Premium Outlets begins a shift towards sustainable shopping

Starting this year, Mitsubishi Estate・Simon Co. Ltd. is making June a “Premium Outlet Environment Month.” It wants to create a sustainable outlet shopping center for people to participate in social contribution easily while shopping.

This is in line with the Ministry of the Environment’s designation of June every year as Environment Month, calling upon its local governments and companies to raise awareness on environmental issues.

Firstly, they decided to use renewable energy at their premium outlets nationwide during the period. Electricity used in their food court area and public facilities utilizes solar power generated from Ami Outlet and Shisui Outlet, promising a reduction of CO2 emission. The company’s two facilities, Ami Premium Outlet in Ibaraki Prefecture and Shisui Premium Outlet in Chiba Prefecture, have carport-type solar power generators installed, which produce electricity that covers almost 70% of their public facilities while reducing CO2 emission. In addition, Mitsubishi Estate・Simon purchased a Tradable Green Certificate in 2016 and has since worked to popularize and expand renewable energy further.

Secondly, they collected used clothes at premium outlets nationwide throughout June. When customers brought in three or more used clothes, they were presented with original goods, including reusable eco bags to discourage plastic bag use. The collected clothes are then recycled through “BRING,” (https://zenbird.media/bring-begins-d2c-circular-fashion-in-japan/) a brand launched by JEPLAN INC., which handles everything from collecting, recycling and selling clothes. Through their efforts, JEPLAN INC. aims to form a circular fashion cycle and reduce the environmental burden.

Moreover, the outlets create opportunities to save energy in their operations by adjusting air conditioning temperatures and saving electricity throughout their premium outlets. They also shared information on SDGs among their employees.

As a member of the Mitsubishi Estate Group, Mitsubishi Estate・Simon Co. Ltd. has been engaged in activities that contribute to environmental and social issues through their premium outlets, but the “Premium Outlet Environment Month” launch takes their approach a step further. They hope to create a decarbonized, sustainable society that is friendly to the environment.