In August 2011 Benesse Holdings drafted the Benesse Group Environmental Policy, which reaffirms the importance of addressing environmental issues as a management priority. Guided by this policy, Benesse Holdings will implement Group-wide measures to reduce the Group’s environmental impact, while enhancing environmental activities so that they have a greater impact on society and the local community by actively promoting these activities through its core business. Efforts will be concentrated particularly on environmental education, which ties in closely with its core business.

Environmental issues are an important priority on a global scale. We believe that corporations have a duty to actively promote environmental activities. To fulfill its corporate philosophy of Benesse=“Well-Being,” the Benesse Group has positioned the environment as a key management priority, and is actively promoting environmental activities according to the characteristics of each of the its business domains, centered on education and childcare, language/global leadership training, and senior/nursing care.

We will adhere to all environmental laws and regulations when undertaking environmental activities. At the same time, we will have every person involved in our business proactively take part in environmental activities while working to continuously upgrade environmental management systems and environmental performance. Details of these activities are as follows:

( 1 ) Promote environmental consciousness in products and services, as well as sales and other activities

We will promote environmentally conscious design principles, including the non-use of hazardous substances and resource conservation, to ensure that we provide safe materials with a low environmental impact. We will apply these principles not only products and services but also marketing tools.

( 2 ) Encourage energy conservation, waste reduction and recycling

We will work to prevent environmental pollution in the course of business activities by encouraging energy conservation, waste reduction and recycling through the implementation of new technologies and other means.

( 3 ) Engage society

We will collaborate with society and local communities in conducting environmental activities by promoting environmental education, community programs and other activities leveraging the characteristics of the Group’s businesses.

This Environmental Policy will be made known to all employees and other personnel involved in the Group’s business activities, and will also be disclosed to the public.

August 1, 2011
Benesse Holdings, Inc.