Coexistence with Nature

SUBARU has established the Biodiversity Working Group as a body to drive biodiversity initiatives subordinate to the Production & Environment Subcommittee. Its role is to regularly update on the goals and issues of SUBARU’s biodiversity activities, provide survey findings to support the formulation of plans, and undertake other information-sharing activities. Under the control of the Biodiversity Working Group, we have set up four further site subgroups at the Gunma Plant, Tokyo Office, Utsunomiya Plant, and Head Office. In addition to formulating roadmaps for initiatives at each site and biodiversity initiatives, these subgroups also share biodiversity-related matters with the Procurement Committee and the Cherishing Every Life Project, among other bodies. As with other working groups, the Biodiversity Working Group reports regularly on its initiatives to the Environment Committee, which undertakes overall management of the progress and direction of the initiatives.

SUBARU’s Biodiversity Management Organization

SUBARU supports the Declaration of Biodiversity by Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) and has established the SUBARU Guidelines on Biodiversity to continue business activities with consideration for biodiversity, including efforts such as the SUBARU Forest conservation initiative.
In addition, we have set two project themes: irreplaceable human life and the natural life of plants and animals in the rich forests we aim to protect. Through these themes, we empathize with and support those who are working daily to protect and sustain life, striving for a future filled with smiles. As part of our “natural life” initiatives, we are collaborating with organizations managing national parks to support efforts to protect natural life. Our partnerships include the Shiretoko Nature Foundation, which works to preserve the natural environment of the Shiretoko World Heritage Site and pass it on to future generations in better condition, and the Natural Parks Foundation, which manages 15 of Japan’s 34 national parks.

Since FYE March 2018, SUBARU has been working on the SUBARU Forest Project, an initiative that is directly linked to biodiversity conservation and embodies the idea of coexistence with nature included in the SUBARU Environmental Policies.

SUBARU Forest Bifuka in Hokkaido

In a forest of approximately 115 hectares located on the premises of SUBARU Test & Development Center Bifuka Proving Ground, SUBARU started forest management and conservation activities in FYE March 2018, including tree-planting, thinning, and nature conservation. We aim to carry out these activities in collaboration with local communities such as Bifuka Town with a long-term plan to create a forest through artificial afforestation in 50 years. Furthermore, we began purchasing J-Credits in FYE March 2022 as a measure against climate change.
Wood from thinning during forest maintenance projects at SUBARU Forest Bifuka is used as biomass fuel. Meanwhile, wild animals such as Ezo red foxes and brown bears that live in the surrounding area have been spotted on the premises, and we are considering measures aimed at coexistence with these animals in cooperation with local governments.
In addition, as of FYE March 2020, Bifuka Town has acquired the international SGEC-FM forest certification^* for town- and SUBARU-owned forests, in order to achieve effective use of forest resources.

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Forest Management Certification by the Sustainable Green Ecosystem Council (SGEC)

Sponsorship of a tree-planting ceremony at Bifuka Town

In 2018, Bifuka Town and SUBARU signed an agreement on implementation of forest conservation activities in order to carry out tree planting, forest thinning, nature conservation, and other activities in a forest of about 115 hectares on the SUBARU Test & Development Center Bifuka Proving Ground site as part of SUBARU Forest Project activities, as well as to conduct activities in partnership with local communities. As part of these activities, SUBARU sponsors an annual tree-planting ceremony. At the tree spirit ceremony and tree-planting ceremony held in June 2024, a total of about 60 locals, forestry-related attendees, local forestry association attendees, and administrative staff joined the festivities. With the hope of passing on healthy and abundant forests to the next generation, participants planted 350 Kuril larch trees, a variety chosen for its compatibility with the biodiversity of Bifuka Town.

Donations to fund environmental conservation activities at Matsuyama Marsh

SUBARU, Bifuka Town, and the Hokkaido Government Kamikawa General Subprefectural Bureau signed an agreement to promote conservation of the forest environment in Bifuka Town in 2019. SUBARU has been utilizing the corporate version of a hometown tax donation program—the government’s tax incentive scheme to encourage companies to support regional revitalization—to donate three million yen to the Hokkaido government’s Matsuyama Marsh^* Forest Project over four years starting from FYE March 2020. The donations are used, among others, for boardwalk improvements in Matsuyama Marsh. Four donations have been made to date, with the funds used to replace the old signpost and maintain trails so that the trekking route is properly demarcated to preserve valuable vegetation and ensure the safety of visitors.

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Matsuyama Marsh (Bifuka Town): Japan’s northernmost high-altitude wetland situated 797 meters above sea level. As the marsh is home to around 200 distinctive plant species, including ferns and mosses, the Ministry of the Environment has selected it as one of Japan’s 500 most important wetlands.

SUBARU Friendship Forest Akagi (Gunma Prefectural Forest Park)

In April 2018, SUBARU obtained the naming rights to a prefectural forest park in Gunma Prefecture, where its automotive plants are located. The park’s name, “SUBARU Friendship Forest Akagi,” was used for the five years through 2023, during which SUBARU supported the conservation and maintenance of the prefectural forest. In March 2022, we also donated 10 bike racks made from thinned wood to the forest park. Since FYE March 2021, we have carried out four donation drives in total, part of the 9.8 million yen we will donate over the five-year period to the prefectural government to support forest park conservation and management.

Natural Life

With its DNA as an aircraft manufacturer, SUBARU continues to practice a human-oriented approach to monozukuri, where it places top priority on safety. Based on its longstanding core value of the protection of life, we are expanding our initiatives alongside customers and local communities. Under the two project themes of human life, which is irreplaceable, and natural life, which is rich forests and plant and animal life, SUBARU is working to support people who, like us, have a strong belief in the protection of life and are working day by day to protect and connect life to a future full of happiness. With regard to natural life, we are promoting partnerships with management organizations that manage national parks. For instance, we have formed partnerships with the Shiretoko Nature Foundation, whose mission is to protect the nature of the Shiretoko World Heritage Site on the Shiretoko Peninsula and pass it on in a better form to future generations, and the Natural Parks Foundation, which practices management at 15 of the 34 national parks across Japan. Through the latter, we are supporting the activities of people who protect natural life in places rich in nature.

National Park Official Partner

In December 2023, the Ministry of the Environment and several corporations and other organizations worked together to establish the National Park Official Partnership program, which is aimed at raising the number of national park users and visitors, helping people better understand natural environment preservation efforts, and to vitalize communities around these parks. Through the Cherishing Every Life Project, we also contribute to vitalizing national parks and messaging about their appeal.

Support for the Shiretoko Foundation through the Natural Life Side of the Cherishing Every Life Project

As part of our initiatives for natural life, SUBARU has provided two patrol cars to support the activities of the Shiretoko Nature Foundation, whose mission is to protect the nature in and around the Shiretoko World Heritage Site in Shiretoko National Park and pass it on in a better form to future generations. The vehicles are used for management at Shiretoko National Park and patrols ensuring an appropriate distance between wildlife and people, as well as for reforestation activities to restore the rich and diverse forest that once existed on the former Shiretoko settlement site. SUBARU and dealership Hokkaido Subaru Co., Ltd. are participating in the reforestation project by providing employee training and volunteer activities.
In addition, to reduce conflicts between local residents and brown bears, an issue in the Shiretoko area, the Shiretoko Foundation is promoting the installation of sturdy garbage stations to prevent brown bears from feeding on household garbage. By supporting the installation of these dedicated garbage stations, SUBARU contributes to community safety.

Natural Life | Cherishing Every Life Project | SUBARU

Support for the Natural Parks Foundation and Nasu Heisei-no-mori Forest through the Natural Life Side of the Cherishing Every Life Project

As part of our initiatives for natural life, SUBARU has entered into a partnership with the Natural Parks Foundation, which manages 15 of the 34 national parks across Japan, to support the operation and management of each park by providing vehicles that meet the objectives of their activities. To support the activities of interpreters affiliated with the Nasu Heisei-no-mori forest in Nikko National Park, we provide them with SUBARU's first global battery EV, the Solterra, via cooperation with Tochigi Subaru Co., Ltd., one of our dealerships. In addition to being used for various activities held at Nasu Heisei-no-mori Forest, the cars will also be used for extracurricular classes and other activities such as exhibits at local events in and around Nasu Town.
In cooperation with Tochigi Subaru Co., Ltd. and Nasu Heisei-no-mori Forest, we are also holding events for customers to enjoy nature at national parks.

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Experts who conduct interpretive activities such as guided walks, nature experiences, and educational programs.

Activity Report: Enjoying Nature at National Parks | Natural Life | Cherishing Every Life Project | SUBARU

Support for the Natural Parks Foundation and Kamikochi through the Natural Life Side of the Cherishing Every Life Project

Subaru Shinshu Inc., a SUBARU dealership, provides patrol cars to the Kamikochi area of the Chubusangaku National Park to monitor wildlife to maintain an appropriate distance between people and wildlife, and to inspect park roads to ensure that visitors can safely use the vast park grounds.
In addition, with the cooperation of the Natural Parks Foundation, we held a nature event for employees of Subaru Shinshu Inc. We also conduct activities that allow participants to learn about the depths of nature that cannot be seen with the naked eye and learn what it means to protect natural life.

Cherishing Every Life Project (Japanese version only)

Greenery Conservation and Creation

Since the SUBARU Group’s business locations are closely linked to the neighboring natural environments and ecosystems, we make a variety of contributions to the conservation of biodiversity in each area.

Formulation of Landscaping Guidelines

SUBARU has formulated the Landscaping Guidelines, in the belief that in order to establish itself in a community and conduct business activities while being loved by community members, it is necessary to be mindful of the environment, history, and climate of each community and aim to create sites that are well-rooted locally. The Landscaping Guidelines stipulate that in addition to the procedures for formulating planting lists, each site must follow the three principles for the prevention of damage by invasive alien species set forth by the Ministry of the Environment, namely “do not introduce, release, or spread” in order to conduct business activities that do not have a negative impact on biodiversity.

Procedures for Formulating Planting Lists from the Landscaping Guidelines

1. Formulate a planting list from species endemic to the area around the site, referring to plants in facilities that have maintained nature since ancient times, such as shrines, temples, and natural parks in the surrounding area, as well as guidelines and lists issued by each local government for selecting native species as available.
2. If it is difficult to formulate a planting list of species endemic to the area around the site, a planting list should be formulated based on plants other than those listed as invasive alien species as published by the national government and local governments.
3. Formulate a planting list from plants selected in the first two steps. Consider consulting with construction companies when formulating this list.

Kitamoto Plant, Gunma Plant

The Kitamoto Plant in Kitamoto City has been nurturing and taking care of cherry trees growing on the site since they were received from the city in 2003. The trees are descendants of the Ishito Kabazakura cherry tree, estimated to be 800 years old, at Tokoji Temple in the city. Ishito Kabazakura was designated as a natural monument of Japan in 1922 and is classified as one of Japan’s five great cherry trees. When planting in the vicinity of the plant building's entrance, we selected mixed shrubbery based on the Landscaping Guidelines.

Oizumi Plant, Gunma Plant

Ecological surveys (birds, mammals, plants, aquatic organisms, and insects) were conducted in a reservoir area and open ditches on the Oizumi Plant site. The survey results showed that the wetland and aquatic environments are maintained throughout the year, and successfully identified several important and desirable species for conservation. Based on the survey results, we will continue to manage the site based on the maintenance and preservation of the existing wetlands and aquatic environment, and aim to register the site as a Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Site.

Tokyo Office

At the Tokyo Office, we maintain and manage bamboo-leaf oak, East Asian beautyberry, and other species native to the Musashino area within the office's premises to enhance the landscape and biodiversity. We also participate in activities to protect the natural features of the region and share opinions with industry, government, academia, and the private sector.

Utsunomiya Plant

Planting at the Administration Building

When planting trees during the construction of the administration building, native Japanese species were selected based on the Landscaping Guidelines.

Initiatives Based on Community Exchange

With the aim of conducting biodiversity initiatives at each business site, we emphasize communication between SUBARU employees and the local communities and local governments, as they are our closest stakeholders. By participating in and organizing locally based events and by joining with members of the local community in biodiversity initiatives, we want to work together to contribute to global environmental protection and achieve coexistence with nature.

Flower distribution

We distribute flower seedlings to member companies of the SUBARU Community Exchange Association on request basis three times a year. We chose varieties that contribute to biodiversity in 2015. With these seedlings, each company promotes greenery conservation. In FYE March 2024, we distributed seasonal flowers such as petunias and marigolds.

SUBARU Community Exchange Association (Japanese version only)

Elementary school flowerbed contest

This contest provides children in the community with an opportunity to realize the importance of life through the experience of planting flower seedlings donated by SUBARU and creating flowerbeds. We have been holding this flowerbed contest for elementary schools in Ota City and Oizumi Town since 2015. The event was canceled in FYE March 2021, but resumed in FYE March 2022 with due measures taken to prevent infection.

Protecting the Cedar Avenue of Nikko

SUBARU supports the protection of the famous line of cedar trees in the Nikko area, which is both a national special historic site and special natural monument in Tochigi Prefecture. Since 1996, SUBARU has also been the owner of two such cedar trees.

Paperless Initiatives

We are taking actions to go paperless by fully digitizing payment guides for our business partners to be available online and achieving paperless processing of internal accounting documents related to maintenance parts and vehicle accessories.

Initiatives Aiming at Coexistence with Nature (Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.)

Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) has developed water retention areas and surrounding green spaces on plant premises with consideration for local wildlife habitats. As a result, wild Canada geese and herons use this area for feeding and resting, and a significant population of deer also resides in and around the plant site, which is surrounded by a rich natural environment. In 2003, the National Wildlife Foundation designated the site as a supportive wildlife habitat, marking the first such designation for an automotive production plant in the U.S.

Support for environmental conservation organizations and initiatives on Earth Day (Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.)

SIA has been supporting environmental conservation organizations such as Wolf Park and NICHES Land Trust since 2020, aimed at protecting the surrounding area’s natural environment. In addition, every year, SIA joins with the NPO Tree Lafayette to plant trees at local elementary schools on Earth Day. In 2023, SIA won the Earth Day Dealer Competition.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA)

The SOA headquarters building has acquired silver LEED certification, with environmentally friendly planting incorporated into its environmental protection efforts. Specifically, the site features a Pennsylvania Horticultural Society-designed landscape including native perennials, hardwoods, and grasses to create a drought-resistant location. This well-maintained landscape provides a diverse habitat for wildlife. The company has also introduced stormwater management initiatives, such as raising construction site grades, planting wetland species in areas with poor drainage, and installing a rain garden.

Participation in the Philadelphia Flower Show (SOA)

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, SOA participates in the Philadelphia Flower Show. The 2023 event featured workshops on how to plant flowers in pots provided as souvenirs. SUBARU cars, including the new Solterra electric vehicle, were displayed at the venue.

PrintReleaf’s Tree-Planting Program (SOA)

Allied Printing is a printing company actively engaged in environmental initiatives, participating in the PrintReleaf reforestation program, which plants trees based on the amount of paper used. SOA joined PrintReleaf through a partnership with Allied Printing, planting trees equivalent to approximately 321,000 sheets of paper consumed in 2023.

Forest Conservation Through FSC-Certified Paper (SOA)

SOA uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper whenever possible. FSC-certified paper is recognized for its role in promoting activities that protect forests, such as maintaining their stable carbon storage volumes. SOA is also considering using EAGLECELL™^* as a material for large-scale printing jobs.

*EAGLECELL™:

An eco-friendly plastic alternative. This honeycomb graphic board made entirely from paper has a 100% recyclable paper core and surface.

CoRe Projects (Subaru Canada, Inc.)

In 2023, Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) became the first corporate donor to Parks Canada's Conservation and Restoration (CoRe) Program,^* donating $100,000 to help conserve nature.

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CoRe projects take place across all national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas managed by Parks Canada. All initiatives, from forest restoration to mitigating the threat of invasive species, share the common goal of conserving and restoring ecosystems, habitats, and species.

Pollinator Garden (Subaru Research & Development, Inc.)

Subaru Research & Development, Inc. has replaced a grassy plot on its premises with a pollinator garden of approximately 10,117 m² in size during FYE March 2024. The goal of the Pollinator Garden is to create a natural planting garden that supports the work of pollinators (insects and other pollen carriers) and enhances their habitat. Additionally, by establishing this natural planting, the need for pesticides is eliminated, and this initiative is expected to save approximately 174 m³ of water per year.

SUBARU surveys the use of animal and plant-derived materials, including cowhide and natural rubber, to ensure no negative impact on the ecosystem or human rights during procurement of biological resources.
SUBARU also uses copy paper made from 100% recycled paper pulp that is not from new plant resources.