Materialities (Important Challenges) and the SDGs

Background of Materiality Formulation

As environmental and social problems are becoming more and more severe on a global scale, social issues have the possibility to become medium- to long-term risks as well as opportunities for companies. Therefore, it is necessary for companies to work to solve social issues through their business operations and achieve sustainable growth together with society.

 

Against this background, our Group has summarized its business opportunities and risks with the goal of achieving a harmonious coexistence with a sustainable society. Based on the concepts of both “social and environmental challenges to be resolved” and “business growth for our Group,” and with consideration for international standards and guidelines such as the GRI Standards and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), we have formulated materialities consisting of issues which have high priority to be addressed.

Process of Formulating Materialities

Step1

Recognition of social challenges

Keywords were identified based on international standards and guidelines such as the GRI Standards and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). In addition, factors such as social and environmental changes were taken into account when identifying business areas that are or may be related to our Group.

Step2

Designation of hypothetical themes

Keywords related to social challenges and social change were classified by theme, materiality elements were summarized, and hypothetical themes were designated after discussion at ESG Promotion Conferences, based on consistency with our Group's Management Philosophy, Corporate Code of Conduct, and other resources. The following items were considered as materiality elements.

  • Viewpoints of challenges which have been the subject of ESG promotion by our Group over the past year
  • Viewpoints of challenges pointed out to us by stakeholders in the past
  • Viewpoints of our Group’s evaluation by ESG evaluation organizations

Step3

Formulation of materialities

These materialities were formulated after discussion by the ESG Promotion Committee chaired by our Representative Director, and the Board of Directors.

Evaluation of activities over the passage of time, and their review

Our materiality formulation process is evaluated and reviewed by ESG Promotion Conferences and the ESG Promotion Committee every year. These reviews ensure the appropriateness of our designated issues and plans.

Materiality

Group ESG Activities

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