Innovative Ecosystem for Sustainable Carbon-Free Economy Launches in Shibuya

Aora Launches New Sustainable Initiative in Shibuya

Aora Inc., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has recently announced the launch of a second phase of its experimental project aimed at creating an ecosystem that generates economic benefits for a sustainable carbon-free society. Utilizing their token system backed by carbon credits, called PUC, they are implementing a social funding app named Pucre. This app allows users to enjoy the vibrant Shibuya area while earning points that contribute positively to the environment.

The goal is to establish a brand new environmental economic model where consumers can enjoy their daily lives while also making contributions to carbon neutrality. This initiative is part of a broader program called the Global CityTech Bridge, which aims for innovation and social implementation in major cities, backed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and operated by CIC Institute. Shibuya has become the testing ground for this innovative approach to creating a carbon-neutral economy based on carbon credits.

Background of the Project

Japan's efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality are often hindered by challenges surrounding costs. Local governments and companies are increasingly engaging in initiatives for carbon neutrality but face a dilemma. The associated costs often translate to higher prices for products, deterring consumer participation. Moreover, initiatives to change public awareness and behavior have been more about raising consciousness rather than creating lasting contributions to a sustainable carbon-free society. For individuals and small businesses, the idea of contributing to carbon reduction through expensive eco-friendly products or donations becomes unsustainable.

Recognizing these structural challenges, Aora aims not just for participatory awareness but for a systematic approach that invites broader community involvement in decarbonization efforts. By transforming the narrative from high costs and restrictions to creating a value-driven market, Aora is advocating for a carbon-free economy that is accessible and rewarding for everyone. The initiative seeks to convert each yen of corporate budgets dedicated to decarbonization, ESG, and CSR into economic opportunities, ensuring that the burden of rising prices does not fall on individuals while promoting carbon neutrality.

Phase Two of the Shibuya Experiment: Effectiveness Verification for Social Implementation

Play to Earn: Earning While Enjoying Shibuya

As visitors explore Shibuya for work or leisure, they can effortlessly accumulate points by walking or checking in at different stores. This points system seamlessly integrates enjoyable community activities with meaningful contributions to carbon reduction without being a burden. The accumulated points can be directly linked to carbon finance, thus contributing to local economic growth.

When users earn points, they can be utilized to purchase carbon credits that are tied to decarbonization projects. This mechanism promotes sustainable environmental initiatives while allowing users to exchange their points for products like cafe vouchers or cosmetics.

Aora’s unique approach shifts the perception of environmental efforts from a costly sacrifice to a delightful and rewarding experience. By enhancing tourism and environmental investment simultaneously, the app provides a roadmap for novel community engagement, helping to elevate the value of Shibuya’s urban landscape.

Project Overview

- Implementation Area: Shibuya City
- Objectives: To create a sustainable environmental economy and cultural development in Shibuya
- Duration: December 1st to the end of March

The previous phase of the experiment assessed personal participation within the ecosystem and the issuance of points correlated to sustainable finance. Participants reported that they could engage in carbon-reduction activities without the inconvenience while enjoying quality time with loved ones, thus intertwining health benefits with environmental contributions and enhancing well-being experiences in Shibuya.

In the current phase, the focus is on enriching an environment where collected points can be exchanged for products and tickets, testing a market system where companies can pad their results by procuring carbon credits through customer engagements. Aora’s goal is to convert the costs of carbon neutrality faced by companies into economic benefits, striving for a sustainable society.

Through the Pucre ecosystem, Aora envisions fostering a climate where corporate and individual economic activities coexist within a carbon-free society.

The company has developed a system that diversifies distribution channels for environmental value through concepts like carbon credits, contributing to sustainable finance by transforming decarbonization budgets into economic gains that support various municipalities striving for a carbon-free society and Zero Carbon Cities. Joint efforts with municipalities and smart city initiatives are already underway, reinforcing Aora's commitment to supporting Japan’s carbon neutrality efforts.

About Pucre

The Pucre app allows users to accumulate points (PUC) simply by walking, offering a pathway to positive environmental contributions. For every point earned, an equivalent amount is allocated to finance efforts protecting the Earth’s environment. PUC is a unique eco-point system backed by carbon credits. Based on blockchain and Web3 technology, Pucre facilitates extensive integration opportunities for various business services.