Gave environmental lectures
at elementary schools

Since fiscal 2003, OMRON Corporation has participated in an environmental education initiative targeting elementary schools in Kyoto City on a regular basis. This initiative was launched by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry in fiscal 2002.

This initiative is intended to foster students’ interest in science and increase awareness of environmental issues by introducing elementary school students to environmental technologies developed by Kyoto-based companies that are aggressively addressing ecological issues.

In fiscal 2011, OMRON employees gave lectures in two elementary schools in Kyoto targeting 86 students. Employees used a vital signs monitor used in medical institutions to explain the blood flow and its function, as well as electrocardiograms, blood pressure, and SpO₂^*. Children also learned about OMRON’s commitment to the creation of eco-friendly products through hands-on experience.

Students appreciated this learning opportunity, with one student commenting: “I now know that OMRON makes not only healthcare products but many other products that are familiar to us. I was also impressed to learn that OMRON is working hard to make products that are friendly to people as well as to the environment.”

* SpO₂ (blood oxygen saturation level) is a measure of the amount of oxygen carried through the blood and indicates if blood containing oxygen circulates correctly up to the fingertips of the upper and lower limbs. SpO₂ is measured by placing a small clip on a patient’s finger and letting the light of the LED inside the clip shine through the patient’s finger. By interpreting the intensity of light that passes through the finger, the amount of oxygen carried by the blood can be estimated. The normal range of oxygen saturation levels is 97-100%, while levels below 90% are diagnosed as respiratory failure.

OMRON products displayed
at "100 Most Eco-friendly
Products / Technologies"
exhibition

OMRON works together with stakeholders in various initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness regarding anti-climate change efforts.

An example of such efforts is its participation in the executive committee of the “100 Most Eco-friendly Activities” project involving industry, government, academia, and the citizens of Kyoto. The executive committee plans and organizes various events, including the “Kyoto Protocol Birthday Walk” which involves a walk down the streets of Kyoto City around February 16 when the Kyoto Protocol came into effect, calling for action to prevent climate change. An exhibition was also held in August, showcasing 100 selected eco-friendly products and technologies.

In fiscal 2011, OMRON displayed its eco-label products, including digital blood pressure monitors, electronic thermometers, and activity monitors at the “100 Most Eco-friendly Activities” exhibition. They also held a workshop targeting elementary school students, in which children tried to make a battery with activated carbon.

As a company with headquarters in Kyoto, where the Kyoto Protocol was adopted, OMRON will continue striving to reduce CO₂ emissions from its business activities, while also promoting public awareness of environmental issues and releasing environmental information.