Kyoto area

Despite being in a rapidly urbanizing area, the Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Systems Works (Kyoto) is blessed with a rich natural environment. The Kyoto area where the works is located is surrounded by farmland to the north, mountains to the west, and a pristine stream to the east. An expert biological survey shows that this area maintains a healthy grassland ecosystem uncommon in cities.

Valuing our relationship with this local ecosystem, we have been working to maintain a green space that welcomes a variety of wildlife. Central to our effort is the management of part of the Kyoto area’s grasslands as a grassland biotope. We have been transplanting native plants from the surrounding area onto the premises of the works and adjusting mowing schedules and ranges to match wildlife cycles, creating an insect-friendly green space. We have also been implementing replanting to control invasive species.

We have been cultivating a grassland biotope at the Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Systems Works (Kyoto) since 2018. Following expert guidance, we have been transplanting native plants from the surrounding area into the grasslands on our premises. To maintain a stable insect-friendly environment, we divided the grassland into zones, set rules to leave grass at a suitable height without cutting it all the way to the roots, and have been shifting mowing schedules.

Continuing this initiative for more than five years has led to sightings of small birds hunting insects like grasshoppers during mowing. To share these results, we communicate species observed on the works premises via an internal webpage for employees. We are exploring ways to develop this into a collaborative effort with employee involvement.