Environmental value allocation apparatus and environmental value evaluation method

Abstract

To properly evaluate an environmental value generated for a task conducted in a supply chain.SOLUTION: An environmental value allocation apparatus 60 includes: a storage apparatus which stores information on priorities between a plurality of entities constituting a supply chain 10; and a control apparatus which executes calculation processing for detecting a change of task in the supply chain 10 to calculate an environmental value in the supply chain 10 on the basis of the detected change of the task, allocation processing for allocating the calculated environmental value to one of the multiple entities on the basis of the priority information, and evaluation processing for determining whether the allocated environmental values are valid on the basis of information on tasks before the change of the task and outputting information indicating whether the allocated environmental values are valid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental value allocation device and an environmental value assessment method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, companies have been actively implementing ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) measures to address global environmental issues, and decarbonization efforts are also being considered in the supply chain sector.

[0003] A unique circumstance in the supply chain is that it contains companies with various business scales. In particular, many of the suppliers of parts or products are small or medium-sized companies, and they are not necessarily proactive in investing in decarbonization (for example, the introduction and use of equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions).

[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable for manufacturers, for example, to provide an appropriate evaluation (evaluation of environmental value) of the environmental investments made by their suppliers and for the suppliers to be able to pass on the cost price.

[0005] As a technology for evaluating such environmental investments, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a management system for managing the renewable energy certification of manufactured products, which has an input unit that receives input of the renewable energy supply rate in the manufacturing process and the amount of raw materials and parts input into the manufacturing process that are derived from renewable energy, and a RE certification granting unit that calculates at least one of the number and rate of renewable energy certifications to be granted to products manufactured in the manufacturing process, using the input renewable energy supply rate and the amount of raw materials and parts input that are derived from renewable energy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-167067 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in Patent Document 1, detailed information such as energy supply rates, amounts of raw materials, and amounts of parts must be obtained, and it is by no means easy for each company in the supply chain to make a convincing assessment of environmental value.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above background, and its purpose is to provide an environmental value allocation device and an environmental value assessment method that are capable of appropriately assessing environmental value generated in relation to work carried out in a supply chain. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is an environmental value allocation device that includes a storage device that stores information on priority among multiple entities that make up a supply chain, and a control device that executes a calculation process that detects changes in operations in the supply chain and calculates an environmental value in the supply chain based on the detected changes in operations, an allocation process that allocates the calculated environmental value to one of the multiple entities based on the priority information, and an evaluation process that determines whether each of the allocated environmental values ​​is appropriate based on information on operations before and after the changes in operations, and outputs information indicating whether each of the allocated environmental values ​​is appropriate. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately evaluate the environmental value generated in relation to the operations carried out in the supply chain. Configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an environmental value allocating system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a supply chain company DB. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of facility information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of process environmental load information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of sales information. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware included in the environmental value allocation device according to the first embodiment and functions included in the environmental value allocation device. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of facility update information. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of priority allocation management information. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of greenwashing definition information. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram for explaining an overview of an environmental value allocating process carried out in the environmental value allocating system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the details of the emission reduction amount calculation process. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of emission reduction history information. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating details of an emission reduction amount allocation process. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation result product emission amount information. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating details of an allocation result evaluation process. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an environmental value allocating system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a supply chain company DB according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware included in an environmental value allocating device according to a second embodiment and functions included in the environmental value allocating device. [Figure 19]FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an allocation distribution process. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of distribution cooperation information. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a supply chain company DB according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware included in an environmental value allocating device according to a third embodiment and functions included in the environmental value allocating device. [Diagram 23] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a supply chain that is a target of accommodation processing performed by the environmental value allocating device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a credit processing. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of credit adjustment history information. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a supply chain company DB according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of manufacturing process configuration information. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of procurement product discharge amount information. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware included in an environmental value allocation device according to a fourth embodiment and functions included in the environmental value allocation device. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating details of an actual allocation process. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation result configuration information. [Diagram 32] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a real allocation process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <<First embodiment>> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an environmental value allocating system 1 according to the first embodiment. The environmental value allocating system 1 is applied to each company (specifically, including one or more suppliers 20 and one or more manufacturers 30) that constitutes a supply chain 10 performing a predetermined business operation.

[0013] In this embodiment, the supply chain 10 constitutes a trade flow related to the manufacture and sale of a specified product, and specifically, each supplier manufactures parts (or products made up of parts) and delivers the manufactured parts to downstream suppliers 20 or manufacturers 30.

[0014] In the example of the figure, supplier 20C manufactures parts and delivers them to supplier 20B, supplier 20B manufactures products (parts) made from those parts and delivers (sells) them to supplier 20A, and supplier 20A manufactures products made from those products (parts) and delivers (sells) them to manufacturers 30A and 30B. In the first embodiment, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that there is only one supplier 20, supplier 20A, which manufactures products to be delivered to manufacturer 30.

[0015] Each supplier 20 uses a specific piece of equipment in the process of manufacturing parts (products). Each piece of equipment emits greenhouse gases during operation, but by updating the equipment to one with higher performance, it is possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (emissions per unit of manufactured product). The environmental value allocation system 1 can allocate the reduction amount (i.e., environmental value) thus generated to the appropriate parties in the supply chain 10 (particularly, the manufacturer 30) in an appropriate ratio.

[0016] 1, the environmental value allocation system 1 includes a supplier terminal 40 managed by a supplier 20, a manufacturer terminal 50 managed by a manufacturer 30, and an environmental value allocation device 60. The supplier terminal 40, the manufacturer 30, and the environmental value allocation device are communicatively connected to each other via a wired or wireless communication network 5 such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN, or a dedicated line.

[0017] The supplier terminal 40 and each information processing device of the supplier terminal 40 store a supply chain company DB 70 that stores the details of its own business.

[0018] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supply chain company DB 70. The supply chain company DB 70 includes facility information 300, process environmental load information 400, and sales information 500.

[0019] (Equipment information) 3 is a diagram showing an example of facility information 300. Facility information 300 is a database that accumulates information related to facilities used in parts or products and their processes. Facility information 300 may be input to supplier 20 every time facilities are updated, or an IoT (Internet of Things) sensor or the like installed in the facilities may detect the facility update and register the facility update in facility information 300. Facility updates are performed, for example, to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted in the process of manufacturing the parts or products.

[0020] Equipment information 300 has the following data items: equipment number 301, which is a number assigned to each equipment and process pattern (equipment operation pattern); equipment name 302, which is the name of the equipment; usage process 303, which is the name of the process in which the equipment is used; target product 304, which is the name of the product (part) manufactured by the equipment; application start 305, which is the timing (date, year, month, etc.) when the use of the equipment began; and application end 306, which is the timing (date, year, month, etc.) when the use of the equipment ended.

[0021] (Process Environmental Load Information) 4 is a diagram showing an example of the process environmental load information 400. The process environmental load information 400 is a database that accumulates the number of products (parts) manufactured by a facility and the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the manufacture of the products. The process environmental load information 400 is updated, for example, by the supplier 20 or automatically every preset period (for example, every month).

[0022] The process environmental load information 400 has the following data items: period number 401, which sets a number assigned to each period (manufacturing period); period 402, which sets the timing of the start of the manufacturing period (such as year, month, and date); target product 403, which sets the name of the product manufactured in that manufacturing period; process name 404, which sets the name of the process carried out in that manufacturing period; production name 405, which sets the number of products (parts) manufactured in that manufacturing period; total emission amount 406, which sets the total emission of greenhouse gases emitted during that manufacturing period; and unit emission amount 407, which sets the amount of greenhouse gases emitted (unit emission amount) when a unit number (e.g., one unit) of product is manufactured.

[0023] (Sales information) 5 is a diagram showing an example of sales information 500. Sales information 500 is a database that accumulates the history of products sold by manufacturer 30. Sales information 500 is updated, for example, by manufacturer 30 or automatically every preset period (for example, once a month).

[0024] Sales information 500 has the following data items: record number 501, in which a sales pattern number is set; period 502, in which a sales period is set; product name 503, in which the name of the product sold during that sales period is set; customer 504, in which the name of the customer to which the product was sold during that sales period is set; and sales quantity 505, in which the number of products sold during that sales period is set.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the hardware included in the environmental value allocating device 60 according to the first embodiment and an example of the functions included in the environmental value allocating device 60. As shown in FIG.

[0026] The environmental value allocation device 60 includes a control device 61 (arithmetic device, etc.) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory 62 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a storage device 63 such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), an input device 64 such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel, an output device 65 such as a display or a touch panel, and a communication device 66 consisting of a NIC (Network Interface Card), a wireless communication module, a USB (Universal Serial Interface) module, a serial communication module, etc. The manufacturer terminal 50 and the supplier terminal 40 also have the same hardware configuration.

[0027] Furthermore, the environmental value allocation device 60 stores the following information: facility update information 700 , priority allocation management information 800 , greenwash definition information 900 , emission reduction history information 1200 , and allocation result product emission amount information 1400 .

[0028] The equipment update information 700 is a database that integrates the equipment information 300 and the process environmental load information 400. The equipment update information 700 is a database that accumulates, for each equipment operation pattern, the equipment, the process, and the environmental value (here, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions) resulting from the use of the equipment.

[0029] The emission reduction history information 1200 is a database that accumulates environmental value (changes in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced compared to the previous situation) for each timing of equipment renewal (hereinafter also referred to as reduction trigger). Note that, hereinafter, the period from the timing of equipment renewal to the timing of the next equipment renewal is referred to as the operation period.

[0030] The priority allocation management information 800 is information on priorities among multiple entities that make up a supply chain. Specifically, the priority allocation management information 800 is a database that stores the allocation destination and the allocation ratio of environmental value (here, the reduction amount of greenhouse gas emissions) for each reduction trigger.

[0031] The allocation result product emission information 1400 is a database that accumulates the history of the allocation destinations and the allocation amounts of environmental values.

[0032] The greenwash definition information 900 is information used to determine whether the allocation destination and amount of the environmental value are appropriate.

[0033] (Equipment update information) 7 is a diagram showing an example of equipment update information 700. The equipment update information 700 is automatically updated (a record is added) at the timing of an update of equipment detected based on the equipment information 300. The equipment update information 700 is information based on the equipment information 300 and the process environmental load information 400.

[0034] The equipment update information 700 has the following data items: reduction trigger number 701, which sets a number (reduction trigger number) assigned to each timing of equipment update (reduction trigger); company name 702, which sets the name of the supplier 20 who updated the equipment; usage process 703, which sets the name of the process related to the equipment update; target product 704, which sets the name of the target product of the process; old equipment 705, which sets the name of the equipment that was used during the operation period before the equipment was updated; new equipment 706, which sets the name of the equipment that was used (or is being used) during the operation period after the equipment was updated; previous emission amount 707, which sets the unit emission of greenhouse gases that was emitted during the operation period before the equipment was updated; update 708, which sets the timing (date, etc.) of the equipment update; confirmed reduction amount 709, which sets the unit emission of greenhouse gases that was reduced as a result of the update (confirmed at the timing when the next update after that equipment update is performed (the timing of the start of the next operation period)); and confirmation 710, which sets the timing (date, etc.) when the next update after that equipment update started (the end of the current update (operation period)).

[0035] (Priority Allocation Management Information) 8 is a diagram showing an example of priority allocation management information 800. The priority allocation management information 800 has the following data items: allocation number 801, in which the number (allocation number) of the emission amount allocation method is set, reduction trigger 802, in which the reduction trigger number of the reduction trigger to which the allocation method is applied is set, allocation destination 803, in which a list of destinations to which the greenhouse gas reduction amount (environmental value) by the allocation method is set, allocation rate 804, in which the allocation ratio of the reduction amount to the destinations is set, application start 805, in which the application start timing (date, etc.) of the allocation method is set, and application end 806, in which the application end timing (date, etc.) of the allocation method is set.

[0036] (Greenwash definition information) 9 is a diagram showing an example of greenwash definition information 900. This greenwash definition information 900 is information including constraints on the relationship between the emission amounts of each type of product.

[0037] In the example of the figure, the greenwash definition information 900 includes a first definition formula 901 and a second definition formula 902. The first definition formula 901 is a formula for determining whether or not the post-allocation emission amount of greenhouse gases associated with the production of a certain product has increased or decreased when the post-allocation emission amount of greenhouse gases associated with the production of another product has increased or decreased, respectively, when the post-allocation emission amount of greenhouse gases associated with the production of a certain product has become the lowest or highest in history, respectively. The second definition formula 902 is a formula for determining whether or not the emission amount of greenhouse gases associated with the production of another product has become the lowest or highest in history, respectively, when the post-allocation emission amount of greenhouse gases associated with the production of a certain product has become the lowest or highest in history.

[0038] In addition, this greenwashing definition information 900 is set on the premise that the evaluation of the production volume of each product is based on the relative ranking, not the absolute ranking, because the number of products produced varies depending on the period. In addition, this greenwashing definition information 900 does not only take into account the absolute amount of greenhouse gas emissions, because the amount of greenhouse gas emissions varies depending on the season or weather, even for the same equipment.

[0039] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the environmental value allocation device 60 has the functions of an emission reduction amount calculation function 71, an emission reduction amount allocation function 72, and an allocation result evaluation function 73.

[0040] The emission reduction calculation function 71 detects changes in operations (equipment updates) in the supply chain 10, and calculates the environmental value (reduction in greenhouse gas emissions) in the supply chain 10 based on the detected changes in operations (calculation process).

[0041] Specifically, the emission reduction calculation function 71 detects changes in the equipment used to manufacture a specified product or parts that make up that product, and the processes carried out using that equipment, and calculates the environmental value in the supply chain 10 based on the detected changes in the equipment and the processes.

[0042] More specifically, the emission reduction calculation function 71 acquires the number of products manufactured or transferred (number of products sold to manufacturer 30) based on the production by the business after the detected change from the sales information 500, and calculates the environmental value per number of products manufactured or transferred (here, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced when one product is manufactured) based on the detected change in business and the acquired number of products manufactured or transferred. Note that, in this embodiment, the processing in the case of the number of products transferred (number of products sold) will be described, but the processing is similar for the number of products manufactured.

[0043] The emission reduction allocation function 72 allocates the environmental value calculated by the emission reduction calculation function 71 to one of the entities in the supply chain 10 (in this embodiment, one of the manufacturers 30) based on the priority allocation management information 800 (allocation process).

[0044] Specifically, the emission reduction allocation function 72 allocates the environmental value calculated by the emission reduction calculation function 71 to the product recipient (manufacturer 30) based on the priority allocation management information 800.

[0045] The allocation result evaluation function 73 judges whether each environmental value assigned by the emission reduction allocation function 72 is appropriate based on the information on the business operations (greenwashing definition information 900) before and after the change in business operations (change in equipment), and outputs the judgment result (evaluation process).

[0046] Each function of each information processing device in the environmental value allocation system 1 described above is realized by the control device reading out a program from a memory or storage device. Furthermore, each program can be recorded on, for example, a portable or fixed recording medium and distributed. Note that all or a part of these programs may be realized using virtual information processing resources provided using virtualization technology, process space separation technology, or the like, such as a virtual server provided by a cloud system. Furthermore, all or a part of these programs may be realized by a service provided by a cloud system via an API (Application Programming Interface), for example. Next, the processing carried out by the environmental value allocation system 1 will be described.

[0047] 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an overview of the environmental value allocation process carried out in the environmental value allocating system 1 according to the first embodiment. The environmental value allocating process may be executed at a predetermined timing (for example, a predetermined time, a predetermined time interval, the timing of measuring the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, or the timing of measuring the production volume of a product), or may be executed when a predetermined input is made to the environmental value allocating device 60 by an administrator or the like.

[0048] The environmental value allocation device 60 selects a target product and manufacturing process (step) in the supply chain 10 (s50).

[0049] The emission reduction amount calculation function 71 of the environmental value allocation device 60 executes an emission reduction amount calculation process s100 for calculating the reduction amount of greenhouse gas emissions (i.e., environmental value) associated with the equipment renewal for the product and manufacturing process selected in s50.

[0050] The emission reduction amount allocation function 72 executes an emission reduction amount allocation process s200 for allocating the reduction amount calculated in the emission reduction amount calculation process s100 to each entity in the supply chain 10.

[0051] The environmental value allocation device 60 checks whether there is a combination of product and manufacturing process that has not been selected so far (s250). If there is a combination of product and manufacturing process that has not been selected so far, the environmental value allocation device 60 repeats the process of s50 to select that combination. If there is no combination of product and manufacturing process that has not been selected so far, the allocation result evaluation function 73 executes an allocation result evaluation process s300 to evaluate whether the reduction amount allocated in the emission reduction amount allocation process s200 is appropriate. This ends the environmental value allocation process. Each process will be described in detail below.

[0052] <Calculation of Emission Reduction Amount> FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the emission reduction amount calculation process s100 in detail. The emission reduction amount calculation function 71 refers to the equipment information 300 and determines whether or not the equipment that manufactures the product selected in s50 has been updated in the manufacturing process selected in s50 (s101). Specifically, the emission reduction amount calculation function 71 refers to each record related to the manufacturing process and product in the equipment information 300 and determines whether or not there is a record (new equipment record) in which a new value is set in the application start 805. The emission reduction amount calculation function 71 may also determine whether or not there is a record in which a new value is set in the application end 806.

[0053] If it is determined that the equipment has been updated (s102: YES), the emission reduction calculation function 71 executes the process of s103. If it is determined that the equipment has not been updated (s102: NO), the emission reduction calculation function 71 executes the process of s107.

[0054] In s103, the emission reduction calculation function 71 acquires the operation period immediately prior to the equipment update (hereinafter, referred to as the main update) determined in s102. For example, the emission reduction calculation function 71 acquires the last record (last confirmed record) in which a value is set in the confirmation 710 in the equipment update information 700.

[0055] The emission reduction amount calculation function 71 calculates the average greenhouse gas emission amount (unit emission amount) per unit number of manufactured products during the operation period based on the operation period acquired in s103 (s104). Specifically, the emission reduction amount calculation function 71 refers to the process environmental load information 400, and calculates the average greenhouse gas emission amount by averaging the unit emission amount 407 values ​​of all records related to the operation period identified in s103.

[0056] The emission reduction calculation function 71 calculates the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (environmental value) per unit of manufactured product during the operation period immediately prior to this update, based on the unit emission amount calculated in s104, and registers the calculated reduction in emissions in the equipment update information 700 (s105).

[0057] Specifically, the emission reduction calculation function 71 sets the value obtained by subtracting the average emission calculated in s104 from the value of the previous emission 707 of that record to the confirmed reduction amount 709 of the final confirmed record of the equipment update information 700. The emission reduction calculation function 71 sets the value of the application end 806 of the record immediately preceding the new equipment record in the equipment information 300 acquired in s102 to the confirmation 710 of the final confirmed record of the equipment update information 700.

[0058] The emission reduction calculation function 71 adds information about the operation period starting from this update to the equipment update information 700 (s106). For example, the emission reduction calculation function 71 sets the value of the equipment number 301 of the new equipment record in the equipment information 300 acquired in s101 to the new equipment 705 of the new record created in the equipment update information 700, sets the value of the equipment number 301 of the record immediately preceding the new equipment record in the equipment information 300 acquired in s101 to the old equipment 706 of the new record, and sets the average emission calculated in s104 to the previous emission 707 of the new record.

[0059] In s107 , the emission reduction amount calculation function 71 calculates the final confirmed value of the reduction amount of the greenhouse gas emission amount in the operation period immediately before this update, and registers the calculated final confirmed value in the emission reduction history information 1200 .

[0060] For example, the emission reduction calculation function 71 obtains the values ​​of the confirmed reduction amount 709 and the conventional emission amount 707 in the final confirmed record of the equipment update information 700, and the value of the production quantity 405 in the records relating to the operation period immediately before this update and the operation period before that in the process environmental load information 400, and calculates the multiplication values ​​of the emission amount and the production quantity, thereby deriving the final confirmed value.

[0061] In the examples of Figures 4 and 7, the final confirmed value is 100: conventional emissions 2.0 * production volume 100 - confirmed reduction amount 1.0 * production volume 100 = 100.

[0062] In addition, the emission reduction calculation function 71 calculates the decrease (reduction amount) in the greenhouse gas emission reduction amount due to this update compared to the reduction amount in the manufacturing period immediately prior to this update, and registers the calculated reduction amount in the emission reduction history information 1200 (s108).

[0063] For example, first, the emission reduction calculation function 71 calculates the reduction amount (conventional emission amount * production number - total emission amount) based on the value of the conventional emission amount 707 in the latest record of the equipment update information 700 (the record immediately after the collection update record), the value of the production number 405 in the record for the production period immediately before this update in the process environmental load information 400, and the value of the total emission amount 406 in the record for the production period immediately after this update.

[0064] In the examples of Figures 4 and 7, if the main update occurs on 21 / 1, the conventional emissions before the main update are 1*100=100, and the total emissions for the manufacturing period after the main update are 60, so the reduction amount is 100-60=40.

[0065] (Emissions reduction history information) 12 is a diagram showing an example of emission reduction history information 1200. The emission reduction history information 1200 has the following data items: record number 1201 in which a number (reduction number) assigned to each record is set, period 1202 in which the start timing of the manufacturing period is set, reduction trigger 1203 in which the number of a reduction trigger that occurred immediately before or immediately after that timing is set, and reduction amount 1204 in which the amount of greenhouse gas reduction (a further reduction amount of greenhouse gas emission with respect to the reduction amount of greenhouse gas emission in the immediately previous equipment state; hereinafter, referred to as differential reduction amount) immediately before or immediately after that timing (i.e., immediately before or immediately after equipment update) is set.

[0066] As described above, the emission reduction calculation function 71 calculates the amount of reduction (environmental value) in greenhouse gas emissions due to equipment renewal (when comparing before and after the equipment renewal) for each specified period (manufacturing period).

[0067] <Emission reduction allocation processing> FIG. 13 is a flow diagram for explaining the emission reduction amount allocation process s200 in detail.

[0068] The emission reduction allocation function 72 acquires the unit emission amount (conventional emission amount) of greenhouse gas before updating to equipment related to the target manufacturing process of the target product (s201). Specifically, the emission reduction allocation function 72 refers to the equipment update information 700, and acquires the value of the conventional emission amount 707 of the record in which a predetermined period (e.g., the oldest date) is set in the determination 710.

[0069] For example, the conventional emission amount 707 of the first record (the record in which confirmation 710 is "20 / 12") relating to "Product X" and "Press" in the equipment update information 700 is "2.0".

[0070] In addition, the emission reduction amount allocation function 72 acquires the sales destination (manufacturer 30) of the target product and the sales amount to the sales destination (s202). Specifically, the emission reduction amount allocation function 72 acquires the contents of the record related to the target product in the sales information 500.

[0071] For example, for "Product X" on "20 / 12", the sales destinations "Manufacturer A" and "Manufacturer B" and the sales quantities "50" and "50" are acquired, respectively.

[0072] The emission reduction amount allocation function 72 registers the information acquired in s201 and s202 (supplier, product name, serial number allocated to each product, period, purchase destination, unit emission amount) in the allocation result product emission amount information 1400 (s203).

[0073] The emission reduction amount allocation function 72 identifies all reduction triggers that have occurred so far related to the target manufacturing process of the target product (s204). Specifically, the emission reduction amount allocation function 72 acquires values ​​of all records related to the target product and the target manufacturing process from the equipment update information 700.

[0074] For example, the records of the reduction triggers "300" and "301" related to "Product X" and "Press" are obtained.

[0075] The emission reduction amount allocation function 72 selects one of the reduction triggers identified in s204 (s205). Specifically, the emission reduction amount allocation function 72 selects one of the records acquired in s204.

[0076] The emission reduction amount allocation function 72 acquires the allocation destination and allocation rate of the reduction amount to be applied to the selected reduction trigger (s206). Specifically, the emission reduction amount allocation function 72 acquires the contents of the allocation destination 803 and allocation rate 804 of the record related to the reduction trigger of the record of the equipment update information 700 acquired in s204 from the priority allocation management information 800.

[0077] For example, the allocation destination and allocation rate of reduction trigger “300” are “none” and “none” respectively (allocated equally to all manufacturers), and the allocation destination and allocation rate of reduction trigger “301” are “manufacturer A” and “100%” respectively (allocated entirely to manufacturer A).

[0078] The emission reduction allocation function 72 converts the differential reduction amount related to the reduction trigger selected in s205 into a value per sales volume obtained in s202 based on the allocation destination and allocation rate obtained in s206, and allocates it to each sales destination (s207).

[0079] Specifically, the emission reduction allocation function 72 prorates the value of the reduction amount 1204 of the record related to the reduction trigger number 1203 of the record selected in s205 in the emission reduction history information 1200 to each allocation recipient based on the allocation rate for each allocation recipient acquired in s206. The emission reduction allocation function 72 calculates the emission amount by dividing the calculated prorated value by the value of the sales quantity 505 of the sales information 500 acquired in s202. The emission reduction allocation function 72 subtracts the calculated emission amount from the value of the conventional emission amount 707 of the equipment update information 700 acquired in s201 for each allocation recipient.

[0080] For example, the reduction difference of "100" for the reduction trigger "0300" is divided equally into "50" each for "Manufacturer A" and "Manufacturer B," and then "50" / sales volume "50" = 1.0 is calculated for each of Manufacturers A and B, thereby calculating the emissions to be reduced from the previous emissions of "2.0" for each of Manufacturers A and B.

[0081] In addition, the reduction amount "40" of the reduction trigger "0301" is assigned only to "Manufacturer A" and "40" / sales amount "50" = 0.8 is calculated for Manufacturer A, thereby calculating the emission amount to be reduced from the conventional emission amount of "2.0" for Manufacturer A.

[0082] The emission reduction allocation function 72 checks whether there is a reduction trigger that has not been selected so far. If there is a reduction trigger that has not been selected so far, the emission reduction allocation function 72 repeats the process from s205 onwards for that reduction trigger.

[0083] After the processes of s205 to s208 have been performed for all reduction triggers, the emission reduction allocation function 72 calculates, for each purchaser, a value (hereinafter referred to as "post-allocation emission amount") obtained by subtracting the total of the difference reduction amount calculated in s207 from the greenhouse gas emission amount in the case where no equipment upgrade was performed (conventional emission amount). The emission reduction allocation function 72 registers the process results of s206 to s207, including the post-allocation emission amount, in the allocation result product emission amount information 1400 (s209).

[0084] For example, if the above two reduction triggers are "0300" and "0301," Manufacturer A's post-allocation emissions are "2.0" (conventional emissions) - "1.0" - "0.8" = "0.2." Manufacturer B's post-allocation emissions are "2.0" (conventional emissions) - "1.0" = "1.0."

[0085] (Allocation result product emission information) 14 is a diagram showing an example of allocation result product emission amount information 1400. The allocation result product emission amount information 1400 has data items of allocation number 1401 in which a number set for each allocation of reduction amount is set, company name 1402 in which the name of the entity (supplier) allocating the reduction amount is set, product name 1403 in which the name of the product is set, serial number 1404 in which the serial number assigned to each product is set, period 1405 in which the period for which the allocation of the reduction amount applies is set, customer 1406 in which the name of the destination (manufacturer) of the allocation of the reduction amount is set, conventional emission amount 1407 in which the unit emission amount (conventional emission amount) before the equipment is updated is set, reduction history 1408 in which a list of reduction numbers related to the reduction of emission amount is set, allocation information 1409 in which a list of allocation numbers related to the allocation of the reduction amount is set, and post-allocation emission amount 1410 in which the post-allocation emission amount is set.

[0086] <Allocation result evaluation process> 15 is a flow diagram for explaining details of the allocation result evaluation process s300. The allocation result evaluation function 73 acquires the greenwash definition information 900 and the allocation result product discharge amount information 1400 (s301).

[0087] The allocation result evaluation function 73 judges whether the allocation of reduction amounts (post-allocation emissions) to each product (each manufacturer) indicated by the allocation result product emissions information 1400 is appropriate based on the greenwash definition information 900 (s302).

[0088] For example, the allocation result evaluation function 73 refers to the process environmental load information 400 and calculates the production volume of each product in each manufacturing period for the selected allocator supplier. The allocation result evaluation function 73 also refers to the process environmental load information 400 and the allocation result product emission information 1400 and calculates the post-allocation emission for each manufacturer in each manufacturing period for each product for the supplier. The allocation result evaluation function 73 substitutes the calculated production volume and post-allocation emission for each manufacturing period into the first definition formula 901 and the second definition formula 902 to determine whether the allocation of reduction amounts by the supplier (post-allocation emission) constitutes greenwashing.

[0089] The allocation result evaluation function 73 displays the result of s302 on the screen (s303).

[0090] For example, the allocation result evaluation function 73 may display a warning indicating that the allocation of the reduction amount constitutes greenwashing, or may display which formula in the greenwash definition information 900 is violated. In addition, the allocation result evaluation function 73 may accept a correction input of the post-allocation emission amount in the allocation result product emission information 1400 from the user, or may automatically correct each post-allocation emission amount in the allocation result product emission information 1400 to a value that satisfies the greenwash definition information 900.

[0091] As described above, the environmental value allocation device 60 of this embodiment detects changes in operations in the supply chain (such as equipment updates), calculates the environmental value (reduction in greenhouse gas emissions) in the supply chain based on the detected changes in operations, allocates the calculated environmental value to one of the entities in the supply chain 10 (manufacturer 30) based on the priority allocation management information 800, judges whether each allocated environmental value is appropriate based on the sales information 500, and outputs information indicating whether each allocated environmental value is appropriate.

[0092] In other words, the environmental value allocation device 60 calculates the environmental value based on changes in business operations, and then allocates the environmental value to manufacturers 30, etc. based on the priority allocation management information 800, and determines whether or not this is appropriate, and outputs the result.

[0093] In this way, the environmental value allocation device 60 of this embodiment can appropriately evaluate the environmental value generated in relation to the work carried out in the supply chain. This makes it easier for a supplier, for example, to recover their investment based on the environmental value appropriately allocated to the manufacturer, making it easier for them to make environmental investments. Furthermore, by receiving the allocation of environmental value, the manufacturer can achieve a predetermined environmental goal (carbon neutrality, etc.). This can promote environmental measures throughout the entire supply chain.

[0094] In addition, the environmental value allocation device 60 of this embodiment detects changes in the equipment used to manufacture the product or parts that make up the product, and the processes carried out using the equipment, and calculates the amount of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain based on the detected changes in the equipment and the processes.

[0095] In this way, by calculating the environmental value based on information about the product's manufacturing equipment and processes, it is possible to accurately calculate the amount of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which is an important environmental value, in line with the actual business situation.

[0096] In addition, the environmental value allocation device 60 of this embodiment calculates the environmental value per number of products transferred (number of sales) based on the number of products transferred (number of sales) after the change in business and the detected change in business, and allocates the calculated environmental value to the number of products transferred (number of sales) based on the priority allocation management information 800.

[0097] In this way, by calculating the environmental value per number of products transferred (number of products sold) and allocating this environmental value to each purchaser, it is possible to make an appropriate allocation according to the actual circumstances of the transaction.

[0098] Furthermore, the environmental value allocation device 60 of this embodiment judges whether or not each assigned environmental value is appropriate based on the number of manufactured products before and after the change in business operations, and outputs information on the result of the judgment.

[0099] In this way, by determining whether the allocation of the environmental value is appropriate based on the number of products manufactured, it is possible to appropriately evaluate the environmental value based on the actual state of the manufacturing operations.

[0100] <<Second embodiment>> In the first embodiment, all suppliers in the supply chain have business relationships (contractual relationships) with the manufacturer, and information on the number of products manufactured (sales information 500) is shared. In contrast, the environmental value allocation system of the second embodiment makes it possible to allocate environmental value even if some suppliers do not have direct business relationships (contractual relationships) with other suppliers or the manufacturer and cannot share sales information.

[0101] 16 is a diagram showing an example of an environmental value allocation system according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, a supply chain is formed in which an upstream supplier 1601 (supplier Tier 2) sells a target product P to intermediate suppliers 1602 (suppliers T1-X, T1-Y), and the intermediate suppliers 1602 each manufacture products incorporating the target product and sell them to a manufacturer 1603. The upstream supplier 1601 does not have a direct business relationship with the manufacturer 1603, and is therefore unable to know the number of products sold. Only the intermediate suppliers 1602 manage a supplier terminal 40 similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0102] 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a supply chain company DB 70 according to the second embodiment. Compared to the supply chain company DB 70 according to the first embodiment, the supply chain company DB 70 according to the second embodiment stores parts information 1700. However, the most upstream supplier 1601 does not share sales information 500 with other devices.

[0103] The parts information 1700 is a database that stores the correspondence between a product and the parts that constitute the product. The parts information 1700 stores the structural correspondence between a product manufactured in a supply chain and each part that constitutes the product. The parts information 1700 is data that stores, for example, the number of parts that constitute each product delivered to the manufacturer 1603.

[0104] 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of the hardware included in the environmental value allocating device 60 according to the second embodiment and the functions included in the environmental value allocating device 60. Compared to the environmental value allocating device 60 according to the first embodiment, the environmental value allocating device 60 according to the second embodiment further includes an allocation allocation function 74 and further stores allocation cooperation information 2000.

[0105] The allocation distribution function 74 acquires the number of parts provided by the most upstream supplier 1601 (supplier Tier 2) in the supply chain to the intermediate supplier 1602 (suppliers T1-X, T1-Y), calculates the environmental value when manufacturing a product based on the provided parts based on the acquired number of parts and parts information 1700, and allocates the calculated environmental value to the manufacturer 1603 that manufactures the product based on the priority allocation management information 800 (allocation distribution process). The allocation distribution function 74 registers the allocation result in the allocation cooperation information 2000.

[0106] <Allocation distribution process> 19 is a flow diagram explaining the allocation distribution process s400. The allocation distribution process s400 is executed for the most upstream supplier 1601 after the environmental value allocation process of the first embodiment is executed for the intermediate supplier 1602 that has a direct business relationship (contractual relationship) with the manufacturer, for example.

[0107] First, the allocation function 74 sets a supplier S for the most upstream supplier 1601 (e.g., supplier Tier 2) that is about to allocate emissions to the manufacturer 1603, and sets a part (target product P) for the most upstream supplier 1601 (s401).

[0108] Then, the allocation distribution function 74 refers to the sales information 500 related to the supplier S and searches for a buyer of the target product P manufactured by the supplier S (s402). Specifically, the allocation distribution function 74 determines whether or not the sales information 500 contains a record related to the target product P and the buyer (e.g., manufacturer A).

[0109] If the seller of the target product P can be found (s402: YES), the allocation distribution function 74 executes the process of s404. If the seller of the target product P cannot be found (s402: NO), the allocation distribution function 74 executes the processes of s402 and s403 for the seller.

[0110] In s403, the allocation function 74 refers to the part information 1700 and identifies the product (embedded product) in which the target product P of the supplier S is incorporated.

[0111] The allocation distribution function 74 searches for the sales destination of the embedded product identified in s403 based on the sales information 500 and the record related to the embedded product in the sales information 500. Then, the allocation distribution function 74 replaces the supplier S with the searched sales destination (e.g., supplier T1-X) and replaces the target product P with the identified product (embedded product), thereby storing the distribution route (sales route) of the target product P (s403). After that, the process of s402 is repeated.

[0112] Through the above process, the allocation function 74 specifies a distribution route (sales route) of the part (target product P) from the most upstream supplier 1601 through the intermediate supplier 1602 to the manufacturer 1603.

[0113] In s405, the allocation function 74 acquires the number of parts (direct shipment number) provided by the most upstream supplier 1601 (eg, supplier Tier 2) for the sales channel of the target product from a predetermined database or the like managed by the most upstream supplier 1601.

[0114] Also, the allocation distribution function 74 calculates (s405) the number of products of the most upstream supplier 1601 that are incorporated into the parts (products) of each supplier for the products manufactured and sold by each supplier in the sales route, based on the direct shipment number and the parts information 1700. Also, the allocation distribution function 74 calculates (s405) the number of products of the most upstream supplier 1601 that are used to manufacture a unit number (for example, one unit) of the product of the manufacturer 1603 for the parts (products) manufactured and sold by each supplier in the sales route, based on the number of parts (products) calculated above (incorporated number) and the parts information 1700.

[0115] The reduction impact rate is a parameter that indicates the ratio between the amount of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with the manufacturing of parts by the most upstream supplier 1601 and the amount of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with the manufacturing of products (products manufactured by intermediate supplier 1602) purchased by manufacturer 1603. The reduction impact rate is calculated, for example, by (the number of parts from the most upstream supplier 1601 incorporated into products from intermediate supplier 1) x (the number of products from intermediate supplier 1 incorporated into products from intermediate supplier 2) x...

[0116] In addition, the allocation function 74 calculates the number of products (incorporated sales number) of the most upstream supplier 1601 that are incorporated into parts sold to the manufacturer 1603 by the final supplier (intermediate supplier 1602) based on the direct shipment number and parts information 1700 (s405).

[0117] The allocation distribution function 74 sets the results calculated in s404 in the allocation association information 2000 (s406).

[0118] Then, the allocation distribution function 74 performs priority allocation based on the allocation linkage information 2000 set in s406 (s407). Specifically, the allocation distribution function 74 acquires the allocation rate of the reduction amount set for each sales route (intermediate supplier), the number of products shipped to each sales route (intermediate supplier), and the product assembly configuration from the allocation linkage information 2000, and allocates the reduction amount by calculating the reduction amount per unit product number for each sales route (intermediate supplier) based on the acquired information.

[0119] (Distribution and Collaboration Information) 20 is a diagram showing an example of the allocation cooperation information 2000. The allocation cooperation information 2000 has the following data items: number 2001 (priority allocation number) in which a record number is set, product name 2002 in which the name of the part (product) is set, priority allocation 2003 in which the number (priority allocation number) of the allocation of the reduction amount by the most upstream supplier 1601 is set, period 2004 in which the period to which the allocation is applied is set, sales route 2005 in which information on the sales route to which the allocation is applied is set, allocation rate 2006 in which the allocation ratio of the reduction amount set for the sales route (ratio to all sales routes) is set, direct shipment number 2007 in which the direct shipment number in the sales route is set, embedded sales number 2008 in which the embedded sales number in the sales route is set, reduction impact rate 2009 in which the reduction impact rate in the sales route is set, and embedded purchase number 2010 in which the total number of products (embedded purchase number) of the most upstream supplier 1601 included in all products provided (purchased) by the manufacturer 1603 from all suppliers is set. In addition, if the embedded sales quantity is greater than the embedded purchase quantity, the embedded sales quantity will be used up to the limit of the embedded sales quantity.

[0120] The allocation rate 2006 is preset by, for example, the most upstream supplier 1601 .

[0121] An example of the process of s407 will be described based on the allocation linkage information 2000 shown in Fig. 20. Here, it is assumed that Tier 2 manufactures a total of 100 units of product X, the conventional emissions are 2.0, and the total greenhouse gas reduction amount is 100 (unit manufacturing number 1.0 x 100 units).

[0122] As shown in FIG. 20, the number of direct shipments from Tier 2 to intermediate supplier T1-X is 60, and the number of direct shipments to intermediate supplier T1-Y is 40. The sales route allocation numbers for intermediate supplier T1-X and intermediate supplier T1-Y are 60% and 40%, respectively, and the ratio of the number of direct shipments and the number of sales route allocations is the same. Therefore, the allocation distribution function 74 allocates a reduction amount of 60 to the 60 products sold to intermediate supplier T1-X, and a reduction amount of 40 to the 40 products sold to intermediate supplier T1-Y. As a result, a reduction amount of 1 is allocated to products with any serial number, and the post-allocation emissions of each product of intermediate supplier T1-X and intermediate supplier T1-Y are both 1.

[0123] Next, a case will be described in which the sales channel allocation numbers for intermediate supplier T1-X and intermediate supplier T1-Y are 90% and 10%, respectively, in Fig. 20. In this case, the allocation distribution function 74 allocates a reduction amount of 90 to the 60 products sold to intermediate supplier T1-X, and a reduction amount of 10 to the 40 products sold to intermediate supplier T1-Y. As a result of dividing these equally, the allocation distribution function 74 allocates a reduction amount of 1.5 to intermediate supplier T1-X and a reduction amount of 0.25 to intermediate supplier T1-Y, respectively, and the post-allocation emissions become 0.5 and 1.75, respectively.

[0124] Next, referring to FIG. 20, a case will be described where the embedded purchase number for intermediate supplier T1-X is 15, which is less than the embedded sales number of 30. In this case, the number of products X that manufacturer A purchases from intermediate supplier T1-X is 15*2(embedded number)=30, and manufacturer A will purchase only 30 of the 60 products shipped to intermediate supplier T1-X. Therefore, it is necessary to allocate a reduction amount to these 30 products. As a result, the allocation distribution function 74 calculates the reduction amount to be allocated to the 60 products shipped to intermediate supplier T1-X as 100*60%=60, and allocates the calculated reduction amount of 60 to the above 30 products. As a result, the allocation distribution function 74 allocates a reduction amount of 2.0 to manufacturer A (for example, a post-allocation emission amount of 2.0 is set in the allocation result product emission information 1400 for each of serial numbers 31 to 60 of product X), and allocates a reduction amount of 0 to the remaining 30 items (for example, a post-allocation emission amount of 2.0 is set in the allocation result product emission information 1400 for each of serial numbers 1 to 30 of product X).

[0125] In this example, when product X is viewed on a serial number basis, there is no guarantee that the contents set in the records of each serial number in the allocation result product emission information 1400 will match the serial numbers that intermediate supplier T1-X actually sold to manufacturer A. However, it can be confirmed from the distribution linkage information 2000 and the allocation result product emission information 1400 that supplier Tier2 has allocated a sufficient reduction amount to manufacturer A via intermediate supplier T1-X, and that this has ultimately been allocated to 30 products. Therefore, this serves as evidence proving that manufacturer A has received the reduction amount.

[0126] As described above, the environmental value allocation device 60 of this embodiment calculates the environmental value (reduction amount) when a product is manufactured using the provided parts based on the number of parts (direct shipment number) provided by the most upstream supplier 1601 in the supply chain to the intermediate supplier 1602 and the parts information 1700, and allocates the calculated reduction amount to the manufacturer 1603 that manufactures the product based on the priority allocation management information 800.

[0127] In this way, according to the environmental value allocation device 60 of this embodiment, even if a supplier does not do direct business with other suppliers or manufacturers and is unable to obtain information such as the number of products manufactured, it is possible to appropriately allocate reduction amounts to manufacturers based on the composition of the products and their parts.

[0128] <<Third embodiment>> Through the process according to the first or second embodiment, a reduction amount is allocated to each manufacturer in the supply chain.

[0129] When the environmental value allocation device 60 of the third embodiment receives a request from a manufacturer (a maker requesting trade) that wishes to allocate further reduction amounts, it searches for suppliers that are allocating reduction amounts to other manufacturers and transfers those allocations to the maker requesting trade.

[0130] 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the supply chain company DB 70 according to the third embodiment. Compared to the supply chain company DB 70 according to the first embodiment, the supply chain company DB 70 according to the third embodiment further stores part information 1700.

[0131] 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware and functions of the environmental value allocating device 60 according to the third embodiment. Compared to the environmental value allocating device 60 according to the first embodiment, the environmental value allocating device 60 according to the third embodiment further comprises an accommodation function 75 and further stores accommodation adjustment history information 2500.

[0132] For example, when the accommodation function 75 receives a specific request from a manufacturer terminal related to a manufacturer in another supply chain, it searches for a supplier who has allocated a reduction amount to a manufacturer other than the manufacturer, and when it is able to find a supplier who has allocated a reduction amount, it sets the reduction amount allocated to the different manufacturer to the manufacturer related to the manufacturer terminal (accommodation process). The accommodation function 75 sets the contents set by the accommodation process in the accommodation adjustment history information 2500.

[0133] 23 is a diagram showing an example of a supply chain that is the target of the accommodation process performed by the environmental value allocation device 60 according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, a supplier 2301A provides parts to a manufacturer 2303A via an intermediate supplier 2302A, and allocates a reduction amount to the manufacturer 2303A. A supplier 2301B provides parts to the manufacturer 2303A via an intermediate supplier 2302A, and allocates a reduction amount to the manufacturer 2303B. A supplier 2301C provides parts to the manufacturer 2303B via an intermediate supplier 2302B, and also has an unallocated reduction amount.

[0134] <Acquisition processing> 24 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of the accommodation process s500. The accommodation process s500 is executed, for example, after the execution of the environmental value allocation process is completed.

[0135] The accommodation function 75 receives an accommodation instruction from the manufacturer terminal 50 of a manufacturer (eg, manufacturer 2303A) in the supply chain (s501).

[0136] The accommodation function 75 searches upstream in the supply chain from the manufacturer and searches for a supplier that has allocated a reduction amount to the manufacturer (s502). For example, the accommodation function 75 refers to the parts information 1700 and searches for the company name 1402 of a record that is a supplier that manufactured a part of a product delivered by the manufacturer and in which the name of the manufacturer is set in the buyer 1406 of the allocation result product emission information 1400 (for example, supplier 2301B).

[0137] If a supplier that has allocated a reduction amount can be found (s503: YES), the accommodation function 75 executes the process of s504, and if a supplier that has allocated a reduction amount cannot be found (s503: NO), the accommodation process s500 ends.

[0138] In s504, the flexibility function 75 checks whether the supplier found in s502 has allocated a reduction amount to another manufacturer (e.g., manufacturer 2303B). If the supplier found in s502 has allocated a reduction amount to another manufacturer (s504: NO), the flexibility function 75 executes the process of s509. If the supplier found in s502 has not allocated a reduction amount to any manufacturer (s504: YES), the flexibility function 75 executes the process of s505.

[0139] In s509, the accommodation function 75 allocates the reduction amount allocated by the supplier identified in s503 to the manufacturer related to the manufacturer terminal 50 related to the accommodation instruction received in s501. Specifically, similar to the process of s207 of the reduction amount allocation process s200, the accommodation function 75 allocates the reduction amount related to each reduction trigger indicated by the emission reduction history information 1200 to the manufacturer, and reflects it in the post-allocation emission amount 1410 of the allocation result product emission information 1400. Thereafter, the accommodation process s500 ends.

[0140] In s505, the accommodation function 75 identifies a manufacturer to which the supplier found in s504 has allocated a reduction amount, and searches upstream in the supply chain from the identified manufacturer to search for a supplier that has a reduction amount that has not been allocated to any manufacturer (a reduction amount unallocated supplier). For example, the accommodation function 75 refers to the parts information 1700 and searches for a supplier that is not registered in the company name 1402 of the allocation result product emission amount information 1400 (for example, supplier 2303C).

[0141] If a supplier to which a reduction amount has not been allocated can be found (s506: YES), the accommodation function 75 executes the process of s507, and if a supplier to which a reduction amount has not been allocated cannot be found (s506: NO), the accommodation process s500 ends.

[0142] In s507, the interchange function 75, while referring to the parts information 1700, registers in the interchange adjustment history information 2500 the route (the route by each company identified in the processes from s502 to s506) from the supplier to which the reduction amount has not been allocated that was searched for in s505 to the manufacturer terminal 50 related to the interchange instruction received in s501.

[0143] (Loan adjustment history information) 25 is a diagram showing an example of the lending adjustment history information 2500. The lending adjustment history information 2500 includes record number 2501 in which a record number is set, lending request ID 2502 in which an lending identifier assigned to each lending of reduction amount is set, period 2503 in which the lending period to which the lending is applied is set, lending requester 2504 in which the name of the entity (manufacturer) that requested the lending is set, reducer 2505 in which the name of the supplier (reducer) who reduced the greenhouse gas emission is set, and the allocation of the amount of reduction in greenhouse gas emission by the reducer before the lending. The data items include pre-change allocation destination 2506, in which the name of the current allocation destination (e.g., manufacturer) is set, post-change allocation destination 2507, in which the name of the allocation destination after the accommodation (e.g., manufacturer) is set, changed reduction amount 2508, in which the amount of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions acquired through accommodation is set, pre-change reduction history 2509, in which the number of the reduction trigger corresponding to the reduction by the reducer is set, and related priority allocation 2510, in which the priority allocation number associated with the reduction trigger (corresponding to the allocation linkage information 2000) is set.

[0144] By referring to the accommodation adjustment history information 2500, each supplier and manufacturer can confirm that the reduction amount has been allocated to the manufacturer for a legitimate reason through accommodation of the reduction amount.

[0145] Then, as shown in FIG. 24, the accommodation function 75 accommodates the reduction amount based on the information registered in the accommodation adjustment history information 2500 in s507 (s508).

[0146] For example, the accommodation function 75 executes processing similar to s207 and s209, using the value of the original reduction history 2509 of the record in the accommodation adjustment history information 2500 as the reduction trigger, the value of the changed allocation destination 2507 as the new allocation destination, and the value of the changed reduction amount 2508 as the reduction amount relating to the new allocation destination, calculates the post-allocation emission amount, and updates the allocation result product emission information 1400 with the calculated post-allocation emission amount.

[0147] The accommodation function 75 repeats the accommodation process s500 described above to accommodate the reduction amount from each supplier to which the reduction amount has not been allocated to the manufacturer.

[0148] 23, in response to a request from manufacturer 2303A, supplier 2301B allocates a reduction amount to manufacturer 2303A. In response to a request from manufacturer 2303B, supplier 2301C allocates a reduction amount that has not been allocated so far to manufacturer 2303B.

[0149] As described above, when the environmental value allocation device 60 of this embodiment receives a request for accommodation from a manufacturer terminal 50 related to a manufacturer in the supply chain, it searches for a supplier who has assigned an environmental value to a manufacturer other than the manufacturer, and if it is able to find a supplier who has assigned an environmental value, it sets the environmental value assigned to the different manufacturer to the manufacturer related to the manufacturer terminal 50.

[0150] This allows manufacturers who want reductions to receive a fair share of the reductions by taking advantage of the reductions that have already been allocated to them, making it possible to efficiently allocate environmental value throughout the supply chain.

[0151] In this embodiment, the manufacturer requests the transfer, but the supplier may request the transfer. In this case, the transfer can be made based on the sales information 500, for example.

[0152] <<Fourth embodiment>> The environmental value allocation device 60 of the first embodiment allocates environmental values ​​(reduction amounts) to each manufacturer based on changes in manufacturing operations (updates to equipment) and the priority allocation management information 800. Here, the manufacturing process of a product using equipment involves not only the manufacturing work itself (for example, assembling parts using equipment), but also other related components such as the selection of raw materials for the parts (products) and processes such as processing. There may be multiple options for such components, and the extent of the impact on the reduction amount varies depending on the content of the option. Furthermore, these options may differ for each manufacturer.

[0153] Therefore, the environmental value allocation device 60 of the fourth embodiment allocates a reduction amount to the manufacturer, and also presents a correction to the allocation of the reduction amount based on the pattern of each of the above-mentioned components corresponding to the reduction amount.

[0154] 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the supply chain company DB 70 according to the fourth embodiment. Compared to the supply chain company DB 70 according to the first embodiment, the supply chain company DB 70 according to the fourth embodiment further stores part information 1700, manufacturing process configuration information 2700, and procurement item discharge amount information 2800.

[0155] The manufacturing process configuration information 2700 and the procurement item emission information 2800 are information that indicates the conditions of each component that makes up a process in the manufacturing operations of a part (product) (e.g., the raw material options and process options for the part (product)) and the degree to which these conditions affect the reduction amount (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions).

[0156] (Manufacturing process configuration information) 27 is a diagram showing an example of manufacturing process configuration information 2700. The manufacturing process configuration information 2700 is information on the conditions of each component (equipment and process) related to assembly.

[0157] The manufacturing process configuration information 2700 has the following data items: number 2701, which sets the number of the equipment and process pattern; equipment name 2702, which sets the name of the equipment related to that pattern; usage process 2703 (for example, processing such as pressing, assembly) which sets the name of each process related to that pattern; target product 2704, which sets the name of the product manufactured by the equipment and processing method related to that pattern; period 2705, which sets the implementation period of the equipment and processing method related to that pattern; and ratio 2706 (equipment utilization ratio in units of the number of products manufactured) which sets the ratio of the products manufactured by the equipment and processing method related to that pattern to all products.

[0158] (Procurement product emissions information) 28 is a diagram showing an example of procurement product emission amount information 2800. The procurement product emission amount information 2800 is information including the conditions of raw materials (materials) used in a process and the greenhouse gas emission amount under those conditions.

[0159] Procurement product emissions information 2800 has each data item of number 2801, which sets the number of the raw material (material) and its procurement pattern, material name 2802, which sets the name of the raw material (material) related to that pattern, supplier 2803, which sets the name of the company procuring the raw material (material), target product 2804, which sets the name of the product manufactured using that raw material (material), period 2805, which sets the period during which manufacturing according to that pattern will be carried out, ratio 2806 (raw material usage ratio), which sets the proportion of the raw materials (materials) related to that pattern used in manufacturing the product, and emissions 2807, which sets the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per unit of product emitted by manufacturing the product using the raw materials (materials) related to that pattern.

[0160] 29 is a diagram for explaining an example of the hardware provided in the environmental value allocating device 60 according to the fourth embodiment and the functions provided in the environmental value allocating device 60. Compared to the environmental value allocating device 60 according to the first embodiment, the environmental value allocating device 60 according to the fourth embodiment further comprises an actual allocating function 76 and further stores allocation result configuration information 3100.

[0161] The actual allocation function 76 identifies a combination of components corresponding to each of a plurality of manufacturers based on the manufacturing process configuration information 2700, the procurement product emission amount information 2800, and the reduction amount (post-allocation emission amount), and outputs the identified information.

[0162] <Actual allocation processing> 30 is a flow diagram for explaining the details of the actual allocation process s600. The actual allocation function 76 refers to the allocation result product emission amount information 1400 registered in s200 to obtain the post-allocation emission amount after allocation according to the reduction amount to each manufacturer due to the update of the supplier's equipment, and calculates the total value of the post-allocation emission amount (s601). In addition, the actual allocation function 76 obtains the production quantity of parts (products) of each supplier.

[0163] Moreover, the actual allocation function 76 acquires the unit emission amount of greenhouse gas after the update of the supplier's equipment as the unit emission amount related to the product assembly process from the allocation result product emission information 1400 (s602).

[0164] Moreover, the actual allocation function 76 acquires the utilization ratio of each process and the utilization ratio and the emission amount of each material from the manufacturing process configuration information 2700 and the procurement product emission amount information 2800, respectively (s603).

[0165] The actual allocation function 76 provisionally sets the patterns of materials, equipment, and processes for each serial number of products (each product in the above-mentioned production number) for each manufacturer.The actual allocation function 76 then calculates the unit emission amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the production of the product for each manufacturer based on each set value and each piece of information acquired in s603.The actual allocation function 76 then calculates the total value of the unit emission amount of all manufacturers and the unit emission amount calculated in s602 (s604).

[0166] The actual allocation function 76 compares the total value calculated in s604 with the total value calculated in s601 (s605). If the total values ​​match (s605: YES), the actual allocation function 76 executes the process of s606, and if the total values ​​do not match (s605: YES), the actual allocation function 76 sets a new pattern of materials, equipment, and processes and repeats the process of s604.

[0167] In s606, the actual allocation function 76 outputs information indicating the patterns of equipment, materials, and processes calculated in s604 and the production volumes of the corresponding products to the allocation result configuration information 3100 or the like.

[0168] The above processing can be realized by using an optimization method such as mathematical programming.

[0169] (Allocation result configuration information) 31 is a diagram showing an example of allocation result configuration information 3100. The allocation result configuration information 3100 has data items of a number 3101 in which the number of the combination of the equipment, material, and process pattern is set, a product name 3102 in which the name of the product manufactured by the combination is set, an allocation result 3103 in which the number of the allocation method of the reduction amount by the combination (corresponding to the allocation result product emission information 1400) is set, a material classification 3104 in which the name of the material category in the combination is set, a material name 3105 in which the name of the material in the combination is set, a first ID 3106 in which the number of the procurement pattern in the combination (corresponding to the procurement product emission information 2800) is set, a process classification 3107 in which the name of the process category in the combination is set, an equipment name 3108 in which the name of the equipment used in the combination is set, and a second ID 3109 in which the number of the process in the combination (corresponding to the manufacturing process configuration information 2700) is set.

[0170] 32 is a diagram for explaining an example of the real allocation process. First, in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the unit emission in the manufacture of all products has changed from 100t-CO2 / piece to 20t-CO2 / piece due to an equipment update. Then, it is assumed that the post-allocation emission due to the equipment update is 0t-CO2 / piece for manufacturer A who has purchased 500 products, and 160t-CO2 / piece for manufacturer B who has purchased 500 products. In this case, no distinction is made between materials, processing, and assembly in the manufacture of products using the equipment (substantially only assembly is considered), and no distinction is made between the manufacturing process for manufacturer A and the manufacturing process for manufacturer B.

[0171] Here, in the fourth embodiment, not only the assembly of the product using the equipment is distinguished, but also the patterns of materials, equipment, and processes (processing methods). Specifically, the reduction amount of 20t-CO2 / unit calculated in the first embodiment is fixed as the reduction amount related to assembly, and the total value of the post-allocation emissions of each manufacturer calculated in the first embodiment, 160t-CO2 / unit, is specified.

[0172] As for the conditions for materials and processing, the unit emissions related to materials and processing are 10t-CO2 / unit for the production of products for manufacturer A, and 50t-CO2 / unit for the production of products for manufacturer B. Then, with the total amount of emissions fixed at 160t-CO2 / unit, the patterns of materials, equipment, and processes (processing methods) for each serial unit of products for manufacturers A and B are adjusted using mathematical programming under the above conditions, resulting in revised allocations of 40t-CO2 / unit for manufacturer A who purchased 500 products, and 120t-CO2 / unit for manufacturer B who purchased 500 products.

[0173] As described above, the environmental value allocation device 60 of this embodiment identifies combinations of components (materials, processes, and equipment) related to equipment renewal for each of a plurality of manufacturers based on the manufacturing process configuration information 2700, the procurement product emission information 2800, and the reduction amount (post-allocation reduction amount), and outputs the identified information.

[0174] In this way, by outputting the combination of each of the other components related to the equipment renewal that corresponds to the allocation of the reduction amount (environmental value), the allocation of the reduction amount to each manufacturer can be appropriately performed in relation to the manufacturing process of the products sold to each manufacturer. This makes it possible to present the basis for the allocation of the reduction amount to each manufacturer.

[0175] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented using any components without departing from the scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these contents as long as the features of the invention are not impaired. In addition, although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these contents. Other aspects conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0176] For example, part of the hardware included in each device of this embodiment may be provided in another device.

[0177] Furthermore, each program of each device may be provided in another device, a program may consist of multiple programs, or multiple programs may be integrated into one program.

[0178] Furthermore, although the present embodiment employs the amount of greenhouse gas emissions as the environmental value, other environmental values ​​(for example, the amount of pollutant or harmful substance emissions) may be employed.

[0179] Furthermore, the greenwashing judgment formula described in this embodiment is just one example, and it is sufficient for it to be a formula that judges whether the correlation between the allocation of greenhouse gas reduction amounts to each product and the manufacture of each product is a certain relationship (an unnatural relationship).

[0180] In the present embodiment, the trigger for the environmental value (reduction of greenhouse gas emissions) is described as equipment renewal, but other events may be used as well. For example, when multiple pieces of equipment are used to manufacture a product, the trigger may be a change in the configuration of the equipment.

[0181] In the present embodiment, the greenhouse gas emission and reduction amounts are calculated periodically according to each production period, but the timing is not particularly limited. For example, the calculation may be performed at different times depending on the season or time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 10 Supply chain, 60 Environmental value allocation device, 71 Emission reduction calculation function, 72 Emission reduction allocation function, 73 Allocation result evaluation function

Claims

1. A storage device that stores information on priorities among a plurality of entities that make up a supply chain; and A calculation process of detecting a change in an operation in the supply chain and calculating an environmental value in the supply chain based on the detected change in the operation; an allocation process for allocating the calculated environmental value to one of the plurality of entities based on the priority information; a control device that executes an evaluation process for determining whether each of the assigned environmental values ​​is appropriate based on information on the business before and after the change in the business, and outputting information indicating whether each of the assigned environmental values ​​is appropriate. An environmental value allocation device comprising:

2. The control device includes: In the calculation process, changes in equipment used to manufacture the product or parts constituting the product and processes performed using the equipment are detected, and the amount of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain is calculated based on the detected changes in the equipment and processes. The environmental value allocation device according to claim 1 .

3. the storage device stores, as the priority information, an entity to which an environmental value is assigned and an assignment ratio for the entity; The control device includes: In the calculation process, a change in an operation in a supply chain for manufacturing a product is detected, the number of transfers or the number of productions of the product after the detected change in the operation is obtained, and an environmental value per number of transfers or per number of productions of the product is calculated based on the detected change in the operation and the obtained number of transfers or number of productions, In the allocation process, the calculated environmental value is allocated to a recipient of the product based on information on the entity and the allocation ratio. The environmental value allocation device according to claim 1 .

4. The control device includes: In the calculation process, a change in operations in a supply chain for manufacturing the product is detected; In the evaluation process, it is determined whether or not each of the environmental values ​​allocated in the allocation process is appropriate based on the number of manufactured products before and after the change in the business, and information indicating whether or not each of the environmental values ​​is appropriate is output. The environmental value allocation device according to claim 1 .

5. the storage device stores part information that stores a structural correspondence between a product manufactured in the supply chain and each part that constitutes the product; The control device includes: acquiring the number of the parts provided by a given entity in the supply chain to other entities, calculating an environmental value for manufacturing the product using the provided parts based on the acquired number of parts and the part information, and executing an allocation process for allocating the calculated environmental value to entities that manufacture the product based on the priority information. The environmental value allocation device according to claim 1 .

6. The control device includes: When a predetermined request is received from a terminal related to an entity in the supply chain, an entity that has assigned the environmental value to an entity other than the entity is searched for, and when the entity that assigned the environmental value is searched for, the environmental value assigned to the entity other than the entity is set to the entity related to the terminal. The environmental value allocation device according to claim 1 .

7. the storage device stores information indicating conditions of each component of a task associated with the task and a degree of influence of the conditions on an environmental value; The control device includes: In the allocation process, the calculated environmental value is allocated to a plurality of entities based on the information of the priority, and each of the allocated environmental values ​​is calculated for the plurality of entities; Identifying a combination of each of the components of the business corresponding to each of the plurality of entities based on the information indicating the condition and the degree of the impact and each of the calculated environmental values, and outputting the identified information. The environmental value allocation device according to claim 1 .

8. A method for allocating environmental value using an information processing device including a control device and a storage device that stores information on priorities among a plurality of entities that make up a supply chain, comprising: The control device, A calculation process of detecting a change in an operation in the supply chain and calculating an environmental value in the supply chain based on the detected change in the operation; an allocation process for allocating the calculated environmental value to one of the plurality of entities based on the priority information; and executing an evaluation process of judging whether or not each of the assigned environmental values ​​is appropriate based on information on the business before and after the change in the business, and outputting information indicating whether or not each of the assigned environmental values ​​is appropriate. Environmental value allocation methods.

9. The control device, In the calculation process, changes in equipment used to manufacture the product or parts constituting the product and processes performed using the equipment are detected, and the amount of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain is calculated based on the detected changes in the equipment and processes. The method for allocating environmental values ​​according to claim 8.

10. the storage device stores, as the priority information, an entity to which an environmental value is assigned and an assignment ratio for the entity; The control device, In the calculation process, a change in an operation in a supply chain for manufacturing a product is detected, the number of transfers or the number of productions of the product after the detected change in the operation is obtained, and an environmental value per number of transfers or per number of productions of the product is calculated based on the detected change in the operation and the obtained number of transfers or number of productions, In the allocation process, the calculated environmental value is allocated to a recipient of the product based on information on the entity and the allocation ratio. The method for allocating environmental values ​​according to claim 8.

11. The control device, In the calculation process, a change in operations in a supply chain for manufacturing the product is detected; In the evaluation process, it is determined whether or not each of the environmental values ​​allocated in the allocation process is appropriate based on the number of manufactured products before and after the change in the business, and information indicating whether or not each of the environmental values ​​is appropriate is output. The method for allocating environmental values ​​according to claim 8.

12. the storage device stores part information that stores a structural correspondence between a product manufactured in the supply chain and each part that constitutes the product; The control device, acquiring the number of the parts provided by a given entity in the supply chain to other entities, calculating an environmental value for manufacturing the product using the provided parts based on the acquired number of parts and the part information, and executing an allocation process for allocating the calculated environmental value to entities that manufacture the product based on the priority information. The method for allocating environmental values ​​according to claim 8.

13. The control device, When a predetermined request is received from a terminal related to an entity in the supply chain, an entity that has assigned the environmental value to an entity other than the entity is searched for, and when the entity that assigned the environmental value is searched for, the environmental value assigned to the entity other than the entity is set to the entity related to the terminal. The method for allocating environmental values ​​according to claim 8.

14. the storage device stores information indicating conditions for each component of a task associated with the task and the degree of impact of the conditions on environmental value; The control device, In the allocation process, the calculated environmental value is allocated to a plurality of entities based on the information of the priority, and each of the allocated environmental values ​​is calculated for the plurality of entities; Identifying a combination of each of the components of the business corresponding to each of the plurality of entities based on the information indicating the condition and the degree of the impact and each of the calculated environmental values, and outputting the identified information. The method for allocating environmental values ​​according to claim 8.

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