Environment
Under the governance management system based on the "Environmental Policy", Mizuho proactively works to realize a sustainable society through initiatives facilitated by our business and efforts to reduce our environmental impact.
Natural Capital and Biodiversity
Socio-economic activities rely on natural capital while benefiting from ecosystem services. At the same time, business activities negatively impact nature and the increasing severity of natural capital losses is a business risk for companies. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in December 2022. The framework clearly states that its goals are the disclosure of information by large corporations and multinational companies and the promotion of investment in natural capital and biodiversity by private companies. Additionally, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) aims to promote a nature positive economy by shifting the global financial flows to nature conservation and restoration. To continue enjoying the benefits of natural capital and biodiversity in the future, it will be necessary for each country, municipality, business operator, private organization and citizen, in alliance, to take actions to achieve a "naturally symbiotic society" in which natural capital and biodiversity are maintained.
Based on this understanding, Mizuho, as a financial institution that plays a central role in economic activity, is supporting projects that protect biodiversity while working to reduce negative impacts on it.
Initiatives towards the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)
Mizuho joins the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures Forum
In March2022, Mizuho Financial Group, Mizuho Research & Technologies, and Asset Management One joined the TNFD Forum.
In addition, Mizuho Financial Group and Asset Management One registered as adopters of the TNFD Recommendations (TNFD Adopters), which were published by the TNFD in September 2023.
Response to the TNFD
Mizuho has published the "Climate & Nature-related Report" in 2024, which for the first time integrates its initiatives on climate change and natural capital.
For details on our response to the TNFD, please refer to the Climate & Nature-related Report.
Climate & Nature-related Report
Analysis of Loan Portfolio (LEAP Approach)
Mizuho is connected to natural capital through our financing and investment activities to clients. We are identifying the key natural capital and sectors in our loan portfolio, analyzing our dependencies and impacts on natural capital, and working to assess the opportunities and risks they bring.
Support for Clients' Transition to Nature Positive
Mizuho provides support in the form of financing arrangements and consulting services to clients with high natural capital dependencies and impacts, while making use of analyses of the natural capital dependencies and impacts in our loan portfolio.
Nature-related and Blue Finance arrangements
Mizuho Bank
Executed “Mizuho Natural Capital Impact Finance”
- News Release (Tokyu Fudosan Holdings)(Japanese text only)
- News Release (Oji Holdings)(Japanese text only)
Executed a blue loan for a project for self-sufficiency in drinking water through seawater desalination
- News Release (Hoshino Resorts REIT)(Japanese text only)
Mizuho Securities
Supported the establishment of a sustainability finance framework (Taisei Corporation)
Foreign-currency green/blue bonds for individual investors / Administrative lead manager
Green/blue bonds / Lead manager (Tokyo Metropolis)
Blue bonds / Joint book runner (Hainan Province, China)
Support for TNFD disclosures / nature-related surveys
Mizuho Research & Technologies
Provides natural capital-related consulting services (Support for TNFD disclosures / Quantification of natural capital and biodiversity, etc.)
Conducted availability survey of underutilized resources for NEDO’s Project to Promote a Biomanufacturing Revolution
Effective use of external expertise / Development of new products
Mizuho Bank
Mizuho Research & Technologies
Analysis of Mizuho’s direct operations
Mizuho has analyzed the natural capital dependencies and impacts at our directly operational sites. No operational sites were categorized as “priority areas” for high-risk interactions with nature. Nevertheless, we will continue to promote initiative sat our operational sites to mitigate impacts on nature.
Case Studies on Other Measures
Measures taken through Mizuho's core businesses
For details, please refer to the Climate & Nature-related Report.
Climate & Nature-related Report
Measures at the offices
We are promoting initiatives to achieve a recycling–oriented society. Our efforts include a reduction in the use of paper, one of the resources financial businesses like Mizuho consume the most.
Measures taken for society
Volunteering and sponsorship
Mizuho is promoting forest volunteer activities and educational activities related to natural capital and biodiversity.
Accreditation and recognition
Urban green spaces provide a number of benefits, including reducing the heat island effect, preserving biodiversity, reducing damage from urban flooding, and providing space for people to relax.
Otemachi Tower, the location of our Otemachi Head Office, is situated on a property where around a third of the area (approx. 3,600 m2) is dedicated green space known as "Otemachi Forest". With the concept of recreating a real forest, indigenous trees and shrubs were gathered from woodlands in the local Kanto region to form a diverse forested area. As a result, as an office building with dedicated green space aimed at preserving biodiversity, Otemachi Tower has been recognized by the Association for Business Innovation in harmony with Nature and Community (ABINC) under their certification program for businesses operating in harmony with nature.
