To contribute to achieving the 30by30 target*1 through our biodiversity conservation activities at business sites, Mitsubishi Electric is advancing efforts to secure certification as a Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Site.*2
Commitment to Nature Positive
The ongoing destruction of ecosystems and environmental changes are accelerating species loss, which in turn undermines biodiversity. Recognizing that all human civilizations depend on Earth’s ecosystems, the Mitsubishi Electric Group is committed to advancing nature positive initiatives.
Biodiversity Preservation Activities
Biodiversity Action Guidelines
The Mitsubishi Electric Group has established Biodiversity Action Guidelines which define the role its business activities will play in preserving biodiversity. We are committed to taking action to help build a sustainable world.
Biodiversity Preservation Measures at Business Sites
The Mitsubishi Electric Group has set forth three courses of action as guidelines for biodiversity conservation activities at its business sites: A. Reducing negative impact on living creatures; B. Aiming for more fruitful symbiosis with living creatures; and C. Restoring the relationship between employees and nature in the working environment. At each business site, action plans provide for the preservation of local indigenous species, control of alien species, and development of green space in consideration of the surrounding ecosystem, to ensure these initiatives are steadily addressed in all businesses.
Three courses of action
| Courses of Action | Examples | |
|---|---|---|
A Reducing negative impact on living creatures |
1. Control development pressure*1 and alien species pressure*2 *3 | (1) Assessment of impacts on living creatures |
| (2) Alien species control | ||
| 2. Call attention to and preserve rare species and endemic species | (1) Disclosure of list of living creatures on premises | |
| (2) Preservation of rare species and endemic species | ||
| (3) Cooperation regarding conservation issues for surrounding areas | ||
| 3. Manage pesticide impacts, preserve greenery and natural resources | (1) Control of the killing/harming of living creatures | |
| (2) Consideration to natural resources, such as water and soil | ||
B Aiming for more fruitful symbiosis with living creatures |
4. Set up functional greenery | (1) System to manage green space |
| (2) Management of land used by flying organisms | ||
| (3) Development of priority land for greenery and living creatures | ||
| (4) Provision of continuity of greenery with areas surrounding business sites | ||
| (5) Contribution to biodiversity preservation activities in areas surrounding business sites | ||
| 5. Break away from agricultural orientations such as simplifying/specifying greenery | (1) Diversification/multi-stratification of vegetation | |
| (2) Management of greenery that accords with the characteristics of plants, etc. | ||
| (3) Contribution/consideration to regions | ||
C Restoring the relationship between employees and nature in the working environment |
6. Proactively utilize ecosystem services in the workplace (break rooms, individual floors) | (1) Provision and utilization of opportunities for cultural services |
| (2) Provision and utilization of opportunities for supply services | ||
| 7. Change situation from everyone being disinterested and unrelated to everyone being involved | (1) Education for understanding and promoting action | |
| (2) Creation of relationships through the workplace or work duties | ||
- 1 The impacts on biodiversity conservation arising from constructing new business sites or undertaking development activities, such as natural-resource extraction (including those in the supply chain). This covers cases where operational water use affects surrounding areas, water sources, and ultimately the habitats of living organisms.
- 2 The introduction of non-native species into an area by planting trees, shrubs, or other vegetation sourced from outside the region, which can threaten the survival of indigenous species and lead to genetic contamination.
- 3 Activities are carried out pursuant to the regulation on raising, planting, storing, carrying, or other handling of specified IAS in the Invasive Alien Species Act.
Quantitative Assessment Based on the Biodiversity Guidelines (Check Sheet)
At Mitsubishi Electric, we employ the Biodiversity Guidelines (Check Sheet) to quantitatively assess each business site’s biodiversity initiatives. The Guidelines cover 186 promotion items—five mandatory items for all sites and seven areas (subcategories) aligned with the courses of action outlined above—and measures implementation levels for each item. This check sheet is used by personnel in charge at each business site to self-assess the status of biodiversity initiatives and identify strengths and issues in order to steadily improve their efforts.
Five mandatory items for all business sites
- A person in charge, the department in charge, and specific operations for promoting biodiversity initiatives have been identified.
- There is a medium-term plan for conducting biodiversity preservation activities.
- Biological surveys are conducted.
- Environmental education on biodiversity is provided every year.
- Feedback is given regarding the medium-term plan.
Seven areas based on courses of action
- Control development pressure and alien species pressure
- Call attention to and preserve rare species and endemic species
- Manage pesticides, preserve greenery and natural resources
- Set up functional greenery
- Break away from agricultural orientations such as simplifying/specifying greenery
- Proactively utilize ecosystem services in the workplace (break rooms, individual floors)
- Change situation from everyone being disinterested and unrelated to everyone being involved
Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites
Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites
- Power Distribution Systems Center (Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture)
- Shizuoka Works (Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
- 1 A global biodiversity target adopted under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, calling for the effective conservation of at least 30 percent of terrestrial and marine areas as healthy ecosystems by 2030.
- 2 A governmental certification system for areas where biodiversity is conserved through initiatives by companies, organizations, individuals, or local governments. Certified sites—excluding overlaps with designated protected areas such as national parks—are registered in the international OECM (Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures) database.
Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites (the Ministry of the Environment)
https://policies.env.go.jp/nature/biodiversity/30by30alliance/kyousei/
Responding to Soil and Groundwater Pollution
At Mitsubishi Electric Group’s business sites—including manufacturing plants and R&D centers—we conduct environmental assessments in line with legal and regulatory requirements whenever land characteristics change or at other appropriate opportunities. Based on the assessment results, we implement appropriate countermeasures and remediation measures in accordance with the state of pollution.
Regarding areas that were recognized as having groundwater or soil pollution problems in the past, we are responding appropriately under the guidance of government authorities and in accordance with laws and regulations, and conducting groundwater monitoring as necessary.
[Key Activities] In fiscal 2025, we assessed survey results and countermeasures regarding the condition of soil and groundwater due to land utilization for a total of 11 cases and have confirmed that all cases were handled appropriately.
Management of Chemical Substances Released from Business Sites
The Mitsubishi Electric Group classifies chemical substances into three proprietary levels under its Chemical Substance Control List. Level I is defined as “substances prohibited to be contained/adhered”; Level II as “substances to be reduced”; and Level III as “substances to be grasped quantitatively.” These classifications establish clear handling standards for environmental-risk substances found in procured parts and materials. In addition, at our production sites in Japan, we monitor and manage the release and transfer of chemical substances and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) designated by laws and regulations.
Management of Chemical Substances Used in Products
The Mitsubishi Electric Group obtains chemical composition data for procured parts and materials from our suppliers via chemSHERPA,* an information-transfer format common to the electrical and electronics industry.
We also identify the chemical regulations of each country and region to which our products are shipped, ensure that any substances prohibited there are not present in our products, and carry out all regulatory required actions—such as filing notifications of contained substances and communicating that information to customers—in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- An information-transfer format conforming to IEC 62474, the international standard for declaring materials and chemical substances contained in products in the electrical and electronics industry.
Specification and Disposal of Hazardous Wastes
The Mitsubishi Electric Group specifies hazardous wastes as shown below. The Group monitors their output and appropriately disposes of them in compliance with the laws and regulations of the regions in which its facilities are located. We also carry out material recycling and thermal recycling in order to reduce final disposal (landfill) volume.
- Mitsubishi Electric Group in Japan: “Specially-controlled industrial waste” specified by the Japanese Act on Waste Management and Public Cleaning
- Overseas associated companies: Hazardous wastes as defined under applicable local laws and regulations
Appropriate Storage and Processing of PCB Waste and Devices Containing PCBs
In Japan, the Mitsubishi Electric Group conducts inspections at least once a year at each site that stores waste containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB waste) or handles equipment containing PCBs to confirm the status of PCB storage and usage, in accordance with the Act on Special Measures concerning Promotion of Proper Treatment of PCB Wastes.*1
Customers can confirm whether or not an electrical device manufactured by a Mitsubishi Electric Group company in Japan contains PCB by referring to a list available on the corporate website.
- 1 Act on Special Measures concerning Promotion of Proper Treatment of PCB Wastes
[Status of Low-Concentration PCB Waste Disposal*2 in Fiscal 2025]
Approximately 363 tons*3 of equipment (the Mitsubishi Electric Group in Japan)
- 2 PCB concentration: 0.5–5,000 mg/kg
- 3 Including untested equipment with potential low-concentration PCB