Environment

Example Report

Using Resources Effectively

We strive to solve environmental issues by reducing waste and building systems for reuse, aiming to create circular societies.

Creating Circular Economies

As waste becomes an increasingly serious issue worldwide, there are efforts underway to create circular economies in which products and other resources that would otherwise be discarded are utilized and recycled effectively as resources. These efforts are gaining momentum in Japan and around the world. AEON MALL, too, implements the 6Rs*, helping to create circular economies. For more than 20 years, AEON MALL has engaged in recycling by classifying waste into 17 types (currently 18 types). In FY2021, we achieved a 92.7% recycling rate (including thermal recycling) among our directly managed malls in Japan. We will continue to reduce the amount of resources used in our facilities and collect unneeded resources from customers for reuse, aiming for circular societies and revitalized local economies.

*Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, Returnable

Circular Mall Concept (E.g., clothing)

Circular Mall

Co-Creating with Customers, Tenants, and Local Community Societies to Create Circular Societies as we Leverage the Scale of Our Malls

Clothing Collection: Happy Clothes Relay

In 2021, we held the Happy Clothes Relay, a program to collect used clothing from customers at 139 malls nationwide. We conducted the event in cooperation with BRING™, a recycling project operated by JEPLAN, INC. as an initiative to contribute to circular societies. We collected a total of approximately 103 tons of clothing. Clothes made from polyester fiber will be recycled and used to make new clothing. In cooperation with AEON MALL locations in Cambodia, we collected some 110 kg of clothing at seven AEON Malls in Japan. We then distributed the clothing to Cambodian children.

Environmentally Sustainable Malls

We are reducing our energy consumption to create decarbonized societies and green communities.

Promote 100% Renewable Energy Stores

A decarbonized society is one that reduces emissions of greenhouse gases that cause global warming, aiming for effectively zero emissions. And reducing CO₂, a greenhouse gas said to be particularly harmful, is an important issue. AEON MALL installs solar power equipment, EV (Electric Vehicle) recharging devices, and engages in other energy-saving measures in our efforts to achieve decarbonized societies. AEON MALL Kawaguchi (Saitama Prefecture) opened in 2021. This mall is the first large-scale commercial facility in Japan to achieve effectively zero CO₂ emissions from both electricity and gas. AEON MALL Nagoya Noritake Garden (Aichi Prefecture) is the first commercial facility in the Tokai area to do so. We work with the surrounding community to create locally produced renewable energy for local consumption. In addition, we are working toward the V2AEON MALL concept in which customers supply effectively CO₂-free electricity generated at home to the mall using EVs. We will continue to pursue energy-saving initiatives and the use of renewable energy.

Earth Day

For the four days after the April 22 Earth Day (a day to think about the global environment), we conducted various initiatives to spend important time with customers thinking about the Earth. Aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by reducing power consumption, we held a “Light Down Relay,” which involved turning off part of the outdoor lighting at night at 138 malls nationwide. The electricity consumption saved was equivalent to one mall turning off exterior and perimeter lighting for 115 hours (approximately 4.8 days).

Learning About Environmental Issues in a Fun Way

We have also sponsored the AEON Sustaina Campus at malls nationwide since the June 5, 2021 Environment Day. The event provided an opportunity to think about environmental issues while having a good time. Activities include a quiz rally to learn about global warming and the impact of marine plastics on animals, as well as a contest sponsored by the Ministry of the Environment to encourage customers to create their own MY Bottle designs.

AEON Hometown Forests Program

The AEON Hometown Forest Project began in 1991 in Malaysia. The AEON Group regards the tree planting initiative as an activity to embody a philosophy centered on pursuing peace, respecting humanity, and contributing to local community societies, always from the customer’s point of view. Every time a new mall is opened in Japan or overseas, AEON hosts a tree planting ceremony, working with customers to plant native trees most appropriate for the local natural environment. In FY2021, we planted approximately 28,000 trees in Japan and overseas. As of the end of February 2022, the AEON Group has planted a total of approximately 12.42 million trees.