Biodiversity Initiatives
Sumitomo Warehouse recognizes that the preservation of the global environment is an important issue for our business. Based on this recognition, we have made the preservation of biodiversity one of our themes of materiality. In addition, our environmental policy stipulates that we shall provide environmental education in order that each employee raises their awareness of environmental issues and proactively engages in environmental conservation activities. Based on our materialities and environmental policy, we are promoting initiatives to conserve biodiversity that contribute to global environmental conservation.
Biodiversity Initiative Promotion Structure
Our initiatives toward biodiversity conservation are led by the Business Promotion Department, which serves as the secretary of the Environmental Subcommittee, an organization subordinate to the Sustainability Committee chaired by the President.
Initiatives for Biodiversity
Impact Assessment during Facility Construction
When constructing warehouses and real estate facilities, we comply with environmental assessments based on legal requirements.
Minimizing Impacts Associated with Paper Use
In line with our policy of promoting the purchase and use of environmentally friendly products, conserving and making effective use of resources, and reducing waste, we are promoting paperless operations and the use of certified paper, such as FSC-certified paper, throughout the company. We strive to minimize the impact of paper resource use through such initiatives as avoiding the impact on biodiversity by switching to paperless operations —including digitizing forms and internal documents and introducing electronic approval workflows (impact avoidance)— promoting the use of sustainable forest resources through the use of FSC certified and other certified paper (mitigation of impact), and participating in afforestation activities to restore and conserve forests as well as conducting our own satoyama forest maintenance activities (impact offset). We manage these initiatives using the utilization rate of certified paper as a key performance indicator, and progress is reported to the Sustainability Committee and the Board of Directors.
Certified Paper Utilization Rate
| FY2022 | FY2023 | FY2024 | Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62% | 63% | 63% | 70% every year |
Plastic Emission Reduction and Recycling Initiatives
We strive to reduce plastic emissions and ensure the conservation and effective use of resources in our warehouse facilities by using recycled materials such as recycled resin pallets and packaging materials (100% recycled plastic), as well as engaging in material recycling of some of the strech films used to protect cargo during storage and transportation in collaboration with partner companies.
Water Resource Initiatives at Warehouse
From 2023 onwards, we have been implementing water-saving measures by planning the introduction of water-saving toilets at sites that have reached a certain number of years in operation.
Participation in Biodiversity Minato Network
The Biodiversity Minato Network, established by Minato City, Tokyo, is an organization that aims to share information and promote mutual collaboration and cooperation among companies and others engaged in voluntary activities related to biodiversity in order to protect nature around and natural resources on the earth and pass them on to the future. We have been a member since 2024.
Conservation and Creation of Habitats
Satoyama Forest Restoration and Maintenance Activities (Corporate Forest Development Initiative “Sumitomo Warehouse Forest”)
As a company operating in Hyogo Prefecture, we have participated in Hyogo Prefecture's “Corporate Forest Development Initiative” since July 2025. As part of this effort, a section of the Hyogo Prefectural "Takarazuka Nishitani no Mori Park"(located in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture) is designated as the “Sumitomo Warehouse Forest.” Activities such as satoyama forest maintenance are carried out there. To implement this initiative, we have concluded an agreement with Hyogo Prefecture, the City of Takarazuka, and the Hyogo Green Promotion Organization. Through employee-participation activities such as forest thinning and planting, we aim to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.
Support for the Restoration and Conservation of Tidal Flats and Wetlands
As a company engaged in port transportation services, we are working to protect the marine environment with which we have a direct connection. Through the purchase of “J Blue Credit” in Osaka Port, where we conduct our business operations, we support the development of an artificial tidal flat adjacent to our facility. This initiative not only contributes to carbon sequestration by reed species growing in the tidal flat, but also supports the restoration and conservation of marine ecosystems by providing habitats for benthic organisms, as well as a variety of wild birds and small animals, through the development of tidal flats and wetlands.
Greening for Coexistence with Urban Ecosystems
We are engaged in greening initiatives at our warehouse facilities. At our principal warehouse facility, the Nanko East Warehouse in Osaka, 1,400 m² of greening has been implemented on the rooftop and 2,850 m² on the ground level around the facility. Through these measures, we aim to mitigate the heat island effect and take biodiversity into consideration by creating habitats for living organisms.
Participation in Sakai No. 7-3 Ward “Creation of Forests” (Forest Conservation)
We have participated as a volunteer member in the Sakai No. 7-3 Ward “Creation of Forests” activity organized by the Osaka Prefectural Government. This initiative contributes to the conservation of biodiversity through planting trees native to the Osaka area and maintaining land at designated industrial waste landfill sites.
Participation in Suma Beach Cleanup Activity (Marine Conservation) and Community Cleanup Activities
We have participated in the Suma Beach Cleanup Activity held in Kobe City as a volunteer member. This activity involves collecting and analyzing marine plastic waste to address marine plastic issues and conserve coastal biodiversity. Additionally, we annually participate in community cleanup activities organized by Osaka City, which contribute to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity in urban areas.
At Sumitomo Warehouse, we experience waste issues firsthand and learn about sustainable societies and biodiversity. We plan and implement volunteer environmental activities to offer opportunities for firsthand experience, raise environmental awareness, and foster interest in biodiversity.
Corporate Forest Development Initiative “Sumitomo Warehouse Forest”
Since July 2025, we have participated in Hyogo Prefecture’s “Corporate Forest Development Initiative.” As part of this effort, a section of the Hyogo Prefectural "Takarazuka Nishitani no Mori Park"(located in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture) is designated as the “Sumitomo Warehouse Forest.” Activities such as satoyama forest maintenance are carried out there. Through efforts to promote the restoration of satoyama forests, we aim to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in Hyogo Prefecture, where it conducts its business operations.