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SUSTAINABILITY
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Summary
In recent years, governments and energy-related companies have been undertaking various initiatives to realize a sustainable society. MQJ have received various requests from various related organizations and have contributed to various projects. On this page, we will introduce the details of these projects as well as the efforts being made by our head office and Chikyu.
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1. Methane hydrate
Methane hydrate is an ice-like substance formed when methane gas, the main component of natural gas and an energy resource, combines with water molecules, and is also known as "burning ice. "The amount of CO2 emitted when burning methane hydrate is about 30% less than when burning oil or coal, making it a promising clean energy resource that can replace oil and coal.
Methane hydrate is said to exist in large quantities in the seas surrounding Japan, but due to various constraints such as its shape and location, new technology is needed to extract it to the surface and use it as an energy resource.
At the request of MH21(Research Consortium for Methane Hydrate Resources in Japan), Chikyu has conducted three offshore gas production tests in the past (2013, 2017, and 2023).
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2. LTBMS(Long Term Borehole Monitoring System)
The Long Term Borehole Monitoring System (LTBMS) is a system for continuous long-term data observation using sensors installed in holes drilled by the Chikyu. There are two types of LTBMS: one that can observe borehole data in real time by connecting to undersea cables like those installed in the Nankai Trough, and one that temporarily records data on devices installed on the seafloor and periodically collects the data using unmanned vehicles.
At the request of JAMSTEC, Chikyu has installed LTBMS off the coast of Kumano-Nada and Kii. It is expected that the various data observed by the installed LTBMS will be used to elucidate the occurrence of large earthquakes in the future.
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3. Rare earth
Rare earths are metals used in high-tech products such as televisions and computers, and Japan is almost entirely dependent on imports for its supply. However, a research team in 2018 confirmed the presence of rare earth mud around Minamitori-shima, which is in Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), amounting to hundreds of years’ worth of global demand.
Subsequently, government agencies developed technology to enable the collection of rare earth mud that accumulates in the deep sea, and in 2022 they tested the operation of a mining system that integrated the mining equipment completed in 2022 with Chikyu's existing facilities.
Tests conducted at a depth of 2,470m off the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture successfully collected seabed sediments for the first time in the world. Once the mud recovery system for rare earth is completed at a depth of 6,000m off the coast of Minamitori-shima, mining experiments of rare earth mud are scheduled to be conducted, and we will continue to contribute to this project.
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4. Chikyu’s initiatives
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Recycling of used cooking oil
MQJ has partnered with a recycling company to provide used cooking oil that is regularly discarded by Chikyu.
In recent years, waste cooking oil from restaurants and other establishments has been recycled by specialized recycling companies into biofuel for ships, which is expected to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
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LED lighting
In addition to the benefits of introducing LED lighting, such as environmental protection through reduced CO2 emissions and cost savings, LED lighting has many other features not found in conventional lighting, such as less heat generation, no harmful substances, and less ultraviolet and infrared radiation emission.
We are actively promoting the conversion of lighting used on board Chikyu to LED.
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Food loss and waste
The following various initiatives are being implemented.-
Thoroughly manage food ordering quantities and post-delivery inventory to prevent food waste due to expiration dates.
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Always checking the remaining ingredients and expiration dates and planning the menu accordingly to avoid waste.
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After delivery, we check the condition of the food immediately and return any that are in poor condition.
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Secondary use ingredients are reprocessed on the spot and used for limited purposes and for limited periods.
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When the expiration date is approaching, we will process and consume the product as soon as possible to avoid waste.
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Ordering less food with a short expiration date.
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5. HQ’s initiatives
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Flextime system
As part of our work style reform, we have introduced a flextime system at our head office and Shimizu office.
Working hours can be adjusted, allowing each employee to work in a way that suits their individual lifestyle.
It also makes it easier to find time for family and enriches your private life.
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Casual everyday
By having each employee wear comfortable clothing to work, work efficiency will increase, and by wearing clothing appropriate to the season and climate, energy needed for air conditioning, etc. will be saved, contributing to environmental protection.
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Other initiatives
Use of personal cups, Segregation of garbage, Collection of plastic bottle caps, Saving electricity,
Reuse of copy paper, Introducing the remote work, Education for Anti-harassment etc.
