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 neutral) 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 was adopted by the European Council in July 2023 and covers the life cycle of batteries, including Manufacturing, disposal, and recycling. This regulation was introduced with the aim of achieving sustainability in raw material procurement and reducing waste in response to the increasing demand for batteries. The aim is to reduce environmental burden and promote a sustainable economy by minimizing the environmental impact throughout the battery life cycle, promoting sustainable product design and the circular use of resources, 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) batteries, and Industry batteries will be required to disclose their carbon footprints (CFP: CO2 emission amount from Manufacturing to disposal) from 2025, so measures are required.

The main regulations are as 4:

・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 greenhouse gas emission amount, local governments to develop and implement global warming countermeasure plans, and requires companies to make reduction efforts. It also encourages citizens to switch to more environmentally friendly lifestyles.

A general term for gases that exist in the atmosphere and absorb and re-radiate heat emitted from the earth's surface, warming the earth. The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorocarbons. These gases have increased rapidly due to human activity such as the burning of fossil fuels, causing global warming.