EN
Environment
Achieving Carbon Neutrality for a Green and Sustainable Future
Public expectations for environmental protection are growing along with the responsibilities of ICT companies for engaging in these activities. We are pursuing a multifaceted approach focused on the three themes of promoting a decarbonized society; developing a closed-loop society; and co-existing with nature, including the preservation of biodiversity. We therefore established and announced the Environmental Statement and Eco Strategy 2030.
In March 2021, we reviewed the Eco Strategy 2030 to respond to a rapidly changing global environment and accompanying social conditions and set specific goals and initiatives for decarbonization. In addition to reducing the environmental impact of our own business activities, we will contribute to reducing the environmental impact of society as a whole while aiming to achieve both solutions to environmental problems and economic development.
◆ Priority Activities
Basic Philosophy and Vision
While emphasizing the philosophy in the NTT Group Global Sustainability Charter, established by the NTT Group, our environmental protection activities take shape as the NTT Communications Group Global Environmental Charter and Eco Strategy 2030, which applies the philosophy to the characteristics of our business. We set initiative goals and implement measures on an ongoing basis.
NTT Communications Group Global Environmental Charter
The NTT Group has established the NTT Group Global Sustainability Charter to promote Groupwide consideration and actions relating to environmental protection from a global perspective. This policy forms the basis for the NTT Communications Group Global Environmental Charter, which is disseminated among employees of the Group as a set of guidelines for the implementation of environmental protection activities.
Environmental Statement and Eco Strategy 2030
Under the NTT Communications Group Environmental Statement and Eco Strategy 2030, we have continued to strengthen our environmental activities while closely monitoring global trends. In March 2021, we revised the Eco Strategy 2030 in response to increasing corporate roles and responsibilities regarding global climate change. Following the revision, we declared our intention to achieve carbon neutrality by fiscal 2030 (net-zero emissions)* based on the NTT Group’s New Environment and Energy Vision, formulated in September 2021.
In May 2023, the NTT Group announced its new medium-term management strategy for achieving carbon neutrality by fiscal 2040 with net-zero emissions from its own operations as well as from its supply chains (Scope 3). The NTT DOCOMO Group subsequently declared in November 2023 its commitment to the Net-Zero by 2040 plan. The NTT Communications Group will implement concrete measures toward the goal of the Net-Zero by 2040 plan by providing pioneering technologies and services, and all our employees around the world will unite in promoting environmental activities to realize a future in which people and the planet exist in harmony.
* Targeted GHG Protocol: Scope 1 (direct emissions of greenhouse gases from our own sources) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions from the use of electricity, heat, and steam supplied by other companies)
The NTT Communications Group Environmental Statement
Dedicated to global environmental management
for a future in which people and the planet remain in harmony
We will address three futures by providing technologies and services that pioneer eras.
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Realizing a Decarbonized Future
We are contributing to the reduction of co2 emissions and facilitating adaptation to climate change risk.
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Implementing Closed-Loop Recycling
We are working toward more effective resource allocation.
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Planning a Future of Natural Harmony
We are contributing to the preservation of ecosystems.
Eco Strategy 2030
Under Eco Strategy 2030, we have set out specific initiatives*1 to help realize the three futures outlined in the Environmental Statement, based on the NTT Group’s Environment and Energy Vision.
To achieve carbon neutrality or net-zero emissions by fiscal 2030 to establish a decarbonized future, we intend to increase the rate of renewable energy use to at least 50% in fiscal 2030, including the amount used by customer equipment at the data centers, while further saving power through the use of advanced technologies. We plan to achieve this goal by, for example, increasing the rate of renewable energy use by the NTT Communications Group to 100%.
| Three Futures We Are Targeting | Initiative | |
|---|---|---|
Realizing a Decarbonized Future |
Rate of renewable energy use in the Company*2 | We will increase the rate of renewable energy use in the NTT Communications Group to 50% or more. (→ Scopes 1 and 2: 100% by fiscal 2030) |
| Reducing GHG emissions from the Company (Scopes 1 and 2) | We will reduce GHG emissions in the NTT Communications Group by 50% compared to fiscal 2018*3. (→ Scopes 1 and 2: carbon neutrality by fiscal 2030) |
|
| Reducing GHG emissions from the supply chain (Scope 3) | We will reduce GHG emissions from the supply chain by 15% compared to fiscal 2018.
(→ Scopes 1, 2, and 3: Net-Zero by 2040) |
|
| Conversion rate of our corporate fleet to EVs in Japan (%) | We will make EVs account for 100%*4 of our corporate fleet used in Japan. | |
| Contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions across society | We will contribute to reducing GHG emissions across society by at least 10 times more than the NTT Communications Group’s own emissions. | |
| Adapting to climate change | We will play our part in adapting to climate change by actively promoting initiatives through all our activities and by collaborating with our stakeholders. | |
Implementing Closed-loop Recycling |
Landfill waste disposal ratio | We will set our target for increasing the landfill rate of the waste generated by the NTT Communications Group to at least 99%. |
Planning a Future of Natural Harmony |
Preservation of ecosystems | We will play our part in preserving ecosystems by actively promoting initiatives through all our activities and by collaborating with our stakeholders. |
*1 Quantitative targets for fiscal 2030. The scope of these targets set in March 2021 encompasses NTT Communications Corporation and 15 Group companies.
*2 Including the amount used by customer equipment at the data centers
*3 Equivalent to 1.5°C SBT
*4 50% by fiscal 2025 as the starting point. Following the reorganization with the then-NTT DOCOMO Group in July 2022, the target interim fiscal year was revised due to the acceptance of corporate fleet vehicles from the Group.
Environmental Management
Promotion Framework for Reducing Environmental Impact
In order to continuously promote environmental protection initiatives in a Groupwide effort, we have established the Global Environmental Protection Subcommittee within the Sustainability Management Committee, headed by the executive vice president in charge of Sustainability, and also formed working groups for each related issue. The Global Environmental Protection Subcommittee formulates an overall plan that encompasses a wide range of issues, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and waste, shares information on the results of actions taken, and promotes the horizontal deployment of various initiatives.
The Sustainability Office coordinates responses to the TCFD and TNFD and related activities of the NTT DOCOMO Group as a whole, along with other issues, under the Group’s sustainability management.
We believe that our approach to environmental issues is a key aspect of our business risk management. To that end, our Business Risk Management Committee, consisting of the senior executive president and other senior executives, assesses all potential risks and discusses appropriate measures to address them.
We will continue to improve our management systems as necessary to more effectively respond to environmental trends.
◆ Environmental Protection Framework
Acquiring ISO 14001 Certification
Three companies in the NTT Communications Group have acquired ISO 14001 certification as of March 31, 2023. We have contracted outside environmental consultants to perform annual internal audits of the certified companies and departments in order to ensure the appropriate implementation of environmental management and continual improvements that will allow for a steady reduction of the environmental impact of business activities. Regular reviews and renewal examinations are undertaken by an independent certification body as well. Outstanding issues are thus identified, and remedial measures are taken swiftly. Besides our initiatives centering on reductions of office paper and electricity use and the promotion of waste recycling, we encourage the adoption of measures aimed at creating an environmentally friendly society.
◆ Companies Certified under ISO 14001*1
*1 Percentage of employees or target organizations to total Group employees: 13%
*2 Percentage of employees of target organizations to total employees: 25%
Promoting Groupwide Environmental Management
Guided by its Global Environmental Charter, the NTT Communications Group shares PDCA and other reports at the Global Environmental Protection Subcommittee, an organization under the Sustainability Management Committee. These reports outline details of the various initiatives administered by the nine working groups that drive the Group’s environmental protection efforts. In addition to sharing information and calling for the further development of effective initiatives, we are promoting environmental management on a Groupwide basis.
Compliance with Environmental Legislation and Regulations
The NTT Communications Group is committed to ensuring legal compliance and proper risk management while liaising closely with the other NTT Group companies. All legislation, including environmental laws and regulations aimed at curtailing pollution, emissions standards, and the PRTR Law*, is fully communicated to related departments, and independent guidelines and enhanced compliance education have been established for in-house application.
* Act on Confirmation, etc. of Release Amounts of Specific Chemical Substances in the Environment and Promotion of Improvements to the Management Thereof
Promoting Green Procurement
ESG management is a pillar of the NTT Group’s medium-term management strategy. The NTT Group Environment and Energy Vision was formulated in May 2020 as part of this strategy, and the NTT Group was approved by the SBT initiative in October of that year. The NTT Group Green Procurement Standards were subsequently established in April 2022 by revising the NTT Group Green Procurement Guidelines to clarify the latest environmental policies and targets of the NTT Group, specific laws and standards that we require suppliers to refer to, and evaluation items for procurement.
In the Green Procurement Standards, NTT Communications clearly specifies factors in our set of criteria applied when selecting suppliers, such as the supplier’s actions toward environmental conservation and an environmental conservation element of the procured item. The standards also include a request for cooperation from our suppliers in reducing GHG emissions as well as initiatives equivalent to SBTs to RFP conditions at the time of procurement and KPI management to ensure concrete and effective operations. In addition, we conducted a supplier self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) mainly targeting the top 90% of suppliers in procurement value and suppliers of critical components to determine compliance with environmental and other relevant guidelines and technical requirements as part of the NTT Group, and we held interviews in person with some of these suppliers. These activities helped confirm that our suppliers are accelerating their efforts to obtain SBT certification and reduce GHG emissions. Through our efforts for green procurement (procuring products taking into account their impact on the environment) under the Green Procurement Standards, we will work to improve our environmental protection activities with our suppliers and seek to commit to further social contribution.
Utilization of Internal Carbon Pricing
NTT Communications has been utilizing internal carbon pricing (ICP) since September 2022 to guide investment decisions. For example, we applied an internal carbon price (6,500 yen/t-CO2e) in fiscal 2022 when investing in capital equipment that can reduce GHG emissions. More specifically, ICP is applied for procuring network equipment and other necessary items. We will continue to use ICP to achieve net-zero emissions.
Fostering a Sense of Environmental Stewardship
We offer all employees environmental education with the intention of raising their awareness of environmental matters. We are also proactive in environmental awareness activities as part of our sustainability efforts, extending the scope of participation to include not only employees but also their family members and our business partners.
In November 2022, we conducted the CO2 Reduction Challenge as an internal campaign for all employees. The campaign was intended to raise environmental awareness and encourage responsible conduct using the Green Program for Employee™, an app that visualizes CO2 emissions from daily life and promotes eco-action, leading to further reductions in CO2 emissions. In a follow-up survey, about 80% of the respondents reported that the campaign had raised their environmental awareness, and about 70% noted that they had been acting more responsibly toward the environment.
◆ Screen images of Green Program for Employee
◆ Priority Activities
Promotion of a Decarbonized Society
Our Approach
While the advance and spread of ICT has helped to bring about an affluent society and convenient lifestyles, the increase in power consumption from ICT-related equipment is placing enormous pressure on the environment. We continue to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, recognizing our responsibility to contribute to addressing environmental problems, including climate change as one of the most pressing issues for realizing a sustainable future. We are also taking various initiatives to reduce GHG emissions in our supply chain as a whole. For example, we set “Realizing a Decarbonized Future” as one of the themes for our Environmental Statement to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society, and we are reducing power consumption and improving the efficiency of our facilities as well as providing services that contribute to decarbonization and care for the environment. To promote a decarbonized society, we will further increase the use of renewable energy, replace our general fleet vehicles with EVs, and reduce GHG emissions from our Groupwide business activities toward achieving carbon neutrality for Scopes 1 and 2 by fiscal 2030 and net-zero emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2040.
Since electricity consumption accounts for more than 90% of total CO2 emissions from business activities of the NTT Communications Group, we can particularly expect great advantages as a result of saving energy and improving the energy efficiency of telecommunications equipment. We are thus making strong efforts in such respects as leading the industry in introducing cutting-edge technologies. In addition, we will continue to help society as a whole become carbon neutral by providing platforms, solutions, and services that lead to decarbonization.
Climate Scenario Analysis and Initiatives
In May 2020, the NTT Group declared its support for the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB). Following our new beginning as the NTT DOCOMO Group in July 2022, we conducted a fresh scenario analysis as a member of the DOCOMO Group in addition to our conventional analysis as a member of the NTT Group, and based on the results, we examined our efforts and actions as the NTT Communications Group. The analysis of the DOCOMO Group adopted two scenarios of climate-related risks and opportunities associated with the Group’s operations: a well-below 2°C (e.g., 1.5°C) scenario of rapid decarbonization and a 4°C warmer scenario assuming apparent physical impacts.
Taking into account the DOCOMO Group’s scenario analysis as an alternative perspective, we will continue to adopt various approaches for decarbonization and netzero emissions, including our choice of scenario models.
* Reference scenarios
• A scenario assuming rapid decarbonization:
IEA (International Energy Agency) World Energy Outlook 2018 Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS), and IEA Energy Technology Perspectives 2017 Beyond 2°C Scenario (B2DS)
• A scenario assuming apparent physical impacts:
IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Fifth Assessment Report, and IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C
◆ Risks and Opportunities Identified with Scenario Analysis, and a Summary of the Group’s Initiatives
| Potential Impact on Business (Risks and Opportunities) |
Materiality (Business/ Financial) |
Timeframe | Initiatives by the NTT Communications Group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Well below 2°C scenario (e.g., 1.5°C scenario) | Transition risk | Policies/regulations | Carbon price/ carbon tax |
• Increased costs due to the introduction of a carbon tax • Increased operating costs from purchasing carbon credits (emission allowances) • Impact of carbon tax on procurement prices (equivalent to Scope 3) |
High | Long term |
• Reducing GHG emissions by improving the power efficiency of airconditioning and IT equipment at data centers through new technologies (Green Nexcenter*) and by implementing power reduction measures • Actively introducing renewable energy (including virtually renewable energy by using non-fossil fuel certificates) to achieve carbon neutrality by fiscal 2030 • Introducing internal carbon pricing • Introducing Net-Zero by 2040 plan |
| Increased policies and regulations for products and services |
• Possibility of products not meeting energy efficiency regulations/standards, resulting in a loss of government or other customers, shifting demand to more satisfactory products/services |
Medium | Long term |
• Early launch of services based on customer trends and social needs |
|||
| Industry/market | Energy price fluctuations |
• Increased energy prices and a shift in demand to energy-efficient products and services |
High | Long term |
• Reducing GHG emissions at data centers by improving the power efficiency of air-conditioning and IT equipment at data centers through new technologies (Green Nexcenter*) and by implementing power reduction measures • Securing stable power sources through long-term fixed contracts with power companies, development of special power sources (e.g., PPA), etc. • Promoting IOWN Initiative |
||
| Changes in customer reputation, demands, and behavior |
• Customer disengagement and damaged corporate image if our efforts are perceived as passive • Shift in customer needs toward services with better environmental performance |
Medium | Long term |
• Disclosing the 2030 carbon neutrality target and introducing renewable energy ahead of schedule • Early deployment of services based on customer trends and social
demands |
|||
| 4°C scenario | Physical risks | Chronic | Increased average temperatures and midsummer days |
• Possibility of customers not choosing us for data center and network equipment with low air-conditioning management efficiency and capacity |
Medium | Long term |
• Reducing GHG emissions by improving the power efficiency of airconditioning and IT equipment at data centers through new technologies (Green Nexcenter*) and by implementing various power reduction measures. Latest cooling technology to be offered commercially in selected data centers by the end of fiscal 2023. To be expanded in the future • Promoting IOWN initiative |
| Acute | Severe extreme weather conditions |
• Damaged data centers due to flooding • Damaged reputation from lack of resilience to disasters |
Medium | Short term |
• Reliable risk assessment when selecting a construction site • Redundant facilities based on disaster simulation • Securing multiple power supply routes assuming power supply interruption • Reviewing and establishing equipment procurement plans addressing the risk of flooding at manufacturing plants |
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High materiality: Extremely important in climate action for business continuity and financial reasons
Medium materiality: Relatively less important, although potentially damaging
Low materiality: Limited impact on business, including future prospects
Timeframe: Short term (less than 3 years)
Timeframe: Medium term (less than 3 to 6 years)
Timeframe: Long term (6 years or more)
Calculation of GHG Emissions (Fiscal 2022 Results)
For Scope 3, we calculated emissions by referring to unit emission databases and other materials produced through studies by the Ministry of the Environment and other government ministries and agencies.
◆ GHG Emissions by Scope and Category
| Category | Composition Ratio (%) | GHG Emissions (ten thousand tons-CO2e) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total emissions | 100 | 216.1 | |
| Scope 1 (direct emissions of greenhouse gases from our own sources, such as fuel combustion)*1 | 0.3 | 0.6 | |
| Scope 2 (indirect emissions from the use of electricity, heat, and steam supplied by other companies) (market-based)*2 | 5.8 | 12.4 | |
| Scope 3 (indirect emissions other than Scopes 1 and 2, such as emissions by others related to activities of the NTT Communications Group) | 203.1 | ||
| Category 1 (purchased goods and services)*3, 4 | 33.7 | 72.8 | |
| Category 2 (capital goods)*3, 4 | 13.6 | 29.5 | |
| Category 3 (fuel and energy activities not included in Scopes 1 or 2) | 1.7 | 3.8 | |
| Category 4 (upstream transportation and distribution) | 0.5 | 1.1 | |
| Category 5 (waste generated through business activities) | 0.0*8 | 0.0*8 | |
| Category 6 (business travel)*3 | 0.3 | 0.5 | |
| Category 7 (employee commutations)*2 | 0.0*8 | 0.0*8 | |
| Category 8 (upstream leased assets)*5 | - | - | |
| Category 9 (downstream transportation and distribution)*6 | - | - | |
| Category 10 (processing of products sold)*7 | - | - | |
| Category 11 (use of products sold)*3 | 30.8 | 66,6 | |
| Category 12 (disposal of products sold) | 0.1 | 0.3 | |
| Category 13 (downstream leased assets) | 13.2 | 28.5 | |
| Category 14 (franchise)*9 | - | - | |
| Category 15 (investments)*10 | - | - | |
*1 Includes emissions of greenhouse gases other than CO2, such as CFC substitutes
*2 Emissions associated with electricity are calculated using emission factors obtained from electric power companies.
*3 We revised the calculation method for categories 1, 2, 6, 7, and 11 of Scope 3 to improve accuracy from FY2021 results.
*4 Calculated by multiplying each supplier’s transaction amount by their emissions intensity (calculated from their disclosed data) or by the emissions intensity according to the transaction details.
*5 Counted for calculation, but no results were available (fuel and electricity used by leased assets are calculated under Scope 1 or 2)
*6 Counted for calculation, but no results were available (mostly outsourced transportation calculated under category 4)
*7 Counted for calculation, but no results were available (no intermediate product processing in main businesses)
*8 Less than 0.05
*9 Counted for calculation, but no results were available (not applicable)
* 10 Counted for calculation, but no results were available (calculated in Scope 1 or 2)
Scope: NTT Communications Corporation and 17 Group companies
◆ GHG Emissions from Business Activities
◆ Priority Activities
Development of a closed-loop society
Our Approach
To contribute to the realization of a closed-loop society, the NTT Communications Group promotes the reduction and reuse of waste and improving recycling rates while building business models with low environmental impact. Waste and resource recycling is a rising public concern, and if we do not take appropriate action on a global scale, we run the risk of long-term damage to our natural environment and ecosystems as well as soaring prices and the depletion of various resources around the world. Also, failing to effectively respond to the growing demand of society for resource recycling may create business risks, such as not being able to meet the procurement standards of our suppliers and possibly damaging the reputation of our Company.
To fulfill our social responsibility regarding this issue, we organized working groups in the three areas of dismantled telecommunications equipment, construction waste, and office waste and are working in cooperation with other NTT Group companies to thoroughly implement the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle) while also promoting plastic recycling.
In addition, we are working to provide and cocreate ICT platforms and solutions/services that lead to a closed-loop society, which can also provide a business opportunity for increasing our corporate value. Through these initiatives and many other efforts, we are committed to a greener future with the most effective use of resources through proper waste management and promotion of reusing and recycling in our business activities.
Co-existing with Nature
In addition to the international deliberations related to the SDGs*, the UN Decade for Ecosystem Recovery from 2021 to 2030, and the Post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted in December 2022, significant discussions have recently focused on the importance of conserving biodiversity and co-existence with nature as key environmental issues for realizing a sustainable society. These issues have also become key topics for risks related to the sustainability of business operations.
We have set “Planning a Future of Natural Harmony” as part of our environmental declaration and established the Biodiversity Action Plan. Under these policies, we are carrying out business activities from the construction of facilities to their operation and dismantling in accordance with the NTT Group Sustainability Design Guideline for Buildings and other guidelines. We are also engaged in local conservation efforts, such as conservation of satoyama (Japanese rural landscape) and local greening.
To fulfill our corporate social responsibility, we will continue to place a high priority on conservation of biodiversity throughout our business operations and conduct business while inspecting the progress of initiatives, identifying problems, and making improvements. We will also adopt a multifaceted approach, including the provision and co-creation of ICT/DX solutions and services that contribute to nature-positive economic activities, which can become business opportunities, as well as environmental contribution efforts such as participating in local conservation projects and disseminating environmental information.
* Goal 14: Life Below Water, Goal 15: Life on Land
◆ Biodiversity Action Plan
1. Basic Policy
●Development Centered on Business Activities
The Group recognizes that all activity is inextricably linked to the planet and to biodiversity, understands that the scope and impact at home and overseas are related depending on the nature of a business, and promotes initiatives that are recognized as having a
preservation effect.
●Development Centered on Contribution to Society
In partnership with its stakeholders, the Group widely promotes initiatives toward the preservation of biodiversity, regardless of their relevance to its business.
2. Action Guidelines
●Implement actions that take into account the preservation of biodiversity in business activities
●Contribute to the preservation of social biodiversity in business activities
●Deepen understanding of biodiversity, promote nature conservation activities together with employees, their families, and the planet
Learn more about our nature positive activities
Initiatives Related to the TNFD
In accordance with the LEAP approach*1 proposed by the TNFD, the NTT DOCOMO Group conducted an analysis*2 of its nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities. The analysis also encompasses the business areas and value chains of NTT Communications. The Sustainability Office, responsible for promoting environmental activities, participated in the analysis through the identification of potential material issues, analysis of the value chain’s location-specific issues, determination of material issues, and review of countermeasures, as a member of the DOCOMO Group.
*1 A location-based approach to prioritizing impacts on natural capital and actions to address them. The approach involves four phases: locate interface with nature, evaluate dependencies and impacts on nature, assess nature-related risks and opportunities, and prepare to respond to nature-related risks and opportunities and report to investors.
*2 This report is based on TNFD beta v0.4, released in March 2023. We will review the contents based on v1.0, released in September 2023, and take any necessary actions.
◆ Risks and Opportunities Identified through Scenario Analysis and Overview of Initiatives
| Material nature-related risks and opportunities | The NTT DOCOMO Group’s analysis based on the LEAP approach also includes the corporate business areas of NTT Communications. We identified “development of land with high conservation value,” “impact on the surrounding ecosystem,” and “resource extraction” as material issues based on an assessment of the relationship between the interests of stakeholders and our own business and considering the results of analyzing the value chain’s location-specific issues described below. |
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| Potential impacts on business | Potential business risks and opportunities were examined under the categories of nature-related risks and opportunities outlined in the TNFD. | ||
| Risks | Various potential risks (e.g., price increases and unstable supply of telecommunications equipment necessary for offering services may affect our financial plans when there is a shortage of supplies from resource extraction) have been identified, but as reviewed by the NTT DOCOMO Group, we have verified that there are no immediate material risks that would affect our business. | ||
| Opportunities | We have identified many opportunities that could help with conserving biodiversity, including the provision of smart agriculture and fisheries services as well as services and solutions that contribute to reducing environmental impact. | ||
| Analysis of the value chain’s location-specific issues | The analysis of the value chain’s location-specific issues includes telecommunications facilities and equipment related to NTT Communications’ business. Potential material issues were organized by each stage of the value chain (upstream, downstream, and direct operations) and risk hotspots and potential risks to be addressed in each value chain were identified through the analysis using IBAT*1 and Aqueduct*2 for risk themes including resource extraction, water use, land development, and surrounding ecosystems. In addition, a GAP analysis was conducted to prioritize items to address based on the identified material issues, and the SBTN’s Action Framework*3 AR3T was used to examine measures to address them. | ||
*1 Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool, developed by the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)
*2 A global water risk mapping tool developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI)
*3 A framework proposed by the SBTN, comprised of a series of four steps (avoid, reduce, regenerate and restore, and transform) to plan countermeasures for actions damage the environment
Biodiversity-conscious Guidelines
When constructing new buildings such as data centers, we strive to understand the historical, social, geographical, and biological environment characteristics of the building site and its surrounding areas in accordance with the NTT Group Sustainability Design Guideline for Buildings (established in December 2022), and we reflect that understanding into our designs insofar as possible. In addition to our ongoing efforts to promote decarbonization, resource recycling, and co-existence with the environment, we are also working to create an environment that is safe and resilient to natural disasters, which are becoming more frequent and devastating, and to create more people-friendly workplaces to promote diversity and inclusion as well as health and productivity management. These efforts will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
Along with these considerations, we ensure that construction is completed with consideration for minimal noise and vibration and with attention to community beautification during the work. Furthermore, our outdoor air-conditioning units and emergency power generators are designed to generate exhaust heat and noise levels that do not adversely affect the community.
NTT GROUP Green Design Guideline for Buildings (external site)
Prevention of Environmental Pollution
Everyday production and consumption generating emissions and waste and increasing environmental pollution has long been a social issue.
We are working to reduce emissions and waste generated from our business activities and properly manage and dispose of hazardous substances to prevent environmental pollution and create a safe and secure social environment. In addition, we are seeking to minimize environmental risks associated with business activities, such as pollution and leaks of hazardous substances, by formulating guidelines for introducing low-emission vehicles, improving equipment and operations, bolstering management, and conducting thorough inventories.
Chemical substances are properly managed by our maintenance departments in accordance with the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act, the Law Concerning Special Measures Against PCB Waste, and the Electricity Business Act, which include the assigning of managers. While conducting storage inspections on a regular basis, we maintain a robust system to ensure the rapid coordination of information among senior management and the president in the event of an earthquake or other disaster. We always keep abreast of the revisions to laws through training sessions, share information among environmental working groups, and optimize our operations in a timely manner. In addition, we are striving to reduce the environmental impact of our supply chain by, for example, urging suppliers to reduce and thoroughly manage the use of hazardous materials based on our Green Procurement Standards.
◆ Prevention of Environmental Pollution at Each Business Stage
