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UPDATER: A Trailblazer in Sustainable Energy

UPDATER, a company headquartered in Setagaya, Tokyo, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first energy provider in the Asia-Pacific region to receive the prestigious B Corp™ certification. This achievement was officially announced on October 1, 2025. The B Corporation certification is awarded by the non-profit B Lab™ and acknowledges companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

A total of over 300 indicators were used to evaluate UPDATER's business practices and operations. The evaluation covered various aspects such as governance quality, employee growth environment, workplace diversity and inclusion (DEI), climate crisis countermeasures, and the effectiveness of its business model. UPDATER scored an impressive 118.9 points, far exceeding the 80 points required for certification. This exceptional score positions it as the fourth-highest renewable energy retailer globally and the top-ranked among specific energy suppliers that exceed an annual sales volume of 500 million kWh.

Commitment to a Sustainable Society

With the newly acquired B Corp certification, UPDATER is committed to accelerating its efforts in creating a sustainable society. This certification not only highlights the company's dedication to social and environmental responsibilities but also serves as a validation of the impact-UPDATER aims to make through its various Sustainability Transformation projects.

Overview of B Corp Certification

B Corporation is an international certification system established by B Lab™ in the United States. It focuses on ensuring that companies deliver benefits to all stakeholders, adhering to high standards of performance in social and environmental aspects, accountability, and transparency. To qualify for the certification, companies must achieve a score above 80 in the proprietary B Impact Assessment™ and undergo re-evaluation every three years to ensure continuous improvement. Over 10,000 businesses worldwide have been certified, particularly in Europe and North America, fostering a diverse community dedicated to making a positive impact.

UPDATER has consistently pursued initiatives aimed at solving social issues through its vision of achieving a “visible lifestyle”. The company has embarked on various sustainability transformation projects, leading to its decision to seek the internationally respected and challenging B Corp certification.

Detailed Evaluation Insights

The B Corp certification evaluates companies across five key dimensions: Natural Environment, Customer Engagement, Employee Treatment, Community Impact, and Governance. Below are the significant findings related to UPDATER’s performance in each domain:

1. Governance
- UPDATER has been recognized for its transparent and ethical management practices. With a governance score of 13 out of 25, the company emphasizes long-term trust over short-term profit. The focus on stakeholder impact is integrated into decision-making processes at all levels.

2. Employees
- The evaluation praised UPDATER for its commitment to employee health, safety, and career development. A score of 41.1 out of 110 reflects a robust framework for benefits, including parental support and flexible working conditions. Future enhancements in employee engagement and outreach to various demographics may contribute to even higher scores.

3. Community
- The contributions to the community and supply chain are significant. UPDATER’s initiatives aim to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). However, the company recognizes the need for strategic advancements to deepen its impact on regional societal issues.

4. Environment
- UPDATER's efforts to combat climate change have strengthened its reputation. The company has set rigorous standards for renewable energy procurement and environmental management, showcasing positive results in both short and long-term sustainability metrics.

5. Customers
- The firm leverages cutting-edge blockchain technology for enhancing transparency and trust in its customer engagements, notably through energy matching and carbon footprint visibility. Such strategies reinforce customer relations and instill confidence in UPDATER’s sustainability initiatives.

Words from the Leadership

Eiji Oishi, CEO of UPDATER, expressed his gratitude for achieving B Corp certification, highlighting that it represents international recognition for the company's efforts to generate societal and environmental value. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to enhancing its positive impact on communities and the environment through collaboration with both domestic and international stakeholders.

About UPDATER

Founded on May 25, 2011, and rebranded from Minna Denryoku on October 1, 2021, UPDATER offers services that emphasize traceability and transparency in addressing societal challenges. With various initiatives like "Minna Denryoku" for decarbonization and "Minna Works" to transform the labor market towards well-being, the company actively pursues awards and certifications, including Japan’s SDGs Award and CDP recognition as a renewable energy provider.

For more details about UPDATER and its innovative approaches towards sustainability, visit the official corporate website.