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- Material Issue 3: The Reduction of the Environmental Impact of Our Business Activities
Material Issue 3: The Reduction of the Environmental Impact of Our Business Activities
Basic Policy
With the impact of climate change becoming increasingly problematic on a global scale, companies are being asked to reduce emission of greenhouse gas that cause global warming and to implement energy saving initiatives.
In consideration of the environmental impact of these operations, the Sumitomo Forestry Group fully recognizes the importance of reducing greenhouse emissions and taking other measures to combat climate change through the promotion of strict energy-saving activities, renewable energy use and other efforts. With a mid- to long-term perspective of the future, in 2018, we established greenhouse gas emission reduction goals for 2030, and were certified as SBT* in July 2018. Furthermore, we joined the RE100 international initiative with the goal of transition of power generation fuel to 100% renewable energy for power used in business activities of Sumitomo Forestry Group and power generation business by 2040.
In addition, to reduce environmental burden and more effectively utilize natural resources, we are promoting the reduction, reuse and recycling of industrial waste.
* Science Based Targets. These targets are set for companies to achieve reduction goals in-line with scientific knowledge to limit the raising average temperature around the world to less than 2°C.
Management of Material Issue 3
Within our Mid-Term Sustainability Targets, our Material Issue 3 “the reduction of the environmental impact of our business activities” is broadly divided into three goals, which we incorporate into our management practices through inclusion in annual activity policy and measures for each department. We also assess the impacts that the material issue has on society and the environment.
Targets of Material Issue 3
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions toward creating a decarbonized society (SBT: Scope 1 & 2)
- Protecting resources, reducing the generation of waste and achieving zero emissions
- Conserving and effectively utilizing water resources
Impact on Society and the Environment
Targets of Material Issue 3 | Impact (Influence) |
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Management of Each Target
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Toward Creating a Decarbonized Society (SBT: Scope 1 & 2)
* Figures in parenthesis are sales before applying accounting standards related to revenue recognition
* Rating
Achieved:◯ Not achieved but improved from previous year:△ Not achieved and declined compared to previous year:✕
Protecting Resources, Reducing the Generation of Waste and Achieving Zero Emissions
*1 Includes new housing construction sites of the Housing and Construction Division, Sumitomo Forestry Landscaping, as well as Sumitomo Forestry Home Engineering.
*2 Includes construction materials specified under the Construction Material Recycling Law (concrete, asphalt-concrete, and wood waste)
*3 Includes Sumitomo Forestry Home Tech renovation sites but excludes hard-to-recycle debris and asbestos
*4 Includes emissions associated with Lifestyle Service Business, housing-related materials sales, and other operational locations.
* Rating
Achieved:◯ Not achieved but improved from previous year:△ Not achieved and declined compared to previous year:✕
Conserving and Effectively Utilizing Water Resources
Specific steps based on issues and strategies |
Indicators for Evaluation | Managing department | FY2019 target |
FY2019 result |
FY2019 value |
FY2020 target |
FY2021 target |
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Proper management of water resources | Water use volume (unit: 1,000m³) | Sustainability Department | 2,981 or less | 2,936 | 〇 | 2,824 or less | 3,011 or less |
* Rating
Achieved:◯ Not achieved but improved from previous year:△ Not achieved and declined compared to previous year:✕
Toward the Future
Sumitomo Forestry Group had 380,641t-CO2e in total greenhouse gas emissions, which did not reach our target of 380,356t-CO2e. However, we were able to reduce emissions 972t-CO2e compared to fiscal 2018. Mombetsu Biomass Power Generation in particular contributed greatly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions overall by bringing down the mixed fuel burning ratio of coal used as a raw material to 16% from 20% in fiscal 2017.
Our recycling rate of industrial waste in the domestic housing department was 94.3%, which did not achieve our 96.1% target. However, this recycling rate did improve from 94.2% in fiscal 2018. In fiscal 2020, we will further reduce industrial waste emissions and improve our recycling rate by advancing precut Kizure Panels, roofing, and external wall materials.