Environmental & Social Materiality>Climate Change
The Marubeni Long-Term Vision on Climate Change: Towards Net-Zero GHG Emissions[721KB]
Marubeni official website. This page offers you information about our Initiatives for Climate Change.
The Marubeni Group recognizes climate change as a global and highly urgent social issue, and identifies it as one of its Environmental and Social Materiality. In our Medium-Term Management Strategy, GC2024, which we released in February 2022, we see “strengthening our green business*1” and “promoting the greening in all our business domains” as core business for our growth. We aim to transform the total environmental impact of its business activities to a positive one by contributing to low-carbon and decarbonization through our business activities while ourselves achieving net-zero GHG emissions.
Recognizing the importance of climate-related financial disclosures, the Marubeni Group affirmed the recommendations of the TCFD*2 in February 2019.
We are endeavoring to evaluate risks and opportunities engendered by climate change and to enhance related disclosure. In addition, we joined TCFD Consortium*3 of Japanese companies that affirm the recommendations of the TCFD.
Click here to view the past disclosures.
Disclosure in 2021 (September 2021)[620KB]
In order to work toward a low-carbon society that mitigates the effects of climate change as part of sustainable development goals, Marubeni is actively pursuing and expanding renewable energy power projects.
Throughout Japan, in addition to the development of small hydropower generation projects, the Marubeni Group is actively working on generation of renewable energy that contributes to conservation of the global environment and biodiversity.
The Marubeni Group considers small hydropower generation as an important business area, and has been conducting operations in this area through Group company, Mibugawa Power Company since 2006. As this business utilizes natural energy sources, consideration for the environment is essential, such as maintenance of water quality, reduction of waste materials, and conservation of energy, resources, and other local environment. The Marubeni Group aims to develop about 40 small hydropower generation facilities in Japan by 2025. Across Japan, we are actively working on generation of renewable energy that contributes to conservation of the local environment and biodiversity.
“Small hydropower generation” is a term used to refer to small-scale hydropower generation operations with output of less than 1,000 kW. These operations do not require the use of dams or other facilities that entail large-scale construction projects, but rather generate power by utilizing rivers or agricultural irrigation canals, thus minimizing the development footprint. The environmental impact on water quality and the water habitat is exceptionally low, and there is no impact on land features or scenic beauty. Once up and running, these operations emit almost no CO2, thereby offering benefits in terms of minimal impact on biodiversity and environmental conservation. Since it utilizes local water resources, it has the potential to be an effective technology to realize the production and consumption of local energy, which will be beneficial for the independent development of the region. Moreover, to develop a power plant that coexists with the local community, we are trying to realize the project with the understanding and cooperation of local organization and people concerned through holding events on the theme of environment for residents, inviting lecturers, and deepening understanding of the history of the planned site.
In addition to the Mibugawa Power Station No.1 and No.2, the Marubeni Group currently operates the following small hydropower generation facilities.
Facility | Location | Approved Output |
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Mibugawa Power Station No. 1*4 | Ina, Nagano Prefecture | 23,100kW |
Mibugawa Power Station No. 2*4 | 10,800kW | |
Mibugawa Power Station No. 3 | 260kW | |
Mibugawa Power Station No. 4 | 480kW | |
Tateshina Power Station | Chino, Nagano Prefecture | 260kW |
Tateshina Power Station No. 2 | 141kW | |
Tateshina Power Station No. 3 | 93kW | |
Tateshina Power Station No. 4 | 145kW | |
Shinmiyagawa Power Station | Komagane, Nagano Prefecture | 195kW |
Hokuto Nishizawa Power Station | Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture | 220kW |
Hokuto Kagoishi Power Station | 230kW | |
Hokuto Kurabara Power Station | 200kW | |
Honmonji Power Station No.1 | Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture | 120kW |
Honmonji Power Station No.2 | 140kW | |
Shiroishi Power Station | Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture | 95kW |
Hananosato Power Station | Shimogo, Fukushima Prefecture | 175kW |
Banyagawa Power Station | 150kW | |
Himenuma Power Station | Inawashiro, Fukushima Prefecture | 160kW |
Minochigawa Power Station | Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture | 180kW |
Sagotani Power Station | 108kW | |
Toyohira Power Station | Kitahiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture | 112kW |
Tsukuyone Power Station | Wakasa, Tottori Prefecture | 7,890kW |
Oshika Power Station No.1 | Misasa, Tottori Prefecture | 3,700kW |
Oshika Power Station No.2 | Misasa, Tottori Prefecture | 4,990kW |
Hinogawa Power Station No.1 | Hino, Tottori Prefecture | 4,300kW |
Hozawa Hotaru Power Plant | Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture | 170kW |
Mibugawa Power Station has obtained Eco Action 21*5 certification, the first hydropower facility to do so. Given that the intake of Power Station No. 2, which is located at the highest elevation, is next to a quasi-national park, and the facilities of the Mibugawa Power Station are in a region with high biodiversity value, we strive not only to avoid destruction of nature, but also to preserve it. As part of that effort, in addition to conducting river cleanup activities and facility maintenance and emergency response training to be prepared for possible oil spills, Mibugawa Power Station takes measures for protection of biodiversity by conducting water quality inspections twice a year, not only to determine whether pollutants are present, but also to check whether the water has the oxygen content required by living organisms. The facility also welcomes local elementary and middle school students and over 100 residents each year for tours of the power station, and presents exhibits of hybrid power generation systems (wind, solar and hydropower). These and other activities help educate people about renewable energy and pass on the region’s traditional culture.
At the Hokuto City Murayamarokkamuraseki- Waterfarm*6, we use existing irrigation canals to supply renewable energy while making appropriate adjustments to the volume of water used to ensure adequate supplies of irrigation water for farmland and water for household use.
At the small hydropower station in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, the elevation difference in water pipes of water supply facilities is used to generate electricity with minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
In addition, in selling power through Marubeni Power Retail Corporation, we are helping to improve biodiversity by allocating a portion of the electricity fees to forest maintenance and management.
M&C Tottori Hydro Power Co., Ltd. (hereafter, M&C Tottori Hydro Power) believes that building a trusting relationship through communication with local residents is essential for the safe, secure, and stable operation of hydroelectric power generation projects. To this end, M&C Tottori Hydro Power has appointed a “staff member in charge of community coexistence” and has made efforts to reflect residents' opinions of its operations on its website. In addition, the company regularly communicates with local stakeholders, including six local municipalities (Wakasa, Yazu, Kurayoshi, Misasa, Nichinan and Hino Town) and various councils on important issues related to the environmental impacts, e.g., on rivers, that may arise from construction, inspections, etc. Thanks to these initiatives, M&C Tottori Hydro Power understands each municipality’s needs (including complaints) and business risks and incorporates them into its management strategy.
In addition, M&C Tottori Hydro Power plans to offer visiting lectures and work experience for elementary and junior high schools on the theme of hydroelectric power generation projects. M&C Tottori Hydro Power contributes to the economic development of the region by improving the knowledge of local residents and linking it to the development of the next generation of human resources.
Marubeni Clean Power Corporation (hereafter, “Marubeni Clean Power”) is “committed to solving local social issues and coexisting with local communities and the natural environment.” Therefore, Marubeni Clean Power is developing renewable energies, mainly biomass, with the aim of promoting a “stable energy supply business closely linked to the community.” As part of its business activities, Marubeni Clean Power is actively involved in interactions with local stakeholders, such as local environmental fairs and beautification campaigns, conducting power plant tours and distributing solar kits to local elementary school children, and participating in study sessions of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Marubeni Clean Power participates in the “Biomass Power Association” (hereafter, the Association) as a regular member (Director Company) and serves as its representative director. The Association, includes not only power generators, but also fuel suppliers, manufacturers, financial institutions, consulting firms, and other stakeholders from various industries. It promotes the biomass power generation business and the sound development of the biomass industry, working to help build a sustainable, recycling-oriented society and foster global environmental conservation.
Marubeni Ina Mirai Denki Corporation*7 provides electric power retail and energy-related services in and around Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, with the aim of offering services that address the challenges of daily life in the community. The company is a member of the Sustainable Environment Subcommittee of the New Industrial Technology Promotion Council under the jurisdiction of Ina City, and it is taking the initiative to work together to build a sustainable environment, including a focus on issues such as climate change and biodiversity. As part of the planning process for the implementation of global warming countermeasures promoted by the village of Minami-Minowa, Kamiina-gun, Nagano Prefecture, the company is also participating in the special committee formulating the action plan (area policy section) for the implementation of global warming countermeasures in Minami-Minowa Village. The company is working with the community to address climate change in the area surrounding Ina City, where company's head office is located.
The Marubeni Group's Mibugawa Power Company also operates a hydroelectric power generation business in the area. As a group, the company will contribute to sustainable regional development by building a business portfolio that helps build a society in harmony with the local community.
<Click here[721KB] to view Greenhouse Gas Emissions metrics and targets>
FYE 3/2020 | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | FYE 3/2024 | ||
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Scope 1 | Marubeni Corporation’s principal offices | 4 | 12 | 75 | 120 | 121 |
Marubeni Corporation’s other offices + consolidated subsidiaries | 773,194 | 797,963 | 1,016,412 | 1,000,004 | 948,704 | |
Sub Total | 773,198 | 797,975 (Including non-energy- related GHG emissions*8) (683,025 (Excluding non-energy- related GHG emissions*8)) |
1,016,487 (Including non-energy- related GHG emissions*8) (896,877 (Excluding non-energy- related GHG emissions*8)) |
1,000,124 (Including non-energy- related GHG emissions*8) (849,910 (Excluding non-energy- related GHG emissions*8)) |
948,825 (Including non-energy- related GHG emissions*8) (790,865 (Excluding non-energy- related GHG emissions*8)) |
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Scope 2 | Marubeni Corporation’s principal offices | 2,307 | 2,146 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Marubeni Corporation’s other offices + consolidated subsidiaries | 308,193 | 280,025 | 222,559 | 221,821 | 254,928 | |
Sub Total | 310,500 | 282,171 | 222,559 | 221,821 | 254,928 | |
Grand Total | 1,083,698 | 1,080,146 (Including non-energy- related GHG emissions*8) (965,196 (Excluding non-energy- related GHG emissions*8)) |
1,239,046 (Including non-energy- related GHG emissions*8) (1,119,436 (Excluding non-energy- related GHG emissions*8)) |
1,221,946 (Including non-energy- related GHG emissions*8) (1,071,731 (Excluding non-energy- related GHG emissions*8)) |
1,203,753 (Including non-energy- related GHG emissions*8) (1,045,793 (Excluding non-energy- related GHG emissions*8)) |
FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | FYE 3/2024 | ||
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Total amount | 114,950 | 119,610 | 150,214 | 157,960 | |
Components | Carbon dioxide (CO2) | 5,203 | 9,500 | 31,740 | 31,192 |
Methane (CH4) | 72,081 | 71,658 | 75,149 | 76,979 | |
Dinitrogen monoxide (N2O) | 36,602 | 38,096 | 42,612 | 49,196 | |
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) | 1,064 | 355 | 712 | 593 | |
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The total of each breakdown and the overall total may not match due to rounding.
Marubeni is voluntarily disclosing a part of the data by categorizing its supply chain activities and calculating the GHG emissions in each category in line with the GHG Protocol guidelines. The Scope 3 data is also submitted to the climate change questionnaire of CDP.
FYE 3/2020 | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | FYE 3/2024 | ||
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Scope 3 CO2 emissions (Category 15: Investment) | approx. 26 million | approx. 25 million | approx. 25 million | 22 million | 25 million | |
Breakdown | Power generation | approx. 22 million | approx. 21 million | approx. 21 million | 19 million | 23 million |
Resource projects | approx. 3 million | approx. 3 million | approx. 2 million | 2 million | 2 million | |
Other businesses | approx. 1 million | approx. 1 million | approx. 1 million | 1 million | 1 million |
The total of each breakdown and the overall total may not match due to rounding.
<Click here to view Tokyo Head Office’s targets to be achieved by FYE 3/2026>
FYE 3/2020 | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | FYE 3/2024 | |
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Electricity consumption of Marubeni Corporation’s principal offices (Unit: MWh) | 5,227 | 4,629 | 8,888 | 8,956 | 9,086 |
Energy consumption of Marubeni Corporation and consolidated subsidiaries (Unit: TJ) | 15,303 | 13,771 | 17,515 | 16,992 | 16,056 |
FYE 3/2020 | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | FYE 3/2024 | |
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Amount transported (Thousand ton-km) | 484,678 | 364,538 | 266,675 | 220,170 | 207,757 |
CO2 emissions from upstream transportation (Scope 3 Category 4) (metric ton CO2) | 22,617 | 17,516 | 13,768 | 11,787 | 10,246 |
Intensity (kl crude oil equivalent per thousand ton-km) | 0.0173 | 0.0178 | 0.0192 | 0.0199 | 0.0182 |
Data | Contents | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | FYE 3/2024 |
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Cost of climate change risk aversion | Emergency power generation and flood countermeasures due to extreme weather conditions | 5,732 | 6,255 | 6,519 |
Research and development expenses for climate change risk aversion | Research and development expenses related to forest conservation and reduction of greenhouse gas, etc. | 5,830 | 8,127 | 11,204 |
Marubeni Corporation participates in various industry groups and Initiatives to contribute to measures addressing Climate Change, which we have identified as one of our Environmental and Social Materiality.
In the process of developing policies on Climate Change and other related issues, we express its opinions based on the Company's policies, including the “ The Marubeni Long-Term Vision on Climate Change[721KB]”. If there is a difference of opinion between the parties involved in the policy formulation process, we coordinate with the parties concerned and take appropriate measures to avoid any conflict with the Company's policy.
Marubeni endorsed the following statement on climate-related disclosure standards*9 issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).
Climate risks are increasingly having a real effect on companies and capital. Therefore ― in response to calls for climate action at COP28 ― we support the establishment of market infrastructure to enable consistent, comparable climate-related disclosures at a global level. We are committed to advancing the adoption or use of the ISSB’s Climate Standard as the climate global baseline.
Marubeni was selected by CDP*10, an international environmental non-profit organization, as an A-list company in their water security program and certified as a leading company in corporate sustainability (as of February 2024). This is the third time that Marubeni has been selected since 2021. Marubeni also received A- grades in the areas of Climate Change and Forest Protection.
CDP A-List 2023 and other published scores can be found here
Marubeni has joined the Green Transformation League (GX League) established by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
The GX League includes companies working towards decarbonization as well as government bodies, academia, and the financial sector, and aims to bring about changes in economic and social systems. As such it will focus on emissions trading (GX-ETS) and the creation of sustainable markets. Marubeni will contribute to decarbonization and the reduction of Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions by participating in the GX League’s discussions on the formation of market rules (regarding voluntary credits and carbon offsets, etc.), utilizing our global expertise and know-how spanning a broad range of sectors, which is one of the strengths of a general trading company.
As a member of the Japan Foreign Trade Council (JFTC), Marubeni agrees with the Low-Carbon Society Plan proposed by Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), and takes part in the working groups and public meetings on climate change held by Keidanren and JFTC.
Marubeni takes climate change countermeasures in accordance with the policies of Keidanren’s commitment to a Low-Carbon Society. We have set the goal of reducing the energy use (electricity and gas) at the Tokyo Head Office by 10% or more in FYE 3/2026 relative to FYE 3/2016, by introducing energy-saving facilities etc.
Marubeni takes part in discussions related to environmental initiatives of trading companies, as a member of the Global Environment Committee of the Japan Foreign Trade Council (JFTC).
At the Committee, we make plans for the Voluntary Action on the Environment (Commitment to a Low Carbon Society and a Recycling-Based Society) for the trading company industry, grasp energy consumption, promote the 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) activity, and incorporate new energy through our business activities.
We participate in the Committee on Environment, an environment- and energy-related committee of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) which promotes the mainstreaming of climate change countermeasures, circular economy, biodiversity, and the improvement of environmental regulations and systems, and works towards the realization of environmental policies that are compatible with the economy.
The Marubeni subsidiary Mibugawa Power Company takes part in the Japan Climate Initiative and promotes renewable energy projects with the aim of creating a society that leaves a minimal carbon footprint.
Since 2005, Mibugawa Power Company has been participating in Eco Action 21, a program of the Ministry of the Environment. In registering for certification under this system, the company continues to “establish and operate effective and efficient methods for environmental initiatives, set environmental goals, take action, summarize, evaluate, and report results.” In 2015, the Eco Action 21 Central Secretariat presented the company with a letter of appreciation and a commemorative gift in recognition of these efforts. The company will continue to take positive action to protect the global environment by reducing waste, maintaining water quality, conserving energy and resources, and conducting local environmental activities.
Achievements (FYE 3/2024) | Targets (FYE 3/2025) | Action Plan | |
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Reduction of fuel consumption by company vehicles | Average fuel consumption for all company cars: 12.97km/L | Average fuel consumption for all company cars: 14.04km/L or higher |
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Reduction of electricity used at business sites | Electricity used at Centralized Control Room: 130,438kWh | Electricity used at Centralized Control Room: up to 147,291kWh | Continue to control air conditioning temperature settings and operating hours, and work on appropriate use of air conditioning equipment. Ensure proper use of air conditioning and turn off unused lights |
Reduction of general emissions |
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We have a full membership of the Japan Sustainable Fashion Alliance (JSFA), a platform for corporate collaboration that aims to jointly find solutions to sustainable fashion issues. With the goals of achieving “zero fashion loss through proper quantity of production, purchasing and recycling” and “carbon neutral of the fashion and textile industries in 2050,” we collaborate to identify solutions to the common issues that arise in the fashion and textile industries, and promote the transition to a sustainable fashion industry. As a company that identifies Climate Change as one of the categories of Environmental & Social Materiality, we participate within a leading role in the JSFA as a full member and will contribute to the transition to a sustainable fashion industry through the activities of the alliance.
Marubeni is a member of "ACT FOR SKY", an organization dedicated to the commercialization, dissemination, and expansion of domestically produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). With the urgent need to reduce CO2 emissions globally in order to tackle global warming, the aviation industry must accelerate the technological development, production, distribution, and use of SAF. Also, in response to the growing global demand for SAF, a stable supply of domestically produced SAF is essential in Japan. Marubeni has identified “contribution to climate change countermeasures” as one of four categories of our Environmental and Social Materiality, and through “ACT FOR SKY” we will accelerate the commercialization, dissemination, and expansion of domestically produced SAF. At the same time, companies, local governments and others are acting together in cooperation and collaboration to promote the importance of SAF, carbon neutrality, and resource recycling, and to bring about new behaviors through changing the thinking of citizens and companies.
Marubeni is an investor in Japan CCS Co., Ltd., which was established in May 2008, in response to the Japanese government’s call for the development of CCS*11 technologies as a countermeasure to global warming. It was founded by major private-sector firms with expertise in CCS-related fields joining forces to meet the new demands. As a private-sector corporation that brings together and integrates CCS technologies, the company conducts surveys on how to commercialize technologies for the separation, capture, transport, and geological storage of CO2, as well as R&D and testing in these fields.