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External Recognition
for Environmental Initiatives

We have received recognition from various organizations in response to our environmental initiatives.

Kobe R&D Center’s ESPEC Bambi-no-Sato Certified as a Natural Symbiosis Site by the Ministry of the Environment

In recognition of its contribution to biodiversity conservation and management methods, ESPEC Bambi-no-Sato at the Kobe R&D Center has been certified as a Natural Symbiosis Site by the Ministry of the Environment. Certified sites are listed in an international database of OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures)-areas contributing to biodiversity conservation outside of protected areas.

自然共生サイト認定

Received the Kansai Director-General's Award of a Regional Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry at the 2022 National Award for Greenery Factory sponsored by METI

In December 2022, the Kobe R&D Center received the Kansai Director-General's Award of a Regional Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry at the Green Factory Excellence Awards (known as National Award for Greenery Factory) sponsored by METI and the Japan Greenery Research and Development Center. It was awarded in recognition of its contribution to the improvement of biodiversity through the development of forests, rooftop green spaces, and biotopes that focus on local native species, as well as its environmental activities in cooperation with the local community.

全国みどりの工場大賞

Acquisition of Association for Business Innovation in harmony with Nature and Community Certification (ABINC Certification)

In September 2022, the Kobe R&D Center acquired ABINC Certification from the Association for Business Innovation in harmony with Nature and Community (ABINC)* as an office which has demonstrated a commitment to biodiversity. The association highly rated the Center’s creation of habitat spaces for a wide range of creatures by creating different types of green spaces and scenery rather than covering the broad green area with a single type of plant, as well as its many efforts toward achieving a matter cycle within the office (reuse of forest thinning material and water circulation).

* Association for Business Innovation in harmony with Nature and Community (ABINC): An organization whose objective is to create mechanisms for harmony between nature and people, verify them scientifically and technologically, and commercialize them

ESPEC receives the Excellence Award in the Environmental Communication Awards

In February 2021, our Sustainability Report 2020 was awarded the Excellence Award in the Environmental Reoort Category in the 24th Environmental Communication Awards, organized by the Ministry of the Environment and the general incorporated foundation Global Environment Forum.

環境コミュニケーション大賞 2021 優良賞 環境報告部門

Sustainability Report 2020

ESPEC Group’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Obtain SBT Certification

In July 2023, the ESPEC Group's FY2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets received SBT (Science Based Targets) certification from the international SBT Initiative*.
The ESPEC Group has set the FY2030 environmental goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% in SCOPE 1+2 (in-house emissions) and by 30% in SCOPE 3 (indirect emissions) compared to FY 2019.
This goal has been certified as a scientifically-grounded target for limiting the increase in global atmospheric temperatures to 1.5℃ above pre-industrial levels as set forth in the Paris Agreement.

* An international initiative that encourages firms to set scientifically-grounded targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions so that the goals of the Paris Agreement may be achieved. Jointly managed by CDP, which is an NGO involved in environmental information disclosure, UNGC (United Nations Global Compact), WRI (World Resources Institute), and WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature).

Science Based Targets

ESPEC Certified with a B in the CDP Climate Change Survey

In February 2024, ESPEC was graded as B, third from the top out of eight grades, in the CDP Climate Change Report 2023 published by CDP*, an international non- profit organization. In the 2023 survey, the climate change measures of approximately 23,000 companies-more than two-thirds of the world’s market capitalization-were rankedin a system of eight grades (A, A-, B, B-, C, C-, D, and D-). We have received a grade of B for four consecutive years since FY2020, when we first voluntarily responded.

* CDP is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that surveys climate change, conservation of water resources, forest conservation, and other environmental measures taken by cities and corporations, and makes this information available to investors.

Selected for the Second Time as a Supplier Engagement Leader, the Top Rank in the CDP Supplier Engagement Ratings

In March 2024, ESPEC received the highest rating-an A score-at the FY 2023 Supplier Engagement Ratings conducted by the CDP*, and was selected for the second time as a Supplier Engagement Leader.
In FY 2023, 458 companies (109 Japanese companies) which responded to the CDP climate change questionnaire were selected as Supplier Engagement Leaders.

* CDP is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that surveys climate change, conservation of water resources, forest conservation, and other environmental measures taken by cities and corporations, and makes this information available to investors.

CDP SUUPLIER ENGAGEMENT LEADER 2023

Selected as an Asia-Pacific Climate Leader for the First Time

In May 2023, Selected for the first time as one of the top 275 performers (including 130 companies from Japan) in the Asia-Pacific Climate Leaders survey, done in partnership with the Financial Times in the UK and German data provider Statista.
This study looks at companies with headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region and focuses on reductions of SCOPE 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions per unit of sales between 2016 and 2021.

Past Awards

Dec. 2022 Received the Kansai Director-General's Award of a Regional Bureau ofEconomy, Trade and Industry at the 2022 National Award for Greenery Factorysponsored by METI
Sep. 2021 Awarded the Japan Greenery Research and Development Center Chairman's Award at the 2021 National Award for Greenery Factory.
Feb. 2021 Sustainability Report 2020 awarded the 24th Environmental Communication Awards Environmental Report Category Excellence Award
Dec. 2020 Rated B in the CDP Climate Change Report 2020
Oct. 2020 Awarded the Eco Unit Excellence Award at the Eco Awards 2020 organized by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Jun. 2020 Awarded the Kyoto Environmental Conservation Distinguished Service Award (Environmental Top Runner (Organizations) category).
Oct. 2019 Awarded the Eco Unit Excellence Award at the Eco Awards 2019 organized by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Feb. 2019 Sustainability Report 2018 awarded the 22th Environmental Communication Awards Environmental Report Category Excellence Award
Dec. 2017 Forest conservation activity “Kewara Forest Creation Program” has received President's award of a National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization at the “6th Ikimono Nigiwai Corporate Activity Contest”, contest for corporate biodiversity conservation activities.
Feb. 2017 CSR Report 2016 awarded the 20th Environmental Communication Awards Environmental Report Category Excellence Award
Oct. 2016 ESPEC MIC Corp and Rinno-ji Temple in Sendai city in Miyagi prefecture both received the Chairman's Award in the 36th Green City Award held by the Organization for Landscape and Urban Green Infrastructure.
Feb. 2016 CSR Report 2015 "19th Environmental Communication Awards Environmental Report Category Excellence Award"
Mar. 2014 eco Test Award 2013 "Eco Unit Grand Prize"
Mar. 2013 Model Forest Movement Promotion Award "Kyoto Model Forest Association Board Chairman Award"
Jan. 2013 33rd Excellent Energy-Saving Equipment "The Japan Machinery Federation Chairman Award" (Platinous J Series Temperature & Humidity Chamber)
Feb. 2012 eco Test Award 2011 "Eco People Grand Prize"
Jan. 2012 eco Japan Cup 2011 "Culture Category Eco Music Jury Encouragement Award"
Dec. 2011 8th Eco-Products Grand Prize "Jury Chairman Special Award" (encouragement award)