Winners of the 6th Japan Green Purchase Awards Announced

The Green Purchasing Network (GPN) presented its 6th "Green Purchasing Awards" to Tokyo's Itabashi Ward, Ricoh Co, the Shiga Green Purchasing Network, and Hoshino Resort. This award is presented to groups, businesses, and organizations for outstanding performance in 1) practicing green purchasing, 2) promoting green purchasing among citizens, and 3) carrying out active communication to promote green purchasing.

Hoshino Resort, a resort hotel in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, was given the award in the hotel and inn category for its vigorous implementation of zero waste discharge. Employees who take the hotel's environmental training courses are enthusiastic about making eco-friendly proposals. The hotel practices comprehensive green purchasing, by buying only necessary products and separating wastes for recycling.

Hoshino Resort purchases environmentally friendly stationery, furniture, fixtures and fittings. After reviewing its food, drink, and gift products, the hotel decided to introduce new products that generate less waste and can be easily recycled, for example, it now serves wine in barrels at parties to reduce waste. While maintaining high quality service as a resort hotel, it also reduces waste and uses eco-friendly products, attaining a high level of customer satisfaction as well.

Ricoh, the winner in the corporate category, works to reduce its environmental burden by cooperating with suppliers and customers in a "Green Partnership" program. The company has attained a high level of achievement in promoting green purchasing of its manufacturing materials, parts, furniture and fittings, and "green sale" of its products at branch offices and group offices. Ricoh is expanding this green purchasing system worldwide.

Ricoh has also been highly regarded for facilitating communication with its customers by actively disclosing product information on the Internet, and placing environmental labels on its products.




Posted: 2003/12/30 03:30:45 PM
Japanese version