Palsystem Tokyo Utilizes Thinned Timber in New EV Trucks

On December 26, Palsystem Tokyo, based in Shinjuku, unveiled a new electric vehicle (EV) truck at its Koto Center, located in Koto City, utilizing thinned timber sourced from the Nantu Forest Cooperative in Yamanashi Prefecture. This initiative aims to foster sustainable forest management and promote collaboration between production areas and consumption sites, enhancing local community sustainability.

The newly acquired EV truck, an "ISUZU ELFmio EV," manufactured by Isuzu Motors, is a significant upgrade from traditional gasoline vehicles. By incorporating thinned timber into the truck's cargo bed flooring, this innovation not only helps in reducing CO2 emissions from the vehicle's operational shift but also contributes to minimizing environmental impact through local sourced materials.

Traditionally, the flooring materials used in truck beds are often imported from Southeast Asia, which, while durable and cost-effective, pose environmental concerns such as deforestation and CO2 emissions due to transportation. By using thinned timber, primarily sourced from Akamatsu trees grown close to the Kanto region, Palsystem significantly lowers transportation-related emissions and supports sustainable forestry practices within the area.

Utilizing thinned timber effectively nurtures the health of Nantu's forests while promoting biodiversity through proper forest management. The cooperation with Nantu Forest Cooperative has proven to be beneficial not just for environmental sustainability but also for local forestry initiatives.

A Decade of Collaboration with Manufacturers

The collaboration between Palsystem and the Nantu Forest Cooperative began in January 2014, marking the first direct partnership between a cooperative and a forestry production area in Japan. This partnership aligns with Palsystem's forestry and wood utilization policy established in 2012, aiming for the preservation and regeneration of domestically produced forests.

Over the past ten years under this partnership, Palsystem members and staff have engaged in initiatives like forest restoration and thinned timber management. Ambient developments, such as crafted furniture using thinned timber, have been promoted both to raise awareness about the importance of forest management activities and to encourage community engagement in local forestry sustainability.

The integration of thinned timber into truck bed flooring illustrates the effective collaboration between putting to use locally sourced materials and partnering with manufacturers like Sugawa Shatai, further spanning sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.

Renewable Energy and CO2 Reduction Initiatives

At the Koto Center, the new EV truck is powered primarily by renewable energy. Approximately 70% of facilities within the Palsystem Group utilize self-generated power including solar energy, along with distribution from Palsystem Electric, which champions sustainable energy offerings. Their electricity service combines renewable energy with FIT electricity, encouraging users to opt for sustainable energy sources.

Palsystem Tokyo is committed to achieving a 46% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to the levels recorded in 2013, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to actualize a decarbonized society.

With the overarching goal of fostering local ecological balance and promoting sustainability, Palsystem Tokyo continues to lead by example, paving the way for future initiatives that cater to both environmental conservation and community welfare.