Coexistence with Nature (Biodiversity)

Policy and Commitment

Shimizu Biodiversity Guidelines

Basic Principle

Humankind is supported by the blessings of biodiversity which the planet has created over billions of years. Conserving that biodiversity is a challenge of this century which companies have to tackle along with measures against global warming.
Shimizu Corporation recognizes that biodiversity is the foundation of sustainable social activities. Accordingly, we are working on biodiversity as an important issue in environmental management. We will create an even greater environment through our construction activities by taking action with respect for nature and a global perspective.
We have established guidelines here. We aspire for coexistence between people and nature. We will pass on the blessings and cultural value from biodiversity to the next generation. These efforts will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Guidelines

1. Stance of Initiatives

We consider biodiversity to be an important issue in environmental management. We will voluntarily work to conserve and coexist with biodiversity in all our business areas. We will review those efforts as necessary and strive for improvement.

2. Initiatives in Construction Activities

1. We will understand the environment of the community including the construction site and then carry out design and construction planning which take into consideration conservation and coexistence with biodiversity.
2. We will understand our impact on the atmosphere, water and soil during construction. If there are concerns we will cause new impacts on biodiversity, we will strive to avoid and reduce them.
3. We strive to procure goods in consideration of biodiversity based on the Green Procurement Guidelines.
4. We will cooperate and collaborate with customers, governments, local communities, NPOs/NGOs, research institutions, companies and other organizations to undertake activities for the prevention of impacts on biodiversity caused by construction and for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

3. Compliance

We will comply with laws and community needs concerning biodiversity based on high corporate ethics.

4. Education

We will deepen understanding by providing education on the necessary knowledge, laws/ordinances and technologies concerning biodiversity to officers and employees of Shimizu Construction and group companies, and partner companies.

5. Information Disclosure

We will disclose information concerning biodiversity in our corporate reports and on our website.

6. R&D

We will conduct R&D concerning biodiversity. We will give back the results of that R&D to society.

7. Social Contribution

We will participate in and collaborate with external activities concerning biodiversity. At the same time, we will provide opportunities for youth education.

Based on the principles and guidelines set out above, and in line with the international goal of achieving a nature-positive world by 2030, the Shimizu Group will reverse biodiversity loss caused by its offices and owned facilities by 2030. We also aim to eliminate the negative impacts of all business activities on ecosystems by 2050.
In addition, by introducing green infrastructure, we will create landscapes that harness the multifunctionality of nature and help conserve natural capital by addressing challenges faced by local communities, thereby leaving a richer environment with enhanced biodiversity for future generations.

Management System

Management

To realize SHIMZ Beyond Zero 2050, we have established a medium-term target for 2030 under the theme of Living in Harmony with Nature. As a first step toward eliminating the negative impacts of our business activities on ecosystems by 2050, we aim to halt biodiversity loss associated with the operation of our offices and owned facilities and place them on a path to recovery, thereby contributing to a nature-positive future. In building material procurement, we will practice sustainable sourcing by eliminating uncertified foreign timber from materials used for concrete formwork and completing the transition to certified or domestically produced timber by 2030. In addition, to avoid negative impacts on nature from construction activities, we will implement environmental analysis known as Environmental KY^* during the sales stage for 100% of projects by 2030 and standardize efforts to reflect the results of this analysis in design and construction planning.

• Environmental KY: A Shimizu initiative that visualizes the natural environment surrounding construction sites on maps to understand and evaluate local natural conditions.

• Roadmap for Living in Harmony with Nature

Green Infrastructure + (PLUS) is a business concept under which infrastructure is developed through the smart use of nature’s functions, while Shimizu’s expertise and technologies are added as a “+” to bring nature’s benefits back to the entire community.
By adding value to the environmental, social, and economic aspects of a region, this initiative supports business activities that contribute to sustainable community development.

• Green Infrastructure + (PLUS) (Only on Japanese)

System

At the Sustainability Committee, which reviews fundamental policies and initiatives related to environmental issues, the executive officer responsible for sustainability serves as vice chair. Executive officers responsible for safety and environmental management and for each business area participate as committee members, where they review the identification and evaluation of nature-related issues, formulate strategies, and manage progress toward nature-related indicators and targets. The results of these deliberations are overseen by the Board of Directors (see the figure below).
In addition, the Environmental Strategy Office, an organization reporting directly to the President, is responsible for developing and promoting strategies and initiatives to achieve the Group environmental vision, SHIMZ Beyond Zero 2050, and oversees related activities.
Important decisions related to environmental matters within the Shimizu Group are communicated through the Environmental Management Meeting and the Group Company Environmental Management Meeting, establishing a comprehensive governance framework that reaches business divisions, including branch offices, Group companies, and major suppliers.

• Governance structure for nature-related issues in the Shimizu Group

Targets and Performance

	FY2024 results	FY2030 target	FY2050 target
Negative impact on nature	－	Reverse biodiversity loss at our offices and owned facilities	Zero negative impact on nature from all business activities
Use rate of uncertified foreign plywood for formwork	37 %	Zero
Implementation rate of environmental analysis using environmental KY	Development of the application and awareness activities carried out (implementation rate not measured)	Achieve a 100% environmental analysis implementation rate by FY2026 Reflect the analysis results in business activities by FY2030

Initiatives

Research and Planning and Construction of Business Activities with Consideration for Biodiversity

At the planning and design stage, we require the mandatory drafting of an “architectural and civil engineering design eco map.” This mandatory eco map requires team members to identify and evaluate the biodiversity related key issues such as risks and opportunities and relevant laws and regulations. We also conduct on-site ecological surveys and habitat suitability simulations as appropriate, and consider the introduction of green infrastructure and measures to enhance biodiversity, reflecting these in design plans.
Shimizu requires the mandatory drafting of a “key environmental area management chart” when beginning construction. This management chart explicitly incorporates items such as impact on ecosystem due to water pollution and issues identified regarding the ecosystem as environmental management indicators. If there are any material concerns regarding impact on biodiversity based on opinions obtained from relevant stakeholders – the client, the designer, the government and municipal offices, the local neighborhood, and academics, these concerns are deliberated on at the pre-construction committee meeting, where approval must be provided to proceed with the project.
Furthermore, during and after construction, project teams are expected to cooperate with relevant internal divisions to conduct monitoring over the local ecosystem. Project teams are also expected to recommend obtaining certifications such as ABINC^*1, SEGES^*2, and SITES^*3 to the client. If the client agrees to the recommendation, we will provide assistance to obtain the certification and enhance public visibility of the project’s greening efforts.

1. One of the green space certification programs, the Ikimono Kyosei Jigyosho® Certification (commonly known as ABINC).
2. Social and Environment Green Evaluation System
3. Sustainable SITES Initiative(U.S. Green Building Council Certification Program)

Survey and Planning Technologies that Support Biodiversity

UE-Net Evaluation of the Ecosystem Network in an Area

We develop and put to practical use the UE-Net (Urban Ecological Network). This is a simulation system which supports the formulation of development plans taking into consideration biodiversity in urban areas. We analyze the natural environment of the region using satellite image data to propose greening plans within business sites.

• Japan Society of Civil Engineers FY 2012 Environmental Award, Engineering Advancement Association of Japan
• Shimizu registers trademark on UE-Net.

Machimiru Supports Community Development by Analyzing and Visualizing Regional Characteristics Using a Geographic Information System (GIS).

Using a wide range of data, including information on urban infrastructure such as building use and scale and road networks, people flow data obtained through GPS, green space data based on satellite information, and disaster conditions, we provide solution services that help address complex regional challenges.

• SHIMZ Solution utilizing urban data

Construction with Consideration for the Biodiversity of Local Plants and Animals

Biodiversity Conservation Measures in Dam and Tunnel Construction Projects

Construction of tunnels and dams, which support daily life as essential social infrastructure, often takes place in mountainous areas rich in natural environments and involves large-scale land modification and tree clearing, resulting in significant impacts on ecosystems. Therefore we take various steps, depending on the particular characteristics of the natural environment, or the status of rare species living in the area. We also rely on the research and advice of a committee or other body consisting mainly of academic experts established to ensure protection of rare species as we proceed with construction.

Environmentally-Friendly Tunnel Construction

Near the construction site of the Shin-Kobotoke Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway, a rare bird of prey, the mountain hawk-eagle (classified as Endangered IB), inhabits the area, and special consideration was required during its breeding season from January through the end of July. As a conservation measure, we established a protected area based on the hawk-eagle’s range of activity and carried out construction in a way that balanced project execution with the protection of the raptor. Within the protected area, construction was conducted while avoiding noise and sudden environmental changes. Near the adit where construction vehicles enter and exit, visual shielding measures were installed to block the hawk-eagle’s line of sight. In addition, as a noise control measure, soundproof doors were installed at the adit entrance and noise reduction equipment was installed inside the tunnel.

Dam Construction Initiatives to Protect Ecosystems

Hirase Dam is a gravity concrete dam constructed in Hirose, Nishiki Town, Iwakuni City, on the Nishiki River, a Class B river in the Nishiki River system. The dam has a height of 73.0 meters, a crest length of 300.0 meters, and a total storage capacity of 29,500,000 cubic meters.
During construction, rare fish species were identified near the dam site, necessitating the protection of aquatic organisms that could be left behind when the Nishiki River was diverted into a temporary drainage tunnel. The distance from the upstream cofferdam to the downstream cofferdam was approximately 700 meters, and many deep pools existed along this section. Because many organisms inhabited these pools, large submersible pumps were used to replace the water, and the aquatic organisms left behind were captured and released. In addition, rare plant species growing naturally within the future reservoir area would be submerged once the dam began operating, so they were transplanted before or during construction, based on expert advice.

Construction Carried Out in Coexistence with the House Swift

In the renovation project for the Atsugi City Culture Hall in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, where we were responsible for construction, the original plan called for the removal of bird nests built in the eaves ceiling. However, a survey revealed that the birds were house swifts, a species listed as declining on the Kanagawa Prefecture Red List. As a result, it was decided to proceed with construction while coexisting with the birds rather than removing the nests. Under the guidance of experts, construction proceeded while confirming that noise, vibration, paint odors, and the operation of crane vehicles had no impact. As a result, the continued habitation of all house swifts and a total of three breeding events were confirmed, achieving zero negative impact from the construction. In addition, through collaboration with the Atsugi City Cultural Foundation, events for citizens to learn about ecology and nature-positive initiatives have continued after construction was completed, contributing to local vitality and increased public interest in nature.

Memberships and Collaborations

We actively participate in committees and alliances focused on biodiversity and work to conserve and enhance it.

In addition, we support the Keidanren Declaration of Biodiversity Initiative.

• Excerpt from the Keidanren Declaration of Biodiversity Initiative – Shimizu section (PDF: 918KB)

Systematic Introduction of Biodiversity Certifications

We promote the visualization of the value of green spaces and biodiversity enhancement through biodiversity certification programs in Japan and overseas.

At NOVARE in Koto Ward, Tokyo, we obtained ABINC ADVANCE certification under the ABINC certification system, which evaluates and certifies efforts to create green spaces that consider biodiversity at business sites. ABINC ADVANCE evaluates district-level initiatives. The certification application covered the ward road and public park developed in connection with construction of the center, as well as the existing promenade along the site perimeter known as the Shiokaze Promenade. The application was submitted jointly with Koto Ward, which manages these facilities.
The facility has also obtained SEGES Green Certification (Social and Environmental Green Evaluation System), which evaluates high-quality green spaces and initiatives that contribute to the environment and society.

At our Institute of Technology, we have obtained ABINC certification under the factory category. Although located in a central urban area just 3 km from Ginza, the facility was recognized for its green space centered around a 2,000 m² biotope that attracts more than 300 species of wildlife. The facility also received Gold certification under SITES_® for Existing Landscapes, the first such certification in Japan. We will continue to systematically introduce biodiversity certifications, focusing on our own facilities.

ABINC certification is a third-party certification program operated by the Association for Business Innovation in Harmony with Nature and Community (ABINC). Based on the Guidelines for Promoting Business Sites in Harmony with Living Creatures developed by the Japan Business Initiative for Biodiversity (JBIB), the program evaluates and certifies corporate initiatives for biodiversity conservation and green space creation.
SEGES is a Green Certification program that objectively evaluates the value of green spaces owned and managed by private businesses and assesses how their initiatives benefit citizens, the environment, and society. SITES_® is a certification system developed in the United States that comprehensively evaluates the sustainability of landscapes.