Conservation of Biodiversity
Our Concept and Policy of Conservation of Biodiversity
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the new world targets for biodiversity, was adopted at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity held in December 2022. Companies are required to make further efforts to reach these targets.
As a company whose business activities both benefit from ecosystem services and impact ecosystems, SII recognizes biodiversity conservation as a critical aspect of environmental management. In April 2011, we established the Biodiversity Action Agenda and began implementing targeted initiatives. Our Environmental Policy affirms that "We are also working to preserve biodiversity, recognizing that our business activities inevitably affect surrounding ecosystems, and that we also benefit from the health and diversity of those systems."
We believe that conserving biodiversity requires more than just increasing greenery; it demands an integrated approach that addresses climate change, resource recycling, and collaboration with various stakeholders.
SII’s units are advancing biodiversity activities that align with the unique characteristics of their sites. These efforts include biodiversity-conscious land use, planting initiatives, and stakeholder collaboration, all aimed at realizing a "society in harmony with nature."
Biodiversity Action Agenda (Established in April 2011)
[Basic Concepts]
Recognizing that SII Group's business activities benefit from ecosystem services and make an impact on biodiversity, we will make every effort to preserve biodiversity.
[Key Measures]
- Foster better understanding of an impact on biodiversity through business activities.
- Analyze and evaluate the impact on biodiversity caused by products and services during their life cycles, and endeavor to reduce their impact.
- Promote social action programs that contribute to local biodiversity conservation.
FY2023 Summary
SII’s goal is to contribute to the realization of a society in harmony with nature—a place of business in harmony with living things. SII works hard from the point of views of attention to biodiversity at the plant grounds, attention to biodiversity with products, and coordination with stakeholders.
In FY2023 as well, SII worked hard on considerations for biodiversity at the plant grounds based on the SII Group Land-use Guidelines on the Conservation of Biodiversity. SII made progress with the visualization and understanding of biodiversity, for example, by surveying the creatures living on the grounds and sharing these survey results in-house. SII continually worked on product considerations based on the green product system. For the coordination with stakeholders as well, SII also worked hard to nurture Japanese white pine.
Assessment of Land Use
In June 2020, the Ohno Unit discovered an endangered* species of golden orchid on its premises. Since then, a protected area has been set up to carefully watch over the species. The Ohno Unit is in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, near the center of the city, and the area around the unit is surrounded by houses. We are very happy that the golden orchid was discovered in such an environment. In the spring of 2024, as in previous years, the blossoms returned. We will continue to carefully watch over them.
Protecting Endangered Species
In June 2020, the Ohno Unit discovered an endangered* species of golden orchid on its premises. Since then, a protected area has been set up to carefully watch over the species. The Ohno Unit is in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, near the center of the city, and the area around the unit is surrounded by houses. We are very happy that the golden orchid was discovered in such an environment. Every year, we are able to see the flowering plants and in the spring of 2023, we were able to see 17 plants. We will continue to carefully watch over them.
* Ministry of the Environment’s Endangered Species II
Greening Activities
SII Crystal Technology Inc. has been actively enhancing the greenery on its premises through employee involvement. In fiscal 2023, they carried out the planting of moss phlox seedlings, with over 30 employees participating in each planting session. These events have also fostered stronger communication among employees.
We are also advancing the greening of factory grounds at our international sites. Dalian Seiko Instruments Inc. in China is committed to continuous greening efforts, avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides in the maintenance of green areas. Instead, dead branches and fallen leaves are composted and recycled on-site.
Similarly, Seiko Instruments (Thailand) Ltd. undertook large-scale tree planting at its two factories in 2022 and is now carefully monitoring the growth of these trees.
Wildlife monitoring and educational activities
As part of our efforts to provide habitats for wildlife, we have installed birdhouses and bird baths at each of SII's sites. In addition, we conduct a wildlife survey using sensor cameras and other equipment to deepen understanding of the living creatures that inhabit the premises of our business sites, and use the survey results to educate our employees.
The Takatsuka unit in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, has been conducting an ongoing wildlife survey using sensor cameras since FY2021. The pond on the premises has also become a habitat for grey herons and ducks.
At the Sendai plant, sensor cameras were installed to conduct wildlife monitoring. Monitoring videos are shown at the entrance of the staff cafeteria as a way to educate employees.
Our Products and Biodiversity
Assessment of Biodiversity Conservation
Our Biodiversity Action Agenda says that SII analyzes and evaluates how products and services impact biodiversity during their life cycles and endeavors to reduce their impact. As part of these efforts, we started a trial evaluation of impacts on biodiversity by using LIME2* from 2012.
*LIME 2: Second Edition of the Life Cycle Impact Assessment Method based on Endpoint Modeling developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
Addition to Green Product System
In FY 2016, “consideration for biodiversity” was added to the environmental compatibility factors for Green Product Standards (Current Green Products Certification System of Seiko Holdings Corporation). We will continue to do our utmost to enhance our consideration of biodiversity in product manufacturing.
Cooperation with Stakeholders
In order to conserve biodiversity, it is important not only for companies to make independent efforts, but also to cooperate and collaborate with various stakeholders, including local communities, local governments, and NPOs.
The SII units located in Chiba prefecture* have been registered as Supporters for Conserving the Strain of Japanese White Pine (Pinus Parviflora) under Chiba prefecture's Japanese white pine restoration project since February 2016 and have been cultivating the Japanese white pines, which are designated as an endangered species. By reporting the growth conditions of these trees to the Chiba prefectural government every October and growing seedlings, as well as deepening understanding about the Japanese white pine, SII is also helping to preserve its genetic stock.
Previously, Japanese white pines were cultivated at the Makuhari Unit (Chiba City), the Takatsuka Unit (Matsudo City), and the Ohno Unit (Ichikawa City). In March 2024, the trees from the Makuhari Unit were relocated to the Takatsuka Unit, where their growth will continue to be monitored.
[Case Study in FY 2022]
In April 2011, SII formulated the Biodiversity Action Agenda and started biodiversity conservation activities. Subsequently in February 2016, we published the SII Group Land-use Guidelines on the Conservation of Biodiversity, and have been continually implementing activities to use green spaces at our sites and contribute to local biodiversity conservation based on the guidelines. In FY 2022, each site developed a variety of initiatives that take advantage of the characteristics of the sites.
Protecting Endangered Species
In June 2020, the Ohno Unit discovered an endangered* species of golden orchid on its premises. Since then, a protected area has been set up to carefully watch over the species. The Ohno Unit is in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, near the center of the city, and the area around the unit is surrounded by houses. We are very happy that the golden orchid was discovered in such an environment. Every year, we are able to see the flowering plants and in the spring of 2023, we were able to see 17 plants. We will continue to carefully watch over them.
*Ministry of the Environment’s Endangered Species II
Greening Activities and Flower Bedding
SAt the two factories of Seiko Instruments (Thailand) Ltd., a total of 320 trees were planted as part of greening activities for the factory grounds. The employees themselves planted five types of seedlings, with an emphasis on dalbergia cochinchinensis. SII will watch the growth of the trees attentively as it promotes greening in the future. Furthermore, these activities are intended to contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gases through the CO2 absorption of the trees.
Dalian Seiko Instruments Inc. (DSI) in China is also promoting continuous greening, and in FY 2022, a total of 12 trees were planted with the aim of creating multiple layers of greenery. DSI has been continuously working to create green areas that take biodiversity into consideration. The use of pesticides and herbicides is avoided in the maintenance of green areas, and dead branches and fallen leaves are composted and recycled on the premises.
Under the slogan of “year-round, flower-filled workplace,” employees at the Makuhari Unit are working to create flowerbeds. During FY 2022, they successfully planted flowerbeds twice, once in the summer and once in the winter.
Monitoring of living creatures and educational activities
As part of our efforts to provide habitats for living creatures, we have installed birdhouses and bird baths at each of SII's sites. In addition, we conduct a wildlife survey using sensor cameras and other equipment to deepen understanding of the living creatures that inhabit the premises of our business sites, and use the survey results to educate our employees.
At the Sendai plant, sensor cameras were installed to monitor living creatures. Monitoring videos are shown at the entrance of the staff cafeteria as a way to educate employees.
[Case Study in FY 2021]
Greening Activities and Flower Bedding
SII Crystal Technology Inc. has been promoting greening of the company's premises by its employees. In FY 2021, phlox subulata seedlings were planted in the spring and fall. More than 30 employees participated in each seedling planting, which has led to better communication among employees.
Dalian Seiko Instruments Inc. (DSI) in China is also promoting continuous greening, and in FY 2021, two new greening areas were established and planted with acacia, forsythia, lilac, and other plants. DSI has been continuously working to create green areas that take biodiversity into consideration. The use of pesticides and herbicides is avoided in the maintenance of green areas, and dead branches and fallen leaves are composted and recycled on the premises.
Under the slogan of “year-round, flower-filled workplace,” employees at the Makuhari Unit are working to create flowerbeds. Since 2017, the Makuhari Unit has been participating in the annual flowerbed creation contest in the Makuhari New Urbanization Area, a project to promote flower and plant innovation organized by the Chiba Prefectural Flower and Plant Promotion Regional Council, and received the Encouragement Award in FY 2021.
Providing Habitats and Surveys
As part of our efforts to provide habitats for living creatures, we have installed birdhouses and bird baths at each of SII's sites. In addition, we conduct a wildlife survey using sensor cameras and other equipment to deepen understanding of the living creatures that inhabit the premises of our business sites, and use the survey results to educate our employees.
The Takatsuka Unit (Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture) began a wildlife survey using sensor cameras in FY 2021, and has confirmed the presence of grey starlings, rufous turtle doves, and azure-winged magpies that use the birdbaths. In addition, a great grey heron was observed visiting the pond on the site.
At the Sendai Unit, we improved the environment in which existing bird baths were installed. Since there was no evidence of use after installation, a space was created in a new location using wood, plants, and trees to create a safe environment for living creatures to use. A sensor camera installed nearby confirmed that squirrels were using the area.
[Case Study in FY 2020]
In April 2011, SII formulated the Biodiversity Action Agenda and started biodiversity conservation activities. Subsequently in February 2016, we published the SII Group Land-use Guidelines on the Conservation of Biodiversity, and have been continually implementing activities to use green spaces at our sites and contribute to local biodiversity conservation based on the guidelines. In FY 2020, each site developed a variety of initiatives that take advantage of the characteristics of the sites.
Installation of Bird Bath
The Sendai Unit installed a bird bath as part of its FY 2020 activities. In the past, the Sendai Unit has conducted a survey of wildlife using sensor cameras and confirmed that pheasants, squirrels, foxes, raccoons, and other wildlife live in the area. This time, we have expanded on our previous activities. Unfortunately, we have not yet confirmed the actual use of the bird bath, but we will continue to monitor it.
Installation of Nest Boxes and Sensor Cameras
The Akita Unit installed nest boxes and sensor cameras and conducted a survey of wildlife. As a result of the survey, we were able to confirm the presence of raccoon dogs and rabbits. On the other hand, we were not able to confirm the use of the nest boxes, so we will continue to investigate the best places to install them.
Protecting Endangered Species
In June 2020, Ohno Unit discovered 14 specimens of the endangered golden orchid species (Ministry of the Environment’s Endangered Species II) in a corner of its premises during a survey of rare plants. The flowering season had passed at the time of discovery, but in April 2021, we were able to confirm that eight of the plants were in full bloom. The Ohno Unit is in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, near the center of the city, and the area around the unit is surrounded by houses. We are very happy that the golden orchid was discovered in such an environment, and we will continue to monitor it.
In addition, the Ohno Unit is registered with Ichikawa City as a “biodiversity monitoring surveyor” and contributes to the “Ichikawa Living Things Map” whenever it finds living things on its premises.
Greening Activities
SII Crystal Technology Inc. planted phlox subulata seedlings on its premises twice in March and April 2021. About 30 employees participated in each planting, and they planted a total of 250 seedlings (200 pink and 50 white) in flowerbeds and other areas. At the time of the April planting, they also mowed the grass and maintained the green areas. Although it was unfamiliar work for them, the day was blessed with sunny weather and the employees were able to enjoy carrying out the greening activities with their own hands.
Creating a Stratified Green Space
Dalian Seiko Instruments Inc. (DSI) in China is also promoting greening in accordance with the guidelines by setting up a biodiversity area. A stratified composition of greenery has been established, and the number of species of birds that visit the rich green spaces, such as sparrows and magpies, has increased. DSI also considers biodiversity in the maintenance of its green spaces, refraining from using pesticides and herbicides, and recycling dead branches and fallen leaves on the premises by composting them. DSI will continue its efforts to create biodiversity-conscious green spaces.
Creating flower beds
Under the slogan of “year-round, flower-filled workplace,” employees at the Makuhari Unit are working to create flowerbeds. Since 2017, the Makuhari Unit has been participating in the annual flowerbed creation contest in the Makuhari New Urbanization Area, a project to promote flower and plant innovation organized by the Chiba Prefectural Flower and Plant Promotion Regional Council, and received the Encouragement Award in FY 2020.
