Biodiversity Conservation

JSR Group’s Biodiversity Policies

The JSR Group has formed FY2013 biodiversity policies based on issues identified through conservation activities conducted in the past. We are currently promoting various activities in accordance with these policies.

JSR Group’s Biodiversity Policies

To contribute to the establishment of a sustainable society, the JSR Group strives to identify how our business activities depend on and impact biodiversity, and to promote efforts with consideration to biodiversity.

1. We prioritize biodiversity conservation in procuring naturally derived raw and processed materials.
2. We work to make the green spaces of our business establishments biodiversity-friendly.
3. We strive to develop biodiversity-friendly products.
4. We emphasize engagement of our staff and cooperation with local communities.

Policy 1: 1. We prioritize biodiversity conservation in procuring naturally derived raw and processed materials.

(1) We conducted a survey to ascertain whether naturally-derived raw materials are included in the raw materials that the JSR Group purchases and found that they are, not in the main raw materials but partially in auxiliary raw materials. We confirmed that there is no major problem with our current procurement process, but will continue to monitor the procurement situation. (Starting FY2012)

(2) Conducting a survey with business partners
As part of our CSR procurement practices, we conducted a survey on biodiversity conservation with our business partners who use naturally-derived raw materials. The survey revealed that more than 80% of the suppliers surveyed were aware of the importance of biodiversity and that more than 50% are carrying out some type of activity towards preservation. Our procurement staff also visited major suppliers and exchanged various opinions. (Starting FY2013)

(3) Formulating the JSR Group Paper Procurement Guidelines and Participating in the Consortium for Sustainable Paper Use*
The JSR Group formulated the JSR Group Paper Procurement Guidelines from the perspective of forest sustainability with regard to the procurement of paper it uses in its daily business operations, excluding use as raw materials for products. We also participated in the Consortium for Sustainable Paper Use to facilitate the promotion of sustainable paper use in society at large (Starting FY2014). Although we procure environment-friendly paper, we conducted a survey on paper use (type and consumption) group-wide in conjunction with the formulation of the guidelines. We will consistently promote activities to preferentially procure “paper that is primarily made from used paper or paper certified to FSC or other forest certification standards” across the Group.

*See the article introducing the Consortium for Sustainable Paper Use on the WWF website

Policy 2: We work to make the green spaces of our business establishments biodiversity-friendly.

JBIB Guidelines for Sustainable Business Sites (ver. 3 issued in 2013)

(1) Assessing business sites based on JBIB Guidelines for Sustainable Business Sites and carrying out improvement activities
From FY2013 to FY2014, we conducted investigations of green spaces at three domestic plants as well as Tsukuba Research Laboratories using the Land Use Score Card of JBIB Guidelines for Sustainable Business Sites. Based on the investigation results and cooperation from experts, we formulated a green space improvement plan and in FY2014 began improvement efforts. We will complete biodiversity-friendly green spaces at four business locations in Japan by FY2017.

Three JSR Plants and Tsukuba Research Laboratories

Yokkaichi Plant
The Yokkaichi Plant is located in an alluvial fan created by the Suzuka and Tenpaku rivers, and is surrounded by hills on three sides. Facilitating the development of green spaces that harbor native plants and animals in the local community, including areas where company housing is located, with a focus on ecological connection with nature around the plant, including the municipal natural park and neighboring companies’ green spaces and waterfronts.	Green buffer zone at Yokkaichi Plant
Chiba Plant
Located in a reclaimed area. Transforming green space near the plant’s entrance, “Ikoi no Hiroba,” into natural vegetation through the thinning and weeding of non-native species. Also, making green space a place for environmental communication by paving the roads with wood chips made from thinned wood.	Chiba Plant’s green space
Kashima Plant
Located on land that was formerly a sand dune between the Tone River and the Kashima-nada coast. Developing green space that makes the best of nature endemic to the sand dune and the marsh located behind it with a focus on rare relict species.	Kashima Plant’s green space
Tsukuba Research Laboratories
Located in the nature-rich “satochi-satoyama” (area between the mountain foothills and arable flat land surrounding human settlements) at the foot of Mount Tsukuba. Managing green space in a way that balances landscape gardening management with biodiversity-friendly management. Facilitating monitoring activities and environmental learning, which are primarily led by laboratory staff.	Tsukuba Research Laboratories’ biodiversity priority area

(2) Considering biodiversity when building a new business site
Taking biodiversity into account when constructing a new business site or building, we conducted investigations at three Group companies as follows:
(1) JSR BST Elastomer Co., Ltd (Thailand): Building a new plant
Currently examining policies while taking into consideration the fact that only a small area is available for green space on the plant’s premises.
(2) PT. Elastomix Indonesia (Indonesia): Investigation of the environmental risk of a new plant location
Investigated the surrounding environment, preservation area, existence of and impact on rare species, water risk, and impact on indigenous people, and confirmed that there were no particular concerns.
(3) JM Energy Corporation (Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan): Building of an additional plant on the premises
Investigated green space on the premises and the surrounding environment. Currently formulating a specific improvement plan for the business site’s green space in consideration of biodiversity.

Policy 3: We strive to develop biodiversity-friendly products.

The JSR Group has developed and promoted environment-friendly product standards. To supplement the standards, we will launch the development of biodiversity-friendly product standards with the cooperation of experts in FY2015.

Policy 4: We emphasize engagement of our staff and cooperation with local communities.

Starting from FY2015, we will progressively promote cooperation with the research institutes of neighboring companies and local governments at four of our business sites. In the Yokkaichi Industrial Complex, where our Yokkaichi Plant is located, we will launch the development of a biodiversity-friendly ecological network connecting the green spaces of business establishments with neighboring companies.

Ongoing greening at the JSR Micro Taiwan Co., Ltd. (Taiwan) plant

Located in an area richly endowed with nature, JSR Micro Taiwan has since its foundation worked not only on the development and manufacturing of products that have low environmental impact but also on greening of the premises, with the goal of achieving harmony with the global environment. The premises, where subtropical flowers bloom each season, received honorable mention for three consecutive years at a competition organized by the regulatory agency.

Top