ÆON MALL Environmental Management

ÆON MALL has obtained ISO 14001 environmental management system certification for all of its shopping malls, excluding those operated as PM projects, and for all divisions.

We operate a Social Responsibility (SR) System for reporting on CSR activities at all shopping malls and divisions in Japan and promoting efficient management of CSR targets. The system, which manages progress on targets in areas such as energy consumption, generation of industrial waste, and resource use, also enables us to compile and manage data on charitable donations and social contribution activities.

Consideration of the environment from the development stage

When developing a shopping mall, we conduct pre-development surveys and strive to preserve the environment to the greatest extent possible. In this way, ÆON MALL seeks to minimize its impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity from the site selection stage. When designing a mall, we opt for energy-efficient equipment, natural energy sources such as solar power generation systems (installed at 14 malls as of February 20, 2011), and recycled materials. When selecting equipment for the revitalizing of our existing malls, we do so with the reduction of environmental impact foremost in mind.

Prevention of Global Warming

With the shift to a low-carbon society an ongoing topic of discussion worldwide, leading companies are expected to be at the forefront of curbing carbon emissions. To bolster its promotion structure in this area, ÆON MALL has moved to reinforce its Energy Efficiency Committee established in February 2005, followed by the establishment of the CO2 Countermeasures Group within the CSR Promotion Department in March 2008. In parallel, ÆON MALL has added a CO2 Reduction Committee to its Company-wide organization.

We have implemented a number of initiatives aimed at shaping ÆON MALL shopping malls into integral parts of the social infrastructure of local communities while preparing for the era of the electric vehicle. One of these initiatives is a steady expansion in the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at our shopping malls. Another is the promoting of car-sharing services in conjunction with ORIX Auto Corporation.

Promoting environmental communication

Each shopping mall has dedicated environmental communication spaces on site, typically referred to as “Eco Stations” and “Eco Benches.” Along with conveying the operational status of solar power generation systems, information on environmental equipment within the mall, and a host of other environmental initiatives happening at the mall, these spaces introduce activities that solicit customer participation, such as eco-bag use for shopping and recycling. Furthermore, employees at all specialty stores are given a copy of Eco Noto (Eco Notebook), a pamphlet summarizing the environmental mindset and behavior employees should exhibit as shopping mall members, including the basics of waste separation for recycling, energy conservation, and other topics.