#Japan #Tokyo #Corporate Sustainability #Sumitomo Forestry #Dow Jones ESG

Sumitomo Forestry's ESG Recognition

Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd., led by President Toshimaro Mitsuyoshi and headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has been selected as a component of the globally recognized ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment stock index, the Dow Jones Best in Class World Index (DJ BIC World). This notable achievement marks five consecutive years of receiving the highest score in the housing construction sector, which consists of 16 companies. Additionally, Sumitomo Forestry has also been chosen for the Dow Jones Best in Class Asia Pacific Index (DJ BIC Asia Pacific), bringing its total appearances on the DJ BIC indices series to 18 since its initial selection in 2005.

The DJ BIC index, which began in 1999, is an annual sustainability equity index published by S&P Dow Jones Indices. It is notable for being the first global equity index focused on identifying leading companies that contribute to a sustainable society. The evaluation and analysis of participating enterprises are conducted across three dimensions: economic, environmental, and social. Companies demonstrating exceptional sustainability practices earn their place in the index.

The DJ BIC World index includes 317 global sustainability leaders, of which 35 are companies from Japan, as selected through a corporate sustainability assessment conducted by S&P Global, focusing on more than 9,200 of the world’s largest companies. Sumitomo Forestry received high praise specifically for its transparency in sustainability disclosures, supply chain management, information security, biodiversity efforts, and respect for human rights.

Furthermore, Sumitomo Forestry is also featured in various ESG indices selected by leading organizations. These include the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index, the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index, and the MSCI Japan Women Empowerment Index (WIN) among others, demonstrating the company's commitment to sustainability.

Every year, the company publishes a Sustainability Report on its website, informing a diverse range of stakeholders, including investors, about its group-wide sustainability activities. The upcoming 2025 edition of the report will feature enhanced disclosures on contributions toward nature-positive initiatives and actionable goals aimed at addressing pressing nature-related challenges, further demonstrating its transparency and commitment to sustainability.

Looking ahead, Sumitomo Forestry Group has established a long-term vision titled 'Mission TREEING 2030', aiming at the target year of 2030, in alignment with the SDGs. This long-term vision identifies nine key issues from the perspectives of value toward the planet, society, and the market economy. The current medium-term management plan, 'Mission TREEING 2030 Phase 2' (2025-2027), places a major emphasis on the integration of business with ESG principles. Sumitomo Forestry aims to continue responding to societal expectations surrounding SDGs and enhance corporate value, promising a brighter sustainable future.

For more information on the Sumitomo Forestry Group's efforts toward achieving a sustainable society, you can visit their Sustainability Report or see External Evaluations.

References included describe changes to index names as of February 2025 and additional specificities regarding the various ESG indices mentioned above.