Nature & Environment

To ensure the circulation of satoyama ecosystems—including biodiversity, soil, and energy—we are committed to conserving biodiversity, optimizing energy use, and transitioning to renewable energy, with the aim of achieving harmony with local communities and the global environment.

Biodiversity Conservation

Through long-standing efforts to conserve and restore local satoyama landscapes, we engage in initiatives to protect and restore biodiversity while preserving regional scenery and traditional land-management practices.
By opening the satoyama to the public as “Santome Konjakumura, Kunugi-no-mori(Oak Woods)”, we work together with visitors to advance nature restoration.

JHEP Certification “AAA” — Certification and Renewal

This certification system, administered by the Japan Ecosystem Association, objectively and quantitatively evaluates and certifies contributions to biodiversity conservation by assessing forest environments with a focus on habitats for living organisms. We received the highest rank, “AAA,” in 2012. As the certification requires renewal every five years, we have successfully renewed it in 2017 and 2022.

Participation in the 30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity

With the aim of achieving Nature Positive—halting and reversing biodiversity loss—we joined this initiative in 2022. This effort contributes to the achievement of Japan’s 30by30 target, and we will continue our uninterrupted commitment to biodiversity recovery through the conservation and stewardship of satoyama landscapes, as well as environmental education delivered through hands-on experiences.

Certification as a Nature Coexistence Site

This certification is part of a national initiative to achieve the 30by30 target, jointly implemented by the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. It designates areas where biodiversity conservation is being promoted through private-sector initiatives and other efforts. Santome Konjakumura was certified in March 2024, and following the enactment of the Regional Biodiversity Enhancement Act, it was re-certified in September 2025.

Report on Satoyama Conservation and Restoration Activities

All contributions, including the Satoyama Conservation Fee supported by visitors, lecture fees, group training fees, and book sales proceeds are carefully used as operational funds to protect the nature and ecosystems of this satoyama, “Santome Konjakumura, Kunugi-no-mori(Oak Woods)”. We issue an annual report on these income and expenditures.

Report on Santome Satoyama Conservation and Restoration Activities (Fiscal Year 2024)

CO₂ Reduction / Use of Renewable Energy

We are working to optimize energy use and transition to renewable energy, aiming to operate plants that are in harmony with local communities and the global environment.
In 2021, we converted all electricity used at our headquarters and plants to renewable energy. Looking ahead, we are committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across our entire value chain.

Participation in the RE100 Declaration “RE Action”

This framework encourages companies, local governments, educational institutions, and medical organizations to demonstrate their commitment and actions toward achieving carbon neutrality and a decarbonized society by 2050 by transitioning 100% of their electricity use to renewable energy. We joined the initiative in 2021 and converted 100% of our electricity consumption to renewable energy in December of the same year, achieving the target ahead of schedule.

Energy-Efficient Electric Heavy Machinery

Since 2006, we have collaborated with Hitachi Construction Machinery Japan Co., Ltd. to proactively introduce electric heavy machinery at an early stage. We have installed ten units of electric heavy machinery certified under the J-Credit Scheme within our plants, reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 90 tons per year. In addition to eliminating exhaust emissions, these machines help suppress temperature increases and reduce noise, contributing to a safer and more comfortable work environment.

Large-Scale Lead-Acid Battery

In collaboration with Kanto Hitachi Co., Ltd., we have installed a large-scale lead-acid battery with a capacity of 1,100 kW, one of the largest of its kind at a privately operated factory in Japan.By storing electricity during nighttime hours and supplying approximately one-third of our total daytime power demand from the battery, we effectively reduce peak electricity usage.The stored energy can also be utilized as a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) during power outages or natural disasters.

Solar Power Generation

Solar panels have been installed on plant rooftops and across the site, generating approximately 200,000 kWh of electricity per year—equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 60 households.This power supplies electricity to facilities including Santome Konjakumura.

Geothermal Energy Utilization System

An environmentally conscious air-conditioning system that utilizes geothermal energy has been introduced at the Kunugi no Mori Exchange Plaza in Santome Konjakumura.By harnessing the temperature difference between the ground surface and underground layers, the system supplies air at a stable temperature of 15–22°C year-round.Compared with conventional air conditioning, electricity consumption is reduced to one-tenth.

Hybrid Wind and Solar Power Generation System

We have installed an integrated power generation system that combines wind and solar energy.On sunny days, electricity is generated by solar panels, while on rainy or cloudy days, power is stored through wind generation.The electricity produced by this system is used to operate night-time lighting throughout the facility.

Participation in Environmental Initiatives

Signatory to “The Climate Pledge”

Launched in 2019 by Amazon and Global Optimism, The Climate Pledge is a commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, ten years ahead of the goals set by the Paris Agreement.In 2022, we became the first Japanese company to sign the pledge and are actively advancing initiatives toward achieving this goal.

Participation in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “Circular Partners” Initiative

We participate in Circular Partners, an initiative established by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) based on the “Growth-Oriented Resource-Autonomous Economic Strategy” formulated in March 2023.Recognizing that a circular economy cannot be achieved by individual companies alone, this partnership promotes collaboration among industry, government, and academia, aiming to expand cooperation and initiatives across the entire product and resource life cycle.