Approaches to Environmental Issues

Environmental management system

As a chemicals trading company, we have been always recognizing the importance of environmental protection and risk management in our business activities. Since 2001, we have been certified with ISO 14001 as a member of Sumitomo Corporation Group with “multiple site.” Our environmental management system (EMS) encourages all our employees to make an effort to reduce environmental burdens.

Environmental Policy

Throughout its 400-year history, the Sumitomo Group has pursued industrial development in harmony with local communities and the natural environment. Based on this foundation, the Sumitomo Corporation Group pursues business activities in such a way as to promote environmental conservation. Recognizing that various initiatives such as creating a low-carbon society that alleviates climate change, preserving biodiversity and the global environment, using energy, water and resources sustainably, preventing pollution and controlling waste emissions are the most important and long-term concerns that all individuals and organizations must address, we have established our Environmental Policy as detailed below.

Basic Policy

The Sumitomo Corporation Group recognizes that environmental issues are global in scale and that they are long-range concerns affecting future generations. As a global organization, the Sumitomo Corporation Group, through sound business activities, will strive to achieve sustainable development aimed at both social and economic progress and environmental preservation.

Basic Guidelines

In pursuing its diversified business activities both within Japan and overseas, the Sumitomo Corporation Group shall comply with the following guidelines, and, through cooperation between its Group companies, work to achieve the aims of its environmental Basic Policy.

1. Basic stance with regard to the environment:
   To place great importance on protecting the global environment as a good corporate citizen in accordance with the Sumitomo Corporation’s Activity Guidelines.
2. Compliance with environmental legislation:
   To strictly observe legislation related to environmental matters not only in Japan but also overseas, and to abide by any agreements made.
3. Caring for the natural environment:
   To place great importance on preserving the environment, including the natural ecosystem and biodiversity.
4. Response to climate change:
   To place great importance on mitigating climate change and adapting to its impact.
5. Efficient use of resources and energy:
   To be mindful of the finite availability of resources and energy and strive to use them both efficiently and effectively.
6. Contributing to the building of a recycling-oriented society:
   To endeavor to help build a recycling-oriented society by reducing waste and reusing and recycling resources.
7. Promotion of businesses that contribute to environmental preservation:
   To utilize our integrated corporate strength to promote businesses and projects, which contribute to environmental preservation and reduction of the impact of society on the natural environment.
8. Establishment of environmental management:
   To use an environmental management system to prevent environmental pollution and set environmental objectives and targets which are regularly reviewed and continuously upgraded.
9. Disclosure of the Environmental Policy:
   To communicate this Environmental Policy to all people who are working for or on behalf of the Sumitomo Corporation Group, as well as disclosing it externally.