Biodiversity

A wide variety of living things inhabit the earth, and these living things are intricately intertwined to form an ecosystem, which has the ability to absorb various external changes and restore the original state. It is said. The Idemitsu Group aims to achieve the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and recognizes that an important corporate mission is to preserve and restore an environment where diverse living things can continue to inhabit and pass on this ecosystem to the next generation. doing.
In addition, in the Idemitsu Group Sustainability Policy, the Idemitsu Group indicates the reduction of environmental risks through business activities and contributes to the preservation of the natural environment and the realization of a recycling-oriented society. In line with this, we are working to conserve biodiversity while building partnerships with local communities.

We have formulated a plan to address the disclosure recommendations of the TNFD over the next four years, starting from this fiscal year, and are working on it.
As an initial assessment, we analyzed the dependency and impact of our group business on nature using ENCORE ^*1. As a result, we determined that, in our direct operations, coal mining has a particularly large dependency and impact on nature.
This year, we have started risk assessment based on the LEAP approach ^*2 for our coal business, which is assessed as having a high dependency on and impact on nature, and our Petroleum business, which has a large sales scale. We are currently evaluating our dependency on and impact on nature for each site (Locate/Evaluate). In the future, we will identify nature-related risks and opportunities and consider countermeasures (Assess/Prepare), and will expand the scope of our assessment to identify nature-related risks and opportunities with a bird's-eye view of the value chain of our group's businesses. Our group's water risks are managed in the group-wide risk management as part of "risks due to changes in the external environment surrounding our business," "risks due to natural disasters and accidents," and "risks related to climate change and environmental regulations." Under our "Environmental Conservation Policy," we set targets to be below the standards set by the national and local governments from the perspectives of pollution prevention, effective use of Resources, and preservation of biodiversity, and we incorporate wastewater treatment and other measures into our environmental management system. In the future, we will consider not only water risks, but also ways to manage the dependency on and impact on nature, risks, and opportunities identified in our response to the TNFD.

Understanding the proximity of major business locations to areas that require protection from the perspective of biodiversity

We check the proximity of our main bases to areas that require special consideration for biodiversity on Protected Planet, a website managed by the United Nations Environment Program World Conservation Monitoring Center (UNEP-WCMC ^*). As a result, there were no protected areas (Ia, b) designated as strictly protected or wilderness areas within a 10 km radius of our main bases.
In order to avoid impact on biodiversity during our business activities, our group complies with strict emission standards set by national and local governments and strives to prevent environmental pollution.

*UNEP-WCMC: United Nations Environment Programme – World Conservation Monitoring Center

●IUCN protected area categories and number of sites by region

*Number of main business bases within a 10km radius of each region classified by IUCN

Rehabilitation of former coal mining sites

Coal mining operations extract coal that is buried underground, and in the case of open pit mining, the topsoil is scraped away, at which point it has a negative impact on biodiversity. Therefore, we carry out activities (rehabilitation) to restore biodiversity by returning the topsoil after mining and planting the same types of plants as in the original state, thereby minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment. Our Australian coal mines disclose information such as the area they have excavated and the area they have rehabilitated, and we will continue to do so.

●Rehabilitation of mining sites

●Rehabilitation implementation status of Australian coal mining site (Bogabrai) (unit: ha)

Preventing ecosystem destruction caused by alien species via ballast water

In accordance with the Ballast Water Management Convention (International Convention for the Regulation and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments), which came into force on September 8, 2017, and the IMO guidelines, we are working to prevent the destruction of ecosystems by alien species. Masu. Ballast water is water (seawater) used as weight to ensure the safety of ships. As the treaty requires vessels to be equipped with ballast water treatment systems by a set date, Idemitsu Tanker Co., Ltd. is gradually installing the systems on its managed vessels (Very Large Crude Oil Carrier). As of the end of January 2020, we have completed installing electrolysis or filter/chemical processing equipment on APOLLO DREAM and APOLLO ENERGY.
In order not to disturb the ecosystem of the waters of ports of call, we use treatment equipment to kill harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in ballast water, and use seawater loaded as ballast water at the time of port departure and ocean seawater, which has less impact on the ecosystem. This is resolved by replacing it with.

Biodiversity conservation activities in the areas surrounding Refineries/Complexes

Even before the importance of biodiversity conservation became widely talked about in recent years, our company has always been conscious of coexistence with nature when conducting business, and has carried out our business with consideration in this field.
Our Refineries / Complexes were built in the 1950s, at a time when factories began to be required to have green areas on their premises. In establishing this green belt, we have taken measures that exceed the area stipulated by law, and strive to harmonize with the surrounding natural environment.

Participation in the 30by30 Alliance

*30by30 A goal to effectively conserve more than 30% of land and sea as healthy ecosystems by 2030, with the aim of halting and restoring biodiversity loss (nature positive) by 2030.

We recognize that it is important for biodiversity conservation efforts to be carried out in collaboration with local community stakeholders, rather than solely by our company, from the perspective of coexisting with the local nature. We are carrying out various initiatives in various areas in collaboration with local stakeholders.

Participating in the “Corporate Forest” system (Hokkaido Refinery)

Since December 1996, Hokkaido Refinery has been using the Forestry Agency's "Corporate Forest" system, which allows corporations and other corporations to participate in the maintenance of national forests and carry out social and environmental contribution activities. The forest is managed under the name "Idemitsu Appenai Water Source Forest."
In May 2008, we newly leased 4.5 hectares of land in Tomakomai City for reforestation, and in June of the following year, we invited 102 elementary school students in the city to participate in a hands-on learning experience in planting trees such as red spruce, white birch, and double cherry tree. We planted 6,500 trees. This forest has been named the ''Idemitsu Green Natural Forest,'' which was chosen by elementary school students who participated in the tree-planting project, and will be maintained.

Participation in “Project that Connects Lives” (Aichi Complex)

Aichi Complex is active as a key member of the "Connecting Lives Project" ^*1, which aims to improve biodiversity and promote the formation of ecosystem networks. In fiscal 2024, we participated in the project's event, "LOVE GREEN DAY 2024."
This project was highly praised for its potential as a prototype for initiatives that contribute to biodiversity in buffer green zones and for being a social framework that continues from COP10 (2010). In October 2024, it received the Prime Minister's Award, the highest award, at the 44th Green City Awards ^*2.

Participating in volunteer work to maintain crane roosts (Tokuyama Complex)

At Tokuyama Complex, we participate in volunteer activities to create roosts for cranes promoted by Shunan City every year in order to protect the long-naved cranes, which are designated as endangered species 2 and migrate to the Yatsushiro district of Shunan City in late October. We are cooperating.

Participation in the “Aya Evergreen Forest Project” (Solar Frontier Co., Ltd. Kunitomi Complex)

The water used at Solar Frontier Kunitomi Complex comes from groundwater in Aya Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, which is known for having one of the largest evergreen forests in Japan. Since 2013, the Kunitomi Complex has been participating in Aya Town's evergreen forest protection and restoration activities, a public-private partnership, to express our gratitude for allowing us to use groundwater. On November 23, 2019, 21 employees and their families from the Kunitomi Complex participated as volunteers in the work of putting up "deer nets" to protect the budding leaves of the evergreen forest from deer damage. It was difficult to stretch the 140m-long deer net while being careful of my footing on an unfamiliar mountain trail, but while I was able to breathe in the clear air and feel the gratitude of nature, I realized the need to protect nature through human intervention. I also experienced it.

Participation in the “Tokyo Bay Restoration Public-Private Partnership Forum”

As a company located on the coast of Tokyo Bay, our company participates in the Tokyo Bay Restoration Public-Private Partnership Forum, creates evaluation indicators for Tokyo Bay restoration, and works to restore the biodiversity of Tokyo Bay through surveys related to water quality, etc. It is working.

Protection of the rare species “Mizokoju” (Aichi Complex)

When installing new equipment at Refineries / Complexes, we conduct environmental assessments and protect rare plants identified through ecosystem surveys. Currently, the rare plant ''Mizokoju'' (designated as a near-threatened species by the Ministry of the Environment), which was discovered during the construction of equipment at Aichi Complex is protected in a protected area.

Conservation of native Haskap species (Hokkaido Refinery)

At Hokkaido Refinery, we are collaborating with the local community by participating in the Haskap Bank, which aims to protect, conserve, and cultivate Tomakomai's native Haskap Resources, as well as acquire and refine related technologies.

Implementation of environmental assessment

You can view an example of the environmental assessment of our Tokuyama Complex Tokuyama Plant new biomass power plant project (scheduled for commercial operation in 2022) on the website below.

Our ecosystem conservation activities in the areas surrounding Refineries/Complexes have been highly evaluated by external organizations, and we have received high praise from external organizations. Hokkaido Refinery and Aichi Complex received the highest rank (Superlative Stage) out of five in the evaluation system (CGES).
In addition, Aichi Complex has been certified as SEGES's highest rank since 2016, and was recognized as a "Green Hall of Fame" in 2023 in recognition of its significant contribution to improving the value of green spaces. Specifically, efforts to improve the health of the forest cycle within the Green Belt by removing invasive species, converting native species, and creating canopy gaps, as well as efforts to restore the ecosystem network in collaboration with the government and students, were highly praised. It has been. This is the 10th company green space in Japan to be certified as a Green Hall of Fame, and the first Motouri Refinery in Japan to be certified as a Green Hall of Fame.

Towards the realization of 30 by 30, the country (Ministry of the Environment) is building a system in which areas where biodiversity is being conserved through private sector initiatives will be certified as "Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites". Hokkaido Refinery　has been certified as a  ”Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites” in 2023.
Since its launch in 1973 Hokkaido Refinery has been managing its green spaces in harmony with the surrounding natural environment with the aim of becoming a "green park factory," and now, 50 years into its operation, a forest has formed that is home to a diverse range of plants and animals. In the green spaces on the premises, the cherry blossom trees are open to the public, a nature experience event for elementary school students called the "Living Creatures Research Team" is held, and the refinery is involved in activities to contribute to the local community, such as participating in the conservation and cultivation of wild haskap trees.
The certified areas, excluding any overlap with protected areas, have been registered in an international database as "OECMs (areas other than protected areas that contribute to biodiversity conservation)."