Collaborative Initiatives for Carbon Credits: The Takao 100-Year Forest Project

In an innovative collaborative effort, three companies—Stellar Green, Sagawa Express, and Water Scape—are joining forces for the Takao 100-Year Forest Project. Located in Hachioji City, Tokyo, this venture aims to enhance the generation of J-Credits while promoting sustainable watershed management and environmental value creation. This initiative aligns with Tokyo's promotion of carbon credit generation through absorption and removal processes, fostering a new model of circular economy that benefits both local communities and urban environments.

The Framework of the Takao 100-Year Forest Project

1. Duration of the Project

The project is set to run from August 5, 2025, until December 31, 2026.

2. Location

The project will take place at the Takao 100-Year Forest in Hachioji City, Tokyo.

3. Background of the Initiative

Japan's forests have historically supported diverse aspects of society, from culture and tourism to construction materials. However, factors like declining timber prices and ownership fragmentation are leading to increased management challenges. Forests, which provide significant ecological functions, including carbon absorption and biodiversity conservation, hold untapped potential that needs to be highlighted. Stellar Green envisions utilizing data and technology to uncover these overlooked values. By creating a management model that supports integration between urban and rural benefits, it seeks to secure the future of Japan's forests.

4. Key Aspects of the Project

a. Monitoring through Satellite Data and AI:
Instead of traditional aerial laser measurements, this project will adopt a combination of satellite data and AI technology for continuous, cost-effective monitoring of forest growth. This innovative approach enables more frequent evaluations of carbon absorption levels necessary for J-Credits.

b. Quantifying Watershed Management:
Another essential component is the quantifiable assessment of forest impacts on groundwater. Stellar Green plans to scientifically validate the function of forests as sources of water. This is not only important for carbon credit systems but also positions the ecological values such as water quality and biodiversity as premium features, enhancing the qualitative aspects of credits.

Currently, it may pose a challenge to independently quantify elements like water and biodiversity as separate credits, but this project envisions a framework that adds these values as premiums to carbon credits. Testing this model will pave the way for future exploration of water and ecosystems in credit systems.

5. Roles of Each Company

- Stellar Green: Specializing in satellite data monitoring and AI supplementations, it also provides expertise for J-Credit system compliance.
- Sagawa Express: This company offers the practical field for experimentation and is responsible for forest management.
- Water Scape: Tasked with groundwater measurements and simulations, it brings deep expertise in watershed management.

This project demonstrates the synergy among Sagawa Express, Water Scape, and Stellar Green to connect forest, water, and human efforts. Sagawa Express has a long history of owning and managing forests through the Takao 100-Year Forest initiative, which began in 2007 and aims to promote sustainable forest practices in partnership with various stakeholders. Water Scape complements this by specializing in quantifying water cycles, while Stellar Green plays a crucial role in translating ecological value into economic opportunities.

About the Takao 100-Year Forest Project

The Takao 100-Year Forest Project encompasses about 50 hectares of forest owned by Sagawa Express. This unique model includes collaborative efforts from local communities, universities, and businesses, fostering forest maintenance and conservation over a long-term horizon symbolized by the term “100 years.” Since its inception, the project has implemented forest management practices, environmental education, and biodiversity surveys, gaining recognition through the SEGES certification system in 2020 for its comprehensive environmental contributions.

About the Absorption and Removal Carbon Credit Creation Promotion Project

This initiative by Tokyo aims to establish models for carbon credits through the utilization of natural resources, serving as a template for similar projects in the agricultural, forestry, and fishery sectors. The project is slated for a two-year implementation phase.

About Stellar Green

Stellar Green operates under the mission of transforming the value of nature and is committed to conserving biodiversity while employing technology to convert local natural resources into valuable assets. The company offers a comprehensive service for generating and selling forest carbon credits and provides support for data collection and documentation processes, systematically assisting in translating environmental into economic values.

For more information, visit the respective websites:
Stellar Green
Sagawa Express Takao 100-Year Project
Tokyo Absorption Carbon Credits Project