Certification and ESG Consulting – Woonerf Inc.

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Our Journey

Environmental Management Policies

1. Environmental Management

We regard environmental conservation efforts as one of the most important management issues, and we will efficiently operate and continually improve our environmental management organization system.

2. Law Compliance and Targets

We will not only comply with domestic environmental laws and regulations related to our business but will always aim to be among the world's top companies in terms of climate change countermeasures, conservation and restoration of the natural environment, and other social requirements.

3. Environmental Conservation Action

We will act especially on the following items as company-wide activities.

  • ① Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
  • ② Waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and resource circulation promotion.
  • ③ Water conservation.
  • ④ Regarding environmental impact assessments, we'll achieve and maintain environmental-related external certifications.

4. Nature Positive

Our goal is to change the decision-makers' consciousness in development and management to shift the global flow of funds by taking a “Nature Positive" approach. We will strive to contribute to nature conservation efforts by supporting the acquisition of sustainability international certifications and proposing environmentally friendly constructions and operations.

5. Human and Organization Development

We established the internal policy based on the experience obtained through business and disclosed it to all employees and the public. Moreover, we will hold internal training based on that policy and promote environmental management.

All employees are aware that they are members of a leading sustainability company, and we strive to raise awareness of environmental conservation and maintain a corporate culture of active learning while maintaining diversity and mastery of their respective specialties.

Sustainability Actions

Initiative

Woonerf has been promoting better value to the environment and society since it was founded, based on the philosophy of contributing to creating a sustainable and economically prosperous community. As responsible corporate citizens, we participate in global initiatives to help solve issues on a global scale.

United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)
Global Compact Network Japan (GCNJ)

In February 2022, Woonerf was approved to sign the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and join the Global Compact Network Japan (GCNJ). Woonerf endorses the ten principles of the UNGC, which include the protection of human rights, the elimination of unfair labor practices, environmental responsibility, and the prevention of corruption, and will continue to contribute to developing a sustainable society by making efforts to realize its commitments.

We are also an officially recognized participant in the Initiative's Target Gender Equality (TGE), and we regularly monitor our level of achievement. We also actively participate in the UN Global Compact Climate Ambition Accelerator program (CAA).

United Nations Global Compact

The Ten Principles
of the UN Global Compact
Human Rights
Principle 1
Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
Principle 2
make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labour
Principle 3
Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
Principle 4
the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
Principle 5
the effective abolition of child labour; and
Principle 6
the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Environment
Principle 7
Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
Principle 8
undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
Principle 9
encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Anti-Corruption
Principle 10
Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

SDGs

Principles for Financial Action for the 21st Century

Since the inception of the Principles for Financial Action for the 21st Century, Woonerf Inc. has been actively and deeply involved in their development. These principles serve as a strategic framework that clearly defines the responsibilities and roles financial institutions should undertake in contributing to the realization of a sustainable society, and encourages proactive engagement based on these roles.

Signatory institutions commit to implementing initiatives aligned with the seven action guidelines set forth in the principles, to the extent practicable, while taking into account the nature and scope of their respective business operations. A notable feature of these principles is their function as a shared foundation for collaboration, transcending differences in business type, scale, and geographic location.

Woonerf Inc. fully endorses the philosophy embodied in these principles and has maintained its status as a signatory since 2013. We remain firmly committed to contributing to the creation of a sustainable future through business activities that are considerate of both environmental and social impacts.

Principles for Financial Action for the 21st Century

Principles for Financial Action Towards a Sustainable Society (7 Principles)

[Principle 1] Basic posture
We recognize our responsibility and role as a financial institution in building a sustainable society, and will take the lead in implementing best practices through each of our businesses, aiming to create positive impacts on the environment, society, and economy, and to mitigate negative impacts.

[Principle 2] Contributing to a sustainable global society
Toward a steady and fair transition of society, we will develop and provide financial products and services that contribute to the creation and development of industries and businesses through innovation, and lead the formation of a sustainable global society.

[Principle 3] Contributing to the creation of sustainable local communities
We will support the resolution of environmental, social, and economic challenges that take into account regional characteristics, and lead the creation of sustainable local communities by improving regional inclusiveness and resilience.

[Principle 4] Human Resource Development
We recognize the importance of human capital in financial institutions and will develop personnel who can think independently and take action on environmental and social issues.

[Principle 5] Collaboration with diverse stakeholders
We recognize that cooperation among diverse stakeholders, including financial institutions, is important for creating a sustainable society, and we will not only participate in such efforts but also play a proactive role.

[Principle 6] Building a sustainable supply chain
We will proactively address environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity issues, as well as social issues such as human rights, and strive to build a sustainable supply chain through constructive engagement with business partners, including those to whom we invest and lend.

[Principle 7] Information Disclosure
We recognize that activities that enhance the sustainability of society are a management issue, and based on domestic and international trends and disclosure frameworks, we will widely disclose information about our efforts to stakeholders and make continuous improvements.

Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
The TNFD Forum Institutions

In March 2022, Woonerf endorsed the efforts of the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and joined the TNFD Forum.

TNFD is a market-driven global initiative that encourages organizations to assess and report on risks and opportunities related to the natural environment and biodiversity in their economic activities, to shift global financial flows toward nature-positive※ activities that benefit nature.

Through its participation in the TNFD Forum, Woonerf will contribute to developing a framework for disclosing nature-related financial information and assessing nature-related risks for each industry and company in line with the framework. By proactively promoting initiatives for co-creating environmental value and disclosing nature-related information, we aim to realize a sustainable society.

※Nature Positive means building a positive interrelationship between nature and economic activities. In other words, to create "a situation where the more your business develops, the more positive impact it can have on the natural environment.

The TNFD Forum

Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

In November 2023, Woonerf received the SBT for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) certification for its Green House Gas emission reduction target. With this certification, our GHG emission reduction targets are certified by SBTi based on scientific findings and consistent with the level required by the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the increase in global average temperature due to climate change to well below 2℃ above pre-industrial levels, and to 1.5℃.

By receiving SBT certification, we will further strengthen our position as a pioneering and leading sustainability company and make a company-wide effort to take climate change issues more seriously.

Science Based Targets initiative

Life Cycle Assessment Society of Japan (JLCA)

Woonerf has been a member of the Life Cycle Assessment Society of Japan since February 2023. Life Cycle Assessment Society of Japan (a.k.a. JLCA) is a platform for stakeholders in industry, academia, and national and public research institutions involved in life cycle assessment (LCA).

JLCA conducts surveys and research activities, information exchange promotion activities, and public awareness activities related to LCA and eco-efficiency, considering domestic and international trends. Thus, JLCA aims to promote and develop these subjects in Japan. Furthermore, JLCA aims to realize a sustainable economic society.

As a member of JLCA, we endorse its activities and are committed to the spread and better development of LCA in Japan.

Life Cycle Assessment Society of Japan

Our Certifications　

Woonerf has obtained several certifications on its own. We will apply this experience to assist our clients in obtaining these certifications.

JUST JUST

In February 2021, Woonerf was approved as the first company in Japan to be certified by the JUST program run by the International Living Future Institute (an environmental NGO based in Seattle, USA) and holds the JUST label.

JUST is an information disclosure platform that allows organizations to visualize social fairness through public disclosure of their policies to achieve a fair work environment and society by integrating social fairness into business. Each indicator is evaluated at four levels, and the assessment results are visualized in indicators for each item and issued as the JUST label. This label provides a glance at the organization's progress in all major categories and indicators.

Woonerf is committed to continuous improvement by reviewing its policies and practices every two years to provide advice to clients who have obtained the JUST label. In addition, by making its activities visible, Woonerf will continue to develop progressive policies and practices worldwide.

Specific Initiatives

Ethnic DiversityMany foreign employees
Charitable DonationsThe company's policy matches philanthropic donations made by employees up to 1% of net income.
Employee Health ManagementWorkplace health policy, WELL Health-Safety Rating
Training + EducationProvide adequate training budget for employees (240,000 yen/year per person)
Products and ServicesWoonerf's work is 100% consulting services to improve society and the environment and to achieve a sustainable future

TRUE TRUE

In January 2022, Woonerf became the first company in Japan to receive Gold certification under the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) certification system operated by GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.) of the United States.

TRUE is an integrated approach that aims to change the flow of materials in society and reduce waste to zero. TRUE is designed to promote the design and implementation of processes considering the entire life cycle. Through TRUE certification, Woonerf can demonstrate its waste reduction goals and commitment to society.

Woonerf's certification is not an end in itself, but rather an ongoing company-wide commitment to waste reduction, with the goal of re-certification every three years. Woonerf also provides consulting services to client companies to help them obtain this certification.

Specific Initiatives

CompostingInstallation of composting equipment, composting of food scraps and pruning waste from plants, and use of compost created for planting.
EducationSharing of waste data, thorough separation of waste by waste type, and promotion of zero waste conscious purchasing
Zero-waste reportingDaily TRUE checklists completed by employees, a record of waste types and weights, a record of waste disposal fees
Zero-waste purchasingCreate an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) policy and purchase office supplies and consumables according to the procedure.

TRUE is a zero waste certification program and the related logo is a trademark owned by Green Business Certification Inc.™ and is used with permission.

LEED v4.1 O+M : インテリア LEED v4.1 O+M : Interior

In December 2022, Woonerf received Gold certification under LEED v4.1 O+M : Interior (Building Operations and Maintenance; Existing Buildings Edition).

LEED is a certification system that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings and cities - the certification level changes over time-based on a relative evaluation (benchmarking) against buildings worldwide.

Woonerf's core business is consulting services for LEED certification, and by acquiring O+M certification for its own offices, the company will be able to visualize and disclose the performance of its offices and provide consulting services at an even higher level.

Specific Initiatives

Creation of Purchasing Policy (MR1)establish sustainability criteria for goods purchased for office use (electronics, office supplies, food)
Facility Management and Renovation Policy Development(MR2)Establish facility maintenance and renovation policies, including guidelines for renovation and maintenance activities using LEED rating system criteria
Energy Audits(EA1)review current operations and consider changes to efficient lighting and HVAC equipment operating practices
Minimum Air Quality Management(EQ1)Ensure ASHRAE standard ventilation levels by cleaning filters in ventilation equipment and operating ventilation equipment based on the number of occupants

WELL Equity Rating WELL Equity Rating

In January 2023, Woonerf became the first company in the world to receive the WELL Equity Rating, which, like WELL certification and other ratings, is developed and administered by IWBI (The International WELL Building Institute) and audited by the third-party GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.). Like WELL Certification and other ratings, the WELL Equity Rating is developed and administered by IWBI (The International WELL Building Institute) and audited by a third-party organization, GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.).

The WELL Equity Rating (WER) is one of three subsets of WELL certification, along with the WELL Health-Safety Rating and the WELL Performance Rating, to promote equity, which includes health, well-being, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion. The rating system is designed to promote equity. Woonerf maintains its rating by submitting an annual renewal application. Woonerf is one of the first companies in the world to obtain WER and will continue to provide consulting services to support clients in Japan who are pioneering in the promotion of fairness by taking a flexible stance in response to the times.

Specific Initiatives

DEI Assessment and Action Plan Development（EE1）Comprehensive assessment of organizational diversity
Basic Questionnaire Implementation (EE3): Survey employees and report results
Promote Nature, Place, and Culture（ED3）Describe the natural environment and local community
Ergonomic Workstation (ED5): Prepare adjustable desks, chairs, and monitors
Providing Sick Leave and Flexible Work Arrangements（EH4）Providing sick leave and mental health support
Providing Space for Recovery（ES2）Preparing for breaks and rest areas
Community Involvement（EC1）Volunteer leave program and policy to match charitable donations made by employees from the company

Fitwel Fitwel

Woonerf Tokyo HQs has been awarded a Fitwel 1 Star in October 2023.This certification shows we are promoting occupant health & well-being to support physical, mental, and social health for our employees.This is the third aquisition of Fitwel certification in Japan (First for a commercial interior space).

Fitwel is a performance evaluation system developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Government Procurement Office (GSA).Fitwel has 12 evaluation categories, each of which is weighted, and the total score is used to assign a rating from 1 to 3 stars.In the process of acquiring Fitwel, Woonerf revised its internal rules and regulations as necessary, aiming to evolve to a healthier and more comfortable working environment, both physical and institutional. In addition, we will continue to improve the working environment and re-certify Fitwel every three years. We will continue to be open to any opinions and questions from the employees regarding the content and operation of internal rules and regulations.

Together with conventional WELL and LEED consulting services, we will provide the service for Fitwel aquisition to companies and organizations interested in this rating system.

Specific Initiatives

Bicycle Parking（2.3）・Active Commuter Showers （2.4）The office has shower and locker facilities so that employees can do some refreshment activities such as biking to work or exercising during their breaks.
Local Amenities Display（4.7）We established a map introducing local amenities around Ichigaya-area so employees can explore during their break time.
Multi-purpose Room（8.7）Monthly free yoga-lesson is held in the multi-purpose room in Place W, directed by a yoga instructor.
Occupant Satisfaction Survey（8.12）Employees' opinions on the work environment and benefits are collected through survey, and continuous improvements are made.
Automated External Defibrillator（12.2）・Certified First Responders（12.3）The office is facilitated with AEDs to better prepare for the emergency occasions. There are 10 CFRs in Woonerf Inc., and the training is conducted upon request.

History

World

Woonerf

United Nations Advocates PRI (Principles for Responsible Investment) for Institutional Investors
Calls for ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) considerations in investment behavior
First participation in Greenbuild (held in Chicago)
2006
CSR Design & Landscape Design Office, Ltd. It was established in Hatchobori, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (currently Woonerf).
We started a business with landscape design/construction and environmental consulting as mainstays.
History of Woonerf
2007
First participation in Greenbuild (held in Chicago)
Greenbuild: An international conference held annually in the US.
Global financial and economic crisis (so-called Lehman Shock)
2008
2010
Incorporated and renamed CSR Design & Landscape, Inc.
Subsidiary CSR Design & Environment Investment Advisory Co.
*The company aims to strengthen consulting services for environmental real estate green buildings, and at the same time, its main business is to provide investment advice on environmental real estate.
Great East Japan Earthquake (Japan)
2011
The office relocated to Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Occupy Wall Street
The global financial crisis and recession that followed the collapse of Lehman Brothers triggered protests against the US business and political worlds on Wall Street in Manhattan, New York City.
Conducted UNEP PRI Environmental Real Estate Survey and reported to GRESB Headquarters (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmarking) in the Netherlands.
2013
The office relocated to Kudan-kita
and opened the current Ichigaya Head Office
2014
Company name changed to Woonerf Inc
History of Woonerf
Sold shares of CSR Design Environmental Investment Management Co.
All employees traveled to Portland for a study tour
History of Woonerf
GPIF (Pension Fund Investment Management Inc.) signed the UN Principles for Responsible Investment
SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are adopted at the UN Summit.
Launch of the Task Force on Climate Change-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
2015
Paris Agreement was adopted at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21).
2016
Multipurpose space Place W opens
on the first floor of the Ichigaya Head Office.
History of Woonerf
2017
Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) Names Woonerf a LEED Proven Provider of the LEED BD+C Certification System
Publication of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) "1.5°C Special Report"
2018
Revision of the era name from Heisei to Reiwa (Japan)
2019
UN Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) launched
The first case of COVID-19 infection was reported in Wuhan, China
Osaka office opened
2020
WELL Health-Safety Rating at Place W
2021
Arc Japan was established jointly with the Development Bank of Japan Inc. and Arc Skoru, Inc
Woonerf became the first company in Japan to join the JUST Program, which visualizes social fairness.
Hamanako Satellite Office opened
Launch of the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)
Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) Report of Working Group I "Climate Change - The Natural Science Basis"
2022
Ichigaya Head Office Building Receives Gold Certification under TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Certification System
Signed the UNGC (United Nations Global Compact) and joined GCNJ (Global Compact Network Japan)
Endorsed the efforts of the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and participated in the TNFD Forum
Yokohama office opened
The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopts the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) by 2030.
Ichigaya Head Office Building received Gold Certification under LEED v4.1 O+M for Commercial Interiors
2023
Ichigaya Head Office Building became the first building in the world to receive the WELL Equity Rating
Hamanako Satellite Office was relocated
Ichigaya Head Office Building received a one-star rating on the Fitwel Certification
Woonerf received its SBT (Science Based Targets) for Small and Medium Enterprises from SBTi
History of Woonerf
History of Woonerf