Glossary

A comprehensive growth strategy aimed at transitioning to a sustainable economy, announced by the European Union (EU) in December 2019. Its main goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (carbon neutrality) within the EU by 2050.

Key initiatives include expanding the use of renewable Energy, transitioning to a circular economy, developing Energy and resource-efficient buildings, and promoting sustainable smart mobility.

Battery Regulation, Regulation（EU）2023/1542

This regulation, adopted by the European Council in July 2023, covers the life cycle of batteries, including their Manufacturing, disposal, and recycling. The regulation was introduced to address the growing demand for batteries, aiming to achieve sustainable raw material procurement and waste reduction. It aims to reduce environmental impact and promote a sustainable economy by minimizing the environmental impact throughout the battery life cycle, promoting sustainable product design and resource recycling, etc.

The regulations apply to portable batteries (weighing less than 5 kg), automotive batteries (for electric vehicles, etc.), and Industry batteries (for storing renewable Energy, etc.). In particular, automotive batteries, LMT (light transport equipment) batteries, and Industry batteries will be required to disclose their carbon footprint (CFP: CO₂ emission amount from Manufacturing to disposal) from 2025, so companies will be required to comply.

The four main regulations are as follows:

・Environmental impact standards

Recycling rates and restrictions on the use of hazardous substances (lead, cadmium, etc.).

・Sustainability disclosure

Clarifying the carbon footprint of batteries.

・Design criteria

Mandatory design of batteries to extend their lifespan and make them easier to recycle.

- Achievement of recycling goals

Achieve a certain resource recovery rate (lithium, cobalt, nickel, etc.).

In addition, battery manufacturers and importers are required to disclose information and dispose of the batteries responsibly.

The Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures was enacted in 1998. It requires businesses to measure and report their greenhouse gas emission amount, local governments to formulate and implement global warming countermeasure plans, and obligates companies to make efforts to reduce emissions. It also encourages citizens to adopt more environmentally conscious lifestyles.

A general term for gases present in the atmosphere that warm the Earth by absorbing and re-radiating heat emitted from the Earth's surface. The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and chlorofluorocarbons. These gases are rapidly increasing due to human activity such as the burning of fossil fuels, causing global warming.