#Japan #Carbon Accounting #invox #Shiga #Taneya Group

Taneya Group Incorporates Invox Carbon Accounting System

Taneya Group, a notable confectionery manufacturer based in the Shiga Prefecture, has made a progressive move by integrating Invox Carbon Accounting into its operations. With this new system from Invox, a company headquartered in Tokyo, Taneya Group has managed to dramatically reduce its costs associated with calculating CO2 emissions, bringing the expense down to virtually zero through a packaged pricing plan. This development marks a significant step for the company as it tries to balance environmental responsibility with the practicalities of business operations.

The Challenge of CO2 Emission Measurement Costs

The confectionery industry relies heavily on natural resources, which are becoming increasingly threatened by global warming and climate change. As the environment deteriorates, securing sustainable raw materials and water resources becomes ever more challenging. With a commitment to preserving the environment that nurtures their ingredients, Taneya Group has pursued carbon neutrality, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. About five years ago, the corporate planning department began assessing their greenhouse gas emissions using third-party carbon accounting services. However, they immediately faced a significant financial burden, with costs nearing 1 million yen annually just for emissions calculation.

Transitioning to Invox for Efficient Carbon Management

Previously, Taneya Group had already embraced various Invox products under the guidance of its DX Promotion Office, which included the implementation of the Invox Receipt Bill system. This system's intuitive UI was widely praised across departments for facilitating smooth operations without burdening the staff. Alongside other digital tools from Invox like electronic bookkeeping and invoicing systems, the DX team discovered that they could utilize Invox Carbon Accounting at no additional cost due to the package deal.

Recognizing the benefits, the DX team shared this information with the corporate planning department. After a preliminary test confirmed the system's reliability without a significant change in their existing procedures, Taneya Group officially adopted Invox Carbon Accounting. Consequently, their annual carbon accounting costs reduced to a remarkable 0 yen, setting the stage for manageable operations moving forward.

During the system migration, they utilized an onboarding support package that facilitated initial settings, making it easy for staff to adapt. They continue to access free support, ensuring smooth, ongoing usage of the system.

Enhancing Carbon Visibility for Efficient Management

The implementation of the Invox Carbon Accounting system has allowed Taneya Group to maintain transparency for its emissions data. By reviewing data monthly, they have become better at tracking fluctuation trends, such as the seasonal rise in energy consumption during summer and scope 3 emissions due to procurement volumes.

However, while progress has been made, the company recognizes several challenges that lie ahead. Currently relying on accounting data limits the depth of their emission calculations. They aim to transition towards a model that incorporates specific differences related to individual raw materials and their suppliers.

Considering the company's operations in the food manufacturing sector, there is a crucial emphasis on scope 3 emissions. Reevaluating their procurement practices is one of the most effective strategies for reducing overall emissions. But standard practices in CO2 accounting often utilize average emission coefficients from government data or databases. This can lead to inconsistencies where changing suppliers does not affect the calculated emissions. Factoring differences in farming techniques, fertilizer use, and water management from different suppliers will require acquiring primary data, which is currently lacking.

As a manufacturer that values the fruits of nature, Taneya Group aims to truly appreciate the efforts of producers and the context of their materials. Therefore, they recognize the need for more accurate accounting methods and data acquisition strategies.

Data for scopes 1 and 2 can be derived from activity levels and primary data, which makes it easier to identify how daily initiatives affect reductions. Beyond energy-saving measures, incorporating a low-carbon approach into business decision-making is critical for creating a sustainable framework.

The Opportunity in Decarbonization

Transitioning towards decarbonization is not just an obligation; it's also an opportunity for growth. The company firmly believes that prioritizing environmental considerations during product development and purchasing phases can enhance brand value and even improve recruitment efforts. Thus, pushing forward in optimizing data and establishing internal use systems will help enhance their carbon accounting, making it a practical tool in their daily operations.

About Taneya Group

Established in 1872, Taneya Group is a well-respected confectionery manufacturer located in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture. The company encompasses the Japanese confectionery brand Taneya, the Western confectionery brand Club Harie, and the agricultural production company Candy Farm, among others. Their commitment to high-quality ingredients and seasonal production leads them to balance traditional and modern confectionery approaches while enriching the local economy.

About Invox Carbon Accounting

Invox Carbon Accounting (https://invox.jp/decarbon/) is among the most cost-effective cloud-based carbon accounting solutions available, supporting businesses with comprehensive services from emissions calculation to goal-setting and offsetting strategies. Dedicated to making decarbonization accessible for small to medium-sized enterprises, Invox aims to foster a sustainable business ecosystem.

About Invox, Inc.

Founded in February 2019 and headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Invox focuses on enhancing business value through the automation of accounting functions. Committed to social responsibility, the company maintains a policy of no price increases, promoting productivity and sustainable practices to improve society's overall quality of life. With various initiatives, including making contributions to children’s welfare based on completed invoices, Invox works towards a bright future for the next generation.