Eco-Environmental News Summary - May 2025

Eco-Environmental News Summary - May 2025

Weaving the Memory of Water Report--May 2025
EYJapan and the Ministry of the Environment have released a joint report on the sustainable conservation and use of water resources. As water risks due to climate change become more apparent, the report is attracting attention as a guideline for balancing a healthy water cycle with industry and daily life. It is likely to have an impact on corporate water use management.

Winds of Labor Reform Blowing on the Construction Site--May 2025
Mr. Takamatsu, Director-General of the Bureau of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Mr. Hanazumi, Governor of Niigata Prefecture, exchanged views on improving the labor environment in the construction industry. With the shortage of workers and the aging of the workforce, there is an urgent need for comprehensive measures through cooperation with local communities to ensure safety and health and to make the industry sustainable.

Gentleness in the Ground--May 2025
Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., Ltd. was the first company to apply environmentally friendly ground improvement materials in the treatment of excavated soil. The company has attracted attention as a new practical example of the construction industry's carbon-neutral approach by both recycling waste soil and reducing the environmental impact during construction.

Green Business Starts with Yarn--May 2025
Kitanichibo, a long-established textile manufacturer, has entered a new environment-related business. By utilizing recycled materials and developing energy-saving products, the company aims to balance climate change countermeasures and economic efficiency. As a challenge to decarbonization through the application of traditional technology, the company is attracting interest both within and outside the industry.

The Mark of Valuation in Cloth--May 2025
The European Commission has approved a draft regulation to label clothing with an EcoScore. The aim is to make it easier for consumers to choose products with low environmental impact, and to make information disclosure mandatory for companies. Endorsement has spread to France and Morocco, and international institutionalization will accelerate.

The Will to Bud in the Financial Forest--May 2025
The Institute for Sustainable Environmental Finance analyzes and makes recommendations on the financial cycle that supports a decarbonized society; in addition to trends in ESG investment and green bonds, the institute will also work with regional financial institutions. Activities to support the economic underpinnings of climate change measures are in full swing.

Cleaning sincerity shining in the park--May 2025
The Environmental Action Committee of the Aichi Construction Industry Association held a cleanup activity at Yaba Park in Nagoya City. The event has attracted attention as a contribution to the local community by the civil engineering and construction industry, and is also helping to raise the environmental awareness of young engineers. It is also significant as a place for environmental education that has contact with society.

Green Proof to Welcome Travelers--May 2025
An airport lounge was the first in the industry to receive the Eco Mark. Through the development of energy-saving equipment and a recycling system, environmental considerations were incorporated into passenger services. The "visualization" of environmental behavior for airport users is creating a new trend.

Changing Maps, Shaky Wheels--May 2025
The automotive industry is shaken by the shift to EVs, stricter environmental regulations, and even tariffs. Amidst a rapidly changing competitive environment, Japanese manufacturers are being forced to change their strategies. The question is how to balance environmental responsiveness and economic security.

Hydrogen's Vision of the Future--May 2025
The government and industry are collaborating to develop innovative technologies for hydrogen production in earnest. Green hydrogen derived from renewable energy and capital investment aimed at cost reduction are underway. As we reach an energy tipping point toward the realization of a decarbonized society, the ability to implement this technology is attracting attention.