Environmental & Social Materiality＞Climate Change
The Marubeni Long-Term Vision on Climate Change: Towards Net-Zero GHG Emissions
Policy
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.
- Green business: sustainable businesses which have positive effects on the environment such as decarbonization and the circular economy, and adjacent businesses which supply those businesses with non-substitutable materials, etc.
Disclosure in Line with the Recommendations of the TCFD
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.
- The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) was established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB).
- Click here to view the TCFD Consortium website
Initiatives
Initiatives for Renewable Energy Power Projects
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.*4
- Renewable energy power generation currently accounts for approximately 15% of our net generation capacity as of March 2022. We will increase this to approximately 20% by 2023.
For detailed information on renewable energy business in Japan, click here.
Initiatives for Solar and Wind and Biomass Power Generation
Throughout Japan, in addition to the development of micro-scale hydro-power generation projects, the Marubeni Group is actively working on generation of renewable energy that contributes to conservation of the global environment and biodiversity.
Initiatives for Micro-Scale Hydro-Power Generation Business
The Marubeni Group considers micro-scale hydro-power 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 micro-scale hydro-power 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.
“Micro-scale hydro-power 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 micro-hydro power generation facilities.
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Producing power locally: Mibugawa Power Company -
Micro-scale hydro-power station (Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture)
Micro-Scale Hydro-Power Generation Facilities (as of March 2023)
| Facility | Location | Approved Output |
|---|---|---|
| Mibugawa Power Station No. 1*5 | Ina, Nagano Prefecture | 23,100kW |
| Mibugawa Power Station No. 2*5 | 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 No.1and No.2 Power Station fall under the category of medium hydraulic power generation.
Coexistence with Local Community
Mibugawa Power Station has obtained Eco Action 21*6 certification, the first hydro-power 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 hydro-power). These and other activities help educate people about renewable energy and pass on the region’s traditional culture.
At the Hokuto City Murayamarokkamuraseki- Waterfarm*7, 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 micro-scale hydro-power 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 Hydroelectric Power Co., Ltd. (hereafter, M&C Tottori Hydroelectric 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 Hydroelectric 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 Hydroelectric Power understands each municipality’s needs (including complaints) and business risks and incorporates them into its management strategy.
In addition, M&C Tottori Hydroelectric Power plans to offer on-site classes and work experience for elementary and junior high schools on the theme of hydroelectric power generation projects. M&C Tottori Hydroelectric 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 realizing a “stable energy supply 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, which was primarily established by power generation companies, 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*8 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. As part of its investment in the community, the company has installed “quick chargers for cars,” which contribute to the local production and consumption of electricity. 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.
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.
- A system based on guidelines for environmental management systems and environmental reporting set by the Ministry of the Environment
- The four micro-scale hydro-power stations at Murayamarokkamuraseki in Hokuto City (Hokuto Nishizawa Power Station, Hokuto Murayamarokkamuraseki Hydro-power Station (municipally-owned), Hokuto Kagoishi Power Station and Hokuto Kurabara Power Station)
- The company's shareholders are Marubeni Corporation (56%), Chubu Electric Power Miraiz Co., Inc. (34%), and Ina City (10%). The company has established a system of monitoring against goals, deadlines, and results related to regional development through consultations among shareholders.
Data
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
＜Click here to view Greenhouse Gas Emissions metrics and targets＞
〈Scope 1 & 2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions〉
- (Unit: metric ton CO2e)
| FYE 3/2019 | FYE 3/2020 | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Marubeni Corporation’s principal offices | 4 | 4 | 12 | 75 | 120 |
| Marubeni Corporation’s other offices + consolidated subsidiaries | 726,704 | 773,194 | 797,963 | 1,016,412 | 1,000,004 | |
| Sub Total | 726,708 | 773,198 | 797,975 (Including non-energy- related GHG emission*9) (683,025 (Excepting for non-energy- related GHG emission*9)) |
1,016,487 (Including non-energy- related GHG emission*9) (896,877 (Excepting for non-energy- related GHG emission*9)) |
1,000,124 (Including non-energy- related GHG emission*9) (849,910 (Excepting for non-energy- related GHG emission*9)) |
|
| Scope 2 | Marubeni Corporation’s principal offices | 2,439 | 2,307 | 2,146 | 0 | 0 |
| Marubeni Corporation’s other offices + consolidated subsidiaries | 305,776 | 308,193 | 280,025 | 222,559 | 221,821 | |
| Sub Total | 308,215 | 310,500 | 282,171 | 222,559 | 221,821 | |
| Grand Total | 1,034,922 | 1,083,698 | 1,080,146 (Including non-energy- related GHG emission*9) (965,196 (Excepting for non-energy- related GHG emission*9)) |
1,239,046 (Including non-energy- related GHG emission*9) (1,119,436 (Excepting for non-energy- related GHG emission*9)) |
1,221,946 (Including non-energy- related GHG emission*9) (1,071,731 (Excepting for non-energy- related GHG emission*9)) |
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- CO2 emission factors for fuels and steam
CO2 emission factors stipulated by the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures are used. - CO2 emission factors for electricity
Emission factors for each electric power provider released by the Ministry of the Environment are used for Marubeni Corporation. Until FYE 3/2019, fundamental emission factors (actual emission factors) are used, from FYE 3/2020, adjusted emission factors are used.
Alternative emission factor stipulated by the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures was replaced by Emission factors (adjusted emission factors) for each electric power provider for the domestic consolidated subsidiaries from FYE 3/2021. The impact on emissions due to the change in emission factors is a decrease of 7,627 metric tons of CO2.
Country-specific emission factors (CO2 emissions per kWh from electricity generation) published by the International Energy Agency are used for the overseas consolidated subsidiaries. A zero emission factor is applied to purchased electricity derived from renewable energy in calculating Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions since FYE 3/2021. - Emission factors of non-energy-related GHG
Emission factors stipulated by the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures are used. - Non-energy-related GHG emission before FYE 3/2020 is not included in GHG emissions.
From FYE 3/2021, non-energy-related GHG emission is included in GHG emissions, but Scope 1 emissions excluding non-energy-related GHG emission and grand total emissions excluding non-energy-related GHG emission are also presented separately. - From FYE 3/2022, Marubeni Corporation’s principal offices have achieved zero Scope 2 by purchasing 100% renewable energy for electricity at domestic offices of Marubeni Corporation and procuring J-credits derived from renewable energy heat for steam and cold water purchased as energy at the Tokyo Head Office.
〈Scope 1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Components of non-energy-related GHG emission*9)〉
- (Unit: metric ton CO2e)
| FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total amount | 114,950 | 119,610 | 150,214 | |
| Components | Carbon dioxide (CO2) | 5,203 | 9,500 | 31,740 |
| Methane (CH4) | 72,081 | 71,658 | 75,149 | |
| Dinitrogen monoxide (N2O) | 36,602 | 38,096 | 42,612 | |
| Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) | 1,064 | 355 | 712 | |
| Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
- Non-energy-related GHG emission covers carbon dioxide from the use of dry ice, carbon dioxide, methane, and dinitrogen monoxide from waste incineration or use in the manufacture of products and the use of waste fuels, methane and dinitrogen monoxide from the use of fuel in facilities and machinery used for fuel combustion, livestock waste management, methane from livestock feeding (fermentation in the digestive tract of livestock), hydrofluorocarbons in the recovery and encapsulation of HFCs in the maintenance of commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, and sulfur hexafluoride in the use of electrical machinery and equipment such as transformers. There are no emissions of perfluorocarbons and nitrogen trifluoride. For sulfur hexafluoride, there are no companies obliged to report based on the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures.
The total of each breakdown and the overall total may not match due to rounding.
〈Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions〉
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.
- (Unit: metric ton CO2)
| FYE 3/2020 | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 3 CO2 emissions (Category 15: Investment) | approx. 26 million | approx. 25 million | approx. 25 million | 22 million | |
| Breakdown | Power generation | approx. 22 million | approx. 21 million | approx. 21 million | 19 million |
| Resource projects | approx. 3 million | approx. 3 million | approx. 2 million | 2 million | |
| Other businesses | approx. 1 million | approx. 1 million | approx. 1 million | 1 million | |
- Category 15 covers Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions for associate investees of the Marubeni Group accounted for using the equity method, (hereinafter, “associate investees”), which are not included in the Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of Marubeni and its consolidated subsidiaries. The emissions are calculated by multiplying by our equity share. Emissions from businesses designated to be liquidated or sold, renewable energy businesses, and businesses which consist of office operations only are not included.
- In principle, the emissions are calculated in the same way as Scope 1 and Scope 2 for Marubeni and its consolidated subsidiaries, but in some cases emissions reported by associate investees and estimated emissions are included.
- For overseas power generation projects, emission factors from the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories are used, including CO2, CH4, and N2O. All emissions from coal are calculated assuming weight on an air-dried basis.
The total of each breakdown and the overall total may not match due to rounding.
Energy and Electricity Consumption
＜Click here to view Tokyo Head Office’s targets to be achieved by FYE 3/2026＞
| FYE 3/2019 | FYE 3/2020 | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity consumption of Marubeni Corporation’s principal offices (Unit: MWh) | 5,180 | 5,227 | 4,629 | 8,888 | 8,956 |
| Energy consumption of Marubeni Corporation and consolidated subsidiaries (Unit: TJ) | 14,384 | 15,303 | 13,771 | 17,515 | 16,992 |
- 3.6 GJ/MWh is used for heat value per unit for electricity.
- For fuels, the heat values stipulated by the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures are used.
- Biomass energy is not included.
- From FYE 3/2022, Marubeni Corporation’s principal offices have achieved zero Scope 2 by purchasing 100% renewable energy for electricity at domestic offices of Marubeni Corporation and procuring J-credits derived from renewable energy heat for steam and cold water purchased as energy at the Tokyo Head Office.
Environmental Impact of Transport
| FYE 3/2019 | FYE 3/2020 | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount transported (Thousand ton-km) | 508,498 | 484,678 | 364,538 | 266,675 | 220,170 |
| CO2 emissions from upstream transportation (Scope 3 Category 4) (metric ton CO2) | 22,705 | 22,617 | 17,516 | 13,768 | 11,787 |
| Intensity (kl crude oil equivalent per thousand ton-km) | 0.0165 | 0.0173 | 0.0178 | 0.0192 | 0.0199 |
- This table shows the impacts associated with the domestic outsourced shipment (upstream transportation) of goods consigned by Marubeni Corporation.
Costs Associated with Climate Change
- (Unit: thousands of yen)
| Data | Contents | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of climate change risk aversion | Emergency power generation and flood countermeasures due to extreme weather conditions | 5,732 | 6,255 |
| 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 |
- 【The boundary of the environmental data】
- Marubeni Corporation’s principal offices
Until FYE 3/2019, we cover six main branches (Tokyo Head Office, Hokkaido Branch, Chubu Branch, Osaka Branch, Kyushu Branch, and Shizuoka Branch), but from FYE 3/2020, we cover five main branches (Tokyo Head Office, Hokkaido Branch, Chubu Branch, Osaka Branch, and Kyushu Branch). - Marubeni Corporation (excluding principal offices)
Excluding Marubeni Corporation’s principal offices, we cover domestic branches and offices, other facilities such as Tama Center, overseas branches and offices, and overseas corporate subsidiaries including their branches and offices. - Domestic offices of Marubeni Corporation
We cover Marubeni Corporation’s principal offices, Tohoku Branch, Shizuoka Branch, Hamamatsu Branch, Hokuriku Branch, Chugoku Branch, Okinawa Branch, and Tama Center. - Consolidated subsidiaries
The subsidiaries that are designated to be liquidated or sold are excluded.
From FYE 3/2020, GHG emissions, energy consumption, and water withdrawal figures and from FYE 3/2021, water discharge figures include agricultural material sales company based in the southeastern United States (waste generated does not include it).
Participation in International Initiatives
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”. 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.
Endorsement of ISSB’s Statement “Championing the ISSB’s climate global baseline”
Marubeni endorsed the following statement on climate-related disclosure standards*10 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).
- International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Standard 1 (S1): General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS Standard 2 (S2): Climate-related Disclosures
Statement： “Championing the ISSB’s climate global baseline”
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.
CDP
CDP*11 (an international environmental non-profit organization) analyzes and assesses the collected information, and makes it available to investors. Marubeni has participated in the initiative of CDP since 2007. In 2022 Marubeni continued from last year to receive an A- grades in the areas of climate change and forest protection by CDP. And the Company was selected as an A-list company in their water security program.
This year’s CDP A-List and other published scores can be found here
- CDP (an international environmental non-profit organization formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project)
Founded in the United Kingdom in 2000, CDP has worked with more than 680 investors representing over US$130 trillion in assets to pioneer environmental disclosure, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, water conservation, and forest protection for companies through capital markets and corporate procurement activities. In 2022, nearly 20,000 organizations around the world, including more than 18,700 companies worth half of global market capitalization and over 1,100 cities, states and regions, disclosed environmental information through CDP. CDP has the world’s largest fully TCFD-compliant environmental database, and CDP scores are widely used to drive investment and procurement decisions to achieve a zero-carbon, sustainable and resilient economy. CDP is a partner in the Investor Agenda and a founding member of the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative.
Joining the GX League to Address Climate Change
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.
Plan for achieving the Low-Carbon Society
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.
The Global Environment Committee of The Japan Foreign Trade Council (JFTC)
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.
Committee on Environment
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.
Japan Climate Initiative
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.
Eco Action 21
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.
〈Targets and Achievements (excerpts)〉
| Achievements (FYE 3/2023) | Targets (FYE 3/2024) | Action Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduction of fuel consumption by company vehicles | Average fuel consumption for all company cars: 12.78km/L | Average fuel consumption for all company cars: 13.90km/L or higher |
|
| Reduction of electricity used at business sites | Electricity used at Centralized Control Room: 139,709kWh | Electricity used at Centralized Control Room: up to 148,858kWh | 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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Japan Sustainable Fashion Alliance (JSFA)
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 and purchasing, 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.
ACT FOR SKY
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.
Collaborating with Stakeholders
Initiatives for the Sequestration, Capture, and Storage of Carbon Dioxide
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*12 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.
- CCS is an acronym for Carbon Capture and Storage and refers to the capture and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2). Specifically, it involves technologies for capturing CO2 emitted by factories, power plants and the like before it is released into the atmosphere, transporting it to underground geological strata suited to storing it, and storing it in a stable manner over long periods of time.
Large-Scale CCS Demonstration Project
Marubeni is working on a project to verify the establishment of an international supply chain to liquify hydrogen produced with unused lignite (i.e. “brown coal”) from Victoria, Australia, and transport it to Japan. For the future commercialization of liquified hydrogen made with this technology, it will be necessary to use CCS technologies to capture, and store the CO2 generated in the hydrogen production process. In part because of this, Marubeni regularly visits the Tomakomai CCS Demonstration Project Center, which is a facility in the city of Tomakomai, Hokkaido, operated by Japan CCS Co., Ltd., to observe the work done there. The demonstration project has been running from FY2012 to FY2019, and is slated to store a cumulative total of 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide underground.