Silky Fine Mist can be used as a factory humidification system for factory humidification. When used for the humidification required to prevent static electricity in the manufacturing processes of a factory, it realizes a near 90% reduction in primary energy use (CO2 emissions) compared to conventional steam humidification equipment.
As for (2), the first priority is to identify the issues to be addressed by assessing the impact of climate change on Panasonic. One such issue is the effect of water shortages on our production activities. Although our Group had already implemented a water risk assessment by fiscal 2018, we have started to reassess the risks in view of evolving assessment standards and changes in the business environment. For further details, please see Water Resource Conservation.
Example of installation for factory humidification (Panasonic Connected Solutions (Guangdong) Co., Ltd.)
