We aim to minimize the overall environmental impact of construction operations by limiting their effect on nature and living creatures while promoting the restoration of biodiversity and new ways to make use of its benefits.

Kajima operates in accordance with the Kajima Biodiversity Guidelines to realize an initiative named "Many creatures are living in Kajima Biophilic Cities" to strengthen urban ecological networks through its business operations.

Harmoniously Co-Existing with Nature through Projects

Under the concept of "Many creatures are living in Kajima Biophilic Cities," an initiative to strengthen urban ecological networks through its business operations, Kajima is developing green infrastructure by building facilities and utilizing land while proactively incorporating the forces inherent in nature.

When we replaced Kajima Technical Research Institute, located in Chofu City, Tokyo, with a new building, we worked on a concept to make the area greener. These efforts included the restoration of groves with native species based on investigations on the plants in surrounding green areas. Since then, we have continuously carried out surveys to monitor the ecosystem with a particular focus on birds. This initiative was selected as one of the Top 100 Corporate Biodiversity Preservation Projects.

Efforts in the Construction Phase

At construction sites, we work from multiple perspectives from the planning stage to minimize the impact of noise and vibration on surroundings, and we work on biodiversity preservation activities, including the preservation of rare species.

We make an environmental assessment at the early stages of our development plans, including action to consider the impact on biodiversity. The environmental assessment involves the following activities conducted in order: investigating current conditions, making predictions, producing evaluations, discussing environment preservation measures, drafting an environmental impact statement, sending it for review by the local government, preparing an environmental impact statement, and holding a follow-up investigation. By incorporating environmental considerations into our plans, we are able to make changes to the plan and consider alternative plans, thereby minimizing environmental impact. Kajima predicts and assesses the impact of development on each area through simulations and model experiments, and we use the results for biodiversity conservation and a variety of other measures.
In addition, we have implemented a system at all of our constructions sites for extracting risks in the planning phase and tracking them up to project completion. If we identify any potentially negative impact on the biodiversity of the area, we formulate and implement a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) to conserve biodiversity in cooperation with the Kajima Technical Research Institute and other organizations.

At dam construction and land creation sites, the geography and other conditions change drastically as construction progresses. As such, it is important to engage in continued monitoring and carry out appropriate measures for preserving the flora, fauna, and the natural environment in the local area. Kajima developed “Ikimono Note”, a system for monitoring flora, fauna, and the surrounding environment using an iPad so that even non-expert employees can carry out these activities with ease. We also share and accumulate information with the Kajima Technical Research Institute and other organizations to achieve accurate and swift action.