Commitment to Reducing Our Impact on Biodiversity

AEON Mall monitors the impact of our business activities on ecosystems. We partner with customers, governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to actively mitigate those impacts and protect ecosystems and set forth a policy to protect biodiversity.
We not only sponsor the AEON Furusato no Mori (Hometown Forest) initiative (see p.21), but we also pursue green purchasing to protect biodiversity and ecosystems. In this manner, we seek to achieve both business growth and the sustainability of natural resources.

Quantitative Targets for Biodiversity Initiatives

We have acquired Association for Business Innovation in harmony with Nature and Community® (ABINC (see p.21)) certification. Our goal is to acquire ABINC certifications for directly managed malls by fiscal 2050.

Risk Assessment for New and Existing Businesses

We identified biodiversity and protecting natural resources as a materiality for our business. In connection, we set a KPI to increase the number of malls with ABINC certification to assist in achieving societies that are environmentally conscious and exist in harmony with nature.
We use the ABINC certification criteria as a framework for biodiversity risk assessments, with the purpose of reducing risks related to biodiversity at the development, construction, and operation stages. In order to achieve the goal of ecologically sustainable malls, we practice appropriate maintenance and management at each mall in accordance with these criteria.

Identifying Business Sites That May Have an Impact on Biodiversity

We perform scientific studies when developing new malls to identify the potential impact on biodiversity. We take steps to conserve rare species in the event we discover such living on a site slated for development. We also protect existing trees and other vegetation to the maximum degree possible, even if they are not considered to be rare species.

Examples of Rare Species We Conserve

AEON MALL Kusatsu: Conservation of Mizutakamoji (Agropyron Humidum)
AEON MALL Omuta: Conservation of 25 rare species

Protect and Restore Habitats

In our AEON Furusato no Mori (Hometown Forest) initiative, we conduct scientific studies of plants growing wild in communities surrounding our businesses and plant trees at our malls to establish a natural forest and restore habitat for diverse species.

Collaboration With Governments, Regulatory Agencies, Local Communities, and NGOs

As one measure to create sustainable societies, the AEON Environmental Foundation is working with major universities, governments, and academic research institutions in Japan and overseas to improve its environmental education programs. The foundation holds environmental seminars consisting of symposiums and fieldwork in cooperation with participants throughout Asia.
In August 2017, the foundation and the signed a first-ever collaboration agreement with the Japan UNESCO Eco Park Network. We work in cooperation with the foundation to in activities that offer the richness of nature to the children who will be the leaders of future generations.

Growing Number of Malls Earning ABINC Certification

In March 2019, THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA (Hiroshima Prefecture) and AEON MALL Zama (Kanagawa Prefecture) earned ABINC certification in recognition of initiatives such as the creation of biodiversity-friendly green areas. The Association for Business Innovation in Harmony with Nature and the Community (ABINC) oversees third-party evaluations and certifications of such efforts based on the Guidelines for Sustainable Business Sites, created by the Japan Business Initiative for Biodiversity (JBIB). At present, nine AEON MALL facilities have earned this certification. Our KPI for properties with potential green space is to obtain ABINC certification for all malls by 2030.

AEON Furusato no Mori (Hometown Forest)