Australasian Dentist Issue 92

CATEGORY 6 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST N WS N akanishi Inc. (NSK) has announced that it has switched 100% of the electricity used at NSK headquarters and the A1 Factory in Japan to renewable energy (green power) including photovoltaic power, starting “Zero CO2 Manufacturing” immediately. Addressing global warming, which is accompanied by severe climate change, has become an urgent problem, and international efforts such as the Paris Agreement and the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are becoming more active. In October last year, the Japanese government announced its policy of achieving “carbon neutrality by 2050”, and the trend toward a decarbonization society is accelerating in Japan as well. Since acquiring ISO 14001 environ- mental management system in 1999, NSK has been working to reduce energy con- sumption by maintaining environmental conservation at headquarters and produc- tion sites, introducing photovoltaic power, groundwater recycling air conditioning systems, and automatic air conditioning control systems. As a global company, NSK has decided to switch all energy consumed in domestic production activities to green power from photovoltaic power as a further measure to play a more active role in efforts to realize a sustainable society. NSK starts “Zero CO2 Manufacturing” by switching to green power NSK has entered into an electric power purchase contract with an electric power retail company and the process has started immediately. Looking ahead to acquire the “Environ- mental Initiative” in the future, NSK intends to actively reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout its business activities (through- out its entire supply chain) and to fulfil its social responsibility as a leading company in the dental andmedical equipment indus- try to promote a decarbonization society. With growing concern about the environment on a global scale, more companies are disclosing their environmental activities as part of their information disclosure. NSK places importance on calculating and managing emissions in its business activities as well as in its entire supply chain. NSK will switch the energy used in its production activities “Scope2” to renewable energy-based electricity, which is shown in the chart, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero. In “Scope3”, NSK will measure greenhouse gas emissions during the procurement of raw materials and the use and disposal of products by its customers. Moreover, NSK will address reducing emissions by promoting its products that consume less power, smaller and lighter, and by reviewing logistics etc. NSK believes that the creation of environmentally conscious products also leads to more business opportunities. It intends to actively work toward the realizationof carbonneutralitybypromoting its business strategy and its efforts to tackle environmental problem in an integrated fashion with an eye to active participation in climate protection projects. u V ictorian based dentists, Dr Evangeline Alphonse and Dr Thivagar Nirmalann have been announced as the recipients of the 2021 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB) and BOQ Specialist Bursaries. Dr Alphonse from Berwick Dental Clinic and Surgery has been awarded the Recent Graduate Bursary and will receive $5,000 to be applied towards ADAVB Continued Professional Development (CPD) courses. Dr Nirmalann and his team from Balnarring Dental Care have been awarded the Practice Bursary and will receive $8,000 to be applied to CPD and training programs and $2000 to be applied to ADAVB CPD courses. Now in its seventh consecutive year, the ADAVB and BOQ Specialist bursary program provides recognition to both dental practices and recent dental graduates that demonstrate a commitment ADAVB and BOQ Specialist announce 2021 recipients of CPD bursaries to excellence and to quality learning, by providing funding to support further professional development. University of Sydney graduate, Dr Alphonse, said that she was honoured to receive the bursary and feels a deep sense of gratitude for those who have helped contribute to her career. “As someone who is heavily involved in community projects and pro bono work, it is an honour to be acknowledged by those in my industry. “This bursary validates the work we do here at Berwick Dental Clinic and Surgery, andmotivates me to continue working hard for our community members.” Owner of Balnarring Dental Care, Dr Nirmalann, said that he and his team were ecstatic and humbled to be the recipients of this year’s bursary. “We have always been a clinic that values dental education, CPD, and being at the forefront of evidence-based dentistry and the bursary will support us in realising this.” ADAVB President Dr Jeremy Sternson said, “Dr Alphonse and Dr Nirmalann both illustrate a deep commitment to helping their patients and the wider community. Their drive to further enrich and develop their dental teams will ultimately lead to better care for their patients and their respective communities. BOQ Specialist CEO, Keith Strachan, concluded, “Our recipients have demonstrated a true passion for their people, their patients and their communities, providing exceptional services through their team-oriented approach to professional development. This makes them both unquestionably deserving recipients of this year’s bursaries.” u