Biodiversity:Social Responsibility Activities
–Environmental Action Plan (Activities outside Japan)–

 icoh Industrie France S.A.S. (RIF) launched and is promoting the Vie & Couleurs (Life & Colors) project in fiscal 2009, with the aim of achieving environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development. Through this biodiversity conservation project, the European manufacturing subsidiary is working to create a comfortable environment not only for its employees but also for plants, birds, and other animals in the vicinity. In cooperation with a local environmental organization called the Regional Association for Initiation into the Environment and Nature in Alsace, employee volunteers plant trees and clear land on the factory premises. The project has the following three objectives:

(1) Increasing the biodiversity in the 120,000 square-meter area of RIF’s premises and thereby contributing to the development of a “green network” in Alsace;
(2) Protecting indigenous species in Alsace and conserving the wild flora and fauna of the surrounding areas; and
(3) Promoting awareness of environmental conservation to RIF employees, partner companies, and the broader public.

Under the Vie & Couleurs project, RIF volunteers have created a biotope pond, a pasture, and a flower field of some 1,400 m² with various kinds of flowers in all four seasons; installed birdhouses; and developed the inventory list of flora and bird species inhabiting the factory premises. During fiscal 2010, the project participants also created hedgerows and planted fruit trees, and conducted a feasibility study regarding the possible launch of sustainable beekeeping on the site. In addition to implementing the activity, RIF has been focusing on communicating its biodiversity conservation efforts to the public. For instance, the company provided related employee education programs, and produced a video introducing its green activities which it showed in external seminars and lecture events. Such communication activities were praised as an exemplary case of environmental education at a host of related conferences in France.

Eco-Ninja Original Logo

Ricoh UK Products Ltd. (“RPL”) began their Eco-Ninja biodiversity conservation activities in fiscal 2009. In this program, the manufacturing subsidiary in Europe carries out conservation projects on the company’s premises, at the local Wrekin Forest, and other neighboring areas, working closely with experts from local NGO’s.

The conduction of these surveys involves building nest boxes for birds and mammals, Live mammal trapping surveys are completed, which is permitted only for those who have obtained a regulatory permit after receiving appropriate training. RPL volunteers (Eco-Ninjas) had received the necessary training, which was provided in collaboration with Shropshire Wildlife Trust and the Shropshire Mammal Society, and obtained the permit. The data from these projects is collected and used for the region’s Biodiversity Action Plan as part of the Eco-Ninjas “local-physical-targeted” philosophy.

In June, which is Japan’s Environmental Month, these green volunteers surveyed hedges on the RPL premises and found evidence that they serve as habitats for many kinds of small mammals as well as moths, birds, lichens, fungi, and other species that contribute to maintaining the ecosystems in the local community.

In addition to these types of survey activities, RPL installed nest boxes to conserve the habitats of robins and other birds in Telford where the company is located, at the request of the Granville Local Nature Reserve. The local ecosystem in Telford is threatened due to increased development of land and the conversion of wild forests into residential areas. As part of Ricoh’s Social Contribution policy priorities (Global Environmental Conservation – Community Development – Raising the Next Generation) the Eco-Ninjas involve the local community and other business organizations to raise awareness of sustainability issues and the Ricoh Way.

Recognized for these activities, RPL received the Business Commitment to the Environment Award 2011. The company will continue its Eco-Ninja activities to conserve biodiversity in and around its site.