Environmental Action Guidelines
Our company has established these guidelines under the supervision of the Board of Directors in order to encourage all executives and employees to promote initiatives to reduce environmental impact. Contribute to the continued development of society.
- Compliance with environmental laws and regulations
In promoting our business activities, we will comply with various laws and regulations regarding environmental conservation and other requirements. - Responding to climate change
A Sustainability Promotion Committee has been established under the supervision of the Sustainability Promotion Officer, and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, conserve resources, reduce waste, and use water in order to resolve environmental issues such as climate change countermeasures and resource depletion. We will set environmental targets for reduction, etc., and strive for continuous improvement. - Reducing environmental impact and saving resources
We will promote environmentally friendly green procurement when procuring business equipment and goods.
We strive to provide ICT services that contribute to reducing environmental impact, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions for society as a whole. - Biodiversity conservation
We will consider the impact of our business on the ecosystem and promote initiatives to conserve biodiversity. - Information disclosure and communication
In addition to striving to provide environmental education to our employees, we will disclose the contents of this policy and information regarding our company's environment both internally and externally, and work with all of our stakeholders, including group companies, business partners, and suppliers, to reduce our environmental impact.
Tackling Climate Change (TCFD)
Our approach to tackling climate change
In response to the abnormal weather caused by climate change and the increasing social demand for climate change countermeasures, we at our company are grasping the risks and opportunities that climate change will pose to our company in the future, and are taking steps to improve our current climate change countermeasures. We believe it is important to verify the effectiveness of the results and utilize them in formulating future strategies as necessary.
We understand that tackling climate change is important not only for our sustainability, but also for all stakeholders, including our customers, through our business.We will continue to deepen our efforts and continue to disclose information. We will update the information.
Information disclosure in line with TCFD recommendations
In July 2022, we declared our support for the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)*. Based on the TCFD recommendations, we will strive to disclose and enhance information related to climate change.
Additionally, we have set "contributing to the global environment by utilizing the cloud" as one of our material issues, and will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by working to popularize and expand cloud services that utilize highly electrically efficient data centers.
*Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures: An international initiative established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB) in 2015 to encourage companies to disclose information on the financial impact of risks and opportunities posed by climate change to their businesses.
| Governance | In order to regularly review our climate change-related initiatives, we will promote sustainability activities, including strategies related to climate change, through the Sustainability Promotion Committee, chaired by the President and CEO. |
|---|---|
| Strategy | We will contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society by providing ICT services such as cloud promotion and power efficiency improvement using AI and IoT, and by reducing greenhouse gas emissions for our customers and our company. |
| Risk management | For company-wide risk management, we have established a crisis management committee and are implementing group-wide risk management, including those related to climate change. Additionally, as a risk management process specific to climate change, the risks and opportunities related to climate change raised by our company and group companies are evaluated and analyzed by the Sustainability Promotion Committee, which is responsible for managing climate-related risks, etc. Regarding identified risks, we will proceed with countermeasures after discussions with relevant departments within the company. Items of high importance are discussed and resolved by the Board of Directors. |
| Metrics and goals | In order to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society, we have set a goal of "achieving carbon neutrality by fiscal 2030" as our reduction target for greenhouse gas emissions* associated with our business activities. We will calculate and measure greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity costs related to our offices and businesses, and will work to reduce emissions in order to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by fiscal 2030, based on the TCFD recommendations. *This applies to greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) associated with our business activities. |
Environmental load data
In order to manage the risks and opportunities that climate change poses to the Company and the Group, we manage environmental impact data as a SoftBank Group wide initiative.
For details on the disclosure of environmental impact data such as energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, please refer to the "ESG Data Collection."
Scenario analysis
In accordance with the TCFD recommendations, we conducted an analysis based on two scenarios: the current scenario (4°C scenario) and a transition scenario (1.5°C scenario), and identified major medium- to long-term risks and opportunities that are expected to be highly relevant to our business as we look ahead to 2030.
For the analysis, we organized the worldviews of the 1.5°C and 4°C scenarios for each climate change driver based on the following two scenarios and information released by governments, research institutes, and related organizations.
・IEA (International Energy Agency) World Energy Outlook
- Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS) [4℃ scenario]
― Net Zero Emission by 2050 Scenario (NZE) [1.5℃ scenario]
・IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)
― SSP5-8.5 Scenario [4℃ scenario]
― SSP1-1.9 Scenario [1.5℃ scenario]
■Physical aspects (4℃ scenario)
Please scroll left and right to view.
| Driver | Scenario |
|---|---|
| Acute and Chronic | Physical risks are assumed to appear noticeably in the 4°C scenario. As of 2030, for example, the average temperature will increase, and heat and tropical nights will also increase. There is also a tendency in Japan to increase the frequency of strong typhoons and tropical cyclones, which could increase the frequency of intensive torrential rains and floods. Although we do not believe that these impacts will have a significant impact on our business, for example, physical damage to the cloud services data centers we provide to our customers could result in a loss of sales opportunities. For this reason, we recognize the need to reduce risks by implementing disaster measures and BCP (business continuity planning) in collaboration with vendors and customers. In addition, we believe that the occurrence of physical damage to our offices can be avoided by penetrating telework and other means. |
■Driver: Transition aspect (<2℃ scenario)
Please scroll left and right to view.
| Driver | Scenario |
|---|---|
| Policies/Legal Regulations | The transition risk is expected to become more pronounced in the 1.5°C scenario. Each country will implement ambitious climate change policies to achieve net zero by 2050, and carbon pricing will be introduced and expanded in many countries. According to the IEA's SDS scenario, the burden in developed countries is expected to be 140 US$/t-CO2 in 2030, which may be a significant burden depending on the industry. In addition, legal regulations regarding the disclosure of non-financial information, including climate change, will be developed, and penalties for non-compliance will be introduced. |
| Technology/Market | In the 1.5℃ scenario, more than in the 4℃ scenario, it is assumed that innovative energy-saving and low-emission technologies will be developed and advanced in each sector toward the realization of a low-carbon, decarbonized society. Furthermore, the use of renewable energy and next-generation mobility, which contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, will become widespread from industries to households through the construction of infrastructure systems using IT technologies such as IoT, AI, and the cloud. It is expected. In addition, the sharing economy, which leads to CO2 reduction, is expected to develop and the sharing of data will further advance. The electrical and electronics industry also needs to take measures to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. |
| Reputation | In the 1.5°C scenario, it is expected that consumers will become more conscious of purchasing products and services that are socially meaningful and have a small environmental impact. In addition, with the support of additional policies, ESG investment will expand, and investors will likely evaluate and select investment destination companies more strictly from a low-carbon perspective. In addition, individuals will become more aware of ESG, and ESG initiatives will be included as a criterion for selecting companies. |
Risks and opportunities identified through scenario analysis, their impact on our company, and countermeasures
As a result of conducting a scenario analysis with 2030 as the time axis, it was determined that the impact of climate change-related risks on our company is not high impact, and the majority are low impact. Due to the nature of our business, which primarily provides IT solutions and consulting services, the financial impact of climate change-related risks has been limited for us. Our company will continue to collect information related to climate change, and will strive to promote climate change impacts and reduction/adaptation measures organized in "Countermeasures."
On the other hand, in terms of climate change-related opportunities, "increasing demand for low-carbon services" was identified as having a HIGH impact on our company. In particular, we can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change for our customers and our own companies by leveraging our mainstay cloud services. We believe that this will provide opportunities for increased sales of related services.
Click on the diagram to enlarge
Main initiatives
Based on the results of the scenario analysis, we will provide ICT services such as cloud promotion and power efficiency through AI and IoT, and by reducing greenhouse gas emissions for our customers and our own company, we will contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society.
■Contribution through our business
- <Direct contribution>
- ・Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for our customers and our company through cloud computing
The Microsoft cloud service we use: Azure, plans to use renewable energy to power all of its data center electricity by 2025*. Therefore, our customers and our company will take full advantage of the benefits that can be gained by promoting and utilizing the cloud that contribute to reducing climate change, and promote the reduction of greenhouse gases.
*Source: Microsoft official website "Azure Sustainability" (accessed April 1, 2022)
- <Indirect contribution>
- ・Reducing transportation costs and greenhouse gases by providing paperless solutions
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Common Application Service (eMAFF) has made it possible for applicants (agriculture, forestry and fisheries workers, etc.) to apply online instead of the previous document procedures that had to be submitted by mail or at a counter. This reduces the cost of mailing large amounts of paper and traveling to counters, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions during the application process.
■In-house initiatives
・Reducing greenhouse gases related to the movement of people by promoting telework
Our company is promoting work style reform under the theme of "allowing each employee to live a fulfilling life." We have been able to achieve stable telework, with up to 95% of our employees teleworking on a single day. Promoting telework will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing electricity costs incurred during commuting. Additionally, by reducing the number of employees working in the office, we will further reduce the total power consumption of the office.
■Sponsoring and supporting environmental initiatives
As part of our efforts to combat climate change, we support the Future and Coral Project (sponsored by SoftBank Corp., Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture), which carries out environmental conservation activities such as global warming countermeasures and ecosystem maintenance.
Metrics and goals
We consider responding to climate change to be one of our important management issues, and manage environment-related data in order to manage the risks and opportunities that climate change poses to our company.
Our main goal is to achieve carbon neutrality in 2030, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) from our business activities to virtually zero by 2030, when we aim to achieve the SDGs.
The majority of greenhouse gas emissions associated with our business activities are emissions associated with electricity use. Therefore, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by calculating and measuring greenhouse gas emissions from electricity costs associated with offices and data centers and promoting the use of renewable energy.
The total greenhouse gas emissions in fiscal 2021 were 388t -CO2, which was reduced by 65.7% compared to the previous year by switching to renewable energy at the head office and reducing office electricity through further promotion of telework.
In order to achieve our goals, we will continue to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society. By continuing to provide new value to society, we will achieve sustainable growth.
Please scroll left and right to view.
Greenhouse gas emissions |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
fluctuation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Scope 1 |
0.62 |
0.62 |
1.21 |
95.2% |
Scope 2 |
1,401 |
1,131 |
398 |
△65.8% |
total |
1,402 |
1,132 |
388 |
△65.7% |
Environmental Targets
We consider responding to climate change to be one of our important management issues, and in order to manage the risks and opportunities that climate change poses to our company, we manage environment-related data and set corporate goals.
| Target* | Main measures | |
|---|---|---|
| Climate change countermeasures |
|
|
- *Scope 1 and 2 = Greenhouse gases directly emitted from a company's business activities, electricity consumption, etc.
- * Scope 3 = targets greenhouse gases indirectly emitted by business partners involved in a company's business activities
Our main goal is to achieve carbon neutrality in 2030, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) from our business activities to virtually zero by 2030, when we aim to achieve the SDGs. We have also declared a goal of ”net zero,” which will reduce supply chain emissions, including those under Scope 3, to virtually zero by 2050.
The majority of greenhouse gas emissions associated with our business activities are emissions associated with electricity use. Therefore, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by calculating and measuring greenhouse gas emissions from electricity costs associated with offices and data centers and promoting the use of renewable energy. Total greenhouse gas emissions in fiscal 2021 were 388t -CO2, which was reduced by 65.7% compared to the previous year by switching to renewable energy at the headquarters and reducing office electricity through further promotion of telework.
In order to achieve this goal, we will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout our company and the entire value chain, and contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society. By continuing to provide new value to society, we will achieve sustainable growth.
Examples of Initiatives
Contributing to renewable energy
- Supporting solar module inspection by drone with automatic AI analysis
- Subsidizing solar power generation
In recent years, renewable energy has been attracting increasing attention in resource-poor Japan, and the proportion of solar power generation has been increasing. On the other hand, renewable energy has a problem in that it is less popular because its power generation costs are higher than other power sources.
SB Technology has developed a tool that uses AI to automatically detect abnormalities in infrared photographs, and collaborated with an infrared inspection service for solar modules (solar power generation panels) in solar power plants using drones.
This tool automates the identification of hot spots (locations that may cause malfunctions) in infrared photographs, which had previously been done visually, and enables anyone to quickly and accurately perform inspection and analysis. It is possible to reduce the cost of maintenance, etc. By reducing renewable energy power generation costs, we will contribute to increasing the proportion of renewable energy power generation in the Japanese government's energy mix aimed at 2030.
Related Links
press release:
Implementing AI automatic analysis tool for solar module inspection by drone
～Analysis of 2MW mega solar in 3 minutes～
Contributing to energy conservation
- Multi-building power cost optimization incorporating machine learning
- Power consumption prediction using a combination of machine learning and data scientists
Currently, energy problems and global warming due to increased CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions have become major social issues.
Among them, offices and buildings account for the largest share of the energy consumption breakdown by usage in Japan's commercial sectors, and energy conservation efforts are essential for large-scale buildings.
SB Technology collaborated with a major general contractor to develop a prediction system using machine learning that optimizes power consumption in multiple buildings and built it on the cloud. Furthermore, we have established a system for continuous use of the power consumption prediction system, while leveraging the specialized knowledge of data scientists to improve its accuracy.
Through initiatives like these, we help reduce energy loss and save energy in buildings, while also contributing to reducing CO2 and protecting the global and local environment.
Related Links
Introduction example:
Takenaka Corporation
Azure Machine Learning analysis support service, IoT construction service
Contributing to marine environmental protection
- Supporting the realization of traceability using blockchain
- By realizing catch certification, we aim to prevent poaching, protect fishermen's profits, and contribute to the appropriate management and protection of marine resources.
In recent years, the importance of fishery resource management has been pointed out worldwide, but Japan's fish catch has been decreasing year by year since peaking in 1984. In addition to changes in the marine environment, overfishing without proper management of marine resources is a major cause, and the promotion of resource management is important from the perspective of resource conservation.
At our subsidiary, Denen, is conducting surveys and field trials of three domestic fishing grounds with relevant organizations in order to realize the "traceability system," which enables us to track the process from pumping to distribution of fish catches, through the use of a blockchain.
This initiative aims to gain knowledge for developing systems such as catch certification by understanding the distribution routes of catches, field operations, and regional characteristics.
In the seafood industry, illegal fishing and distribution of illegal catches are viewed as problems, and by providing certification for properly caught seafood, it is possible to prevent illegal distribution and protect the profits of fishermen.
By developing a traceability system that utilizes the results of this research, we will contribute to appropriate resource management and marine environmental protection.
Social Initiatives
Environmental Initiatives
Paperless by systemizing internal procedures
We have established a system that enables approval requests, expense applications, and other procedures to be handled on the system. This system avoids the use of paper for internal procedures as much as possible, which tends to occur in general, and because it is possible to process on the system, the approver can approve the application without having the application documents at hand as long as he/she has access to the network, thus achieving paperless and timeless operations. In addition, this approach enables the electronic storage of approval histories and other information required for internal control in a secure environment.
Collecting used stamps and miswritten postcards
Our company collects used stamps and damaged postcards. Through this activity, we donate to NPO organizations that support developing countries and promote greening activities.
Visualization of office power usage
We have introduced a facility management system to visualize and centrally manage power usage, and are implementing measures to reduce energy consumption.
Reconstruction support activities
We are co-sponsoring the Tour de Tohoku, a bicycle riding event along the Sanriku coast, sponsored by Yahoo Japan Corporation, a group company, with the aim of supporting recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and preserving the memories of the disaster for the future. Employees are participating.
Contribution activities to local communities and society
Sponsoring SoftBank Group Baseball Class in Tokyo
SoftBank Group Baseball School is a baseball school that aims to give children, who will be the next generation, the ability to interact with professional baseball players through sports and acquire the ability to take on challenges to achieve their dreams. The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks hold baseball classes in their hometown of Kyushu for the purpose of promoting baseball and nurturing the next generation, and as part of SoftBank Group 's CSR activities, they also hold baseball classes in Tokyo for elementary school students every year.
Participation in Shinjuku CSR Network
Shinjuku CSR Network is comprised of companies that engage in volunteer and social contribution activities mainly in Shinjuku Ward and the Shinjuku Ward Social Welfare Council, which serves as the secretariat, and promotes local community contribution activities that take advantage of the characteristics of Shinjuku Ward. It is a network organization. Through the Shinjuku CSR Network, we participate in local activities and social contribution activities within Shinjuku Ward.
Links related to SoftBank Group 's environmental initiatives
Please see below for details on SoftBank Group basic philosophy and initiatives regarding the environment.
- SoftBank Group Corp. SoftBank Group Code of Conduct
- SoftBank Group Corp. Environmental Policy (Japanese)
- SoftBank Group Corp. Environmental Policy (English)
- SoftBank Group Corp. Environmental Initiatives
- SoftBank Corp. Environmental Management
ESG Related Materials
We publish our ESG-related materials.
