Conservation of Biodiversity

Our Concept and Policy of Conservation of Biodiversity

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the new world targets for biodiversity, was adopted at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity held in December 2022. Companies are required to make further efforts to reach these targets.
As a company whose business activities both benefit from ecosystem services and impact ecosystems, SII recognizes biodiversity conservation as a critical aspect of environmental management. In April 2011, we established the Biodiversity Action Agenda and began implementing targeted initiatives. Our Environmental Policy affirms that "We are also working to preserve biodiversity, recognizing that our business activities inevitably affect surrounding ecosystems, and that we also benefit from the health and diversity of those systems."
We believe that conserving biodiversity requires more than just increasing greenery; it demands an integrated approach that addresses climate change, resource recycling, and collaboration with various stakeholders. SII’s units are advancing biodiversity activities that align with the unique characteristics of their sites. These efforts include biodiversity-conscious land use, planting initiatives, and stakeholder collaboration, all aimed at realizing a "society in harmony with nature."

Biodiversity Action Agenda (Established in April 2011)

[Basic Concepts]

Recognizing that SII Group's business activities benefit from ecosystem services and make an impact on biodiversity, we will make every effort to preserve biodiversity.

[Key Measures]

Foster better understanding of an impact on biodiversity through business activities.
Analyze and evaluate the impact on biodiversity caused by products and services during their life cycles, and endeavor to reduce their impact.
Promote social action programs that contribute to local biodiversity conservation.

FY2024 Summary

At SII, we aim to become a “business site that coexists with living creatures,” contributing to the realization of a nature-symbiotic society. Our initiatives are driven by three key perspectives: consideration for biodiversity within our business site premises, integration of biodiversity into our products, and collaboration with stakeholders.
In fiscal year 2024, we continued our efforts to preserve biodiversity on our premises in accordance with the “SII Group Biodiversity Land Use Guidelines.” By conducting surveys of the living organisms inhabiting our sites and sharing the findings internally, we promoted the “visualization” of biodiversity and deepened understanding across the organization.

In regard to our products, we have consistently worked to incorporate biodiversity considerations into product development under our Green Product Certification System. In terms of stakeholder collaboration, we have continued our efforts to cultivate Himekomatsu (Japanese white pine, Pinus parviflora), a species designated as critically protected by Chiba Prefecture.

Assessment of Land Use

At SII, we established the Biodiversity Action Guidelines in April 2011, marking the beginning of our biodiversity conservation initiatives. In February 2016, we published the SII Group Biodiversity Land Use Guidelines, and since then, we have continued activities that utilize the greenery within our business sites and contribute to the conservation of regional biodiversity.
In fiscal year 2024, we carried out a variety of initiatives tailored to the unique characteristics of each site, further advancing our efforts to preserve biodiversity.

Protection of Threatened Wildlife Species

In June 2020, the golden orchid, a species classified as Near Threatened^※, was discovered within the premises of our Ohno unit. Since then, we have designated a protected area and have been carefully monitoring its growth.
Located in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, close to central Tokyo, the Ohno unit is surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The presence of the golden orchid in such an urban environment is a delightful and encouraging sign of biodiversity. As in previous years, we confirmed its blooming again in spring 2025. We will continue to protect and observe these precious species with care.

Greening Activities

SII Crystal Technology Inc. has been consistently promoting on-site greening initiatives led by its employees.
In May 2025, a total of 64 employees participated in the initiative. Each department was assigned a designated area, and the activities began with maintenance of the green spaces, including tasks such as grass cutting.
Following the initial maintenance, employees planted a variety of seedlings, including moss phlox and annual plants. This initiative is also helping to enhance communication among employees.

Our overseas locations are also actively promoting on-site greening efforts. At Dalian Seiko Instruments Inc. in China, we have consistently engaged in the development of green spaces with consideration for biodiversity. As a result of ongoing planting activities, the site now features a layered landscape of vegetation—from shrubs to tall trees—forming green spaces that reflect biodiversity-conscious design.
In maintaining our green spaces, we refrain from using pesticides and herbicides. Instead, dead branches and fallen leaves are composted and reused within the premises, contributing to a sustainable on-site ecosystem.
To further support biodiversity, we have installed birdhouses and birdbaths on our premises, resulting in an increase in both the number and variety of bird species visiting the site. Moving forward, we will continue to improve the quality of our existing green spaces while fostering harmony with the surrounding ecosystems. Our goal is to create environments where a diverse range of flora and fauna can thrive.

The findings from these biodiversity surveys, including recorded videos, are utilized in employee awareness initiatives. These efforts provide valuable opportunities to deepen understanding of the biodiversity present within our business site premises and to foster greater appreciation for the living organisms that inhabit them.
At the Sendai Unit, a video titled “Introducing the Creatures That Coexist with Us on Site” is displayed in areas frequently used by employees. Meanwhile, at SII Crystal Technology Inc. the results of biodiversity surveys are compiled into posters and used as part of employee awareness initiatives.

Addition to Green Product System

In FY 2016, “consideration for biodiversity” was added to the environmental compatibility factors for Green Product Standards (Current Green Products Certification System of Seiko Holdings Corporation). We will continue to do our utmost to enhance our consideration of biodiversity in product manufacturing.

Cooperation with Stakeholders

Since 2016, two of our business units located in Chiba Prefecture* have been engaged in the cultivation of Himekomatsu (Japanese white pine, Pinus parviflora). This species is designated by Chiba Prefecture as a critically protected organism due to its extremely high risk of extinction, and urgent measures are required for its conservation and recovery.
Both of our business sites in Chiba Prefecture are registered as Pinus parviflora Genetic Conservation Supporters, a designation established under the “Himekomatsu Recovery Plan” formulated by the Chiba Prefectural Government. Through this registration, we actively participate in conservation efforts for this critically protected species.
Each October, we report the growth status of the trees to Chiba Prefecture, contributing to the preservation of the species’ genetic lineage. Through this initiative, we aim to deepen our understanding of biodiversity and strengthen collaboration with the local community.

[Case Study in FY 2023]

In June 2020, the Ohno Unit discovered an endangered* species of golden orchid on its premises. Since then, a protected area has been set up to carefully watch over the species. The Ohno Unit is in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, near the center of the city, and the area around the unit is surrounded by houses. We are very happy that the golden orchid was discovered in such an environment. In the spring of 2024, as in previous years, the blossoms returned. We will continue to carefully watch over them.

Protecting Endangered Species

In June 2020, the Ohno Unit discovered an endangered* species of golden orchid on its premises. Since then, a protected area has been set up to carefully watch over the species. The Ohno Unit is in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, near the center of the city, and the area around the unit is surrounded by houses. We are very happy that the golden orchid was discovered in such an environment. Every year, we are able to see the flowering plants and in the spring of 2023, we were able to see 17 plants. We will continue to carefully watch over them.

Greening Activities

SII Crystal Technology Inc. has been actively enhancing the greenery on its premises through employee involvement. In fiscal 2023, they carried out the planting of moss phlox seedlings, with over 30 employees participating in each planting session. These events have also fostered stronger communication among employees.

We are also advancing the greening of factory grounds at our international sites. Dalian Seiko Instruments Inc. in China is committed to continuous greening efforts, avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides in the maintenance of green areas. Instead, dead branches and fallen leaves are composted and recycled on-site.
Similarly, Seiko Instruments (Thailand) Ltd. undertook large-scale tree planting at its two factories in 2022 and is now carefully monitoring the growth of these trees.

Green space at Dalian Seiko Instruments Inc.

Wildlife monitoring and educational activities

As part of our efforts to provide habitats for wildlife, we have installed birdhouses and bird baths at each of SII's sites. In addition, we conduct a wildlife survey using sensor cameras and other equipment to deepen understanding of the living creatures that inhabit the premises of our business sites, and use the survey results to educate our employees.
The Takatsuka unit in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, has been conducting an ongoing wildlife survey using sensor cameras since FY2021. The pond on the premises has also become a habitat for grey herons and ducks.

At the Sendai plant, sensor cameras were installed to conduct wildlife monitoring. Monitoring videos are shown at the entrance of the staff cafeteria as a way to educate employees.

[Case Study in FY 2022]

In April 2011, SII formulated the Biodiversity Action Agenda and started biodiversity conservation activities. Subsequently in February 2016, we published the SII Group Land-use Guidelines on the Conservation of Biodiversity, and have been continually implementing activities to use green spaces at our sites and contribute to local biodiversity conservation based on the guidelines. In FY 2022, each site developed a variety of initiatives that take advantage of the characteristics of the sites.

Protecting Endangered Species

In June 2020, the Ohno Unit discovered an endangered* species of golden orchid on its premises. Since then, a protected area has been set up to carefully watch over the species. The Ohno Unit is in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, near the center of the city, and the area around the unit is surrounded by houses. We are very happy that the golden orchid was discovered in such an environment. Every year, we are able to see the flowering plants and in the spring of 2023, we were able to see 17 plants. We will continue to carefully watch over them.

*　Ministry of the Environment’s Endangered Species II

Greening Activities and Flower Bedding

SAt the two factories of Seiko Instruments (Thailand) Ltd., a total of 320 trees were planted as part of greening activities for the factory grounds. The employees themselves planted five types of seedlings, with an emphasis on dalbergia cochinchinensis. SII will watch the growth of the trees attentively as it promotes greening in the future. Furthermore, these activities are intended to contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gases through the CO2 absorption of the trees.

Dalian Seiko Instruments Inc. (DSI) in China is also promoting continuous greening, and in FY 2022, a total of 12 trees were planted with the aim of creating multiple layers of greenery. DSI has been continuously working to create green areas that take biodiversity into consideration. The use of pesticides and herbicides is avoided in the maintenance of green areas, and dead branches and fallen leaves are composted and recycled on the premises.

Under the slogan of “year-round, flower-filled workplace,” employees at the Makuhari Unit are working to create flowerbeds. During FY 2022, they successfully planted flowerbeds twice, once in the summer and once in the winter.

Monitoring of living creatures and educational activities

As part of our efforts to provide habitats for living creatures, we have installed birdhouses and bird baths at each of SII's sites. In addition, we conduct a wildlife survey using sensor cameras and other equipment to deepen understanding of the living creatures that inhabit the premises of our business sites, and use the survey results to educate our employees.

At the Sendai plant, sensor cameras were installed to monitor living creatures. Monitoring videos are shown at the entrance of the staff cafeteria as a way to educate employees.

[Case Study in FY 2021]

SIIでは2011年4月に生物多様性行動指針を策定し、生物多様性保全活動を開始しました。その後、2016年2月には「SIIグループ生物多様性土地利用ガイドライン」を発行し、ガイドラインに基づいた事業所緑地の利用や、地域の生物多様性保全への貢献活動を継続的に実施しています。2021年度も各事業所では事業所の特徴をいかしたさまざまな取り組みを展開しました。

■絶滅危惧種の保護

大野事業所は、2020年6月に敷地内にて絶滅危惧種^※であるキンランを発見しました。その後は保護エリアを設定し大切に見守っています。2022年は前年度より多くの株が発見でき、開花した姿も確認できました。大野事業所は都心に近い千葉県市川市に立地し、事業所周辺は住宅に囲まれている環境ですが、そんな中でキンランが生息していることは大変喜ばしいことであり今後も見守っていきます。

※　環境省・絶滅危惧Ⅱ類

■緑化活動・花壇づくり

エスアイアイ・クリスタルテクノロジー（株）では、社員の手による敷地の緑化を推進しています。2021年度は春季と秋季に芝桜の苗植えを実施しました。苗植えには毎回30名以上の社員が参加し、社員同士のコミュニケーションにもつながっています。

中国の大連精工電子有限公司でも継続的な緑化を進めています。2021年度は新たに2ヶ所の緑化エリアを設けアカシア、レンギョウ、ライラックなどを植栽しました。大連精工電子有限公司ではこれまでも継続的に生物多様性に配慮した緑地づくりに取り組んできました。緑地の維持管理では殺虫剤や除草剤の使用は控え、枯れ枝や落ち葉などは堆肥化することにより敷地内で循環しています。

幕張事業所では「通年で花いっぱい咲き乱れる事業所」をスローガンに掲げ、社員による花壇づくりに取り組んでいます。また、千葉県花き（花卉）振興地域協議会が主催する、花きイノベーション推進事業「幕張新都心地区における花壇づくりコンテスト」に2017年より毎年参加し、2021年度は「奨励賞」を受賞しました。