Environmental Management
Environmental Management System
Sojitz and other relevant Group companies have acquired ISO 14001 certification, the international standard for environmental management, and are using environmental management systems (EMS) based on this standard.
Sojitz established an environmental management organization headed by the President & CEO. The Sustainability Committee handles the development of environmental policies and review of the EMS. Each department appoints persons in charge of environmental matters and takes measures according to their respective business activities such as promotion of environmentally friendly businesses. Sojitz also conducts internal environmental audits every year to ensure proper implementation and continual improvement of its EMS.
Sojitz Environmental Management System(EMS) Chart
ISO14001 Certification
Sojitz Corporation
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Certification Body
JIC Quality Assurance Ltd.
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Certification Number
E1436
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Scope of Certification
Sojitz Corporation Head Office, Kansai Office
Sojitz Pla-Net Corporation Tokyo Head Office, Osaka Branch, Kyushu Office
Sojitz Kyushu Corporation Head Office
Sojitz Marine & Engineering Corporation, Tokyo Main Office, Osaka Branch
Sojitz Foods Corporation Head Office, Kansai Branch, Tohoku Office
Sojitz New Urban Development Corporation Head Office -
Date of Certification
March 16, 2006
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Date of recertification
January 24, 2019
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Date of Expiry
January 23, 2022
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- ISO14001 approval was acquired on August 20, 1999. As of March 16, 2006, the company's ISO 14001 registration was transferred to a new registrar, as a result of the business integration of certification bodies
ISO14001 Certification within Sojitz Group
| Companies that have obtained ISO14001 certification (as of Oct 1st, 2020) | |
|---|---|
| ＜In Japan＞ ■Sojitz Corporation ■Nissho Electronics Corporation ■Sojitz Machinery Corporation ■Tokyo Yuso Co., Ltd. ■Sojitz Pla-Net Corporation ■Pla Matels Corporation ■Filteren Co., Ltd. ■DaiichiboCo., Ltd. ■Sojitz Building Materials Corporation ■Sojitz Kyushu Corporation ■Sojitz Marine & Engineering Corporation ■Sojitz Foods Corporation ■Sojitz New Urban Development Corporation |
＜Outside of Japan＞ ■Autrans (Thailand) Co., Ltd. ■Sojitz Kelanitissa (Private) Limited ■PT. Kaltim Methanol Industri ■Thai Central Chemical Pcl. ■Long Duc Investment Co., Ltd. ■The Long Binh Industrial Zone Development LLC ■Saigon Paper Corporation |
20 companies in total, including both in and outside of Japan
Click here for the acquisition rate of ISO14001 certification within Sojitz Group
Click here for the acquisition rate of ISO9001 certification within Sojitz Group
Compliance with Environmental Laws and Regulations
We remain apprised of the applicable laws and regulations to regularly confirm compliance conditions not only at Sojitz Corporation, but also at our Group companies. Internal audits of our Group companies also include checks on these compliance conditions. Additionally, we invited an outside expert on waste management law to hold a seminar in the financial year ended March 31st, 2018 for 80 participants, including Group companies.
Managing Environmental Risk for new Investment & Loan Projects
Prior to deliberating on new investment and loan projects, we require the department applying for investment and loan approval to complete an “Environmental and Social Risk Checklist.” Using the checklist, the department confirms that they have conducted the required due diligence and taken all necessary measures to deal with potential environmental risks, such as impact to biodiversity; soil, groundwater, or water contamination; impact on water resources in areas where such resources are limited; and impact on indigenous peoples.
Environmental Protection and Social Contribution Initiatives in Mine Development and Operation business
In its mine development and operation business, Sojitz gives due consideration to environmental protection, health and safety management, and contribution to local communities.
Mine development entails various risks, but we proceed with projects
only after internally verifying that sufficient pollution and accident
prevention measures are in place. This allows us to prevent risks
before they materialize. Even after the mine is in operation, we work
to ensure that it operates continuously with thorough safety and health
management processes. We also strive to reduce environmental impact
and promote environmental conservation through measures such as mine
rehabilitation for all mines as necessary. For example, at a Sojitz-owned
open-cut coal mine in Australia we keep the topsoil that is removed
for mining and use it after the mining is finished to cover up the
mined area. We then work to restore the land to its original condition
by planting new native vegetation. In addition, we implement various
social contribution activities based on the theme of sustainable coexistence
with surrounding communities.
Initiatives at the Minerva Coal Mine
The Minerva Coal Mine in Australia, which Sojitz operates
with a 96% stake, also contributes to society by working with surrounding
communities to maintain the local ecosystem. For example, we have
supported efforts to protect the bridled nail-tailed wallaby, an
endangered species. In recognition of this assistance, in November
2013 the Minerva Coal Mine received the first prize in the Energy
and Sustainability category of the 2013 Queensland Regional Achievement
& Community Awards. The mine was selected from among 190 organizations
and programs for the award, and was highly evaluated for its activities
emphasizing coexistence with surrounding communities.
*Efforts to protect the bridled nail-tailed wallaby have been suspended as of 2016 due to the dissolution of the organization leading the efforts.
We will continue to take a proactive approach to safety and health
management to ensure continuous operation of the mine, as well as
initiatives to protect the environment and benefit surrounding communities.
The nail-tailed wallaby, an endangered species
Managing Director and CEO Cameron Vorias (far left)
and then General Manager Rod Hicks (far right)
receive the Queensland Regional Achievement & Community Award in November 2013
Environmental Education and Training
To improve understanding of the Company's EMS and the environment by personnel, Sojitz provides training for persons responsible for environmental issues, new employees and internal environmental audit personnel, as well as e-learning-based environmental education. Environmental information is also provided on Sojitz's "CSR & Environment" intranet site.
The Company encourages employees to take the Eco Test, a certification test for environmental specialists administered by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In addition, the Company provides Group employees with seminars on microplastics and engages in beach cleanup activities at Jonanjima Seaside Park (Ōta-ku, Tokyo), which is located relatively close to Tokyo HQ.