SDGs Initiatives at the Kobe International Conference Center and Exhibition Halls
The Kobe International Conference Center and Exhibition Halls serve as the cornerstone ofThe Kobe Convention Center, Japan’s first convention precinct established in 1981 as partof the Portopia ’81 Expo.
In 1982, Kobe City declared itself Japan’s first Convention City, and in 2013, it earned thedistinction of being selected as a Global MICE City by the Japan National Tourism Organization.
As the core MICE facilities in Kobe, several initiatives are in place to contribute to the creationof a sustainable and improved society in line with the SDGs.

Our efforts in realizing a sustainable society, focus on three core pillars:

1．A Safe and Secure Society
2．Consideration for the Global Environment
3．Regional Contribution

1．A Safe and Secure Society
Promoting Inclusivity: Initiatives for a Universal Society
We actively promote barrier-free facilities, including
multipurpose toilets (accessible for wheelchairs andostomates), wheelchair rental services, ramps, andbraille blocks, to ensure accessibility for everyone.

Our staff undergo training in universal etiquette, andwe collaborate with accessible taxi services, andfacilitate the entry of guide dogs and assistance dogs,
to create a more inclusive environment.

We engage a significant number of disabled
employees for tree pruning tasks, contributing to thesocial participation of individuals with disabilities.

During events, we collaborate with the Kobe City's
Kobe Senior Manpower Center and Kobe Senior Genki
Point, to support the social participation of the elderly
through tasks such as guiding and material preparation.

Ensuring Safety through Crisis Management
We have established voluntary disaster prevention
systems and crisis management manuals to effectively
prepare for emergencies.

As part of our crisis management efforts, we conduct
joint training with the police on measures against
suspicious individuals and terrorism. Additionally, weorganize firefighting drills and Automated External
Defibrillator (AED) operation workshops, facilitating theacquisition of citizen lifesaver qualifications.
AEDs are installed on all floors of our facility.

Designated as an emergency evacuation site for Kobe
Central Ward in the event of a large-scale disaster,
we maintain stockpiles of emergency supplies.

2. Consideration for the Global Environment
Measures to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions
To counteract global warming, we purchase carbon
credits annually from the Kobe City ‘Kobe CO2 Bank’ tooffset a portion of CO2 emissions from electricity
consumption at our facilities.

As part of the Smart Community Technology
Development Project Utilizing Hydrogen Cogeneration
Systems, a portion of the electricity at our facilities isprovided by the Kobe Hydrogen Power Plant.

We promote energy-saving measures such as LED
lighting and automated lighting systems for restrooms.

3. Environmental Considerations
Vending machines for beverages are installed based onenergy consumption efficiency standards in line with theKobe City Green Procurement Policy.

We prioritize purchasing green products, particularly
office supplies. The copy paper used is certified under
the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest
Certification Scheme.

For novelty goods and giveaways, such as disinfectant
sheets, we use biodegradable non-woven fabric tocontribute to reducing marine plastics. Additionally,staff business cards are made from an environmentallyfriendly material called LIMEX which is made fromlimestone. Every box of 100 cards saves 10 liters ofwater.

Efforts are made to reduce food loss by utilizinga pre-registration system (compatible with QR codes)
for delegates to pre-order lunch boxes.

2. Regional Contribution
We collaborate with Kobe University through theKobe University Value School (V School) program tohost workshops that seek solutions to key issues facing
the MICE industry.

In cooperation with the Kobe Port Island 4 University,
a cooperative council set up between Kobe Gakuin
University, Hyogo Medical University, Kobe Women’s
University, and Kobe Women’s Junior College locatedon Port Island. We conduct cleanup activities of courses
used for sports events on the island.

To contribute to local revitalization, we haveestablished the Kobe Convention Center Council,
consisting of nine organizations including surrounding
hotels, transportation companies, PCOs and facility
management companies. We are committed to improving
the experience of MICE delegates through activities
such as picking up rubbish around the convention
center’s train station and areas that surround theconvention center.

We support the participation of local restaurants’food trucks during events.

We will support the organizers of academic
conferences and other events in holding open seminars
for the public.

As an independent initiative, we host and act as
secretariat for the international convention
Techno-Ocean. Focused on marine technology, thisconvention contributes to SDGs of the Sea throughexhibitions and presentations on sustainable marine useand development, while also striving to promote
understanding among the general public, especially theyouth.

This information is current as of May 2024.