Environment
Our Approach
The TOTO Group is committed to contributing to the environment through plumbing products by continuing to implement such initiatives as water-saving and energy-saving measures. In addition to introducing energy conservation to manufacturing processes at business sites and using renewable energy, we are committed to being eco-friendly throughout the product life cycle, including during product use, by creating products with high environmental performance. We have also defined sustainable products as those that bring cleanliness and comfort; wellness and contribute to the environment. By popularizing these products around the world, we will contribute to realizing an enriched, comfortable, and environmentally friendly society.
Under our material issue of “Environment,” we will contribute to resolving various issues, including those identified by Goal 6 of the SDGs—Clean water and sanitation.
Protect Our Limited Water Resources and Connect with the Future
The surface of the earth is mostly covered in water, but in actuality only 0.01% of that is fresh water, such as rivers and lakes, that can actually be used for the livelihood of people.*1 As a supplier of bathroom and kitchen plumbing products, we believe we have the duty to respond to the issue of depletion of water resources, as it significantly affects the daily lives of everyone.
Avoided Emissions of Water During Product Use
TOTO manages its targets as “Avoided emissions of water during product use,” defined as the reduction effect over the product life cycle compared with the case where products from 2005 continue to be used. In fiscal 2024, our actual avoided emissions of water during product use amounted to 0.93 billion m3. By promoting the global use of products with high water-saving performance while ensuring user comfort, TOTO aims to contribute to further avoided emissions of water during product use. It is said that the amount of water used for living by individuals across different countries and regions ranges from approximately 20 to 500 liters each day*2.
Assuming that average daily water use per person is 262 liters, the same as in Japan,*1 our target for avoided emissions of water during product use—1.3 billion m3 by fiscal 2030—is equivalent to the annual water usage of approximately 13 million people.
Evolution of Water-Saving Performance of Toilets
We have been working to reduce the amount of water needed to flush toilets and to expel and transport waste while ensuring toilets remain pleasant to use. As such, we are now able to provide customers with a toilet that uses only 3.8L of water per large flush. In addition, we are striving to improve the water-conservation performance of our showers and other water faucets.
*1 Source: Current State of Water Resources in Japan (2024), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
*2 Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ AQUASTAT 2022
Carbon Neutrality Initiatives
We recognize the impact of climate change as a business risk and work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions based on scientific grounds. On average, our products are used over a period of 10 to 20 years. If analyzed from the perspective of the product life cycle, this means the period of product use accounts for over 90% of our overall CO2 emissions. By actively working to reduce emissions at the use stage of the product life cycle, we aim to realize both comfortable and eco-friendly everyday lifestyles.
In regard to the volume of CO2 emissions from our business activities, we are promoting reduction plans that take into account our long-term business growth. Under these plans, we are actively introducing renewable energy sources.
Efforts in the Life-Cycle Assessment of Products and Acquisition of EPDs
The TOTO Group evaluate the environmental impact during the product planning and design process by referencing guidelines related to Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA), and strive to improve the energy-saving and water-saving performance of our products.
In light of increasing expectations for the highly transparent disclosure of environmental data aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in recent years, we have been objectively assessing the entire value chain for major products.
As part of these initiatives, we have acquired Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for representative products such as seated toilets, wall-hung toilets, lever-style faucets, WASHLET, and smart toilets. EPD is a report verified by a third party that quantifies the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material acquisition to manufacturing, logistics, use, and disposal or recycling.
Going forward, we will work to promote the understanding of environmental impact at each stage of the value chain through LCAs and reduce the impact.
Representative Products with EPDs
Initiatives That Consider Biodiversity
The TOTO Group recognizes that its operations are inherently dependent on and impact various aspects of natural capital.
We view the loss of biodiversity and the collapse of ecosystems as significant business risks and opportunities. In response, we have endorsed the principles of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and joined the TNFD Forum to support its activities.
Additionally, we support the Keidanren Declaration for Biodiversity and Guideline, which aims to preserve biodiversity, and participate in the Keidanren Initiative for Biodiversity Declaration.
Efforts in Response to Water Risks
Appropriate management of water, a part of natural capital, is essential for realizing sustainable business activities. The TOTO Group conducts water-related risk assessments to understand the potential impacts and issues that its business activities may cause through water usage. Given that our production processes require substantial amounts of water, we closely monitor water stress conditions in each region where our production sites are located, facilitating the implementation of more effective actions.
･Countermeasures for Water Risks
We are promoting the reduction of water consumption by introducing water-saving production facilities at all sites and striving to conserve water throughout the manufacturing process. Further, to use water more efficiently, our sanitary ceramic production facilities recycle production wastewater at on-site treatments plants for reuse in the production process and as flushing water in toilets. Similarly, our faucet production facilities have introduced water recycling systems that recycle wastewater from the plating process, and we will continue to expand these recycling efforts.
Automated backwashing disc filter equipment at TOTO (Thailand)
Additionally, as part of our response to water risks, we construct facilities based on design standards that anticipate emergency situations after carrying out evaluations at each site and selecting regions that are less susceptible to flood damage. In addition to installing emergency equipment, we conduct preparedness drills and other measures, and will continue to advance these initiatives going forward.
Sustainable Procurement
We established Sustainable Raw Material Procurement Standards and regard the procurement of earth and stone raw materials and recycled wood materials, from which our staple products are made, as a critical issue to consider. For earth and stone raw materials, we conduct a questionnaire survey or an interview at all mines at least once every three years and all surveyed mines have met TOTO’s standards. For recycled wood materials, the usage rate of legal and recycled materials for products is used as an indicator and we verify the actual values.
- Achievement Rate of Compliance Item Standards of Mines Fiscal 2024 results 100%
- Usage Rate of Legal and Recycled Wood Materials Used in Products Fiscal 2024 results 100%
Aim for Sustainable Development Together with Local Communities
—20 Years Since the TOTO Water Environment Fund Was Established—
To develop sustainable local communities and a society that uses water effectively into the future, not only are the business activities of corporations important but the role of civic activities is also essential. Accordingly, the TOTO Group established the TOTO Water Environment Fund in 2005 and continues to support groups that are engaging in water-related environmental activities. As we celebrate the 20th year of this fund in 2025, we are supporting the activities of citizens and organizations that work to secure water sources and water quality, protect ecosystems, and plant trees through the fund. At the same time, our employees participate voluntarily in such activities. Additionally, TOTO was certified as a Water Cycle ACTIVE company in 2024 under the Water Cycle Company Registration and Certification System of the Cabinet Secretariat’s Headquarters for Water Cycle Policy.
･Supporting Ongoing, Community-Based Activities
In many countries and regions around the world, people are losing their lives due to water scarcity and poor sanitation. These areas face numerous challenges, including environmental conservation, poverty, education, and gender equality. Addressing these challenges requires more than just the one-time provision of water-related equipment or capital. It is essential to establish sustainable systems for the maintenance and management of water-related equipment.
Toilet construction in Myanmar (OISCA JAPAN)
With this in mind, we must convey the importance of sanitary living environments while providing ongoing assistance for local communities. The TOTO Water Environment Fund aims to support groups engaged in these activities, with an eye toward fostering sustainable development.
･Working Together to Solve Issues as a Member of the Community
The TOTO Water Environment Fund also encourages Group employees to volunteer in the activities of the organizations receiving its grants. Even after the grant period ends, the exchange of information and participation in volunteer activities continue, fostering ongoing relationships with the grant recipients and the local communities, and expanding the scope of these activities each year.
TOTO Group employees participate in cleaning the shoreline in Tokushima Prefecture (Environmental Tokushima Network)
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