Aozora Bank is aware of its responsibility to society, and we are expanding our CSR activities, aiming for observance of legal obligations, environmental consciousness, our contribution to Japan's regions and communities, and continuous social development. As well as actively promoting activities to contribute to society as a responsible corporate citizen, we also support our employees in their contributions to society. Some of the Bank's main CSR activities are outlined below.
Environmental Conservation Activities
Challenge 25 Campaign
The Bank participates in the Challenge 25 Campaign, a Japanese Ministry of the Environment campaign to reduce global warming. Aozora conducts ongoing activities to contribute to environmental conservation.
Efforts Toward the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Cap and Trade System
In January 2010, the Bank’s Fuchu Computer Center was specified as a ‘target office for global warming countermeasures’ and the Bank continues to make efforts to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from this office.
CO2 Reduction and Response to Electricity Shortage
Following the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake, the Bank has turned off the neon and signboard lights at its branches in Tohoku and Kanto regions. As part of the Bank’s efforts toward power saving and CO2 emission reduction, it is aiming to cut its electricity usage by 15% by using fewer lights in offices, changing air conditioner settings and reducing the use of elevators.
Recycling of Waste Paper
As part of our recycling efforts, documents that have reached the end of their storage period are processed and recycled, rather than being disposed of by incineration.
Recycling of Data Media
Data media, such as CDs and data storage disks, which are no longer required, are recycled to form solid fuel and used as a new source of energy.
Business Casual Dress Code
The Bank has chosen to participate in the Ministry of the Environment’s Cool Biz and Warm Biz initiatives in order to reduce the amount of energy consumed by air conditioners and heaters. As such, employees dress business casual throughout the year to be more comfortable in the workplace.
Participation in Eco Cap Initiative
Since December last year, the Bank has participated in the separation and recycling of caps from plastic drink bottles as part of an initiative to provide vaccines for children around the world, as well as contributing to the reduction of CO2 released through incineration.
Social Contribution
Support for Regional Recovery Following the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake
The Bank donated ¥30 million in support of the relief and recovery efforts for victims of the disaster and the affected region. Of this amount, approximately ¥10 million was used in cooperation with the Daio Paper Corporation to provide household products, such as diapers, sanitary items and wet wipes reflecting the daily needs of disaster victims. The remaining approximately ¥20 million was donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society. In addition,donations made by the Bank’s executive officers and employees amounted to about ¥1.2 million as of May 31, 2011.
The Bank has also established a volunteer holiday entitlement for employees wishing to take part in volunteer activities in support of victims of the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake.
'Table for Two' Initiative
The concept behind this program is to bring people from developed countries like us together with children from developing countries to share meals. The Bank implemented this program at its head office cafeteria from March 2011, and the number of donations from employees, amounting to ¥20 per meal, has been increasing gradually. The price of one school meal in developing countries is approximately equal to one donation.
3rd Blue Sky Concert
As part of the Bank’s support for culture and the arts, we held our third Blue Sky Concert at the Hiroshima Ward Community Cultural Hall in February 2011. Approximately 400 of the Bank’s customers were invited to attend the performance of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra string quartet.
Support for Special Olympics Nippon (SON)
The Bank supports the marketing activities of Special Olympics Nippon (SON), a non-governmental organization, which empowers people with intellectual disabilities to participate in their communities, develop belief in themselves and improve their quality of life by offering ongoing sports training and holding games to show their abilities. The Bank has placed ‘Yell Fundraising’ pamphlets for individual donations at branches since May 2010 to support SON PR activities.
The Bank also participates in events held by SON, including the making of ‘micanga’ (good luck bracelets), which are presented as a sign of support to each of the athletes who participate in national tournaments, as well as the making of mini-flags in support of athletes participating in the Tokyo Marathon.
United Nations and Japanese Habitat Associations
Aozora Bank supports the international community development work of the United Nations and Japanese Habitat Associations, including through the collection of donations.
Used Stamps for Volunteer Organization
Used stamps are collected within the Bank in order to provide support in the form of capital and medical supplies for volunteer groups engaged in providing medical care overseas.
Installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
We have installed AEDs at our head office and Fuchu office.
Close Regional Relationships
Chiyoda Ward Cleanup Activities
In addition to carrying out a voluntary cleanup of the area around the Bank’s head office in February this year, Aozora took part in the Chiyoda Ward Cleanup Day in June this year with the objective of increasing awareness of environmental beautification in Chiyoda Ward.
Finance for Regional Medical Institutions
In cooperation with regional financial institution clients, Aozora Bank supports the finance side of hospital operations, which are crucial to regional health, by conducting situational analyses of medical institutions, assisting in the creation of business plans, and acting as a funding arranger.
Support for the Elderly and Disabled
Introduction of Communication Boards and Erasable Writing Boards with Pen Sets at all Aozora Branches
The Bank introduced Universal Design Communication Boards and erasable writing boards with pen sets to assist the smooth processing of customers with hearing difficulties upon their visits to branches.
Human Rights Awareness
Aozora is committed to creating a corporate culture in which the diversity and talents of all of our employees are respected. The Bank’s Human Rights Enlightenment Committee was established to promote human rights through the provision of training programs and activities, such as encouraging employees to create human rights slogans. Aozora Bank Group slogans are annual prizewinners in the Human Rights Slogan Competition sponsored by external institutions.
