#Japan #Kanagawa #e-dash #CO2 Visibility

E-Dash Continues Commitment to CO2 Reduction in Kanagawa

E-Dash Inc., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo and led by CEO Toma Yamazaki, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the "Kanagawa CO2 Visibility Trial" contract for the third consecutive year by Kanagawa Prefecture, governed by Governor Yuji Kuroiwa. The initiative focuses on supporting 70 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Kanagawa region using the company's technology to visualize and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This year, the program aims to strengthen proposals for transitioning to renewable energy, further assisting local SMEs in their decarbonization efforts.

Background of the Initiative

Kanagawa Prefecture has set an ambitious target to achieve a decarbonized society by 2050, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2013 levels. The prefecture recognizes that the decarbonization of SMEs plays a crucial role in meeting this goal, leading to the initiation of the "Kanagawa CO2 Visibility Trial" program starting in the fiscal year 2024.

According to the latest estimates for fiscal year 2023, greenhouse gas emissions in the prefecture have decreased by 31.5% compared to 2013, marking a significant decline of 9.9% from the previous year. However, much of this decline is attributed to temporary factors, such as large-scale emission facilities in the industrial sector suspending operations. To ensure a sustained reduction, continuous efforts that are not dependent on these temporary factors are essential.

Notably, about 42% of the prefecture's carbon dioxide emissions (26.1% from the industrial sector and 15.9% from commercial) remain a critical challenge. To address this, the new phase of the initiative will enhance support for transitioning to renewable energy sources as a vital strategy for emissions reduction.

E-Dash will take on significant responsibilities within the scope of this initiative, offering calculation and reduction proposals for greenhouse gas emissions to the targeted 70 SMEs in the region, effectively supporting actionable decarbonization efforts on a practical level.

Overview of Support Offered

E-Dash will provide comprehensive support for SMEs in Kanagawa through the following services:

1. Calculation and Visualization of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Utilizing the E-Dash platform, we assist in calculating and visualizing carbon emissions while ensuring compliance with local regulations. Understanding the current emissions is the first step toward achieving decarbonization. The E-Dash system simplifies this process by allowing users to report energy consumption through bills, enabling a quick and accurate visualization of their monthly energy usage and carbon emissions. Additionally, this program will support compliance with the prefectural regulation for drafting plans to mitigate global warming, effectively reducing the workload for companies seeking certification under the Kanagawa Decarbonization Challenge for SMEs.

2. Proposal of Concrete Actions for Emission Reduction: Rather than stopping at merely reporting the figures, we offer actionable insights. Based on the data collected, we work with each enterprise to develop optimal reduction strategies tailored to their business contexts, including transitioning to renewable energy, introducing energy-efficient equipment, and improving operational practices. Each of these strategies will be personalized and aligned with their investment plans and environmental goals.

Participating companies can access these free services until the end of February 2027. By reinforcing its commitment to genuine decarbonization management in Kanagawa, E-Dash aims to contribute to the achievement of the prefecture's 2030 goals, and further support the realization of a decarbonized society by 2050, thus promoting sustainable regional economic development.

Application Method for Participation in the Kanagawa CO2 Visibility Trial

Interested companies can apply for participation in the "Kanagawa CO2 Visibility Trial" through the online application system provided by Kanagawa Prefecture. Additionally, E-Dash offers online individual consultations to demonstrate the services involved in this initiative. Companies interested in learning more are encouraged to participate freely.

Insights from Kanagawa Prefecture Officials

Kei Tasawa, Deputy Director of the Business Support Group at the Decarbonization Strategy Headquarters of Kanagawa Prefectural Government, states that advancing towards a decarbonized society by 2050 is a community-wide effort. The prefecture promotes various initiatives to assist businesses and households in effectively managing and reducing CO2 emissions. The implementation of a CO2 emission management system enables businesses to easily convert their electricity and gas billing data into carbon emissions, making the process of visualizing their emissions seamless. Support is also provided for tailoring reduction targets and necessary measures based on each company’s unique situation. This makes the program highly accessible for businesses grappling with a lack of resources or expertise in this area, empowering their efforts towards decarbonization.

Furthermore, the visibility of emissions can lead companies to reconsider their energy usage, making the proposed measures around transitioning to renewable energy and energy-saving strategies highly relevant, especially in light of rising energy costs. We hope to see increased participation from SMEs in this initiative, providing a solid first step towards managing and reducing emissions effectively.

About E-Dash

Founded on February 7, 2022, E-Dash Inc., backed by prominent shareholders like Mitsui & Co. and Mizuho Innovation Frontier, stands as a leader in providing cloud services for calculating and managing greenhouse gas emissions. Their comprehensive support encompasses everything from consulting to providing reduction solutions, all vital for businesses committed to decarbonization. With various initiatives in the pipeline, E-Dash is dedicated to leading the charge in environmental sustainability while paving the way for a carbon-neutral future.