Watami Achieves 100% Renewable Energy at Tochigi Center for Sustainable Future

Watami Achieves 100% Renewable Energy at Tochigi Center

Watami Corporation, headquartered in Ota, Tokyo, has made a remarkable leap towards sustainability by converting its Tochigi Center into a facility that uses 100% renewable energy starting from October 1, 2025. This move aligns with the company's ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact and reflects its dedication to a sustainable future.

The Tochigi Center serves as a production hub for the company’s home meal delivery brand, Watami no Takushoku Direct. This significant step is now the sixth facility within the entire Watami Group to operate on 100% renewable energy. The electricity for this initiative is supplied by Watami Eco Power, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Watami Energy, which oversees the group’s electricity retail business.

The pricing of the renewable energy plan introduced is comparable to the standard rates offered by major utility companies, allowing Watami to implement sustainable practices without incurring additional costs. This pricing strategy is a cornerstone of Watami Eco Power’s efforts, facilitating the expansion of 100% renewable energy usage both within the Watami Group and to external clients.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

Watami's journey towards sustainability dates back to 1999, when the company declared its intention to leave a beautiful Earth for future generations. By 2010, Watami became the first restaurant company to be certified as an Eco-First company, acknowledging its pioneering work in the environmental sector. This certification highlighted their initiatives characterized by advancement, uniqueness, and significant impact.

Today, Watami is working within its distinctive Watami Model, which integrates renewable energy into a circular economy framework. The company is not only focusing on sustainable meal production but is also striving to eliminate carbon emissions from its operations by aiming for 100% renewable energy usage across all its business activities.

Additionally, Watami has joined the international initiative RE100, which brings together companies committed to utilizing 100% renewable energy. As part of their commitment, significant transitions to renewable energy have already been witnessed in corporate offices and food processing plants before the recent switch at the Tochigi Center.

Future Developments and Goals

The introduction of renewable energy at the Tochigi facility marks a stepping stone for the Watami Group, as the company plans to gradually implement similar transitions at other production sites, sales offices, and retail locations. By centering the renewable energy supply around Watami Eco Power, they aim to establish a sustainable electricity circulation model that supports their overarching goals.

The company sets ambitious targets for its renewable energy endeavors, aiming to meet its RE100 intermediate goals by 2035 and achieve full implementation by 2040. Detailed plans include increasing the use of non-fossil certificates, which ensures a robust supply of green energy for their operations.

About RE100

RE100 is an international initiative consisting of businesses that commit to using 100% renewable energy. This initiative is vital for companies not just for cost control but also for meeting carbon reduction goals. Participants span numerous industries, showcasing a diverse range of corporate players willing to invest in a greener future. Hosted by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, RE100 is a part of the broader We Mean Business coalition aiming for climate change solutions.

Further Information

Watami Corporation

- Address: 1-1-3 Haneda, Ota, Tokyo
- Representative: Miyuki Watanabe, CEO
- Established: May 1986
- Business Areas: Domestic and international restaurant operations, home meal distribution, agriculture, environmental services, human resources
- Website: Watami

Watami Energy, Inc.