Biodiversity
Basic approach
Our group has recognized the importance of biodiversity from an early stage, and has established the "Biodiversity Policy" (revised on January 1, 2024), and has implemented nature conservation activities, including biodiversity conservation, and regional initiatives. We have independently carried out activities such as tree planting and cleaning up rivers and lakes.
In March 2022, the ``TNFD Framework Beta Version'', which involves the management and disclosure of opportunities and risks related to biodiversity, etc., was published, and within it, the ``LEAP Approach'', which is a process for assessing nature-related risks and opportunities, was announced. was shown. The Ministry of the Environment has also formulated the ``30 by 30 Roadmap'' to help Japan achieve the ``30 by 30 goal'' (conserve at least 30% of land and sea by 2030), which is an international commitment.
Our group will evaluate and improve our past activities based on these developments regarding biodiversity.
The artience Group (hereafter referred to as the “Group”) is committed to the realization of its sustainability vision, asv2050/2030: a set of medium- to long-term goals to contribute to the improvement of social sustainability and the global environment and achieve sustainable growth as a corporate group. In working to achieve this sustainability vision, the Group regards proactive efforts to conserve biodiversity that may be affected by its business activities as one of its key management issues, and aims to prevent the loss of biodiversity, and restore it.
- Procurement and conservation of resources
The Group pays care and consideration to biodiversity in the procurement of raw materials, materials, and energy, etc., and takes biodiversity initiatives into account when selecting suppliers. We will also strive to use biological resources sustainably. - Products and production activities
The Group works to develop products and services that contribute to sustainability, and contributes to the conservation of biodiversity through their provision and widespread adoption. We also work to reduce emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG) and generation of waste in manufacturing processes. - Water-related initiatives
The Group works to ensure the appropriate use of water resources, such as by reforming production processes, and by recycling and utilizing water used in such processes. We actively engage in monitoring and initiatives to maintain and preserve water quality in the regions where we operate. - Initiatives to prevent atmospheric pollution
The Group actively engages in initiatives to reduce emissions of volatile chemical substances (VOCs) in manufacturing processes and works to minimize impact on biodiversity. These initiatives cover production processes not only for the Group’s own products, but also for those produced by customers. - Cooperation with local communities
The Group conducts in and supports community-based biodiversity conservation activities at its business sites, both in Japan and overseas, in cooperation with local governments and various other organizations. We also endeavor to communicate with society by announcing the results of these efforts. - Enlightenment and education
The Group conducts appropriate awareness-raising and educational activities for its officers, corporate advisors, and employees, in order to raise awareness and knowledge of biodiversity within the Group, and to promote the introduction of biodiversity conservation initiatives in all corporate activities, including management and business strategies.
Established in May 2009
Revised on January 1, 2024 (Resolved at Board of Directors on December 8, 2023)
Biodiversity risk assessment at our group’s business sites
On January 16, 2023, at the World Economic Forum (Davos), WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) released an online tool called the Biodiversity Risk Filter (BRF). BRF is a collection of over 50 biodiversity-related data sources, including IBAT, UNEP-WCMC, ENCORE, and RepRisk.
Our group has used this BRF to evaluate our domestic and overseas business sites (manufacturing sites, factories) regarding the possibility that our business activities will impact biodiversity (industry classification: Chemicals & Other Materials) Production).
In BRF, it is possible to grasp the first overall picture based on two factors: physical risk and reputational risk. The evaluation is based on the indicators of ``Water Condition'', ``Protected/Conserved Areas'', ``Key Biodiversity Areas'', and ``Other Important Delineated Areas''. I did it.
As a result, 33 of the 45 businesses evaluated were rated as "High risk" (scores 3.4 to 4.2) or "Very high risk" (scores 4.2 to 5.0), indicating that they pose a high risk to biodiversity. This has been shown.
Based on these results, we will identify business sites that will prioritize biodiversity conservation activities and strengthen their activities.
| region | Number of offices | physical risk | water shortage | water condition | reputational risk | Protection/Conservation Area | biodiversity important areas |
Other important areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 14 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 14 | 3 | 0 |
| North America/Central and South America | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Europe | 4 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Asia | 22 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| total | 45 | 5 | 9 | 21 | 1 | 19 | 3 | 1 |
*Number of establishments rated as "High risk" (3.4 to 4.2) or "Very high risk" (4.2 to 5.0) by BRF
Achievements
Participation in organizations related to biodiversity
- Keidanren Biodiversity Initiative
- CLOMA (Clean Ocean Materials Alliance)
- 30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity
Main biodiversity conservation activities
- Ecosystem surveys of company-owned forests and activities to preserve valuable species
(TOYOCHEM Co., Ltd. Kawagoe Factory) - Environmental beautification activities on Lake Biwa Day
(TOYO VISUAL SOLUTIONS Co., Ltd. Moriyama Factory)