Initiatives at Each Site for the Conservation of Biodiversity
At each site of the Meiden Group, we are working to conserve biodiversity on the grounds of each site and nearby.
Head Office Area
Nature Appreciation Events
Each year, we hold nature appreciation events in the green area (ThinkPark Forest) surrounding our head office (ThinkPark Tower), where we receive instruction from the Nature Conservation Society of Japan. In fiscal 2019, we held a nature appreciation event for the students at a local elementary school with the theme of “search for cicadas in the Osaki forest” as part of our community contribution activities. At the nature appreciation event, the children searched for cicadas and cicada shells in outdoor field work, and learned the life of a cicada and its shell. It was a great opportunity for both children and adults with an interest in cicadas or nature.
Ikimono Log (Living Nature Log)
In the head office area of Osaki, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, we take pictures of the organisms that live in the vicinity of the head office building and post them on the Ikimono Log (Living Nature Log) website operated by the Ministry of the Environment. We hope to create a database with information on the organisms that live in the area.
Brown-eared bulbuls
Warbling white eye
Asian swallowtail butterfly
Participation in Tree-Planting and Juvenile Fish Release Activities
Meidensha’s Water Infrastructure Systems Business Unit participated in the Fiscal 2019 Water Source Reforestation Project conducted by the Association of Iwate Central Water Supply Companies and the Toyosawagawa-Tochikairyoku（Toyosawa River Land Improvement Zone）. Meidensha is responsible for the maintenance and management of plumbing infrastructure in the Association of Central Iwate Water Supply Companies’ Shiwa area. We approve of the intent to “contribute to a stable water supply into the future” and have participated annually since fiscal 2016.
In fiscal 2019, 10 employees participated, not only planting beech trees, but also releasing juvenile landlocked salmon and white-spotted char.
Meidensha will continue to maintain and manage water infrastructure, contribute to the preservation of water resources, and actively participate in activities to leave abundant nature for the next generation.
Numazu Works
The Numazu works is blessed with the bounty of nature such as a green zone (area = approximately 65 thousand m2) and groundwater. We are conducting activities use these natural resources in a sustainable manner and contribute to the community.
Summer Holiday Eco Classroom for Parents and Children
At the Summer Holiday Eco Classroom for Parents and Children held by Numazu City, we introduced the environmental activities undertaken at the Numazu works. In fiscal 2019, there were 43 families living in Numazu City. They participated in surveys of organisms, building electrical circuits, test rides in electric vehicles, events featuring rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles, made possible by the support of Meiden System Manufacturing Corporation, and a tour of the solar power system at the south office block, which was completed in May, 2018. This event was a good opportunity to provide fond memories of the summer holidays for both parents and children while teaching them about the appeal of connections with nature.
Ikimono Map (Living Nature Map)
We survey the diverse range of organisms that inhabit the grounds and include them in the Meidensha Numazu Works Ikimono Map (Living Nature Map).
In fiscal 2019, we conducted a survey of the organisms in the green zone in the grounds and discovered organisms such as the Asian swallowtail butterfly and the blue rock thrush. The results of the survey will be used in future activities.
Maintaining Biotopes
Through the survey of organisms, we discovered atrocalopteryx atrata dragonflies, which are classified as class II endangered species, at the Numazu works. We hope to maintain a biotope where these dragonflies will lay their eggs.
Numazu Machipika (Street Cleaning) Support Group
Meidensha participated in the Numazu Machipika (Street Cleaning) Support Group Program conducted by Numazu City, and conducts street-cleaning activities in the areas around its sites. The Numazu works is located next to a river, and there is a risk of litter on the streets will flow out from the river to the sea. Cleaning-up activities prevent river waste from flowing into the sea and contribute to solving marine plastic waste problems.
Ota Works
Botanical Survey of On-Site Green Zone
At the Ota works, we conducted an on-site botanical survey and found more than 30 varieties of trees. We included the results of the survey on the Ota Works Green Zone Map and we will apply the knowledge gained fur future utilization of the green zone.
Ota Works Green Zone Map
Kanayama Red Pine Forest Conservation Activities
The red pine forest in Kanayama is the most well-known natural landscape in Ota City. Kanayama castle was created using the natural contours of Kanayama and it is a precious historic site that is listed in the top 100 castles in Japan. The Ota works is registered as part of the “red pine management owner system” and we work to conserve the red pine forest by participating in activities such as weeding.
Elimination of Plastic Shopping Bags from the On-Site Store
The problem of marine pollution caused by plastic waste has spread over a wide area, and there is concern that it can adversely affect the ecosystem, living environment, fisheries, tourism, etc. The use of plastic bags has been abolished since July 2020 at on-site shops in the Meiden Group's Numazu and Ota works. Shops sell eco-bags instead of using plastic disposable bags at the checkout; and we educate all employees on the problem of marine plastics waste in order for them to establish their custom carrying around their own bags.
