Watami Group's Educational Initiative to Achieve RE100 through Renewable Energy Insights
Watami Co., Ltd., based in Ota, Tokyo, has recently engaged its staff in a two-day educational initiative titled the "2025 Wind Turbine Study Tour," conducted as part of the group's ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) program. This initiative took place from November 16 to 17, 2025, with the participation of 19 employees from various sectors of the company, including its restaurant, delivery, and headquarters divisions. The tour aimed to enhance understanding of renewable energy and to foster environmental consciousness.
The destination for the tour was the "Fumin" wind power facility located in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture. This facility has been in operation for 13 years and is an essential component of Watami Group's efforts to meet its RE100 commitment, which focuses on achieving 100% renewable energy usage. During the visit, participants witnessed the majestic wind turbines up close and learned about their generation mechanisms, maintenance practices, and the role they play in ensuring stable renewable energy procurement. The experience provided insight into how wind energy contributes significantly to the group's energy supply.
In addition to visiting the wind farm, this year's tour included a stop at a biogas power plant operated by Natural Energy Japan in Akita. This facility was newly added to the itinerary to bolster education surrounding biogas energy. The power plant utilizes food waste generated from the Miraisaka restaurant located near Akita Station. The food scraps are processed through fermentation to produce methane gas, which is then used to generate electricity. Participants received a thorough explanation of the cyclical system that includes returning the remaining digestate back to agricultural land. This visit offered a valuable opportunity to understand the "Watami Model," a system that promotes renewable energy and circular six-industry models.
At the end of the tour, participants engaged in a reflection session to share their learnings. By experiencing two different realms of renewable energy through wind and biogas, employees deepened their understanding of reducing environmental impact and contributing to a circular economy. This reflected the progress in cultivating a conscious awareness among the group in achieving its goal of becoming the "No. 1 in SDGs in Japan."
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a concept that encourages individuals to view modern societal issues—such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, resource depletion, and poverty—as personal challenges. By taking action from local settings while thinking globally, ESD promotes the transformation of mindsets and behaviors that lead to a sustainable society.
RE100 is a global initiative under which member companies commit to using 100% renewable energy. Participating in RE100 is not only crucial for reducing energy costs but also for meeting CO2 emission reduction goals. Members come from a wide array of industries, ranging from IT to automotive manufacturing. The initiative is hosted by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, as part of the "We Mean Business" coalition.
Founded in May 1986, Watami Co., Ltd. is dedicated to various domains including domestic and international dining services, delivery, agriculture, environmental services, and human resource services. Located at 1-1-3 Haneda, Ota, Tokyo, CEO Mikio Watanabe leads the company towards ambitious sustainability goals. For further information, visit Watami's official website.
Learning from Operational Wind Power
The destination for the tour was the "Fumin" wind power facility located in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture. This facility has been in operation for 13 years and is an essential component of Watami Group's efforts to meet its RE100 commitment, which focuses on achieving 100% renewable energy usage. During the visit, participants witnessed the majestic wind turbines up close and learned about their generation mechanisms, maintenance practices, and the role they play in ensuring stable renewable energy procurement. The experience provided insight into how wind energy contributes significantly to the group's energy supply.
Biogas Power Generation from Food Waste
In addition to visiting the wind farm, this year's tour included a stop at a biogas power plant operated by Natural Energy Japan in Akita. This facility was newly added to the itinerary to bolster education surrounding biogas energy. The power plant utilizes food waste generated from the Miraisaka restaurant located near Akita Station. The food scraps are processed through fermentation to produce methane gas, which is then used to generate electricity. Participants received a thorough explanation of the cyclical system that includes returning the remaining digestate back to agricultural land. This visit offered a valuable opportunity to understand the "Watami Model," a system that promotes renewable energy and circular six-industry models.
Reflecting on Sustainable Practices
At the end of the tour, participants engaged in a reflection session to share their learnings. By experiencing two different realms of renewable energy through wind and biogas, employees deepened their understanding of reducing environmental impact and contributing to a circular economy. This reflected the progress in cultivating a conscious awareness among the group in achieving its goal of becoming the "No. 1 in SDGs in Japan."
What is ESD?
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a concept that encourages individuals to view modern societal issues—such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, resource depletion, and poverty—as personal challenges. By taking action from local settings while thinking globally, ESD promotes the transformation of mindsets and behaviors that lead to a sustainable society.
Understanding RE100
RE100 is a global initiative under which member companies commit to using 100% renewable energy. Participating in RE100 is not only crucial for reducing energy costs but also for meeting CO2 emission reduction goals. Members come from a wide array of industries, ranging from IT to automotive manufacturing. The initiative is hosted by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, as part of the "We Mean Business" coalition.
About Watami Co., Ltd.
Founded in May 1986, Watami Co., Ltd. is dedicated to various domains including domestic and international dining services, delivery, agriculture, environmental services, and human resource services. Located at 1-1-3 Haneda, Ota, Tokyo, CEO Mikio Watanabe leads the company towards ambitious sustainability goals. For further information, visit Watami's official website.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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