Japan 2 Earth

Introducing the 'Decarbo Score' That Makes Going Low Carbon Easier

  • Hidemitsu Kaito
    • July 10th joint press conference by Earth hacks, a new company advocating the "Decarbo Score," and its partners. (© JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)

    July 10th joint press conference by Earth hacks, a new company advocating the "Decarbo Score," and its partners. (© JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)

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    A new trend is on the rise to label products and services so that consumers can easily see their impact on decarbonization. In Japan, one of these is the "Decarbo Score".

    Visualizing CO2 Reduction

    Japan has pledged to make a 46% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of March 2031 (from fiscal year 2013 levels). In line with this target, private companies are working to reduce CO2 emissions related to their products and services. However, standards for measuring these emissions vary. 

    A recently launched system is making it easier for consumers to understand the new standards that major companies have taken the initiative to create.

    Advertising giant Hakuhodo and leading trading company Mitsui & Co. jointly launched a platform business called "Earth hacks" in November 2021. Then in May 2023, a company of the same name was established to strengthen the business. 

    The Earth hacks company logo.

    Using Hakuhodo's expertise in consumer trends and Mitsui & Co.'s know-how in decarbonization solutions and domestic and international networks, the two firms are reaching out to companies. At present, over 70 companies are participating in Earth hacks' activities.

    Expanding the Network

    Earth hacks has partnered with Sweden-based Doconomy to make it easier for consumers to understand CO2 emissions reductions. "Decarbo Score" labels provide a visualization of carbon reduction in percentages as compared to conventional products.

    Example of a "Decarbo Score" label, which can be easily understood by consumers.

    Here are a few examples. Toyota Motor Corporation utilizes scrap materials generated in the automobile manufacturing process to make ID card holders and pen cases. Japan Airlines calculates the Decarbo Score for its flights that utilize the fuel-efficient Airbus A350 aircraft. Ajinomoto has introduced the Decarbo Score for recipes featured on a website aimed at reducing food loss.

    Yahoo! Japan's shopping site even opened an Earth hacks mall where products with the Decarbo Score label can be purchased.

    Earth hacks expects to have more than 1,000 companies using the Decarbo Score label for over 10,000 products by 2030. The company has also set a goal to achieve a 60% recognition rate for the Decarbo Score label by the end of March 2026.

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