Promoting a Circular Economy
Initiatives for the realization of a circular economy
Kumagai Gumi has set a target of reducing our mixed construction waste discharge rate to 2.0% or less by taking action to cut mixed waste on the way to achieving zero discharge, which is a specific issue laid out in our ESG Initiative Direction. We are focusing on promoting 3R practices (reduce, reuse, recycle), thorough separation of plastic waste, and promotion of green purchasing.
| Initiatives | FY2024 Performance (Kumagai Gumi only) | |
|---|---|---|
| Promotion of 3R | Overall 3R Plan: Identification of incoming materials, quantities by product, and available disposal options | Construction mixed waste discharge rate 1.7% (Target: 2.0% or lower) |
| Reduce: Proposals to clients, designers, and partner companies at the construction planning stage, followed by implementation | ||
| Reuse: Use materials at multiple work sites, primarily materials for temporary use | ||
Recycle: Emphasis on voluntary waste separation activities
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| Enforcement of separation of plastic garbage | A new set of Separation Procedures for Plastic Waste was established in May 2021 to promote the separation, proper disposal, and recycling of plastic waste Management system: Operation and management of the Quality and Environment Management System |
Waste plastic separated: 7,079 t Electronic manifest usage rate: 97.2% (Target: 95% or higher) |
| Promotion of green purchasing | Purchase of construction materials and equipment: Implemented based on the Green Purchasing Guidelines enforced in 2001 Kumagai Gumi Procurement Policy / Procurement Policy Guidelines established in 2021 Declaration of corporate social responsibility, including the environment and human rights, from the procurement stage |
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Kumagai Gumi is actively promoting a circular economy for the realization of a sustainable society. A key initiative within its new business development efforts is the focus on next-generation sustainable circular agriculture, specifically through aquaponics. This is an innovative system that integrates hydroponics and land-based aquaculture within a single waterrecycling framework. In this system, underutilized fish from land-based aquaculture are upcycled into fish feed, which is then reused to nourish Kumagai Gumi’s own farmed fish, thereby achieving resource circulation. This approach helps reduce rising feed costs and minimize waste generation.
Furthermore, the company is conducting demonstration trials of a proprietary “Algae x Aquaponics” system, aiming to reduce environmental impact and contribute to carbon neutrality. In this system, waste from aquaculture is repurposed as nutrients for microalgae, enabling water-saving cultivation of algae, which typically requires large volumes of water, and advancing environmental stewardship.
Indicators and Targets
Specific issue: Achievement of zero emissions
Specific initiatives: Activities to reduce mixed waste disc harge
Indicator:
| Construction mixed waste discharge rate (%) | = amount of mixed waste generated (t) (including the amount from demolition works and materials buried underground) |
/ total construction waste generated (t) (including the amount from demolition work, materials buried underground, and construction sludge) |
Target: 2.0% or lower (each fiscal year)