Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
For a
Sustainable Future
About This Report Overview of Mitsubishi Corporation
Contents
Editorial Policy Is Mitsubishi Corporation the Same Company as Mitsubishi?
Overview of Mitsubishi Corporation 3 Although Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is often mistaken separate companies that conduct their business activities
Te Sustainability Report 2009 aims to deepen our stakeholders
understanding about Mitsubishi Corporations environmental aairs as the parent or holding company for various other independently and even compete with each other in many
Message From the CEO 6 and CSR activities. Te report is based on three broad themes: MCs corporations that also bear the Mitsubishi name, there elds. Although separate, they all share the same history
businesses from the standpoint of sustainability, ongoing sustainability and honor the Three Corporate Principles prescribed by
is no single organization that owns or controls the entire
initiatives, and environmental and CSR performance. Te feature Koyata Iwasaki, the Fourth and nal president of the old
Mitsubishi Group, and no company that is actually called
Feature 1 sections report on MCs CSR and environmental-related business Mitsubishi organization which was disbanded after World
activities and actions the Company is taking to address issues such as or has ownership of the name Mitsubishi. While the
MCs Businesses climate change, the sustainable use of resources and biodiversity as companies that share the Mitsubishi name have the War II. For more on the background of the Three Corporate
From a Sustainability Standpoint
8 Principles, please see pages 8 and 9 of this report.
they pertain to the sustainability of our business. same roots which date back to 1870, they are all now
We hope that this report will assist in deepening communication
with our stakeholders. We ask that you read the report in conjunction MCs Business Model
The Starting Point for MC with detailed supplementary data and recent news on our latest
The Three Corporate Principles 8 activities, which can be found on our website. MC is Japans largest general trading company (sogo shosha) processing, distribution and sales, and retailing. MC
with over 200 bases of operations in approximately 80 provides functions at every stage throughout this value
Contributing to Safe, Comfortable
Transportation
countries around the world, including Japan. Together chain and, at the same time, raises the efciency of the
Information regarding sections carrying this mark can with more than 500 subsidiaries and afliates, we conduct whole process to the best of its ability.
Transport Systems Business 10
be found on Mitsubishi Corporations website under business with customers and business partners worldwide If one focuses only on individual functions or specic
Responding to Societys Expectations Corporate Citizenship. in a wide range of industries. businesses or elds, there is a tendency to optimize only
From Raw Material Procurement to Retail Sales When we engage in a business, we rst identify parts of the value chain. MC endeavors to not only increase
Supply Chain Management 12 Let Us Know What You Think latent customer needs, and then set about delivering the efciency of each of these individual parts of the value
Supporting Regional Development Globally products and services offering even higher added value chain but also to coordinate and manage businesses
We are interested in hearing readers opinions and impressions to customers in the most efcient manner, thereby
MCs Regional Contributions 14 to optimize the value chain as a whole. We also forge
regarding the Sustainability Report 2009 and our environmental contributing to the continuous development of society. alliances or cooperate with other companies to augment
and CSR activities. To make it easy for you to give us feedback, areas where we would not be as effective as a standalone
Feature 2
To achieve this goal, we examine the entire value chain,
we have created a questionnaire on our website. Your opinions
looking closely to see where we can best utilize our company.
MCs Ongoing 18
and impressions will be taken into account in our future
environmental and CSR activities and reporting. capacity and expertise to add value. A value chain refers In the past, our business model centered on providing
Sustainability Initiatives to a series of processes that adds value to products at trading functions, namely procurement and sales. Today,
every stage, including design, production, processing, however, we combine trade and investment throughout
Guidelines distribution, sales and services. The food business is entire value chains, from raw materials procurement
MCs Social Contribution Activities 24 GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines 2006 (G3) a good example of this approach. In this industry, MC upstream to retail markets downstream, in order to
Please refer to our website under Corporate Citizenship for a table is involved in food production, ingredient and food optimize the entire process.
referencing our report to the GRI Sustainability Guidelines.
CSR & Environmental Affairs Advisory Committee 26 Environmental Reporting Guidelines (Fiscal Year 2007 Version),
Ministry of the Environment of Japan Ex.) Food Business Value Chain
A New Industry Innovator that sustains growth in tandem thinking, MC hopes to create future growth drivers while
enhancing the quality of its business portfolio by prioritizing
(1) Developing & Utilizing HR on (1) Increasing Efficiency and Effectiveness
with present-day needs by creating new business and (1) Tapping into Global Growth Consolidated and Global Basis in Consolidated Management
adapting existing businesses to rapidly changing trends. resources more than ever before. (2) Promoting Innovation in New Fields (2) Dynamically Relocating HR (2) Developing Systems for Internal
(3) Strengthening Structure & Systems (3) Creating an Energetic Organization and Control and IT, and Reforming
Under this plan, MC has been executing management INNOVATION 2009 also calls for the strengthening of in Support of Growth Corporate Culture Administrative Process
initiatives to realize three basic concepts: Grasp Change CSR and for MC to develop businesses that promote
and Open Up A New Era (Develop Growth Strategy); sustainable development and growth, particularly through
Develop Human Assets (Utilize and Develop Human environmentally-friendly enterprises. MCs Stakeholder Triangle and Approach to CSR and Environmental Affairs
Assets); and Reinforce Internal Systems (Continuously
Community Businesses that help lower their impact on the Environmental evaluation and analysis in business
Customers environment development
NPONGO CO 2 reductions and emission credit acquisition
Environment Environmental preservation activities
Government, etc.
(Tropical Forest Regeneration Experimental Project, Global Coral
Partners (carbon offsets)
Stakeholder Relations Reef Conservation Project)
Business development at MC is undertaken with due By engaging key external stakeholders representing the Identification of human rights and labor issues Humanitarian support activities
in supply chains (Support for the impoverished in Africa, etc.)
Stakeholder Society
Triangle Promotion of diversity across the MC Group
regard for the concerns of our various stakeholders. MC communities where we operate and civil society at-large, Shareholders
Employees
Social
we are working to create a sustainable society by building Creditors Volunteer activities Welfare & education (Exchange student scholarships, etc.)
aims to balance the interests of a variety of stakeholders
even stronger relationships with stakeholders globally. Contribution (Friendship Camp for Mothers and Children, etc.) Arts & culture (Support for prospective young artists, etc.)
set in a stakeholder triangle comprising of customers and Activities International contribution activities around the world
Corporate Standards of Conduct Mitsubishi Corporation Code of Conduct Mitsubishi Corporation Environmental Charter Organizational Structure (As of July 1, 2009)
1. Aim of Corporate Business Activities Basic Policy Basic Philosophy
Through its business activities, MC will endeavor to increase its
All ofcers and employees of Mitsubishi Corporation (the Company) must As a sound global enterprise, MC recognizes that an enterprise cannot
value. At the same time, the Company will strive to enrich society
comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations where they operate, continue to exist without consideration for its environmental performance.
in all ways, developing and offering its customers the best services
international standards and rules, and all internal corporate rules and policies. We will strive to preserve and improve the global environment and pursue
and products, with the highest regard for safety.
In addition, all ofcers and employees of the Company must act in a socially sustainable development through all aspects of our business activities.
2. Fairness and Integrity in Corporate Business responsible manner by complying with the highest ethical standards in the
Activities conduct of their business.
Guidelines for Corporate Action
MC will continue to develop its business activities in
Basic Principles 1. Conformity with Environmental Laws and Regulations
compliance with all relevant laws, international regulations
We will act in accordance with environmental laws and regulations of
and internal rules. The Company will act responsibly and will
1. Respect human rights, and do not discriminate on any basis, and engage the national and local authorities to prevent environmental degradation
respect the highest social standards.
in any form of harassment. in the countries where we operate. We will also adhere to relevant
3. Respect for Human Rights and Employees
2. Maintain a high regard for environmental considerations in conducting international conventions and incorporate respect for international
MC will respect human rights and will not engage in any our business operations, ensure that our business is conducted in an standards.
discrimination. The Company will preserve and improve environmentally sustainable manner, and comply with treaties, laws and
2. Natural Environment
its corporate strengths through the development of its regulations concerning the environment.
We will develop resources, pursue investments, and promote
employees, all the while respecting the character and
3. Promote fair business practices and comply with trade rules, regulations, transactions with careful consideration of the environmental impacts of
individuality of each employee. and internal corporate rules and policies.
our activities on local communities and ecosystems.
4. Information Security and Disclosure 4. Comply with the rules and regulations of international trade. 3. Resources and Energy
While MC will continue to develop, implement and improve 5. Protect and properly use condential and proprietary information, protect
We will actively promote the efcient use and reuse of natural
the effectiveness of its information security management the rights of the Company and respect the rights of others.
resources and energy while also employing forms of energy that
system, at the same time the Company will disclose 6. Do not engage in insider trading. minimize the environmental impacts of our operations.
information accurately and in a timely fashion, so as to
7. Avoid conicts of interest with the Company; maintain a distinction 4. Recycling Economy and Society
maintain transparency and be correctly understood by both between corporate and private business.
We will contribute to the development of a sustainable recycling
its stakeholders and the general public. 8. Record and report accounting and nancial information in a timely and economy and society where resources are wisely used and waste
5. Consideration for Environmental Issues accurate manner.
is minimized, through the introduction of new technologies and the
MC understands that an enterprise cannot continue 9. Maintain proper legal and ethical standards with respect to gifts and efcient utilization of our information.
to prosper without consideration for its environmental entertainment.
5. Environmental Management System
performance, and will strive to protect and improve the 10. Resolutely oppose any organization, group or individual engaged in In accordance with this Environmental Charter, we will seek ways to
global environment and pursue sustainable development unlawful activities and do not provide money or other types of economic continually improve our environmental management system.
through all aspects of its business activities. benets to them.
6. Announcement and Public Release of the Environmental Charter
6. Contribution to Society 11. Promptly report to or consult the superiors, the Group Compliance
This Environmental Charter will be disseminated among the
As a responsible member of society, MC will actively carry Ofcers, the Domestic Branch Compliance Ofcers, the Foreign Regional
management and all employees of MC. The Company will promote
out philanthropic programs in an effort to promote the Compliance Ofcers, the relevant departments, the Secretariat for the
environmental education to ensure that these principles are
enrichment of society. Moreover, the Company will support Compliance Committee, or the outside counsel in charge of Compliance
understood and acted upon throughout the organization. In addition,
efforts of its employees to contribute to society. upon discovering or committing any violations of this Code of Conduct.
our Environmental Charter will be made available to the public.
MCs Businesses
From a Sustainability Te Spirit of the Tree Corporate Principles Lives On
( The modern day interpretation of the Three Corporate Principles, as agreed at the Kinyokai meeting of the 28 companies
that constitute the so-called Mitsubishi group in January 2001.) The rst issue of the in-house newsletter
published in 1954 featured the Three
Corporate Principles
Contributing to Safe, Comfortable 3, which will link Cairo with Cairo International Airport, is environmentally friendly means of transport, a CDM 1
Transportation proceeding toward a scheduled opening date in 2011 with
technical cooperation involving the transfer of Japans railcar
application has been approved for the construction of a railway
in India. The opening of a railway can change peoples lives
Activities in Cairo, Egypt public works projects, even to the extent that it has been
MCs railway business activities began with the delivery referred to as the Fourth Pyramid after the three pyramids
of Japanese-made steam locomotives to India in 1955. in the Giza Necropolis.
Today, MC supplies railcars and equipment, and constructs, MTR Corporation Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation
operates and maintains complete railway systems overseas, Helping Egypt to Make Railcars (Hong Kong) (India) (Taiwan)
CSR Action Guidelines for Supply Chains Surveys and Site Monitoring management and monitor the CSR activities of each Survey Responses for Fiscal Year Ended
MC handles a multitude of products around the world and MC conducts surveys of suppliers of a range of products, company (see below). March 2009 by Region
accordingly supply chain management is one of the key including those industries where CSR considerations are
areas of focus in our overall commitment to CSR. We request particularly impactful, such as agricultural produce and
Looking Ahead
that our suppliers adhere to our CSR Action Guidelines for apparel. Supplier surveys and site visits provide a valuable
Supply Chains (see below) to help ensure that the products In the scal year ended March 31, 2009, replies were opportunity to communicate MCs stance on CSR and OECD
Countries
we deal with have been produced in an environmentally and received from 193 companies in 28 countries and regions. environmental affairs and will therefore be conducted on an 19
China
97
socially responsible manner. Respondents answered questions pertaining to matters ongoing basis.
These action guidelines, which were rst formulated such as the existence of regulations and legal compliance; MC conducts transactions with a large number of
in February 2008, are published on MCs website and forced labor, child labor and prohibition of discrimination; suppliers throughout the world. Moving forward, the Asia
Latin Africa 37
communicated directly to our suppliers and other relevant environmental conservation; and information disclosure. company plans to continue efforts to ensure that its supply America 11
parties. The guidelines cover the basic environmental and No particular problems were identied by this survey, but chain guidelines are well understood by overseas ofces and 29
social standards that we expect all of our suppliers to as a measure of assurance we have also begun site visits MC Group companies, while eliciting the understanding and
adhere to. to key suppliers. In July 2009, we visited two companies cooperation of suppliers on a global basis.
in China to inspect manufacturing work sites, interview
Web: www.mcfea.org
MCs Ongoing Business Group Initiatives The parentheses in each list of main initiatives show the name
of the related business investment.
industries under a framework that consists of six business of the vital importance of natural biodiversity, we are also kilograms per 20-kg
Energy Japan)
groupsIndustrial Finance, Logistics & Development making a contribution through our support for various Emissions credit business
pallet. The recycling
Group, Energy Business Group, Metals Group, Machinery environmental conservation programs.
Sewage and water services business (Manila Water Company, Inc., of plastic in this way
Group, Chemicals Group and Living Essentials Group In addition to timely and appropriate disclosure of Japan Water Corporation) is contributing to a
Biomass-fueled power generation using food waste (Bioenergy Corp.)
and the newly established Corporate Development Section. corporate information relating to the global environment, we recycling-oriented
Manufacturing of shipping pallets made from waste plastic (M M Pallets made by M M Plastic
As we engage in business development, we recognize that try to reect various stakeholder opinions in our business society.
Plastic Co., Ltd.)
addressing environmental concerns is an important issue for activities. Naturally, we are committed to observing all
contributing to the continuous development of society. These relevant environmental laws and regulations, but we also
GHG Emissions Credit Trading New Energy Initiatives Climate Change
concerns include addressing climate change; the sustainable aim to go beyond mere compliance with the rules by actively Climate Change
use of resources; and the preservation of biodiversity. promoting the adoption of industry-wide best practices
on a Global Scale In March 2009, MC acquired a stake in a solar photovoltaic
Being an early advocate of and entrant to emissions credit project developed by Spain-based ACCIONA S.A., one of
and internationally recognized standards that apply to our
Increasing MCs Value to the Environment worldwide operations. Through these kinds of measures, we trading has enabled MC to develop the infrastructure the worlds largest renewable energy companies. The rst
In terms of specic actions, we are working to reduce aim to increase MCs value to the environment over time. required to become a leader in this business. We have project with ACCIONA S.A. is a 45.8 megawatt power station
established the necessary internal systems to become a one- project in Moura, Portugal, that will have the worlds largest
stop shop for our customers, providing the services needed solar photovoltaic generation capacity.
for each stage of GHG emissions reduction projects. These Meanwhile, a Sapporo-based investment of MCs named
services range from feasibility research and consultancy Hokkaido Bioethanol Co., Ltd. is producing bioethanol using
to the administrative work involved in securing permits, as sub-standard wheat and surplus sugar beet as feedstock.
well as nance, plant construction, monitoring and the sale The company commenced production in March 2009.
of emissions credits. As of July 2009, roughly 30 projects Other business investments by MC include Forest Energy
in which we are involved in have been registered with the Hita Co., Ltd. in Oita Prefecture and Forest Energy Kadogawa
United Nations, with approval of around 50 additional Co., Ltd. in Miyazaki Prefecture, which manufacture wood
projects pending. We have also helped to secure Japanese bio-pellets that are made from residual scrap bark and
government approvals for around 30 projects, with more generally sold as an alternative fuel to coal.
than 40 other projects under consideration. Altogether, MC
has been involved in developing over 100 emissions trading
projects making us the third-largest developer of such
projects in the world.
Comment by Representative of
MCs Emissions Credit Trading Business
Promotion of energy-saving equipment, sales of LNG, research Handling of metal scrap (Metal One Corporation, etc.)
Carbon offset leases with emission credits (Mitsubishi UFJ Lease &
and development of fuel cells and hydrogen applications (Astomos Recycling and processing of used metal, automobiles and home
Finance Company Limited, Mitsubishi Auto Leasing Corporation)
Leasing of facilities that run on renewable energy (Mitsubishi UFJ
Energy Corporation) appliances (Metal One Corporation)
Photovoltaic demonstration projects in Brunei Restoring the natural environment at post-mining sites (Mitsubishi
Lease & Finance Company Limited) Monitoring of a restoration site
ESCO business (Japan Facility Solutions, Inc., Mitsubishi UFJ Lease
Development Pty Ltd, etc.) after rehabilitation
& Finance Company Limited, Shodensya Co., Ltd.)
Facility conversion
Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation 1: BMA is a 50:50 coal-mining joint venture between MDP and BHP Billiton.
Demonstration Project in Brunei Environmental Restoration at Sites of High- 2: During steel production, coking coal is put into a blast furnace along with iron ore. The
Sales of light and stackable K2 pallets for greater environmental Climate Change
coal forms cokes, which act as a reducing agent.
performance and load efciency (Mitsubishi Corporation LT, Inc.) Grade Coking Coal Extraction Biodiversity 3: Health, Safety, Environment and Community
Returnable racks and pallets (Mitsubishi Corporation LT, Inc.)
Brunei has been a source of stable energy supplies for
Reuse and recycling of computers and other ofce equipment
Japan ever since MC took part in a natural gas liquefaction MC owns a 50% equity interest in the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi
1
(Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Company Limited) project in the country in 1972. In August 2008, in a move Alliance (BMA) through Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd
Fitting of diesel engines compliant with exhaust gas regulations
aimed at supporting Bruneis aspirations to diversify its (MDP), an MC subsidiary that is based in Sydney, Australia.
(Mitsubishi Ore Transport Co., Ltd.)
energy sources through renewable energies, MC signed BMA produces 50 million tons per year of high-grade coking
2
a memorandum of understanding with the government coal . The open-cut mining method used to obtain this
Promoting Energy Efciency at Ofces, of Brunei to fund a solar photovoltaic power generation coal involves removing the surface materials prior to coal Comment by Environment/CSR Representative
Hospitals and Other Facilities Climate Change demonstration project. extraction, storing them in a separate location, and then (Metals Group)
The project involves the installation of 1.2 megawatt of lling in the site again once excavation is complete. The nal
Tokyo-based Japan Facility Solutions, Inc., one of MCs solar photovoltaic power generation capacity, the largest stage is rehabilitation, which involves fully restoring the site
In addition to procuring existing steel raw
materials and non-ferrous metal resources, we
business investments, is developing an ESCO (Energy power output of any such project in Southeast Asia. Over a are also working to procure stable supplies of
to its original condition by replanting the native trees and
Service Company) business that helps customers to cut three-year operational testing period, we will work with the metals that are poorly or unevenly distributed,
vegetation that were removed from the site. After restoration,
CO 2 emissions and reduce energy costs. Ofce buildings, government of Brunei on related research and evaluation of
including rare metals, rare earths and uranium.
the site is monitored regularly to check that trees, plants We remain actively committed to promoting
hospitals, commercial facilities and factories are able to the technology. The resulting data environmental and CSR-related initiatives at MC
and shrubs have started to grow and that local wildlife has
realize signicant energy savings by introducing highly and know-how are expected to play subsidiaries and afliates from the perspective
returned. Coal mining also requires the development of strict
efcient equipment or by upgrading and controlling the of protecting the environment and ensuring the
a valuable role in promoting the water controls to preserve local water quality along with sustainable use of resources.
energy efciency of existing infrastructure. The company uptake and commercialization of this Hideyuki Kanda
the highest operating standards to ensure worker safety. In
has been involved in developing technology, including the training of Investment Administration Unit
addition, BMA actively contributes to local communities at Metals Group CEO Ofce
energy-saving solutions for local personnel. Work on the project these sites by nancing infrastructure, protecting cultural
around 80 clients across Japan, is now underway with a target start Solar photovoltaic power
generation demonstration project
including Tokyo Metropolitan date for operations in 2010. (artists impression)
Hiroo Hospital, Tokyo Participation in CCS-Equipped Power Plant Campaign to Promote Adoption of
Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital
Construction in Australia Climate Change Electric Vehicles Climate Change
and Chofu City Hall.
MCs energy service business for Tokyo Main Initiatives MC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) are jointly MC is one of the partners that have invested in Lithium
Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital received the Energy Japan, a joint venture to develop and manufacture
top Gold Award for the 4th Excellent participating in a project in Australia to develop coal-red
Clean coal technology (Integrated gasication combined cycle (IGCC)
ESCO Business Award.
power generation, carbon capture and storage (CCS)) power generation based on clean coal technology. The lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are being tted to the
Wood biomass-fueled power business (Gonoike Bioenergy Australian rm ZeroGen Pty. Ltd. has commissioned MC i-MiEV next-generation electric vehicle (EV), which was
Corporation) and MHI to undertake a feasibility study for an integrated developed by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and launched
Bioethanol (Hokkaido Bioethanol Co., Ltd.) in Japan in July 2009.
Machinery Group gasication combined cycle (IGCC) power plant incorporating
Wind power fund (Green Power Investment Corporation)
carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. This kind of In collaboration with local governments, suppliers and
NaS batteries (Long-life, large capacity batteries made from sodium
and sulfur) power plant would combine high generating efciency with business partners across Japan, we are also actively
The Machinery Group trades machinery in a broad range Development of vehicle management system connected with
a vastly reduced carbon footprint compared with the CO 2 promoting the development of battery recharging
of elds, in which it also develops businesses and invests. the promotion of driving in an eco-conscious manner (Jicoux
emissions from conventional infrastructure, which is essential for widespread EV adoption
These elds extend from large plants for producing Datasystems, Inc.)
Business to promote the uptake of electric vehicles (Mitsubishi
coal-red power generators. The and use. Overseas, we are promoting EV adoption as a
essential industrial materials, such as electricity, natural valuable part of pro-environment
gas, petroleum, chemicals and steel, to equipment and
Motors Corporation (i-MiEV)) project aims to have the facility
machinery for transportation and distribution industries,
Support for energy conservation at steel mills operational by 2015, making it the government policies. Lobbying
Railway business efforts are focused on persuading
including ships, trains and automobiles. It is also active
worlds rst CCS-equipped IGCC
Handling of seawater desalination plants
in the aerospace and defense industries, and in general power generation facility on a EU, national and local governments
Handling of wastewater treatment, ue gas desulfurization and
industrial equipment and machinery, including construction denitrication systems commercial scale. to expand and upgrade frameworks
machinery, machine tools, and agricultural machinery. for subsidizing EVs.
Press conference in Tokyo on June 22, 2009
The Chemicals Group trades and invests in the commodity The Living Essentials Group focuses its activities in the At a corporate level, MC is actively engaged in environmental
chemicals and functional chemicals elds. Commodity elds of clothing, food and home-oriented living, as well management system initiatives such as eco-friendly ofce
Tropical Forest Regeneration
chemicals include petrochemicals, olens and aromatics, as healthcare and media businesses. Throughout the building-related activities, as well as ongoing corporate Experimental Project
Biodiversity
methanol, ammonia, chlor-alkali, fertilizer and inorganic entire supply chain, from material procurement to the philanthropy programs around the world. These cross- (Malaysia, Brazil, Kenya)
chemicals. Functional chemicals include plastics, functional consumer market, we trade in products including foods, functional activities are led by the Corporate Staff Section Tropical forests are home to some of the worlds greatest
materials, electronic materials, food ingredients, and ne clothing, paper, packaging materials, cement, construction and not only benet the environment and society, but also biodiversity, and their destruction is a serious environmental
chemicals. materials, and medical equipment as well as provide help reduce operating cost and raise employee awareness. issue. Since 1990, we have sponsored projects that aim to
various related services. use intensive, mixed planting
Main Initiatives
Main Initiatives Installation of Solar Power Panels at of native tree species to try
CO 2 polymer Corporate Headquarters Climate Change
Electron donor compounds (EDC), soil and groundwater improver
to regenerate tropical forest
Switch to CFC substitutes and natural refrigerants (Toyo Reizo Co., Ltd.)
Handling of biodegradable plastics
Overseas afforestation business We have installed solar panels made by Mitsubishi Electric ecosystems within 4050 years
Catalysts for environmental protection use
Cooperation selling fuel-efcient tires in Japan Corporation on the roof of our corporate headquarters (the natural process is believed
Water treatment membranes for producing pure water, desalinating
Wastewater treatment system (Hollow bre membranes) building in Tokyo (Mitsubishi Shoji Building). These solar to take 300500 years). Projects
seawater, recycling water, etc. Reduction of plastic bags, simple packaging, and reuse and recycling
are currently underway in
panels began generating power in December 2008 with a
Raw materials for environmentally friendly coatings (Mitsubishi Shoji of trays and cups (LAWSON, INC., Life Corporation, Kentucky Fried
Chemical Corporation) Chicken Japan Ltd.) supply capacity of about 10,000 kWh per year. This marked Malaysia, Brazil and Kenya.
Photovoltaic power generation-related materials (Mitsubishi Shoji Food and food waste recycling (LAWSON, INC., Kentucky Fried our rst installation of solar photovoltaic power facilities on
Plastics Corporation) Chicken Japan Ltd., Toyo Reizo Co., Ltd. Yonekyu Corporation, San- MC property. In addition, we have installed a solar power Global Coral Reef
Plastics recycling system (Mitsubishi Shoji Plastics Corporation) Esu Inc.)
Handling of eco-friendly products such as heat-insulating coatings,
generation system in the Marunouchi Park Building, which Conservation Project
Reuse and donation of nursing care equipment (Nippon Care Supply (Okinawa, Midway Atoll, Seychelles) Biodiversity
energy-saving ofce equipment, etc. (MC Yamasan Polymers Co., opened in May 2009.
Co., Ltd.)
Collection of used uniforms, creation of recycling infrastructure
Ltd.)
Pilot business for turning used cotton products into ethanol This collaborative project between industry, academia
Sustainable forestry management in pulp operations (Alpac Forest and concerned individuals is engaged in surveying and
Development of Carbon Dioxide-Based Products Inc.) researching coral reefs from a number of different angles.
Plastic Climate Change Participation in ISSF (International Seafood Sustainability This is all being done in an effort to uncover the causes of
Foundation), a global partnership among tuna processors, scientists,
Since 2007, MC has been developing a plastic that derives and environmental NGOs that supports scientic research relating to
recent coral reef decline and to eventually nd and spread
50% of its raw materials from CO 2in partnership with a marine resource sustainability) (Princes Ltd.) scientically proven ways to preserve them. Research
consortium of industrial and academic partners that includes
Marine resource management (Atlantic bluen tuna, etc.) programs are underway in Okinawa, the Midway Atoll
Trading of Rainforest Alliance-certied coffee National Wildlife Refuge in the U.S., and the Republic of the
Teijin Ltd., Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd., Sumitomo
Maintenance of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) forestry Visitors to MCs head ofce can check how much
Chemical Co., Ltd. and The University of Tokyo. Compared certication power the rooftop solar panels are generating Seychelles. In the scal year ended
with conventional oil-derived plastics, this product reduces from a monitor in the lobby. March 31, 2009, MC was given an
4 honorary award by the Japanese
CO 2 emissions by around 30% based on LCA data. The
product, which could be commercialized as early as the year Position on Atlantic Bluen government in recognition of its
ending March 31, 2013, is expected to have a wide range Tuna Stocks Biodiversity longstanding nancial support for
coral reef research in Okinawa.
of applications, such as in materials for solar cell panels. In response to the growing concern surrounding the Award Gained for Waste Disposal Resources
MCs role in the project is to develop sales channels for the overshing of Bluen Tuna in the Mediterranean, Mitsubishi Initiative
product. Corporation is pursuing a number of new actions and In February 2009, Tokyos Chiyoda Ward conferred an award Mitsubishi Corporation Thousand Year Forest
4: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a quantitative technique for measuring resource Biodiversity
commitments in relation to the sustainability of this important for waste disposal on MCs head ofce building (Mitsubishi (Kochi Prefecture)
consumption and emissions at each life cycle stage from manufacture, transportation Shoji Building). A total of 86 buildings in the local area were
and sale to usage, disposal and re-use. It is used to evaluate the environmental impact
species. These
statement can be policy
and sourcing seen inavailable
our publicly released
on our .
position
website In February 2009, MC began a forest development business
5
of products and services. We are committed to working with all stakeholders in candidates for the prize, which was awarded based on the based on a forest preservation partnership agreement with
Cooperation With Japan Challenge Program this industry in order to contribute to the responsible and volume of overall waste reduction. All of the tenants in the Aki City, Kochi Prefecture and a local forestry association
to Compile Chemical Safety Data Stakeholders sustainable use of this resource. building, including MC, were involved in a project to achieve in Aki City, the birthplace of Mitsubishi founder Yataro
5: Please go to the following website to download the Bluen Tuna Position Statement a 100% recycling
Recycle). rate based on
Going forward, plantheto3Rs (Reduce,
continue Reuse and
promoting 3R Iwasaki. This development came after MC joined a program
Established in 2005, the Japan Challenge Program is a (www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/csr/vision/pdf/position_statement.pdf)
joint initiative between Japanese industry and Japanese and Atlantic Bluen Tuna Sourcing Policy activities as part of raisingwe
environmental awareness among established by Kochi Prefecture to promote collaborative
(www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/csr/vision/pdf/sourcing_policy.pdf) employees.
governmental agencies (the Ministry of Health, Labour and forest restoration with environmentally progressive
Welfare, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and companies. MC will take forest land in Aki City into its care,
Comment by Environment/CSR Representative
the Ministry of the Environment) to collect and disseminate (Living Essentials Group) as a company-owned forest, with the aim of contributing
safety information on commercially available chemicals. to the protection of the regional environment. In addition, a
MC, which imports a variety of chemicals into Japan, has As part of the Groups EMS 6 activities for the 212-hectare expanse of forest, which includes some Aki City-
year ended March 31, 2009, each of our four
actively sponsored and participated in the program from divisions conducted environmental reviews 7 on owned lands, has been named
its inception. MC has formed a consortium with other two subjects each. Based on the concept that the the Mitsubishi Corporation
companies to compile related data. To date, these efforts Groups business activities should make a positive Thousand Year Forest. MC
contribution to the environment, we aim to have
have generated Safety Information Reports on four intends to utilize the forest, which
as many employees as possible gain experience
chemicals (sorbitol, xylose, maltitol and oxalic acid (dihydrate from these reviews so that we can further raise is also known as Yataros Forest,
internal awareness of environmental issues. Waste from the building was sorted into
form)) that have been submitted to the government. eight categories and weighed in the
as a place for environmental
Takashi Kitamura
The Japanese government will disseminate these data Manager (Internal Control)
presence of the building-designated education of local residents and The 212 ha (roughly one square mile)
Living Essentials Group CEO Ofce supervisor and waste disposal forest boasts rich diversity; in addition
on chemical safety to the public to provide important company operatives prior to collection. MC employees, in addition to to cedar and beech, it is also home to
information for the benet of society. 6: Environmental Management System (Refer to page 32) conducting forest management species such as mizunara oak.
7: Refer to pages 32 and 33 for information concerning MCs environmental reviews.
and maintenance initiatives.
Basic Stance and Measures to Promote Token System and Volunteer Stamps short periods of time after ofce hours. The programs include Friendship Camp
Employee Participation In the scal year ended March 31, 2009, employees adapting picture books for children in Cambodia and Laos by for Mothers and
Children
MCs social contribution activities, mainly in the elds of accumulated a total of 6,221 tokens based on which MC afxing local language translations, making soft toys to aid in
the global environment, public welfare, education, culture contributed 3,110,500 (Roughly US$31,000). Questionnaires the development of children with disabilities; collecting used
stamps; or making e-tegami picture postcards for the elderly.
Social Contributions at Sites in Japan and
and the arts and international exchange, prioritize continual completed by employees when submitting their token
programs and voluntary efforts by employees worldwide. applications indicated a preference for donations to be made
Overseas
MC also holds a Christmas Charity Bazaar and donates the
MC is implementing various initiatives to promote in the elds of welfare and education. Accordingly, donations proceeds to NPOs and other charitable foundations. In addition to activities at our Head Ofce, MC ofces
employee participation in volunteer programs, as we think were made to three organizations Shanti Volunteer MC and MC Group employee volunteers also actively in Japan and overseas run their own social contribution
it is important for every member of staff to be fully aware of Association, Group Moko Moko, and Tokyo Voluntary Action the
participate in social contribution programs run outside programs. Employees from Mitsubishi Corporation (UK)
the importance of giving back to society. For example, MC Center. ofce. MC organizes a wide range of activities, including Plc. participated in a clean-up campaign in August 2008
has a system whereby employees can take up to 5 days of When MC employees participate in volunteer programs our Friendship Camp for Mothers and Children, the Tropical at Japanese gardens in central London. At Mitsubishi
volunteer leave per annum and we regularly run in-house organized by the Company, they are presented with Forest Regeneration Experimental Project, and the Global International GmbH in Germany, employee volunteers and
programs during lunch breaks or other convenient time slots volunteer stamps. In the scal year ended March 31, 2009, Coral Reef Conservation Project. In another program, we their families participated in a beautication drive in March
to facilitate employee participation. MC donated 80 mobile library book boxes to an agricultural help give people with disabilities the opportunity to view 2009, held in Dsseldorf where the companys headquarters
MC makes donations to public welfare, educational and community in Laos. To recognize their efforts, each of the museum and art gallery exhibitions after hours; the support of are located.
environmental NPOs or foundations based on a system boxes was inscribed with the names of four MC volunteers employee volunteers has enabled some 3,000 individuals to At MCs Hokuriku Branch, employee volunteers
of virtual tokens. Employees earn virtual tokens for who had collected 5 or more stamps. visit galleries to date. participated in a clean-up campaign run by the Toyama
volunteering their time, with each token worth a corporate Employee volunteers are supporting other initiatives, Mitsubishi Association, which comprises all the Mitsubishi
Ongoing Social Contributions Driven by including collaboration on childrens soccer camps run by the Group companies in Toyama Prefecture. The Tohoku Branch
donation of 500 yen. Tokens are not only awarded for
volunteer work designated by MC, but also for activities
Employee Efforts Japan-League football clubs FC Tokyo and Urawa Reds. held the 13th Vegalta Sendai soccer school this year, inviting
undertaken independently by employees during their private At its Head Ofce, MC runs daily volunteer programs that children from childcare institutions to participate.
time away from work. employees can participate in during their lunch breaks or
5,000
4,000 Clean-up campaign at a Japanese garden in Dsseldorf clean-up campaign Clean-up campaign at the public gardens Vegalta Sendai Soccer School
London (Mitsubishi Corporation (UK) Plc.) (Mitsubishi International GmbH) outside the Toyama Prefectural government (Tohoku Branch)
3,000
1,984 2,085 Picture books produced by ofces and around the Matsukawa-beri
2,000 A volunteer calendar is employee volunteers afxing walking path (Hokuriku Branch)
distributed to employees. stickers with local language
1,000 900
Employees afx a stamp onto translations are handed over
the calendar every time they
0
2005 06 07 08 Fiscal Year participate in a volunteer
to Cambodian children and
read in schools.
Mitsubishi Corporation Art Gate Program
program.
28 MCs CSR & Environmental Performance Mitsubishi Corporation Sustainability Report 2009 29
MCs CSR & Environmental Performance
In September 2000, MC formulated its Code of Conduct and of compliance awareness among its staff. Through these Yes No
established the post of Compliance Ofcer. In March 2006, the activities, MC determined which business areas need more
Has your company obtained ISO 14001, Eco-Action 21 or other environmental
Code of Conduct was revised, and all ofcers and employees attention, conrmed that compliance-related activities are a Q1 16% 84%
management system certication?
of MC, the parent company, are now required to sign a fundamental part of its daily business activities, and gathered
written commitment of adherence to this Code every year. proposals for strengthening its compliance systems. We are Does your company have a management system that promotes companywide
Q2 35% 65%
environmental management?
This is part of ongoing efforts to upgrade and reinforce the strengthening our MC-wide compliance framework to ensure
compliance system. In the scal year ended March 31, 2009, that all employees of MC and its afliates possess a thorough Q3 Does your company run a regular environmental education program for employees? 23% 77%
MC carried out compliance risk analyses for each business understanding of compliance requirements. This remains a key Has your company had any environmental accidents or received any environment-
Q4 4% 96%
groups organizations at Head Ofce and assessed the level initiative to realize increased corporate value. related complaints?
Q5 Does your company currently have any problems with soil or groundwater pollution? 3% 97%
President and CEO Compliance Committee Q6 Is there a risk of soil or groundwater pollution resulting from your companys operations? 23% 77%
Appointment
Chairperson: Chief Compliance Officer Report
Group CEO, GM of Domestic Branch Chief Compliance Officer Implemented by Japans Ministry of Environment, this certicated registration system is based off of ISO14001 and aimed at small and medium-sized businesses.
Administration Office: Compliance Dept.
Chief Regional Officer Compliance Administration Office
Directive Report
Appointment
Proportion of MC Business Investment Partners Whose Environmental Performance Has Been Assessed
Compliance Officer Internal Whistleblower System
Group Compliance Officer Compliance Mail Box and Hotline (Administration Office) Energy and Resource Consumption Waste Production
% %
Domestic Branch Compliance Officer Internal Audit Dept. (Compliance Mail Box and Hotline) 100 100
Overseas Regional Compliance Officer Outside Legal Counsel (Compliance Mail Box and Hotline) 83%
80 80
Directive 70%
Report and Consultation 62%
60% 61%
Organization Heads (BU, Division, Department, Branch, etc.) 60 55% 60
Report and Consultation 54%
47%
Directive Report and Consultation 39%
40 40 37% 31%
Employees 25%
20 20
Relationships with 0 0
Electricity Gasoline Fuel Oil Kerosene Water Diesel Oil Gas Energy- General Industrial Recycled Waste-
reduction waste waste volume reduction
initiatives initiatives
(Unit: Tons of CO )2 1
CSR & Environmental Considerations in MCs Investments A third-party review of CO 2 emissions Fiscal 2007 Fiscal 2006
data has been conducted by Bureau 7,946
Domestic network 7,821
Veritas Japan to ensure the integrity of
Loan and investment proposals are examined by the Executive (JBIC) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) guidelines. The Overseas ofces
CO 2 emissions reporting. (overseas regional subsidiaries branches 5,150 5,150
Committee, which acts as the strategic decision-making body ofce has also formulated a CSR checklist for consideration before and overseas branch ofces)
(Review standard references: WBCSD GHG
for MC. Social and environmental risks are also examined as advancing loan and investment proposals. In addition to screening Protocol (2004) and ISO 14064 International
part of this process, with some proposals receiving further for environmental criteria, social criteria such as human rights and Standard for GHG Emissions Inventories and Domestic and overseas
Verications) consolidated subsidiaries 1,978,236 1,792,834
review from the Board of Directors when necessary. working conditions are also examined with careful consideration (incl. sub-subsidiaries) 2
Loan and investment decisions by the Executive Committee for each country or regions unique circumstances.
1: Scope 2 indirect emissions from electricity consumption
are based on advisory input from the Portfolio Management 2: Consolidated business investees in which MC holds a stake of more than 50%,
referenced from ISO 14064 (70% reply rate)
Committee, which in turn bases its advice on comments
submitted by specialized internal departments. The screening Screening Process for Loan and Investment Proposals
and review process is a comprehensive one, taking into
Board of Directors Participation in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Third-Party
account not only economic but also global environmental and
Reviews of CO 2Emissions
social impact factors. The process is specically guided by the
following mechanisms: Submission of Comment(s) CO2 emissions reporting. We will continue working
Executive Committee
MC has been participating in the Carbon Disclosure
Project (CDP) since FY 2003, pursuant to which to optimize the methodology of our CO2 emissions
Inclusion of environmental and social impacts in loan reporting as we progress towards the low-carbon
Portfolio Management Committee we disclose our CO2 emissions and how we are
and investment proposals society of the future.
addressing climate change. Furthermore, since
Screening of environmental and social impacts by the Submission of Comment(s)
Proposal the scal year ended March 31, 2006, we have
CSR & Environmental Affairs Ofce Application CSR & Environmental Affairs Office
asked Bureau Veritas Japan Co., Ltd. to conduct a
CSR Checklist
Environment
(climate change, biodiversity, etc.)
third-party review of our CO2 emissions data. The
The CSR & Environmental Affairs Ofce uses the following purpose of this review is to ensure the integrity of
Community and Society
documents to guide its screening process: Guidelines for Corporate Group (indigenous people, cultural heritage, etc.)
Conrmation of Environmental and Social Considerations Corporate Development Section Human Rights and Labor
Business Groups (child labor, forced labor, etc.)
published by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation
30 MCs CSR & Environmental Performance Mitsubishi Corporation Sustainability Report 2009 31
MCs CSR & Environmental Performance
32 MCs CSR & Environmental Performance Mitsubishi Corporation Sustainability Report 2009 33
MCs CSR & Environmental Performance
service provided by Tokyo-based MC business investee Jicoux campaigns for tires that offer benets in terms of reduced CO2
CO2 Emissions (Unit: Tons of CO2) Paper Consumption (Unit: Thousand sheets)
Datasystems, Inc. Using images and online data storage, emissions. As well as assessing progress within this product
this service tries to improve the safety and environmental sector against targeted sales goals, the review analyzed end- Fiscal 2008 Fiscal 2007 Fiscal 2008 Fiscal 2007
compliance of corporate vehicle eets. The review focused user benets and concluded that these products had achieved Head ofces 3,672 3,658 Head ofces 80,322 77,511
on the key aspects of driving safety, fuel efciency higher sales based on proven benets in terms of greater fuel Domestic branches 511 518 Domestic branches 8,194 8,410
improvements and CO2 emissions reduction. It conrmed that efciency. In view of potential transport-related energy savings, All head ofces and All head ofces and
4,183 4,176 88,516 85,921
this telematics service could contribute to corporate clients the Living Materials Unit plans to promote the benets of these branches in Japan branches in Japan
making incremental gains in energy efciency via transparent energy-efcient tires more widely among MC customers and
Converted from the above electricity consumption
The conversion from electricity consumption to CO 2emissions was performed using
Paper consumption rose slightly in the scal year ended March 31, 2009 due mainly to
preparations to relocate the Shinagawa head ofce.
reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Going MC Group companies going forward to encourage greater coefcients contained in Calculation worksheets (December 2007) v2.0 (2005, Japan) of
the GHG Protocol Initiative Calculation Tools.
forward, the company aims to help customers make further adoption of these products.
reductions in environmental impact by promoting safe and eco- CO2 Emissions From Logistics (Unit: Tons of CO2)
friendly driving.
Fiscal 2008 Fiscal 2007
4: Please refer to the following website for more details of this telematics service.
URL reference: http://www.jicoux.com/telematics [Japanese only]
Distribution factors 83,500 95,100
Data collected in compliance with the Act on the Rational Use of Energy in Japan and
covers domestic (Japan) transport where MC is the cargo owner.
Period
April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009
Policies and Standards
Information is provided in accordance with internal regulations such as the Environmental Management Policy Regulations and the Environmental
MC handles various fuel-efcient eco tires made by
The Kurumie service provides customers Bridgestone Corporation, Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. and Impact Evaluation Standards, and in compliance with relevant environmental laws and regulations.
Scope of Aggregation
with online access to real-time images and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. (from left to right).
other detailed driving data, including vehicle
movements for each driver, idling times, and The scope of application of MCs environmental management system ( Head offices (9 groups, including Corporate, 1 branch, 1 office and 7
the time and location of any vehicle involved subsidiaries) and domestic (6 branches, 8 ofces and 1 annex ofce))
in an emergency braking situation.
Electricity consumption: Excludes electricity of common areas of the Mitsubishi Shoji Building, data centers, etc.)
Waste production: Head ofces (Mitsubishi Shoji Building, Shinagawa ofce, and some other ofces in Tokyo)
Paper consumption: Excludes paper consumption of data centers and some ofces.
34 MCs CSR & Environmental Performance Mitsubishi Corporation Sustainability Report 2009 35
MCs CSR & Environmental Performance
2.00
3.0 Measures to Promote Positive Working Environments
1.95 2.5
2.4
1.90 1.88 1.92 In October 2007, MC established the Working Environment employee needs. Examples include the elimination of partner
2.0
1.85
1.9
Support Ofce which primarily focuses on three areas requirements in our childcare system (that previously limited
1.85 1.82
1.5
1.5 overtime periods and leave; the mental and physical health of use of the system to only those employees whose partners
1.3
1.80 could not provide full-time childcare), in order to encourage
1.1 employees; and gender-neutral employment support. The main
1.75 1.0 goal for this Ofce is to create working environments that boost male participation in childcare, and extending the staggered
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008FY 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 FY
2 Non-consolidated basis (Global basis, includes secondees)
the enthusiasm and vitality of all employees. working hours and exi-time systems for employees providing
1 Based on MC in Japan and 1 designated special subsidiary
In May 2008, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and long-term care to family members from a period of one year to
Welfare (MHLW) awarded an as long as the long-term care is necessary.
36 MCs CSR & Environmental Performance Mitsubishi Corporation Sustainability Report 2009 37
Corporate Data (As of March 31, 2009)
Financial Highlights
Mitsubishi Corporation and Subsidiaries Years Ended March 31 (based on U.S. GAAP)
( Millions of Yen )
2009.3 2008.3
Status of dividends
Dividend per share (for the year, yen) 52.00 56.00
Dividend payout ratio [Consolidated] (%) 23.1% 19.7%
Operating transactions is a voluntary disclosure commonly made by similar Japanese trading companies, and is not meant to
represent sales or revenues in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The gures have been restated, in accordance with provisions of U.S. GAAP.
The gures for the year ended March 31, 2008 relating to discontinued operations have been reclassied.
38 Corporate Prole
Stop Global Warming!
Team minus 6% (Japanese Government Emissions Reduction Initiative)
This report is printed on paper made Soy inks were used in which The printing used This report was prepared using Color
from lumber that has been sourced oil-derived solvents were waterless processes not Universal Design (CUD) principles to
from forests certified as well replaced with soy oil. involving dampening ensure as many readers as possible
managed by the Forest Stewardship water containing volatile can view it properly, irrespective of
Council (FSC). organic compounds. differences in color vision. The Color
Universal Design Organization, a
Japanese NPO, approved its design.