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Report on the 3rd SSBJ Subcommittee Meeting

On September 17, 2025, the Sustainability Leadership Community (SLC), one of Japan's largest gatherings of sustainability leaders, conducted the 3rd SSBJ Subcommittee Meeting. Under the concept of "Sustainability Together," this community aims to enhance literacy surrounding sustainability activities among its 795 members from 514 companies as of June 2025. The meeting was attended by sustainability representatives from prime-listed companies with market capitalizations exceeding ¥500 billion.

The central theme of this meeting revolved around efforts to reduce Scope 3 emissions, a significant challenge for many organizations. Participants engaged in lively discussions, sharing both the issues they face and potential solutions.

SLC is a free, registration-based community focused on promoting sustainability among businesses and individuals, as well as experts in the field. It is operated by Booost Inc., which is known for developing the top-rated sustainability ERP solution in Japan. This community serves as an essential platform for networking through regular in-person events featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and informal gatherings. These events facilitate information exchanges on the latest case studies and common challenges, thereby accelerating sustainable management practices across participating companies.

The subcommittee’s objectives are closely tied to the SSBJ standards introduced in March 2025, aiming to enhance corporate abilities to respond to real-world challenges through sharing advanced examples and ongoing discussions. This initiative began in July 2025 and is expected to encompass seven meetings.

Highlights from the 3rd SSBJ Subcommittee Meeting

During the meeting, discussions focused on the following pressing issues:

• - Challenges in Collecting Supplier Data: Many participants highlighted difficulties in gathering greenhouse gas (GHG) data from suppliers, especially when data collection isn’t explicitly included in contracts. There were differing opinions regarding the necessity of making GHG data a contractual obligation.
• - Industry-Specific Calculation Issues: The discussion revealed substantial disparities in awareness among trading partners, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises. This highlighted the necessity of awareness-raising initiatives to align understanding across the board.
• - Lack of Unified Internal Policies: Participants expressed the challenges faced when different product lines adopt varying approaches, making it difficult to establish a cohesive corporate stance.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the opportunity to recognize shared challenges and find pathways toward resolution. "It was refreshing to identify common challenges with my company and discover possible solutions," noted one participant. The SLC is committed to improving the quality of discussions, continuing to provide spaces for sharing insights directly relevant to the practical work of sustainability professionals.

Future Event Details

The SSBJ subcommittee meetings will continue from July 2025 through January 2026, occurring monthly. They are designed for professionals and managers in sustainability, business planning, and IR departments. The format will include lectures and group discussions in smaller settings, allowing for more engaging exchanges. Through these meetings, attendees can:

• - Develop a foundational understanding of SSBJ and identify practical challenges companies face.
• - Gain insights that can be applied to their organization by learning from other companies’ advanced practices.
• - Build a network for sharing practical knowledge on sustainability initiatives.
• - Acquire articulated insights that can be utilized in discussions with management and other departments.

SLC aims to strengthen its support for sustainability professionals by organizing additional relevant subcommittees and events, alongside providing a valuable platform for information sharing.

Addressing the 2026 Sustainability Challenge

Currently, many businesses are facing delays in responding to the mandated disclosure of sustainability-related financial information. This situation, known as the "Sustainability 2026 Problem," poses a risk of diminishing corporate value due to inadequate urgency in addressing these challenges. To combat this, Booost Inc. launched the "Project to Make Japan a Leader in SX" in November 2024. The project encourages dialogue between operational staff and executives. The SLC and its subcommittee play a pivotal role in this initiative, creating a dedicated dialogue platform for practical personnel.

For more information or express interest in subcommittee participation, please reach out to: SLC Management Office: [email protected]

About the Sustainability Leadership Community (SLC)

Founded on February 27, 2023, the Sustainability Leadership Community is a free registration-based network dedicated to enhancing sustainability literacy among individuals and organizations committed to sustainability efforts. The community promotes networking through online platforms and various events, targeting a structural transformation towards a sustainable society and economy. To date, SLC has held six events, engaging numerous stakeholders in the pursuit of sustainability.

Website: SLC Homepage
Registration: Join SLC

Key Benefits of Joining SLC:

• - Connect with industry leaders and gain the latest information on sustainability strategies.
• - Absorb best practices in sustainable management and strategy.
• - Build networks with professionals from various sectors focused on ESG initiatives.