New Sustainable Business Certification Program Collaborates with Sagamihara City for SDGs Progress

In a significant development, the Japan Sustainable Business Association (JSBA), led by Chairman Kenji Kanie, has joined forces with Sagamihara City to enhance the city's efforts in sustainable development. The collaboration revolves around the adoption of the 'Sustainable Business Certification System,' the country's first nationwide SDGs certification framework specifically aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Starting from the fiscal year 2025, the 'BRONZE certification' from this system will be formally recognized as part of the requirements for Sagamihara's 'Sagamihara SDGs Business Certification System.' This strategic partnership seeks to accelerate SDGs adoption within the local community and facilitate SMEs' initial steps toward sustainable management practices.

The move aligns perfectly with the mission that JSBA upholds: to make sustainable management the standard in Japan. Understanding the resource constraints that often limit SMEs, JSBA has dedicated its efforts to practical support for these businesses in implementing SDGs in a manner that enhances their corporate value. The 'Sustainable Business Certification System' features three levels of certification—BRONZE, SILVER, and GOLD—each representing different stages of commitment toward sustainability.

On the other hand, Sagamihara City promotes its 'Sagamihara SDGs Business Certification System,' which recognizes companies that contribute to society and care for the environment as 'SDGs promoting businesses.' By integrating JSBA's BRONZE certification into its certification criteria, local SMEs can fulfill one step toward achieving formal certification from the city, effectively streamlining their journey toward compliance with the SDGs.

The Background and Objectives of the Collaboration

The collaboration aims to blend the philosophies of both organizations, expediting the achievement of SDGs among local SMEs while contributing to the broader goal of building a sustainable community. Both entities recognize that support for SMEs is crucial in advancing local and national sustainability goals. The integrated approach allows businesses not only to improve their sustainability profiles but also to enhance their competitiveness and community standing.

Overview of the Sagamihara SDGs Business Certification System

This system acknowledges businesses operating under SDGs principles while contributing to society and considering environmental impacts. Companies that successfully obtain this certification can benefit from various advantages, including public relations support from the city, preferential treatment in financing for small and medium enterprises, and additional points in bid qualification assessments. Such incentives are designed to motivate more companies to engage actively in sustainable practices and contribute positively to the community.

For more details, interested parties are encouraged to visit the special Sagamihara SDGs website at Sagamihara SDGs Business Certification.

About the 'Sustainable Business Certification System'

This pioneering framework enables SMEs to incorporate SDGs into their management practices, paving the way for a sustainable society while also achieving growth within the businesses. It operates on a tiered certification system—BRONZE (beginning stage), SILVER (deeper engagement), and GOLD (advanced leadership)—catering to companies at different engagement levels. Specific indicators and evaluation criteria are established to ensure that companies can actively and effectively promote their SDGs initiatives. The current focus of collaboration with Sagamihara City is particularly on the BRONZE certification level.

For more information about JSBA and its initiatives, please visit the official website at Japan Sustainable Business Association.

About the Japan Sustainable Business Association

- Name: Japan Sustainable Business Association
- Chairman: Kenji Kanie (Professor, Keio University Graduate School of Media and Governance)
- Location: 1-55-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 5th Floor Yamato Building