In September 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty, reduce inequality, protect the environment, and promote prosperity and wellbeing for all. Companies are expected to do their part by taking action to limit the environmental and social impacts of their business activities.
Summary
- Approach to sustainability: We support our clients and stakeholders’ sustainability efforts through our business operations, as well as work to reduce our own environmental footprint and enhance governance
- Contributing through business: Nomura is committed to creating a sustainable society through the financial markets. We contribute to the environment and society through our sustainable finance and M&A advisory businesses
- Delivering value to society: Nomura promotes sustainability primarily through financial education, social contribution, respecting human rights, and social impact and innovation
Nomura approaches sustainability from two perspectives. First, we support the sustainability efforts of our clients and stakeholders through our business operations. Second, we promote activities to reduce our environmental impact and enhance governance to ensure our own sustainability.
For example, to support the transition to a decarbonized society, Nomura helps companies build suitable business portfolios for decarbonization through our sustainable finance and M&A advisory services. This not only provides value for our clients but also presents business opportunities for us.
We are committed to addressing environmental and social challenges through initiatives to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, respecting human rights, and engaging in responsible investment practices. We will continue to drive these efforts to contribute to the realization of sustainable society.
Our 3 sustainability KPIs
We support our clients and diverse stakeholders in their sustainability efforts through the power of the financial and capital markets. This embodies who we are. We will continue to leverage the comprehensive strengths of Nomura Group to help create a sustainable world.
1. Nomura’s sustainable finance initiatives
In 2016, Nomura Research Institute became the first company in Japan to issue green bonds. Since then, Nomura has been actively involved in numerous sustainable finance transactions, contributing to the environment and society through the capital markets. In FY2023/24, Nomura was awarded the Bronze Award in the financial services sector (securities sector) at the 5th ESG Finance Awards Japan by the Ministry of the Environment, for our innovative initiatives. Our initiatives included the Joint Local Government Green Bond and Hitachi’s Digitally Tracked Green Bond.
2. Providing M&A advisory services in the sustainability field
In April 2020, Nomura acquired Greentech Capital Advisors, a US M&A boutique with a strong presence in sustainable technology and infrastructure. In April 2022, we established Greentech Industrials & Infrastructure (GII), a global team that supports clients aiming to transform their core infrastructure, from energy, transportation, food, and water to waste management systems. GII provides advice to both new and existing companies with innovative technologies focused on reducing carbon emissions, digitalization, and efficiency.
We are pursuing initiatives in line with our target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for our own operations by FY2030/2031, and to transition attributable GHG emissions from our lending and investment portfolios to align with pathways achieving net zero by FY2050/2051.
As a member of society, we are committed to providing value to society to create a better world.
1. Financial education
Leveraging the knowledge and expertise we have built up over more than 25 years in financial education and our consulting capabilities, Nomura provides financial education and asset building initiatives tailored to various life stages, from elementary school students to senior citizens.
Through our “Manabou Classroom,” Nomura employees teach experiential financial education classes to elementary, middle, and high school students. We also offer a six month course at approximately 90 universities to help students who want to learn about real-world economics and universities that aim to provide practical education linked to society.
The classes have received high praise from teachers in elementary, middle, and high schools based on post-visit teacher surveys. In addition, Nomura continues to donate and provide learning materials to elementary and middle schools, as well as to public libraries.
2. Social contribution
Nomura undertakes various initiatives in regions across the world to fulfil our responsibilities as a corporate citizen.
Our social contribution activities focus on the three key areas of “Building a better society,” “Solving environmental issues,” and “Promoting cultural advancement.” We provide financial support, as well as carrying out volunteer activities by our employees.
Since 2020, we have implemented the “Global Charity Challenge” every year as a groupwide initiative aimed at promoting employee health and wellbeing and supporting charitable causes.
In the event of natural disasters or similar occurrences, Nomura collaborates across all its global locations to assess the situation in affected areas and provide financial support or procure relief supplies.
3. Respecting Human Rights
Respect for human rights is essential to achieving a sustainable society. Nomura recognizes the impact of our business activities and the activities of our stakeholders on human rights. To mitigate these impacts, we established a Human Rights Policy in May 2023, outlining our commitment to adhere to legal requirements and international human rights standards. The Human Rights Policy is regularly reviewed and discussed by the Sustainability Committee and other relevant entities within Nomura. We believe that fulfilling our responsibility to respect human rights—through training and by identifying and addressing negative impacts in our business— enhances trust from society and helps improve our corporate value. We will continue to address human rights issues and disclose information in accordance with principles such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
4. Social Impact and Innovation Initiatives
Supporting startup companies and collaborating across different industries are essential for the sustainable growth of society. Nomura provides a wide range of financial services to support these companies in their efforts.
Nomura Securities helped unlisted companies raise funds through the J-Ships scheme, which aims to provide growth capital for startup companies. In addition, we co-hosted events such as the “Agriculture, Mountain, and Fishing Village Innovation Exchange Meeting” aimed at promoting business innovation in agricultural, rural and fishing villages, and the “Impact Camp,” which facilities networking and learning among impact startups.
We will continue working to foster innovation to help realize a sustainable society and achieve sustainable growth as a company
Read Nomura Report 2024 for more details.
Also read Nomura Sustainability Report 2024 for a summary of our sustainability initiatives.