Japan
Sustainability Data Book 2024Efforts for biodiversity
Suzuki introduced the environmental brand SUZUKI GREEN to realize the philosophy of the Suzuki Global Environment Charter and announced the Suzuki Biodiversity Protection Guidelines as the environmental policy within the brand.
The Suzuki Biodiversity Protection Guidelines will be the guiding principle for us to recognize the possibility of business activities, etc. having unavoidable impacts on biodiversity, which has provided our life with enormous natural blessings (ecosystem service) since the birth of humanity, as well as to reduce such impacts, and make efforts to ensure sustainable usage.
Suzuki has conducted many actions to reduce impacts on biodiversity in its business and social contribution activities and endorses the Keidanren Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation.
Through the release of the Guidelines, we aim to raise awareness about biodiversity throughout the entire Suzuki Group, and to develop a sustainable society that can coexist with nature, while keeping good relations with our business partners and the local communities.
Suzuki Biodiversity Guidelines
(Japanese language only)
https://www.suzuki.co.jp/about/csr/green/guideline/
[Basic concept]
Under the slogan of “Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi (Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, Beauty),” the Suzuki Group thoroughly conducts wasteless, efficient business operations and promotes production of compact cars by pursuing environmental technologies in order to reduce impacts on biodiversity and contribute to sustainable usage of resources in the future.
Based on such activity philosophy, the Suzuki Group will strive to cooperate with various stakeholders as a member of society and to develop a society harmonized with our beautiful natural environment.
[Emphasized efforts for biodiversity]
• Reduction of environmental loads generated through business operations and products
- (1) Promote energy saving, resource saving, and 3Rs at business steps from product development to recycling.
- (2) Promote improvement in fuel efficiency and R&D of next-generation vehicles in order to reduce greenhouse gas.
- (3) Work on reducing the use of substances of concern through the supply chain.
• Expansion of environmental communication
- (1) Promote environmental beautification and environmental conservation activities in cooperation with local communities.
- (2) Educate about appropriate understanding of biodiversity and related initiatives for all employees.
- (3) Work on announcing environmental information and self-conservation activities widely to society.
[Specific actions]
| Reduction of environmental loads generated through business operations and products | Expansion of environmental communication | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (1) |
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(1) |
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| (2) |
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(2) |
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| (3) |
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(3) |
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Environment and ecosystem of the surrounding areas
In 2018 and 2020, we conducted research on waters as well as creatures and plants living in and around rivers, of which more than 5% of their water comes from water released from our five domestic offices. As a result, we confirmed that there are 213 species of creatures and plants living in this habitat, of which 12 are endangered species.
■ Destination of waters released and waters impacted
| Base | Releasing river | Impacted waters*1 | Endangered species, etc. confirmed*2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head office | Horidome River | None | None (there are no impacted waters) |
| Kosai Plant | Kasago River | Kasago River →Confluence point with Lake Hamana |
Total of 10 species Ruddy crake (Aves), Sparrowhawk (Aves), Red-rumped swallow (Aves), Rustic bunting (Aves), Japanese brown frog (Amphibia), Japanese eel (Pisces), Lefua echigonia (Pisces), Japanese rice fish (Pisces), Japanese hard clam (Shellfish), Potamogeton panormitanus (Plantae) |
| Iwata Plant | Akuro River | Akuro River →Confluence point with Imanoura River |
Total of 3 species Sparrowhawk (Aves), Japanese eel (Pisces), Japanese rice fish (Pisces) |
| Osuka Plant | Nishi-Otani River | Nishi-Otani River →Confluence point with Benzaiten River |
Total of 2 species Peregrine falcon (Aves), Red-rumped swallow (Aves) |
| Sagara Plant | Hirugaya River | Hirugaya River →Confluence point of Hagima River and Shirai River |
Total of 5 species Ruddy crake (Aves), Grey-faced buzzard (Aves), Red-rumped swallow (Aves), Japanese eel (Pisces), Japanese rice fish (Pisces) |
| Hamamatsu Plant | Not released in rivers | None | None (not released in rivers) |
- *1 Waters of which more than 5% of annual average water comes from Suzuki’s drain waters.
- *2 Species that are listed as endangered in the red lists of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and the Ministry of the Environment, as well as red lists and regulations of prefectures and cities.
Ruddy crake
Red-rumped swallow
Japanese brown frog
Japanese eel
Japanese rice fish
Potamogeton panormitanus
Forest conservation activities
● Suzuki’s Forest (Hamamatsu)
Suzuki concluded a Volunteer Forest agreement with the Tenryu Forest Administration Department of the Forestry Agency and started forestry preservation activities in March 2006 at Suzuki’s Forest located in Inasa-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu. Our employees and their families conduct forestry activities every year, such as planting trees, clearing away the undergrowth, and fungus planting/harvesting operations.
This activity was conducted 33 times in total (16 planting sessions and 17 undergrowth clearing sessions) and attended by approximately 1,600 volunteers in total.
Suzuki’s Forest planting project
● Participation in tree planting project at storm surge barrier
On November 29, 2015, members of the Suzuki Green Club began participating in a storm surge barrier tree planting project in the coastal zone of Enshu held by Shizuoka Prefecture and the cities of Hamamatsu and Iwata. A total of 8 activities were held with 287 participants, and 930 nursery trees of pines and other types of trees were planted. The Suzuki Green Club will continue forest conservation and greening activities through its activities in Suzuki’s Forest and at the storm surge barrier.
● Forest of Suzuki Shimokawa Proving Grounds (Hokkaido)
Suzuki Shimokawa Proving Grounds are located in the town of Shimokawa (Kamikawa County) in northern Hokkaido, where the forest accounts for about 90% of the total land area. In 2003, Shimokawa acquired the international FSC® Forest Management Certificate (FSC®C015134; Shimokawa Forest Owners’ Cooperative, Shimokawa Town, and Northern Kamikawa Forest Management Office) as the first forestry cooperative in Hokkaido, and in 2011, it was designated as an Environmental Future City featuring effective utilization of abundant natural resources. Now it aims to become a “future city with the best harmonization between people and forests.”
Moreover, a forest of approximately 300 ha located in the proving grounds was also recognized as satisfying the strict forest stewardship standards of the FSC® certification program, so the area was additionally registered in the FSC® Forest Group Certificate for Shimokawa Town in 2006 (FSC®C015134). At the same time, Suzuki will continuously promote co-existence and co-prosperity with local communities, which take great care of nature, through participation in events and sales of agricultural products.
●Participation in Corporate Forest Preservation Program (Hokkaido)
As part of environmental preservation and social action programs, Suzuki has endorsed the purport of the Corporate Forest Preservation Program*, which utilizes national forests. We have been supporting forest development activities through a Profit-Sharing Afforestation agreement concluded with the Japanese government (Forestry Agency) for the period from 1996 to 2028. For an approximately 4.3-ha national forest (containing approximately 3,000 trees) in Shimokawa Town, Suzuki conducts profit-sharing afforestation by entrusting the work to the local forestry cooperative through the Hokkaido Regional Forest Office. Also, for many years, we have contributed to the preservation of national land through watershed conservation, sediment discharge prevention and CO2 absorption and fixation. The shared profits coming from the program will be used for further afforestation activities.
* Forestry Agency’s Corporate Forest Preservation Program and Profit-Sharing Afforestation (Japanese language only)
https://www.rinya.maff.go.jp/j/kokuyu_rinya/kokumin_mori/katuyo/kokumin_sanka/hojin_mori/index.html
Suzuki’s environmental contributions through these forests in FY2023 are evaluated as follows.
■ Suzuki’s environmental contribution through forest conservation (FY2023)
| Measurement item | FSC® Forest Group Certificate for Forests of Suzuki Shimokawa Proving Grounds (FSC®C015134) | Corporate Forest Preservation Program, Regional Forest Office of Forestry Agency |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Contribution to water yield | 156,740 m3/year | 1,494 m3/year |
| (2) Contribution to prevention of sediment discharge | 5,597 m3/year | 51 m3/year |
| (3) Contribution to absorption/fixation of carbon dioxide | 1,949 t-CO2/year | 17.5 t-CO2/year |
Calculated using the project evaluation method employed by the Forestry Agency.
The data listed above for the Forests of Suzuki Shimokawa Proving Grounds and the Corporate Forest Preservation Program are equivalent to the figures below.
(1) 78.51 million bottles of 2-L PET bottles
(2) 1,020 truckloads of 10-ton dump trucks (5.5 m3/truck)
(3) Annual CO2 emissions from 5,295 people based on per-person emissions (tons/year)
IndiaSuzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited
Suzuki Motor Gujarat planted approximately 20,000 trees on its premises to promote the greening of the area. Additionally, the company planted 40,000 saplings and maintained them through using the Miyawaki method in two villages.
PhilippinesSuzuki Philippines Inc.
Suzuki Philippines Inc. participated in the Nurture Trip Planting (forest conservation activity) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) grand site. This activity was planned by Clean Corporation in cooperation with the UP Sierra Madre Land Grant and took place on August 31, 2024, at the Laguna-Quezon Land Grant in Siniloan, Laguna. The event included a brief educational session on the importance of trees and their role in climate change, with practical demonstrations on proper planting and care. the company supported this activity and made an effort to promote environmental conservation.
IndiaSuzuki Digital Private Limited
Suzuki Digital Private Limited carried out a tree planting activity along Sanas Road on September 9. This activity is fully in line with their goals and will greatly contribute to the beautification and environmental hygiene of the Sanas Road area. The event included a brief orientation on the importance of roadside redevelopment, native plant species, the benefits of a greener environment, and proper planting techniques.
The total quantity is as follows:
| 1. Trees and shrubs | 2,650 |
|---|---|
| 2. Groundcovers | 8,500 |
As the first phase of this activity, trees were planted over approximately 1.2 kilometers.
ColombiaSuzuki Motor de Colombia S.A.
To promote local greening, Suzuki Motor de Colombia S.A. planted 200 native Colombian trees in the upper basin of the Otún River in La Florida, Risaralda.
ItalySuzuki Italia S.p.A.
On Thursday, April 4, 2024, Suzuki Italia S.p.A and Turin FC donated 11 new trees to the city of Turin, and planted them in the “Piazza d’Almi” park of Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto.
The trees planted are 10 Japanese maples and 1 Likyubai, which were chosen for their beautiful granatacolored leaves in spring.
“In spring, the leaves of the maple trees (kotetsu) turn a wonderful bright red and granata color, and the forests turn a fiery red color that lifts the human spirit. Sitting under a large umbrella-like branch provides inspiration to write an emotional poem dedicated to a loved one.”
This initiative symbolizes the 11 players playing at the nearby Olympico Grande Turin Stadium and represents the 11 years of fruitful cooperation between Suzuki and Turin FC as well.
Suzuki Clean Ocean Project
● Conducting the Suzuki Clean Ocean Project
The Suzuki Clean Ocean Project is an environmental initiative of Suzuki comprising: 1. Clean-Up the World Campaign (waterside cleanup activities), which has continued since 2011; 2. Activity to reduce plastic packaging for outboard motors and service parts, which was started in 2020; and 3. Activity to collect marine microplastics using Suzuki’s Micro- Plastic Collecting Device for outboard motors. The Suzuki Clean Ocean Project is also a specific initiative of Suzuki to solve issues represented by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shows the commitment by Suzuki Marine business to pursue its brand slogan of “THE ULTIMATE OUTBOARD MOTOR” in terms of the environment as well. Under these three activities, we will team up with our partners around the world, including outboard motor users, dealers, boat builders, business partners, Suzuki Group companies, employees, and their families, to clean up the oceans worldwide.
Our activities are aligned with the purpose of the Plastics Smart program being advanced by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. For this reason, we have registered with this program since 2018, and Suzuki’s activities are presented on the website of the Ministry of the Environment.
Symbol mark of the Suzuki Clean Ocean Project
http://plastics-smart.env.go.jp/
(Japanese language only)
● Clean-Up the World Campaign (waterside cleanup activities)
Suzuki waterside cleanup activities marked the 15th year in 2024. The activities originally started in Japan in 2010 and were subsequently launched in 2011 as a global initiative of the Suzuki Group under the name of Clean-Up the World Campaign. Every year, the event draws many overseas marine distributors as participants. In 2023, the event was attended by a total of 3,995 participants from 75 organizations. The participants contributed to their local communities through waterside cleanup activities.
Additionally, the cumulative number of participants since the start of these activities is growing year by year and reached 17,000 in FY2023.
● Activity to collect marine microplastics using Suzuki’s Micro-Plastic Collecting Device for outboard motors
In addition to conventional waterside cleanup activities, Suzuki launched an activity to collect marine microplastics drifting around the ocean. This collection activity uses a Micro-Plastic Collecting Device for outboard motors developed by Suzuki to collect microplastics floating on and near the water surface. This device has been installed as standard equipment on certain outboard motor models produced since July 2022 and is sold globally.
IndonesiaPT. Suzuki Indomobil Motor
To continue the effort in reducing marine waste, PT. Suzuki Indomobil Motor has participated in the Clean-Up the World Campaign every year since 2014. The campaign aims to educate local residents, especially the younger generation, about the importance of keeping our oceans clean from plastic waste. On May 26, 2023, the company worked with 150 elementary school students and local residents at Morotai Island, North Maluku, collecting a total of 396 kg of plastic trash.
PakistanPak Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd.
As part of our CSR, Pak Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. conducted a “Beach Cleanup Campaign” at Seaview in Clifton on December 1, 2023, in accordance with Suzuki’s “Clean-Up the World Campaign.” The aim was to raise awareness among employees and the general public about the importance of environmental protection and marine life conservation. The campaign was a success, with approximately 80 employees participating. Approximately 100 bags of trash were collected and properly disposed of through the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC).
ThailandThai Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd.
Thai Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. carried out cleanup activities as part of the Clean-Up the World Campaign. On October 7, 2023, the company collected garbage along Noppharat Thara Beach. Additionally, on November 1, 2023, they collected garbage at the beach located in Samae San Island in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province.
ColombiaSuzuki Motor de Colombia S.A.
Suzuki Motor de Colombia S.A. conducted the 4th Clean Ocean Project Campaign on the Pacific slope. 76 people participated. They collected 1,580 kg of trash.
USASuzuki Marine USA, LLC
As part of the Clean Ocean Project, Suzuki Marine USA, LLC conducted cleanup activities in Tampa on September 16, 2023, and at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show in October 2023.
PolandSuzuki Motor Poland sp. z o.o.
As part of the Suzuki Clean Ocean Campaign, Suzuki Motor Poland sp. z o.o. conducted a cleanup activity at the Randa River, which is part of Lake Zegrze in the village of Stare Załubice in Radzymin, with the support of ITA Marine Yacht, a Suzuki engine dealer. Young volunteers, including students and teachers from the School Complex, participated in this activity.
This is the third time Suzuki Motor Poland team has participated in the Suzuki Clean Ocean Campaign. This time, they cleaned the shores of Lake Tarpno together with the students and staff from Grudziądz Primary School No. 18. Thanks to the efforts of more than 50 people who dedicated their valuable time and energy, a vast amount of trash was collected.
AustraliaSuzuki Australia Pty. Ltd.
The Marine Division of Suzuki Australia Pty. Ltd. held two events in Australia to support Suzuki Motor Corporation’s 2023 global Clean Ocean Project initiative. There was a total of 140 participants (including children), and 210 kg of trash was collected from Australian beaches.
• Western Australia Event
| Location: | Dolphin Discovery Centre, Bunbury |
|---|---|
| Number of Attendees: | 90 |
| Weight of trash collected: | 110kg |
| Date of event: | August 12, 2023 |
• Victoria Event
| Location: | Hobson Bay Foreshore, Williamstown & Altona |
|---|---|
| Number of attendees: | 50 |
| Weight of trash collected: | 100kg |
| Date of event: | November 25, 2023 |
Cleanup activities
● Suzuki Manner Improvement Activities
Suzuki was registered in the “Hamamatsu City Road/River Foster-parent System”* in September 2004, and has been conducting cleanup activities under the banner of “Suzuki Manner Improvement Activities,” with the aim of improving the manners and environment/beautification awareness of employees. For those activities, in-house volunteers clean roads around the head office and the Takatsuka underpath every month. A total of over 16,800 participants have conducted the cleanup activities 231 times through March 2024, and they have collected 100 mini-truck loads of flammable and non-flammable garbage. In 2023, this activity was acknowledged by the government with the Company receiving the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award for FY2023 as a stewardship organization for rivers, coasts, and roads.
- * Groups that hope to be “foster parents” decide their cleanup areas and what kinds of activities they will carry out, report them to the Mayor, and conduct cleaning of roads and related activities
Suzuki Manner Improvement Activities
JapanDomestic sales distributors
Suzuki’s sales distributors participate in cleanup activities, environmental events and other such initiatives with the aims of community beautification and environmental conservation. Through these activities, they aim to cooperate in efforts geared to achieving a sustainable society by instilling a sense of unity among employees and stimulating communication with local communities.
Suzuki Motor Sales Fukushima Inc. Lake Inawashiro floating aquatic plant collection and removal activities
(Sponsored by the NPO, Prefectural Citizens’ Committee for a Radiant Lake Inawashiro)
Suzuki Motor Sales Yamaguchi Inc.
Kiwa La Beach cleanup
Suzuki Motor Sales Hiroshima Inc.
Cleanup activities in the vicinity of retail establishments
IndiaSuzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited
Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited conducted a cleanup campaign to eliminate plastic in three nearby villages. Additionally, every month the company carries out a cleaning activity called Kirakira Activity within our factory.
ItalySuzuki Italia S.p.A.
● Pulifondali & Pulispiagge
Pulifondali & Pulispiagge is a cleanup activity to clean up the ocean floor and beaches on June 5, World Environment Day. This activity is organized by Federazione Italiana Pesca Sportiva, Attività Subacquee (FIPSAS), the Italian Sports Fishing Federation, in cooperation with Suzuki Italia S.p.A., and sponsored by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Safety, the Coast Guard and each department of Radiotelevisione italiana.
The aim is to clean beaches and seas in 21 Italian regions by involving thousands of volunteers in this activity. All participants actively took part in this activity. 17.5 tons of trash (ghost nets, plastics, tires, scrap metal, etc.) were collected and properly disposed of. The main purpose of this activity is to enhance awareness of the culture of “don’t litter.”
Educational sessions were also held at various locations, which approximately 2,000 students attended.
● Suzuki Save the Green 2023
To celebrate Earth Day, Suzuki Italia S.p.A. conducted a cleanup activity around its head office, which is near the beautiful Mandria Park on the outskirts of Turin. On April 21, 2023, over 100 volunteers worked to clean up this area and collected 2.3 tons of various trash. Suzuki’s 248 official dealers also joined this initiative to protect the environment.