Procurement
Kansai Electric Power Group Procurement Guidelines
In accordance with the Kansai Electric Power Group Code of Conduct, we have established the Kansai Electric Power Group Basic Procurement Policy to carry out sustainable, transparent, and responsible procurement activities, promoting initiatives based on this policy. Given that the procurement activities of the Group are supported by our suppliers, who we view as valuable partners, we have also set Kansai Electric Power Group Procurement Guidelines that specify items on which we ask for your cooperation as we move forward with initiatives. The Group will continue to build partnerships with our suppliers, seeking to enhance added value and work toward co-existence and co-prosperity through the entire supply chain.
We ask for each supplier’s cooperation in first understanding these guidelines and putting them into practice. We also request each supplier encourage interested parties to cooperate in following these guidelines.
1. Practice compliance.
1.1 Compliance with laws, regulations, and social norms
Comply with all applicable domestic and international laws and regulations that regulate your business and the spirit of said laws and regulations. In addition, strive to comply with social norms such as corporate ethics and social common sense.
1.2 Protection of personal information and prevention of leakage of confidential information
Manage the personal information of customers, third parties, and employees appropriately in accordance with domestic and international policies related to personal information and privacy. Also, properly manage confidential information obtained through business transactions, such as management and technical information, in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
1.3 Respect for intellectual property
Respect the intellectual property of third parties and avoid infringement upon their rights.
1.4 Protection of whistleblowers
Keeping in mind the spirit of Japan’s Whistleblower Protection Act and other relevant laws, regulations, and norms, ensure that whistleblowers, who are employees, etc. of your company or suppliers, will not suffer from detrimental treatment for reporting.
2. Carry out transparent and responsible procurement activities.
2.1 Anti-corruption
Maintain sound relationships with government, public officials, suppliers, and other business associates and do not engage in any forms of corruption, including bribery for the purpose of obtaining unjust interest.
2.2 Prohibition of unfair transactions
Comply with the Antimonopoly Act and other laws and regulations concerning fair transactions and do not engage in unfair transactions.
2.3 Severing relations with antisocial forces
Categorically refuse any unreasonable demands from antisocial forces or organizations and have no relationship with them.
3. Respect human rights.
3.1 Prohibition of forced labor
Develop an appropriate working environment to ensure that any individual is not forced to work against their will.
3.2 Prohibition of child labor
Do not employ children under the legal working age in the country or region in which you operate business, and do not allow young workers under the age of 18 to engage in work that may jeopardize their health, safety, or morals.
3.3 Payment of appropriate wages and allowances
Comply with the minimum wage law in the country or region in which you operate business, as well as applicable laws, regulations, and collective agreements that mandate the payment of allowances and premiums.
3.4 Consideration for working hours
Properly manage working hours and leaves to strictly observe the working hours, number of days off, etc. required by laws, regulations, and labor agreements.
3.5 Respect for freedom of association and collective bargaining rights
Respect employees’ freedom of association and collective bargaining rights.
3.6 Prohibition of discrimination and harassment
Do not tolerate any form of discrimination against employees on the basis of race, nationality, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, social status, family origin, occupation, disability, etc., including in hiring practices. Also, respect the human rights of employees and related people and take measures to ensure that inhumane treatment such as abuse, physical punishment, and harassment will not take place.
3.7 Respect and care for the life and culture of local communities and indigenous peoples
Contribute to the development of local communities and respect the life and culture of indigenous and local residents in business activities conducted both in Japan and overseas.
3.8 Prevention of conflict mineral procurement
Do not use raw materials that may contribute to human rights abuses or environmental destruction, such as minerals obtained in conflict-affected or high-risk regions.
4. Establish strong partnerships.
4.1 Bilateral communication
Based on our Declaration on Partnership Building, we will deepen bilateral communication with our suppliers and promote initiatives to enhance added value and work toward co-existence and co-prosperity through the entire supply chain. We expect our suppliers to agree with the purpose of the declaration and cooperate with us in establishing strong partnerships based on mutual trust.
5. Ensure safety.
5.1 Occupational safety
After identifying and assessing risks associated with occupational safety, take measures to prevent occupational accidents and illnesses (including mental illness) and to ensure public safety, with the highest priority placed on ensuring safety in all actions.
6.Promote cost reduction and quality improvement efforts.
6.1 Ensuring quality
Make continuous efforts to maintain and improve quality and technical expertise.
6.2 Follow-up and emergency response
Appropriately respond to maintenance and defects when they occur, ensuring the capability to respond promptly to emergencies.
6.3 Procurement cost reduction
We ask for our suppliers’ cooperation in making proposals, in cooperative and collaborative activities, and in other activities that contribute to reducing procurement costs.
7. Always consider the environment and contribute to local communities.
7.1 Compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and social norms
Comply with domestic and international laws and regulations related to environmental considerations. In addition, strive to comply with relevant social norms.
7.2 Sustainable and efficient use of resources (energy, water, raw materials, etc.)
Make efforts for effective use of resources (energy, water, raw materials, etc.), proper management and reduction of waste, and other related matters.
7.3 Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Make efforts to reduce GHG emissions.
7.4 Preservation of the regional environments
Prevent any forms of environmental pollution, such as pollution of air, water, and soil, as well as vibration and noise, and strictly control hazardous chemicals.
7.5 Improvement of biodiversity
Understand and assess the dependencies and impacts of business activities on ecosystems and strive to improve biodiversity.
7.6 Contribution to the local communities
Make efforts to promote initiatives that contribute to the development of local communities.
8. Achieve continuous and stable procurement.
8.1 Establishment of a stable supply and construction system
Strive to establish a stable delivery and construction system, including strict adherence to delivery dates.
8.2 Business continuity in the event of a disaster
Thoroughly implement organizational crisis management to prepare for accidents, natural disasters, spread of infectious diseases, etc., including the formulation of a business continuity plan to ensure prompt recovery from said unexpected events. Make prompt arrangements for materials and equipment when any of these occur.
8.3 Protection against cyber attacks
Take protective measures against computer and network threats to prevent cyber attacks from causing damage to your company and related parties. In the event of a security incident, promptly notify stakeholders, identify the cause of the incident, prevent damage from spreading, and take recurrence prevention measures.
9. Other
9.1 Information disclosure
We appreciate your cooperation in informing us of the status of your efforts to implement these guidelines as necessary.