Conserving Water Resources

Basic Policy and Approach

The effects of climate change brought about by global warming have led to a greater risk of water shortages worldwide. In Japan, there are doubts about the continued stable supply of water from dams due to changing rainfall patterns in recent years. To mitigate the effect of water shortages on socio-economic activities and ensure the stable use of water, it is important to systematically promote the efficient use of water resources and enact strategies based on supply and demand considerations. We also view access to sanitation-controlled water as one of the basic human rights.

Based on this perception of the challenges, the Mitsubishi Estate Group not only complies with the laws and regulations of each country where we operate, but also promote initiatives in line with international goals, initiatives, and international standards, including the SDGs, and will implement urban development along with building development and operation giving consideration to the efficient use of and preservation and conservation of water resources and will continue working in collaboration with tenants, joint venture partners, local people involved in urban development, and government agencies to use water efficiently and reduce usage.

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Initiatives for Efficient Water Use

Each company in the Mitsubishi Estate Group has built an environmental management system (EMS) and manages and implements targets for environmental activities, including water management.

See the following for the Mitsubishi Estate Group's environmental management promotion system.

Environmental Management Promotion System

See the following for data on water use.

ESG Data > Environmental Data

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Goals and Achievement Status

The Mitsubishi Estate Group sets goals in accordance with its business models. For example, installation of water-saving toilets as well as kitchens, wash basins, and showers that conserve hot water is standard in The Parkhouse series of condominiums supplied by Mitsubishi Estate Residence.

See the following for water-related data.

ESG Data > E: Environmental data > (2) Other

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Implementing Water Risk Assessments

The Mitsubishi Estate Group periodically implements assessments of water stress and water risk for properties covered by SBTs in and outside Japan using Aqueduct, an assessment tool developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI).

The risk level does not rise to the "medium-high" category in any of the areas where the Group's properties are located. For the time being, it is considered that there are no major concerns related to water use and wastewater, etc. However, the Group will continue to monitor water use and risk level at each site every fiscal year.

When developing and operating real estate in regions rated as "high" or "extremely high" risk levels, where water stress or risk is high, the Group will strive for efficient water use to mitigate impact on the local environment and engage in the appropriate consultation and dialogue with external stakeholders to ensure the proper use of water.

See the following for the results of water risk assessment.

ESG Data > E: Environmental data > (2) Other

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Initiatives for Improving Water Quality

Otemon Tower-ENEOS Building Equipped with Water Purification Facility for Imperial Palace Moat

The quality of the water in the Imperial Palace moat has deteriorated significantly as the result of a lack of fresh water. The Otemon Tower-ENEOS Building, which was completed in November 2015, is the first private-sector project to introduce a rapid water purification facility capable of purifying up to 500,000m³ of water per year to improve water quality in the Imperial Palace moat. Additionally, to prevent water from stagnating as a result of low water levels in the moat, the facility is also equipped with a massive water reservoir capable of replenishing water equivalent to about six times the volume of a 25m swimming pool. Since the completion of the project, the rapid water purification facility has been slowly but surely helping improve the quality of the water in the moat.

Cross-section view of purification and reservoir facility

Preserving Biodiversity

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Initiatives for Efficient Use of Recycled Water

The Mitsubishi Estate Group uses recycled water obtained by processing cooling tower blowdown, tenant kitchen wastewater, and rainwater for flushing toilets and watering outdoor plantings.

Examples of Water Efficiency Programs

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