Employee initiated activities and evaluation system

Employee-Initiated Activities and Evaluation System
In fiscal 2008, Nissan added the “environment” factor to the range of kaizen
activities carried out by quality-control (QC) circles. This creates a
mechanism that encourages employees to think proactively and propose
ideas to improve environmental aspects of Nissan’s business. Managers
encourage employees’ active participation by communicating how these QC
circle activities are linked to achievement of the goals in the company’s
midterm business plan. The ideas proposed by employees go to managers
and QC circle secretariats for assessment of their potential contribution to
environmental improvement, among other factors, after which Nissan may
implement those with the highest potential.
The knowledge and skills of the frontline employees on CO
2
emission
reduction, energy management, water conservation and waste and landfill
reduction have been compiled in a best-practices manual and shared among
global facilities. A system to reduce cooling-tower water use was born from
this activity. Nissan also holds contests in some facilities during officially
designated months in Japan to keep employees motivated to participate in
environmental activities. These include the Energy Use Reduction Idea
Contest in February (energy-efficiency month), the Water Usage Reduction
Idea Contest in June (environment month) and the Waste Reduction Idea
Contest in October (3R promotion month).
Nissan uses various methods to reward employees for their
contributions to environmental improvement activities. One is inclusion of
these activities in the “commitment and target” annual performance goals
used at some Japanese and overseas locations. This system assesses
employees’ achievement of goals, reflecting this in performance-related
elements of bonuses. Employees are also recognized for environmental
improvement through Nissan Prizes presented by the CEO or other
executives, awards given by plant heads and “THANKS CARD” recognition
from managers for excellent work or achievements.
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NISSAN MOTOR CORPORATION SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2017

research firm RobecoSAM AG. Nissan received particular recognition for its
initiatives promoting zero-emission vehicles and fuel-efficient vehicle
expansion and for its reduction of workplace CO
2
emissions. As a result,
Nissan scored top marks in four out of six criteria, being rated one of the top
companies in its industry for environmental activities.
For the second consecutive year, the company also finished second in
the manufacturing sector and first in automobile manufacturing in the Nikkei
Environmental Management Survey. The survey, conducted by Nikkei Inc. for
the 20th time last year, examines and evaluates how Japanese corporations
balance business concerns with environmental policies, assessing the
performance of 1,733 companies in the manufacturing sector and 1,429
companies in nonmanufacturing industries, including retail, restaurants, power
and gas and construction. Nissan achieved a total score of 490 points out of a