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 CSR 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, Osaka Office
Sojitz Pla-Net Corporation Tokyo Head Office, Osaka Branch, Kyushu Office -
Date of Certification
March 16, 2006
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Date of Recertification
January 24, 2016
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Date of Expiry
September 14, 2018
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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
Consolidated Subsidiaries
(As of September. 30, 2016)
・Sojitz Machinery Corporation ・Nissho Electronics Corporation ・NBI Corporation ・Tokyo Yuso Co., Ltd. ・Sojitz Pla-Net Corporation * ・Pla Matels Corporation ・Filteren Co., Ltd. ・DaiichiboCo., Ltd. ・Autrans (Thailand) Co., Ltd. ・PT. Kaltim Methanol Industri ・The Long Binh Industrial Zone Development Ltd.（LOTECO）
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- Sites included in the scope of Sojitz certification
Compliance with Environmental Laws and Regulations
Sojitz complies not only with applicable laws and regulations, but also identifies laws and regulations applicable to Group Companies and conducts regular checks to ensure compliance. When audits of Group companies are performed, Sojitz also checks on the status of compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
Concerning the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law, we held a seminar featuring an outside specialist in the year ended March 2014. More than 50 employees, including those from Group Companies, attended the seminar.
Environmental Risk Management in New Business Investment and Financing
When conducting business operations in various countries around the world, Sojitz faces a range of environmental risks. To ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations and prevent environmental pollution, departments seeking approval for new business investments or financing must identify the impact on, and risks to, the natural environment and local communities in advance and take countermeasures as appropriate.
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, and reduce environmental impact through measures
such as mine rehabilitation. 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, ranks among the top tier of Australian coal mining companies in safety and health management. With zero lost time injuries (workplace injuries, including minor injuries, that result in time lost from work of one shift or more) over a 34-month period until January 2015, the Minerva Coal Mine is one of the few open-cut coal mines in Queensland to achieve such a record.
We also contribute 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.
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 engages in tree-thinning and mowing as the Group’s forest conservation activities.
