Environment: Environmental Sustainability Management Across the World

Panasonic Appliances Vietnam has been awarded the Most Energy Efficient Products 2023 award by the Ministry of Industry and Trade for its refrigerators and washing machines. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Panasonic's home appliances have been recognized for their energy-saving and environmentally friendly features. In 2023, all registered Panasonic products have been awarded the highest energy efficiency level (level 5), meeting or exceeding current Vietnam standards. A total of 13 models received the award, including 9 refrigerators and 4 washing machines.

The award recognized the advancement of Panasonic's technology, which offers advanced energy savings and enables customers to enjoy a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle. Developing energy efficiency technology is part of the "Panasonic GREEN IMPACT" commitment to contribute towards the decarbonisation of society through avoided emissions. Panasonic has been actively contributing to Vietnam's sustainability and wellness through its business and corporate social responsibility activities. Since 2014, the company has planted and donated over 610,000 trees in 20 provinces and cities through programs like Eco Relay and Live Wellness Contribute Green.

Following the achievement of the zero-CO₂ factory status in FY2021, Panasonic Energy Thailand Co., Ltd. (PECTH) has obtained Thailand's first carbon neutral mark, PAS2060 (Publicly Available Specification 2060) in November 2023 for their batteries and has partnered with CP All in promoting these batteries with the carbon neutral mark at 15,000 SEVEN-ELEVEN stores in Thailand.

As part of their efforts in promoting circular economy, PECTH has established a battery recovery and recycling project in Thailand in 2020, in cooperation with the "Go Green Project" promoted by CP All. The project has since expanded with battery collection boxes have been installed at 50 of the 15,000 SEVEN-ELEVEN stores in the university to raise environmental awareness and promote end-of-life recycling among students. PECTH plans to continue to increase the collection points to 1,000 stores by 2024.

On December 21, 2023, the award ceremony of the 2023 People's Corporate Social Responsibility Award was held under the auspices of the People's Lien.
The People's Corporate Social Responsibility Award was launched in 2006 and is a corporate social responsibility program run by major central news websites. This year's awards presented outstanding practices and achievements in the CSR field by 2023 companies from the viewpoints of public benefit activities, regional development, environmental protection, children's projects, and responsibility fulfilment.
Panasonic received the Green Development Award for its positive contribution to the achievement of the dual carbon goal, including green manufacturing processes, development of energy-saving products, utilization of hydrogen energy, and support for the new energy vehicle industry.

The Panasonic Group is working to achieve its goal of reducing the environmental impact of its production plants based on ongoing energy conservation and emission reduction activities. In China, the Group is actively promoting green development and participating in environmental improvement activities promoted by the government, such as "National Green Factory" and "Zero-Waste Factory."
As an example of "National Green Factory," Panasonic Ecology Systems Guangdong Co., Ltd. (PESGD) was certified as a "National Green Factory" on January 5, 2024, becoming the fourth company in the CNA region to receive this certification. PESGD has long been committed to CSR and has achieved significant results in environmental improvement and protection through green design, green procurement, energy-saving modifications, solar power generation, and waste treatment.
In many areas, PESGD has improved resource efficiency, promoted energy conservation reduction, and integrated the Panasonic Green Impact sustainable philosophy into its corporate development. In 2021, PESGD Branch 1 began installing rooftop solar power generation, and by February 2024, the head and branch plants were fully equipped with rooftop solar power generation, with a total capacity of 5.67 MW. In recent years, PESGD has introduced water-soluble paints, eco-friendly insulating paints, and new manufacturing methods, which have significantly reduced the environmental damage caused by its manufacturing processes.
In the future, PESGD will promote certification as a national green supply chain management company and a carbon neutral demonstration company in Guangdong Province, thereby spreading the Green Development Philosophy to society as a whole, increasing the value and influence of the company, and at the same time taking a solid step forward in Panasonic China's business development.
Panasonic's plant in China will continue to actively promote plant environmental improvement activities and improve its environmental management in accordance with the policy.

At Panasonic in Wiesbaden (mainly Panasonic marketing Europe, Panasonic Connect Europe, Panasonic Europe), a large photovoltaic system has been installed in June 2023 to produce electricity through renewable sources. The system covers an area of approx. 1.800 m² on the roof of the buildings.

It is planned to save approx. 100,000 kg of CO₂ per year while generating 299 kW peak. The electricity generated will be used directly onsite and provide charging possibilities for electric vehicles of employees.

At the Panasonic factory in Planá a photovoltaic system was installed 2023 to generate electricity. The system has a size of 536 panels, covering an area of approx. 1900 m² and generating 217 KWp.

A total of 6,484 pounds of electronic waste was collected to be properly recycled at a free E-Waste Collection Event that marked Earth Day in the Ironbound District. The event sponsored by Panasonic with partners at Peter Francisco Park near Newark Penn Station made it convenient and easy for local businesses and residents to recycle electronics like old TVs, PCs and laptops, printers, small household appliances, phones and other e-waste.

"Around the globe and here in Newark, we are all experiencing the devastating effects of global climate change caused by increased carbon dioxide emissions. Electronics play a role especially with technology advances resulting in turnover of personal electronics used," noted Andrea Murphy, Panasonic's Director of Environmental Affairs. "The World Economic Forum estimates that extending the life cycle of a product along with recycling and recovery of rare earth metals, we can reduce embodied carbon by at least 5 percent. Events like this not only support local residents by providing a safe, local place to recycle their end-of-life products, but it also allows for reuse by the Urban Renewal Center and proper recycling. This is just one example of a Panasonic GREEN IMPACT initiative."

Panasonic North America has played a key role to coordinate 4 electronics waste events across the City of Newark and gained support from the New Jersey Department of Environment, whose personnel came out to see the October event and recognized Panasonic's social contribution through responsible e-waste management.

Panasonic Canada, Inc. is proud to announce its support for World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada). Through an innovative donation program, Panasonic Canada and WWF-Canada are working together to address biodiversity loss and climate change.

Panasonic Canada will donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each specially designed, exclusive eneloop™ battery charger kit, up to $50,000, to support WWF-Canada's ambitious 10-year plan, "Regenerate Canada". This program represents a powerful synergy between Panasonic's commitment to steer the world toward a greener future through sustainable technologies and WWF-Canada's dedication to conserving nature and addressing climate change. This visionary initiative recognizes that there is still time to keep biodiversity loss and climate change from reaching catastrophic levels, but the next decade is critical if we are going to reverse our path.

At the heart of "Regenerate Canada" lies a belief that a brighter future is possible. Through this program, WWF-Canada aims to lead and contribute to ground-breaking projects and analyses, ensuring that the right actions are taken in the right places, driving the most powerful conservation outcomes. The plan also involves supporting Indigenous-led conservation, advocating for nature-based climate solutions, collaborating with industry, businesses, and governments to reduce impacts on wildlife and habitat, and engaging individuals and communities to take measurable actions for nature.

Panasonic eneloop: Recharging a Better Tomorrow

Panasonic eneloop batteries are not only a reliable source of power for a wide range of electronic devices but also exemplify Panasonic's commitment to sustainability. These batteries come pre-charged using solar energy and can be recharged up to 2,100 times. Every time you reuse eneloop batteries, you're not only saving the cost of replacing disposable batteries, but you're also reducing waste and minimizing the environmental footprint associated with them.

By choosing eneloop batteries, consumers not only benefit from a high-performance power solution but also contribute to a more sustainable future. With Panasonic's donation program, each $50 purchase of the specially designed, exclusive eneloop battery charger kit will also contribute to WWF-Canada's "Regenerate Canada" plan, which aims to make a lasting impact on our environment.

Panasonic invites consumers to join them in this noble cause by choosing eneloop batteries and being part of the solution to combat biodiversity loss and climate change.

The Brazilian Association for Recycling of Electronics and Appliances (ABREE) presented the third Annual Performance Report of your Reverse Logistics System (RLS), which covers the period from January 1st to December 31st, 2023. The document attests to the commitment to transparency and accountability of the entity with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, to whom it must submit annually the results of the collective recycling system. In compliance with Federal Decree No.10,240/2020, which regulated the reverse logistics of electronics and home appliances for domestic use and its components in Brazil. This report shows the performance of the structuring goals, that is the number and coverage of collection points in Brazil, and the quantitative ones, the total amount in tons of products and components collected and treated, it means environmentally proper handling and destination, including packaging, finally it also details communication and educational plan for society.
As 2023 result, ABREE reached 4.769 collection points spread over 1.338 cities, it represents 3,5 times the target set by the federal decree. The total amount that has been collected and treated was 46,8 tons which represents 100% of tonnage goal.
As of March 2024, 20,02k tons have been collected and treated, which represents 22,12% of achievement of this year target. Important to highlight that the target for 2024 is double compared with previous year, that is 12% of the tons put in the market. Panasonic continues to play a key role on leadership of association, contributing strongly to this achievement.

Green Eletron is the managing entity for reverse logistics of batteries, with more than 8,600 battery collection points spread across the country. The battery factory in São José dos Campos sent, in 2022 alone, another 30 tons of negative production batteries for environmentally correct disposal. Zinc, one of its main raw materials, is recycled and used again in the battery manufacturing process.
For batteries, CONAMA 401 is the legislation that must be complied with in compliance with the national solid waste policy.

Panabras' CS division was awarded for its efforts for improving the effectiveness of collection and recycling procedures for defective refrigerators and washing machines. They have established a new process to quickly replace non-reparable products within the warranty period at consumer's house, collecting the defective units, transporting them to recycling facilities and providing the correct destination of materials, usually reinserting them on the supply chain. As a result, we improved customer satisfaction and reduced the end-to-end logistics costs, sending the defective product directly to the recycling plant.
In addition, this initiative is full in line with the National recycling law, properly disposing products that reached its end of lifecycle. In Brazil, manufacturers are responsible for properly collecting and recycling products that are no longer used, and the government has set specific annual targets for collection and treatment.
Through this initiative, Panabras also contributes to society by reducing CO₂ emissions, creating a sustainable society (SDGs), improving customer experience, and fostering ESG culture.
By 2023, this project coverages approximately 730 cities on 27 Brazilian states, guarantee that more than 141 tons of products have been disposed, which represents around 2150 products, 83% as Refrigerator and 17% as Washing Machine.
This initiative has been recognized as one of top ten finalists of the "Make New" Award, on New Challenge Category, sponsored by Panasonic Corporation on Dec21st 2022.

Union Rhac, a Panasonic Group company, is focused on Energy Generation and Cogeneration. Among the resources used are biogas, a type of biofuel produced from the decomposition of organic materials (of vegetable origin, such as vinasse, or animal), which are decomposed, producing a mixture of gases, the majority of which is composed of methane. The gases produced serve as fuel for generators that produce electrical energy. The company installed energy generation plants using biogas from vinasse in landfills and sugar and alcohol plants in Brazil. The units together produce 30 MW of energy per hour, generating a total of 259,200 MW/year of clean energy. This energy generated corresponds to the consumption of 1,036,800 homes.
As an example, an industry in the interior of São Paulo/BR produced savings in the customer's electricity consumption of 1,728 MW/year and a reduction in the temperature of gases discarded into the atmosphere by around 50%. An approximate global savings of US$ 148,114.00/year.

The "Casa do Leo" is a project with a contribution to environmental and social education, and it was officially launched in September 2023, with the participation of the mayor and authorities of Sao Jose dos Campos city. This project will provide the integration of society in visiting Panasonic's culture and history, production process and games experiences, encouraging the correct disposal of batteries, in partnerships with schools visiting Casa do Leo.
The expectation is to receive 2 monthly visits and more than 1,000 students per year, each school will become an official Green Eletron collection point and the students will take a kind of mini collector to dispose of their own batteries at schools.
In addition to the house, Leo has a vegetable garden. The vegetable garden was created by employees, with support from the factory team, and there they planted around 2,000 units of vegetables.
On-site cultivation allows the reinforcement of sustainable practices, such as composting organic waste from the factory canteen, in addition to contributing to the well-being of the team by using what is planted during meals and making the surplus available for them to take home. Besides that, some initiatives are adopted, such as training programs and workshops on environmentally responsible practices and how everyone can contribute, both in the workplace and in their personal lives, to encourage sustainable behaviors, such as reducing waste, efficient use of resources and participation in environmental initiatives.

*Leo is the mascot of battery team.

As we see the penetration of technology growing, it is important to spread and sensitize information to the youth on responsible use of technology which could further contribute to Circular Economy. Panasonic under Harit Umang ('Joy of Green') Program in line with the mission to create Green IMPACT conducted Green Walkathon at the Daulat Ram College which Hub at North Campus, Delhi University to mark the National Science Day.
Delhi University is one of the largest university systems in the world with over 400,000 students on its campuses and affiliated colleges. We have started our Journey with the all colleges at North Campus, Delhi University during its Fest.

Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) - a leading diversified technology company successfully concluded the fifth edition of Harit Umang – Joy of Green an environment outreach program to mark the World Environment Day 2024. (5^th June 2024)

During the ceremony students across participating schools and colleges were felicitated for their exemplary work in driving "awareness with purpose" by Dr Ved Prakash Mishra, Director in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GOI; Dr Ashish Chaturvedi, Head of the Action for Climate and Environment Unit at UNDP India; Manish Sharma, Chairman, PLSIND and Tadashi Chiba, MD, PLSIND

Panasonic's Harit Umang initiative is in line with the agenda of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) to spread awareness on e-waste and collaborates with MeITY for a wider impact. It aims at educating society about green practices around - safe disposal of e-waste, zero plastic waste, biodiversity, and energy conservation, through active engagements with educational institutions.

The fifth edition of Panasonic Harit Umang saw active participation from over 2300 green ambassadors (students), who pledged to generate sensitization amongst the community. The schools and colleges proactively assumed the role of an environmental hub, engaging other school and colleges enabling a platform for others and disseminating the GREEN IMPACT.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HARIT UMANG (JOY of GREEN) ENGAGEMENTS FY23-24

• Panasonic felicitates its green ambassadors for their contribution to create a GREEN IMPACT with the medals made from metal extracted from responsible recycling of electronic waste, exemplifying the commitment towards Circular Economy.
• To mark the World Earth Day, Panasonic engages the Youth at Delhi University for message on "Responsible Actions towards Circular Economy" with launch of 6 feet by 9 feet Art-sculpture made from electronic waste collected by the students.
• We saw schools and colleges assuming the role of a HUB, thus reinstating the very purpose of program -to create a multiplier impact for wider outreach.
• Onboards the colleges and engages the youth of Delhi University. Delhi University is one of the largest University systems in the world with over 400,000 students on its campuses and affiliated colleges.
• We proudly welcome UNDP to associate with Panasonic Harit Umang Program as subject matter experts from 6^th edition onwards.