Sustainability
Protecting and Restoring Biodiversity
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) held in Montreal Canada in December 2022. It set a goal of being Nature Positive, which means taking action to stop and reverse the loss of biodiversity by 2030. Moreover, the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) announced in September 2023 call for companies to be aware that nature-related issues are related to strategic risks. They also encourage companies to identify and disclose their dependence and impacts on nature through their business, as well as the accompanying risks and opportunities.
In light of these international trends, and in light of our relationship with nature, the NGK Group recognizes the importance of understanding the degree of dependence and impact that its business has on nature throughout its entire value chain. The NGK Group sees protecting and restoring biodiversity as an important issue, and is promoting relevant initiatives.
Targets and Achievements
Our NGK Group Environmental Vision makes it clear that our goal is to help achieve coexistence with nature. To this end, we strive to live in harmony with nature by minimizing the environmental burden on ecosystems, and by raising the awareness of each employee through awareness-raising activities. Moreover, our fifth 5-Year Environmental Action Plan is organized around the theme of promoting the conservation of biodiversity. In our FY2025 goal, we pledge to expand and enhance actions aimed at Aichi Targets.
In FY2023, we investigated trends inside and outside Japan as we prepared to support TNFD disclosure, following the LEAP (Locate, Evaluate, Assess, Prepare) approach proposed by the TNFD framework to begin evaluating risks and opportunities. Hereafter, we will continue to promote activities, and develop content for disclosure.
Registration as TNFD Early Adopter
The NGK Group has endorsed the efforts of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and in January 2024, we also registered as a TNFD Early Adopter. We have pledged to comprehensively disclose information related to nature in line with recommendations by 2026.
In FY2024, we disclosed the results of analysis based on the LEAP approach that we had already implemented by the previous fiscal year.
Nature Conservation Activities for Biodiversity
Increase Environmental Awareness Through the Internal Best Practices Presentation
The NGK Group continually conducts environmental education and awareness activities for employees, while also disclosing nature-related information. At the internal best practices presentation “NGK-BOX 2024” held in October 2024, members of the ESG Promotion Department presented the NGK Group’s objectives and approaches toward protecting and restoring biodiversity, using the results of an internal survey conducted beforehand. This presentation promoted employee understanding of biodiversity.
Survey of Organisms on Land Owned by NGK
The NGK Group has conducted periodic biological surveys on land it owns. We have been able to find a diverse array of organisms, and have not discovered any invasive species that would require swift action. This confirms that the land is being managed appropriately. We have also posted the survey results on a panel so that people will be aware of its biodiversity.
Volunteer Activities by Employees
NGK Group sites inside and outside of Japan carry out social contribution activities in cooperation with local governments and NPOs. Some of these activities help to protect biodiversity.
Coastal Cleanup at NGK Ishikawa Plant and NGK CERAMIC DEVICE Ishikawa Plant
The NGK Ishikawa Plant and NGK CERAMIC DEVICE Ishikawa Plant have teamed up with local resident to clean up the Neagari coastline in Nomi, Ishikawa Prefecture. Eighty employees participated in 2023. Lately, environmental pollution from oceanic plastic waste has become an international concern. Not only is it an eyesore on coastlines, but its impact on ecosystems has become a grave problem. Against the backdrop of such problems, every year we participate in Ishikawa Prefecture’s coastal protection initiative Clean Beach Ishikawa.
(NGK Ishikawa Plant and NGK CERAMIC DEVICE Ishikawa Plant)
Forestry Activities of NGK FILTECH
Twenty-five employees and family members of NGK FILTECH (Chigasaki, Kanagawa) carried out forestry activities in the Yadoriki Watershed Forest (Matsuda, Kanagawa) managed by Kanagawa Prefecture, as part of the Kanagawa Reforestation 50 Year Plan endorsed by NGK FILTECH.
In September 2022, NGK FILTECH signed a five-year agreement to be a reforestation partner and contribute to forest conservation and restoration efforts in Kanagawa Prefecture. As such, it is providing support for forest maintenance and other expenses. Under the guidance of a forest instructor, participants listened to explanations about the history of the Yadoriki Watershed Forest, as well as the plants and animals that live there, and learned about the importance of forest conservation and restoration.
Mangrove Planting by NGK CERAMICS (THAILAND)
NGK CERAMICS (THAILAND) planted mangroves in Chonburi Province in eastern Thailand. Mangroves not only absorb CO2, but also protect biodiversity by acting as a habitat for various animals. Moreover, they help prevent coastal erosion, meaning that planting mangroves can help increase green areas. Through activities like these, we aim to make our employees aware of the importance of nature conservation and ecosystem preservation, while also helping to protect the environment.
Participation in Initiatives Related to Biodiversity and Certification by External Organizations
NGK Minnano Mori Mizunami (Forest for Everyone in Mizunami) Certified by Ministry of the Environment as a Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Site
NGK Minnano Mori Mizunami is an NGK owned forest located near one of our Group companies. In March 2024, it was certified by the Ministry of the Environment as a Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Site. A Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Site, is an area certified by the government of Japan as an area where biodiversity is being conserved through private sector initiatives.
Reforestation Activities “NGK Minnano Mori Mizunami” [Environment, Community Relations]
Certified as an Aichi Biodiversity Company
In November 2023, NGK was certified as an Aichi Biodiversity Company under the Aichi Biodiversity Company Certification Program (Aichi Prefecture). The Aichi Biodiversity Company Certification Program is a program run by Aichi Prefecture that seeks to promote corporate efforts to conserve biodiversity by certifying companies which are implementing excellent initiatives.
Endorsement of the Keidanren Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation
In January 2022, we endorsed the Keidanren Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation. The Keidanren Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation sets out a resolution and action guidelines for companies and organizations to protect biodiversity.
