#Sustainability #Japan #Tokyo #Booost #ERM Group

Booost and ERM Group Unite for Sustainable Transformation

Booost Inc., known for its market-leading sustainability ERP solution, has officially partnered with ERM Japan to tackle the rising need for sustainability disclosures mandated by emerging regulations. This cooperation aims to bolster enterprises' sustainability transformation (SX) by providing comprehensive support from system implementation to operation and establishment, particularly in light of the new requirements that emphasize transparent reporting.

Context of the Collaboration

As globalization intensifies, the pressure surrounding sustainability reporting grows in tandem, with numerous regulatory frameworks being unveiled, including the ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board), CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), and SSBJ (Sustainability Standards Board). Notably, companies with a market capitalization exceeding 3 trillion yen will be impacted by the upcoming regulations effective from April 1, 2026. This presents the ‘Sustainability 2026 Challenge’, as firms must strategize to align with sustainability goals by 2026.

These regulatory changes signify a shift from voluntary to mandatory disclosures, demanding a high degree of internal control and refined data management, as third-party assurances become necessary. For many companies, adapting to these new standards represents an urgent and significant challenge.

Booost Inc. is dedicated to facilitating this transition by developing the ERP platform ‘booost Sustainability’, which adheres to international disclosure standards. It aids large corporations in effectively collecting, calculating, and reporting non-financial data related to environmental, human capital, and supply chain metrics through a singular solution.

ERM Japan, part of the globally recognized ERM Group, offers specialized expertise in sustainability consulting. With its extensive history and innovative approaches, including a joint venture with Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Bank, the firm is particularly adept at providing consulting services and solutions aimed at addressing climate change challenges and fostering a holistic implementation phase for decarbonization efforts.

By merging Booost's data management capabilities with ERM Group's consulting experience, the partnership is poised to advance solutions for the ‘Sustainability 2026 Challenge’ while also guiding companies towards a proactive sustainability management approach beyond mere compliance.

Details of the Collaboration

The alliance strives to enhance both companies’ existing strengths through various initiatives, which include:

1. Implementation Support for Sustainability Disclosures: By combining Booost's technological solutions with ERM Group's practical field support, they aim to streamline data identification, collection, aggregation, disclosure, and operationalization processes.

2. Establishment of Internal Controls and Data Governance: Together, they will develop internal control systems and data governance structures that comply with international standards, ensuring reliable operating platforms compatible with third-party validation.

3. Joint Seminars and Practical Knowledge Sharing: They will host collaborative seminars targeting practical challenges and innovative practices in sustainability disclosures to educate corporate personnel.

This alliance will significantly fortify supporting measures throughout the SX implementation phase and deliver a comprehensive strategy encompassing system introduction, operation, establishment, and data utilization.

Initiative: Aiming to Make Japan an SX Leader

Many corporations currently face delays in tackling mandatory sustainability-related financial disclosures, which poses a risk of diminishing corporate value—this predicament is part of the ‘Sustainability 2026 Challenge’. To overcome this, Booost launched the “Project to Make Japan an SX Leader” in November 2024, now featuring nine participating firms, including ERM Japan. The goal is to enhance the international presence and corporate value of Japanese businesses through sustainability advancements.

According to ERM Japan, “Our group capitalizes on a worldwide network, providing the ‘Boots to Board Room’ consulting concept, supporting sustainability initiatives from ground-level operations to high-level decision-making.” This initiative represents a commitment for ERM Group to aid multinational companies in overcoming the complexities involved in adhering to SSBJ requirements, transforming sustainability reporting into an asset for business model development and corporate value creation.

In essence, this collaboration between Booost and ERM marks a pivotal step towards fostering responsible corporate practices in Japan’s evolving regulatory landscape. As sustainability becomes a cornerstone of corporate strategy, their concerted efforts will help streamline reporting processes, ultimately contributing to heightened investor dialogue and competitive standing in the global marketplace.