### Green Bridges -- Local General Contractors Pioneer the Environment and the Future

### Green Bridges -- Local General Contractors Pioneer the Environment and the Future

In February 1998, a general contracting company with deep roots in a rural area went beyond the mere construction business and ventured into the environmental business. This step opened up new possibilities for integrating agriculture and the city, utilizing local resources, and contributing to a recycling-oriented society.

#### Local General Contractors and the Rebirth of the Earth

The president of a medium-sized general contractor is working with local farmers to promote environmentally friendly agriculture. By creating an artificial wetland in a tributary of a river, the company is promoting the development of a biotope that contributes to the restoration of the ecosystem, and it is giving back to the land by applying compost to fallow fields and regenerating the thin soil. In addition, as an attempt to shorten the distance between urban and rural areas, we are building a system to deliver organic vegetables directly to urban dining tables.

The president of the company says, "The construction industry is a business that provides employment to the local community. The construction industry has supported agriculture by creating jobs and funds for local communities. We have to think about how much the reduction of public works will affect rural business."

#### Knowledge and Technology Weaving the Future of the Environment

The environmental data and technological capabilities of general contractors are used to properly manage waste and prevent pollution. As a person who knows the memory of the land, we have been able to ascertain the history of soil contamination at former chemical plant sites in the past and have been able to apply appropriate treatment. In addition, through the management of landfill sites and the operation of waste treatment facilities, we support the foundations of a sustainable society as a hand that creates the future.

#### Environmental Business Prospects for Supporting the Community

The president emphasizes. "It is essential for local governments and businesses to join hands and work together on environmental policies to build a recycling-oriented society on a regional basis."

To this end, general contractors are cooperating with local governments and building partnerships with government officials who are promoting environmental measures. Furthermore, general contractors take the lead in developing and implementing land-based environmental measures, forming environmental strategies for each region.

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### Since the 2000s--The Expanding Circle of Environmental Business

As time passed, the environmental business of local general contractors began to take a more concrete form.

Kato Kensetsu in Aichi Prefecture has developed river and coastal erosion control technology in pursuit of coexistence with nature. Suyama Construction in Shizuoka Prefecture is using environmentally friendly construction techniques to help create sustainable cities. Tohsen in Gifu Prefecture is building a circular economy zone utilizing unused timber to reduce CO2 emissions. Toyama Kankyo Kaihatsu in Toyama Prefecture promotes the "recycling" of waste as a resource and its use as renewable energy. Bioclasics Handa in Aichi Prefecture embodies the biomass industrial city concept and promotes local production for local consumption of energy.

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### Endless Challenges--A Bridge to the Future

The significance of a local general contractor taking on the environmental business is not just a survival strategy. It is to support the future of the region and build a society where people and nature coexist in harmony. We will continue to work with agriculture, utilize environmental information, and take on the challenge of new technologies.

---We will continue our efforts to build a society where people and nature coexist in harmony.

**Sources**

1. Kato Corporation's Environmental Initiatives
2. examples of Suyama Corporation's environmentally friendly construction
3. Tosen's Circular Economy Zone Concept
4. Toyama Kankyo Kaihatsu's resource circulation business
5. Biomass Industrial City Concept of Bioclasics Handa