Humans have consumed a huge amount of energy in the relatively short period of a century or so. The result is that energy resources are being depleted, and we are experiencing global warming due to the effect of greenhouse gases. Wangari Maathai, Kenya's Deputy Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Wildlife, and winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, has characterized this situation with the Japanese word "mottainai" ("what a waste"). Many people in Japan, to more effectively use limited resources, practice the "4R principle" (3R + 1) of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repair/Restore.

In this feature, Kajima introduces its environmental efforts, in line with the 4R principle.

The Kyoto Protocol obliges Japan to reduce its collective greenhouse gas emissions by 6% compared to 1990 levels by 2012. As part of its effort to make building more energy efficient, Kajima makes environment-conscious proposals using the Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental Efficiency (CASBEE) system. For example, the amount of lighting can be reduced by allowing in natural light during the day while controlling the heat through energy saving double layer glass windows and window louvers. Kajima also developed the hybrid natural ventilation system that draws cool outside air during the spring or fall season, and can also reduce usage of the air conditioning system. The Company made 99 building designs for such energy-efficient buildings during the financial year to March 2006. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide generated in the operation of these buildings has been lowered by 32,826 tonnes per year, with a projected reduction benefit of 1,148,910 tonnes on average over the 35-year life of the buildings. Building in Japan are torn down and rebuilt on average every 35 years, more for social or physical reasons than because of functional capacity. Japan, however, is gradually transforming itself from a flow-oriented society in which new buildings are continually constructed into a stockoriented society that properly maintains high-quality assets over a long period of time. One example is the DaVinci Ginza Building, which has received the Building and Equipment Life Cycle Association (BELCA) Prize. Kajima designed and constructed this office building more than 40 years ago, but rather than being demolished due to age, it was renovated and reused. The building was of course improved in terms of safety and functionality, such as adaptation for IT and strengthening against earthquakes, and was also made more energy efficient by replacing the heating and cooling system. The simple and elegant facade was restored to its original splendor, while the interior structure was reborn as a modern office building. Industrial waste generated by the construction industry accounts for 20% of such waste in Japan. To minimize the waste generated at project sites, Kajima promotes the "3R principle" of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Packaging is reduced as much as possible, materials are processed at plants to the correct size needed at the site to reduce the amount of on-site finishing, and other methods have been revised, with a significant benefit. Small, steady efforts onsite continue, including reuse of construction materials as temporary material, and recycling of waste products in cooperation with manufacturers and waste processors. These efforts also help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Biodiversity and ecosystems in Japan are growing more fragile. In an effort to protect biodiversity, in August 2005 the Company formulated the Kajima Ecosystem Conservation Guidelines, the first policy guidelines of their type in the industry. The construction industry exists in a direct relationship with biodiversity, and has a significant impact on it. In this respect, Kajima feels that it can contribute significantly to biodiversity.

We believe that it is the responsibility of the construction industry to protect natural beauty and a rich biodiversity, supporting both environmental conservation and economic development. For example, with land that was contaminated in the past and is no longer in use, we can clean the soil employing the latest decontamination technology, or remove it entirely, so that the land can be reutilized. In addition, during construction of factories and other structures, and during urban redevelopment projects, we proactively plan and conduct activities to restore local environments and conserve ecosystems, such as building regulating reservoirs and embankments to support a wide diversity of life.

The Company's environmental business is wide-ranging and varied, including reusable energy sources such as wind power generation and biogas, a clean development mechanism (CDM) project in Malaysia, and other initiatives. We refuse to forget the spirit of "mottainai," as we strive to protect the environment, and pursue economic conservation activities aimed at lessening the environmental burden.

Kajima's Environmental Report can be found online at:
http://www.kajima.co.jp/csr/environment/index.html