Environmental Management
In the Sumitomo Pharma "Declaration of Conduct: Item 6. Positively Address Global Environmental Issues" and the "Compliance Standard: Item 11. Protection of the Environment," we clearly state our commitment to observance of environment-related laws and regulations as well as internal rules and to conducting business activities in a manner that is considerable of the effects on the global environment and the environment of local communities. We recognize responsibility for the environmental impact through our business activities and strive to reduce negative environmental impact in all aspects of our business operation.
Environmental Management
Environmental issues such as climate change are serious global problems that threaten the health and wellbeing of people worldwide. Through all of its business activities, Sumitomo Pharma will actively work on preserving the environment and creating a recycling-oriented society, and aim to resolve these issues in order to realize a sustainable society. We use energy, water resources, and various chemical substances for research and development and for manufacturing products, and we believe it is important for us to be aware of the impact of our business activities on the environment and to address environmental issues. Therefore, we have established an environmental management system with reference to ISO14001, and are operating the system at all of our sites in Japan. Especially for production sites, all production sites (Suzuka Plant, Oita Plant, Suzhou Plant), including the bases of overseas group companies, have acquired ISO14001 certification. Moreover, with regard to risks and opportunities related to climate change, we have promoted initiatives based on the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and disclosed information in April 2022. In fiscal 2022, based on disclosure information, we promoted dialogue with stakeholders to advance our ongoing initiatives and ensure preparedness for climate change. We will continue to value dialogue with stakeholders, reassessing the risks and opportunities presented by climate change from various perspectives. By considering both "mitigation" and "adaptation" aspects of climate change, we aim to further reduce risks and effectively seize opportunities.
Basic Environmental Policies
At the time of the Company's establishment in 2005, we established the Basic Environmental Policies that set forth our ideal vision and the matters to be addressed to realize it. Subsequently, in light of growing social demands for the environment, the Management Committee and the Environmental and Safety Committee discussed the stance we ought to take as a company, and the Board of Directors decided to revise the Basic Environmental Policies at the meeting held in May 2021. In this revision, we have clarified the proactive disclosure of environmental information, the promotion of dialogue with stakeholders, and our stance on undertaking initiatives over our entire value chain.
For more information on Basic Environmental Policies, please see "Basic Environmental Policies."
Environmental Goals
We have formulated our Mid- to Long-term Environmental Goals and Mid-term Environmental Plans and annual implementation plans under our Basic Environmental Policies. Meanwhile, the Environmental and Safety Committee evaluates the initiatives we have undertaken.
For more information on details of our Environmental Goals, please see "Basic Environmental Policies."
※ The Suzhou plant of our group company Sumitomo Pharma (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. in China has also obtained ISO14001 certification.
Environmental Management System
Under the Basic Environmental Policies established by the Board of Directors, Sumitomo Pharma has established the Environmental and Safety Committee (meeting twice yearly) chaired by the Executive Officer in charge of Corporate Governance to tackle environmental issues at the corporate level. The Environmental and Safety Committee consists of the environmental management supervisor at each site plus the head of Human Resources and the head of Corporate Governance. The full-time Audit & Supervisory Board Members also attend the committee. They discuss and formulate Mid- to Long-term Environmental Goals, Mid-term Environmental Plans and annual implementation plans based on their understanding of issues, and review various activities. We have also established the Environmental and Safety Managers' Conference (meeting twice yearly) chaired by the head of Corporate Governance to discuss these agendas in advance and consider practical issues. Additionally, we have a system for proactive management of issues at all sites, through actions such as regularly scheduled meetings of environmental committees at each site.
Our initiatives for the environment conducted under the environmental management system are reported to the Board of Directors at least once a year as part of our sustainability efforts. Also we report important matters related to environment to the President and the President provides appropriate instructions for addressing these matters. If it is necessary, the matters are discussed at the Management Committee.
In addition, we regularly conduct internal environmental and safety audits at all sites to review their status of legal compliance, their environmental performance and others.
Environmental Management Structure
Environmental Accidents and Legal Violations
In fiscal 2022, there were no environmental accidents or serious violations of environmental laws and regulations. We have not paid any significant environment-related criminal fines nor non-criminal fines in the past five fiscal years.