Our Initiatives for Diversity and Sustainability
Contribution to the SDGs
Sophia University has established the Office for the Promotion of Diversity and Sustainability to promote the fulfillment of Social Responsibility, in which students also participate as “student staff.”
Student staff are actively involved in public relations, information gathering, and institutional design, and engage in a variety of activities by utilizing their perspectives, ideas, and creativity.
Through these activities, students, faculty, and staff exchange ideas across disciplines regarding research, education, and social initiatives that contribute to the SDGs, as well as endeavors to promote diversity and realize a symbiotic society. The aim is to create new value from these ideas.
Student Staff Activities
- Communications Team
Disseminating initiatives related to the promotion of sustainability
We are working to more proactively disseminate information on the University’s educational and research activities and results, as well as student extracurricular activities, by summarizing the content and results in relation to sustainability promotion.
- Creation of publicity materials (SDG Report)
- Development and updating of a website consolidating information on sustainability promotion
- Establishment and operation of the official SNS
- Interviewing student organizations that aim to solve social issues and disseminating details of their activities
- Campus Team
Efforts to improve the campus environment by students’ perspectives
We will increase sustainable options and create an inclusive campus where everyone can feel safe and comfortable.
- Survey to understand current issues
- Universal design of information signs
- Initiatives to reduce environmental impact
- Activities to promote and raise awareness of the SDGs
- Planning Team
Actively planning and developing events related to sustainability promotion
Through the provision of learning opportunities for students, faculty and staff, we aim to raise the level of understanding and penetration of sustainability promotion throughout the University. In addition, we will take action to drive sustainability not only within the University, but also in industry-government-academia collaborations and regional cooperation.
- Conducting training sessions to deepen understanding of the concept and philosophy of the SDGs
- Collaboration with businesses and organizations
- Holding regional collaboration projects in cooperation with local governments
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Opening of “Breeze Lounge” – A Space Designed for Comfort and Openness
We have transformed the formerly austere self-study area on the 4th floor of Building 2 into the inviting “Breeze Lounge,” a space that embodies comfort and openness. To create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, we installed green carpeting inspired by natural grass and introduced chairs and tables in diverse shapes and colors. Materials such as paperwood were carefully selected to ensure environmental responsibility. In addition, we have installed new “fully enclosed private restrooms” that can be used regardless of gender, aiming to provide a space with a wide range of options to meet diverse needs.
Design and Production of the Official Sustainable T-Shirt
Driven by the desire to encourage reflection on global challenges and inspire individuals to take action, we collaborated with Takihyo Co., Ltd., a leading textile trading company, to produce our official sustainable T-shirt. Designs were solicited from students and faculty, resulting in approximately 90 submissions. After a rigorous review process, four designs were shortlisted and finalized through a campus-wide vote. The T-shirts incorporate “recycled cotton,” made from fabric scraps that would otherwise be discarded, and are produced by companies certified under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), ensuring compliance with social and environmental considerations, quality standards, and legal requirements. This initiative minimizes environmental impact while promoting fair labor practices.
Advancing Energy Sustainability
As part of our commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we have been implementing measures toward carbon neutrality since 2020. All campuses have transitioned to 100% renewable electricity, and we are now taking on the challenge of self-sufficiency through a newly established solar power plant.
Publication of the Sophia University SDGs & Sustainability Report
We regularly publish an activity report highlighting initiatives related to the SDGs undertaken by members of the Sophia community.
Initiatives to Promote Diversity
At Sophia University, we strive to take a broader perspective in “playing an active role in realizing a society where individuals can fully express their uniqueness and abilities.” To this end, we engage in a variety of initiatives aimed at building an inclusive community, including support for minorities and promoting work-life balance. Specific efforts include career support such as childcare and nursing care assistance, as well as planning and conducting training programs on minority issues and the advancement of women.
To make Sophia University a place where diverse values coexist, we are committed to creating “a community where individual diversity is respected and everyone can thrive as their authentic selves.” Furthermore, we aim to nurture individuals who will contribute to building such a society beyond our campus. These two goals represent a shared mission for all members of the Sophia community.
Sophia Diversity Week
Every year, from November 25—International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women—to December 10—Human Rights Day (including December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities)—Sophia University hosts “Sophia Diversity Week.” During this period, a variety of events are organized through collaboration between students and faculty, with the aim of fostering an inclusive society that embraces diversity.
For other initiatives, please visit the Sophia University SDGs & Sustainability website.
The United Nations and Sophia SDGs – A Historic Initiative
UN Global Compact Activities
The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is an initiative proposed by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 1999 and officially launched at UN Headquarters in New York on July 26, 2000. It is a global framework for various organizations, especially corporations, to act as good members of society and achieve sustainable growth by exercising responsible and creative leadership.
Currently, more than 13,800 companies and organizations in 161 countries have signed the UNGC and are developing activities based on the 10 principles in the four areas of “human rights,” “labor,” “environment,” and “anti-corruption,” and implementing various measures to achieve the SDGs. Sophia University signed the UNGC in May 2015 and is a member of the Global Compact Network Japan (GCNJ), a local network in Japan. Among other things, we co-host with GCNJ and continue to hold numerous symposiums in cooperation with member companies and UN agencies during UN Weeks.
Participation in SDG–UP; SDG Universities Platform
United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Studies of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) has established SDG–UP; SDG Universities Platform in 2020 as a place where Japanese universities that are willing to actively work toward achieving the SDGs can collaborate. Sophia University is a member.
Signature of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
In November 2015, Sophia School Corporation signed the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The PRI is a set of principles that advocates institutional investors and others to incorporate environmental, social, and corporate governance issues into their investment decisions with the aim of realizing a sustainable society. Signing the PRI incorporates an investment policy consistent with Sophia University’s founding principles and puts into practice the principles of the United Nations Global Compact, in terms of asset management.
As a school corporation operating an educational and research institution, we will continue to contribute to solving various issues facing global society through ESG investment as a responsible asset owner.