Environmental load mitigation support device and environmental load mitigation support method

Abstract

To assist in creating a time sequence of a measure to achieve an appropriate target for environmental load mitigation.SOLUTION: An environmental load mitigation support device 201 comprises: a storage device that stores cost-effectiveness information that is the cost and effect data for each countermeasure related to environmental load mitigation for a specified resource; and a control device that performs environmental goal setting processing to set goals for measures to mitigate environmental load related to resources undertaken by a business operator, measure item selection processing to extract each adoptable measure on the basis of the cost-effectiveness information to achieve the set goals, and load map preparation processing to determine the implementation start order or timing for each extracted measure according to predetermined rules and output information regarding the determined implementation start order or timing for each measure to an output device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental load reduction support device and an environmental load reduction support method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, against the backdrop of environmental and social issues such as global warming, companies have been called upon to contribute to the transition to a decarbonized society. However, while some companies recognize the need to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in order to transition to a decarbonized society, they are unable to take action because they do not know the specific CO2 emission reduction targets that society requires of their companies or the specific measures they can take to achieve those targets.

[0003] The method for formulating a global warming countermeasure plan for a business described in Patent Document 1 is a technology that provides a comprehensive diagnostic method for formulating a plan based on setting CO2 reduction targets for the entire business or organization and specific facilities to be introduced to achieve those targets, in accordance with the introduction priority (ranking) evaluated from the energy efficiency and introduction effects of all facilities owned by the business, so that the business can formulate a global warming countermeasure introduction plan. Patent Document 1 explains the global warming countermeasure plan formulation method as a function for prioritizing which of multiple facilities to introduce global warming countermeasures at and extracting and selecting facilities to introduce global warming countermeasures based on annual trends in the annual capital investment range of the business. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-41705 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not provide time-series information on what process is required to achieve the target. For example, the necessary investment amount and its effects (CO2 emission reduction amount, expected return on investment) are unclear. It is also difficult to determine what kind of target is appropriate.

[0006] The present invention has been made in light of this current situation, and its purpose is to provide an environmental load reduction support device and an environmental load reduction support method that can assist in creating a timeline of measures to achieve appropriate goals for reducing environmental load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is an environmental load reduction support device that includes a storage device that stores cost-effectiveness information, which is information on the costs and effectiveness of each measure for reducing the environmental load related to a specified resource, and a control device that executes an environmental goal setting process that sets targets for measures to be taken by a business operator to reduce the environmental load related to the resource, a measure item selection process that extracts each measure that can be adopted for achieving the target based on the cost-effectiveness information, and a roadmap creation process that determines the order or timing of start of implementation of each of the extracted measures in accordance with predetermined rules and outputs information related to the order or timing of start of implementation of each of the determined measures to an output device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention can assist in creating a timeline of measures to achieve appropriate targets for reducing environmental impact. Configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the concept of an environmental load reduction support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an environmental load reduction support system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an environmental load reduction support device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional unit included in the environmental load reduction support device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cost-effectiveness table. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an associated company measures item table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power information table. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an environmental load reduction support process. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on a computer or the like when a user inputs information to be registered in a user information table. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the environmental load reduction support device in the environmental load reduction support process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information table. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table of CO2 reduction information of other organizations. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an affiliated company CO2 reduction information table. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an environmental goal setting process for calculating a user target reduction amount based on a table of other organization CO2 reduction information. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an environmental goal setting process for calculating a user target reduction amount based on an associated company CO2 reduction information table. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a CO2 reduction measure item selection process. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for selecting a CO2 reduction measure item without financing. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for selecting a CO2 reduction measure item with financing; [Figure 19]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a roadmap development process. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an investment upper limit-focused roadmap formulation process. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a cost-effectiveness focused roadmap formulation process. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a roadmap result screen. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a roadmap details screen. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a marginal abatement cost curve screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an example for explaining the present invention, and for clarity of explanation, some details have been omitted or simplified as appropriate. The present invention can be implemented in various forms other than the present embodiment.

[0011] The position, size, shape, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc. in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural.

[0012] Examples of various types of information may be described using expressions such as "table," "list," and "queue," but the various types of information may be expressed using data structures other than these. For example, various types of information such as "XX table," "XX list," and "XX queue" may be expressed as "XX information." When describing identification information, expressions such as "identification information," "identifier," "name," "ID," and "number" are used, but these are interchangeable. Furthermore, in this embodiment, identification information described using these expressions is expressed using symbols, numbers, natural language, or a combination thereof, but the identification information may be in a format other than these.

[0013] When there are multiple components with the same or similar functions, they may be described using the same reference numeral with different subscripts. When there is no need to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted.

[0014] In the present embodiment, processing performed by executing a program may be described. Here, a computer executes the program using a processor (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)), and performs processing defined by the program using storage resources (e.g., a memory) and interface devices (e.g., a communication port). Therefore, the entity that executes the program and performs the processing may be the processor. Similarly, the entity that executes the program and performs the processing may be a controller, device, system, computer, or node that has a processor. The entity that executes the program and performs the processing may be any computing unit, and may include a dedicated circuit that performs specific processing. Here, the dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device).

[0015] A program may be installed on a computer from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. When the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server may include a processor and storage resources for storing the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to be distributed to other computers. In addition, in this embodiment, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0016] Furthermore, although the present invention is typically realized by an information processing device, it may also be realized as a platform having the functions of the present invention.

[0017] 1 is a diagram showing the concept of an environmental load reduction support system 101 according to this embodiment. The environmental load reduction support system 101 is configured to include an environmental load reduction support device 201. The environmental load reduction support system 101 is an information processing device used by a user (hereinafter referred to as a user company) of a business such as a company belonging to a certain industry. When the user company attempts to reduce the amount of resources (carbon dioxide (CO2) in this embodiment) emitted in its business operations and thereby reduce its environmental impact, the environmental load reduction support device 201 supports the reduction by setting a CO2 emission reduction target (hereinafter referred to as a user target reduction amount), extracting business measures (measure items) that can be adopted to achieve the user target reduction amount, and automatically generating a chronological plan (roadmap) of the measure items for achieving the user target reduction amount by a desired year.

[0018] In this embodiment, each countermeasure item is implemented continuously after its introduction (start of implementation), and the second or subsequent countermeasure item is introduced after a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as the investment period) from the introduction of the countermeasure item introduced immediately before it.

[0019] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the environmental load reduction support system 101. The environmental load reduction support system 101 includes an environmental load reduction support device 201, an external information processing device 203, and one or more information processing devices 204 (in the figure, computers 204A, 204B, ... 204N).

[0020] The information processing devices are communicatively connected to each other via a network 202 that may be, for example, a communication network that uses a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or the Internet as part or in whole, or a mobile phone communication network, or a combination of these. The network 202 may be a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or 5G (GeNeratioN).

[0021] The external information processing device 203 is, for example, a database on the Internet that is open to the public, a database that can be used under a predetermined contract, or a news site.

[0022] Each computer 204 is an information processing device managed by a user company that owns or uses the environmental load reduction support apparatus 201. The number of computers 204 is not particularly limited.

[0023] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the environmental load reduction support device 201. The environmental load reduction support device 201 includes a processor 301 (control device) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a memory 302 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), an input I / F 303 (I / F: Interface), a communication I / F 304, an auxiliary storage device 305 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and an output I / F 306.

[0024] The input I / F 303 (input device) receives input from a user (such as a person in charge at a user company) via, for example, a keyboard 307 or a mouse 308. The output I / F (output device) 306 outputs and displays, for example, the calculation results of the environmental load reduction support device 201 on a display 309. The communication I / F 304 (communication device) is an interface used to connect to the network 202 shown in FIG. 2.

[0025] The other information processing devices in the environmental load reduction support system 101 also have the same hardware configuration as above.

[0026] 4 is a diagram showing an example of functional units included in the environmental load reduction support apparatus 201. The environmental load reduction support apparatus 201 includes a calculation unit 401 and a storage unit 402.

[0027] The storage unit 402 includes a countermeasure item information storage unit 406 , a user information storage unit 407 , and an external information storage unit 408 .

[0028] The measure item information storage unit 406 stores a cost-effectiveness table 500 and a related company measure item table 600 .

[0029] The user information storage unit 407 stores a user information table 1100 (hereinafter also referred to as first task information).

[0030] The external information storage unit 408 stores a cost-effectiveness table 500 that registers information on the costs and effectiveness of each countermeasure item, an associated company countermeasure item table 600 that registers information on each company's countermeasure items, a power information table 700 that registers various parameters for calculating the effectiveness of each countermeasure item, an associated company CO2 reduction information table 1300 (hereinafter also referred to as second business information) that registers information on the CO2 reduction work of each business operator other than the user company, and an other organization CO2 reduction information table 1200 (hereinafter also referred to as third business information) that registers information on CO2 reduction requested by other organizations from the user company.

[0031] (Cost-effectiveness table) 5 is a diagram showing an example of a cost-effectiveness table 500. The cost-effectiveness table 500 has information including the name 901 of each measure item, the minimum unit cost required to introduce each measure item (minimum introduction unit cost 902), the rate of power consumption reduced by introducing each measure item (power consumption reduction rate 903), the economic effect (discount rate 904) provided by a business operator or the like when certain conditions are met when introducing each measure item, and a system (subsidy system 905) applied by the national government, local government, or the like when introducing each measure item.

[0032] Note that, as long as information indicating the effect of reducing the environmental load by introducing each measure item is set in power consumption reduction rate 903, for example, the amount of CO2 emissions to be reduced or the rate thereof may be directly set. Also, as long as information indicating the economic effect by introducing each measure item is set in discount rate 904 and subsidy system 905, for example, information such as funds provided by the government or other third parties may be set.

[0033] (Related company measures item table) 6 is a diagram showing an example of the associated company countermeasure item table 600. The associated company countermeasure item table 600 has countermeasure item information 952 relating to businesses of each business scale 950 in each industry 951.

[0034] The information 952 on measures includes information 952a on each measure, information on current power consumption 952b (average value, etc.) corresponding to each measure, and information on an upper limit 952c on which each measure can be introduced (hereinafter also referred to as second limit information). The upper limit 952c sets the limit on the amount of various resources that the business operator can use for the measure items to reduce CO2 emissions.

[0035] Note that the information 952 on countermeasure items may include information on individual businesses.

[0036] (Power Information Table) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a power information table 700. The power information table 700 has information including each type of power 920, the intensity of each type of power (power intensity 921), and the unit price of each type of power (power unit price 922). The power intensity 921 is information on the intensity of each type of power (sometimes referred to as an emission intensity or emission coefficient). The intensity refers to the amount of CO2 emissions per unit of economic activity, and for example refers to the amount of CO2 emissions required to generate 1 kWh of thermal power. The power unit price 922 is information on the cost (unit price) of purchasing each type of power.

[0037] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the calculation unit 401 includes an environmental goal setting unit 403, a measure item selection unit 404, and a roadmap creation unit 405.

[0038] The environmental goal setting unit 403 sets goals (user target reduction amounts) for countermeasure items for reducing the environmental load (reducing CO2 emissions) related to resources undertaken by a business operator (user company).

[0039] The measure item selection unit 404 extracts each measure item that can be adopted to achieve the user target reduction amount set by the environmental goal setting unit 403 based on the cost-effectiveness table 500 or the like.

[0040] The roadmap creation unit 405 determines the implementation start order (implementation start timing) of each measure item extracted by the measure item selection unit 404 according to a predetermined rule, and displays information regarding the implementation start order (implementation start timing) of each determined measure item on the screen.

[0041] In this embodiment, the roadmap creation unit 405 determines the timing to start implementing each measure item so that the earlier the cost required to obtain the effect of implementing each measure item, i.e., the cost required to reduce per unit of CO2 amount (e.g., per ton) when reducing CO2 amount through implementation (CO2 reduction cost [M yen / t-CO2]), the lower the timing, and so that the total cost of each measure item implemented at the same time is below a predetermined upper limit.

[0042] Each functional unit of each information processing device in the environmental load reduction support system 101 is realized by the hardware (such as an integrated circuit) of the model evaluation system 120, or by the processor 301 of each information processing device reading and executing each program stored in the memory 302 or the auxiliary storage device 305. These programs are stored in a storage device such as a secondary storage device, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, or an SSD, or a recording medium readable by the model evaluation system 120, such as an IC card, an SD card, or a DVD. All or part of each information processing device 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. All or part of the functions provided by these devices may be realized by a service provided by a cloud system via an API (Application Programming Interface), for example. Next, the processing performed in the environmental load reduction support system 101 will be described.

[0043] <Environmental Load Reduction Support System Processing> FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing (environmental load reduction support processing) performed by the environmental load reduction support system 101.

[0044] First, the computer 204 (for example, the computer 204A) receives input of information on the attributes and business (CO2 emissions, etc.) of the user company from the user (step S501). The computer 204 transmits the input information to the environmental load reduction support apparatus 201 and registers it in the user information table 1100.

[0045] The information registered in the user information table 1100 will be described later, but may include, for example, the size or industry of the user company, the upper limit on the countermeasure items that the user company can implement (for example, the upper limit on the type or number of countermeasure items, or the timing restrictions), the amount of CO2 currently emitted by the user company (CO2 emissions), the upper limit on the amount of investment that the user company can make to reduce CO2 emissions, the desired time period for achieving the user target reduction amount by the user company, the timing to start implementing the first countermeasure item in the roadmap, the upper limit on the amount of loan that the user company can receive (loan limit), the frequency at which the user company can receive loans (loan frequency), the investment interval for countermeasure items, and information on the roadmap creation policy.

[0046] 9 is an example of a screen displayed on the computer 204 etc. when a user inputs information to be registered in the user information table 1100. This screen 900 has an industry selection field 991 for selecting the industry of the user company, a size selection field 992 for selecting the size (number of employees) of the user company, and an investment upper limit input field 993 for inputting the user company's investment upper limit (annual investment upper limit).

[0047] 8, the environmental load reduction support device 201 receives information about other companies or organizations from the external information processing device 203 and registers the received information in the other organization CO2 reduction information table 1200 or the associated company CO2 reduction information table 1300 (step S502). This process may be realized by the environmental load reduction support device 201 sending a request to acquire information, or may be realized by the external information processing device 203 spontaneously sending information to the environmental load reduction support device 201.

[0048] The information registered in the other organizations CO2 reduction information table 1200 and the related company CO2 reduction information table 1300 will be described later, but may include, for example, the CO2 emissions or CO2 reduction rate for each company or organization by size and industry, information on sustainability linked loans (SLL) from each financial institution where loan conditions are set based on CO2 emission reductions, information on financial institution interest rates, information on CO2 emission reductions requested by companies or other organizations that are business partners of the user company, or information on CO2 emission reductions requested by various countries or organizations.

[0049] SLL is a loan that encourages borrowers to achieve ambitious Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs). SPTs are goals related to sustainability activities aimed at solving environmental or social issues, and loan conditions (interest rates, etc.) vary depending on the degree to which these goals are achieved.

[0050] Next, the environmental load reduction support device 201 executes an environmental goal setting process S503 to set the CO2 emission reduction amount (user target reduction amount) that the user company should aim for based on the user information table 1100 and the other organization CO2 reduction information table 1200 or the related company CO2 reduction information table, and transmits information on the set user target reduction amount to the computer 204.

[0051] In addition, the environmental load reduction support device 201 executes a CO2 reduction measure item selection process S504 to identify measure items that can be adopted to achieve the user's target reduction amount based on the user information table 1100, the cost-effectiveness table 500, etc., and transmits information on the identified measure items to the computer 204.

[0052] In addition, the environmental load reduction support device 201 executes a roadmap formulation process S505 to create an implementation plan, i.e., a roadmap, for each of the identified countermeasure items based on the user information table 1100, the cost-effectiveness table 500, etc., and transmits information about the created roadmap to the computer 204.

[0053] The computer 204 displays on its screen the roadmap and other information received from the environmental load reduction support device 201. This completes the environmental load reduction support process.

[0054] The environmental load reduction support apparatus 201 may update each piece of information by periodically repeating step S501 or step S502.

[0055] <Disposal of environmental load reduction support devices> 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process of the environmental load reduction support process executed by the environmental load reduction support apparatus 201. This process is started, for example, when the environmental load reduction support apparatus 201 receives a predetermined processing request from the computer 204.

[0056] In step S 501 , the environmental goal setting unit 403 of the environmental load reduction supporting apparatus 201 receives information input by a user to the computer 204 (for example, the computer A 204 ) from the computer 204 and registers it in the user information table 1100 .

[0057] (User information table) 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user information table 1100. The user information table 1100 includes information such as a user ID 910 of each user company, an industry type 911 of each user company, a size 912 of each user company, an upper limit of funds that each user company can invest in a measure item in a unit period (e.g., one year) (investment upper limit 913), an implementation upper limit 914 of each measure item (hereinafter also referred to as first limit amount information), a current CO2 emission amount 915 (user CO2 emission amount) of each user company, a deadline for achieving the user target reduction amount of each user company (desired year for achieving the target 916), the start timing of the roadmap (roadmap start year 917), a credit limit and frequency of loans to each user company by a business operator such as a financial institution (loan conditions 918), and an upper limit of the period (investment interval) provided between the start of implementation of a measure item and the start of implementation of the next measure item (measure start upper limit year 919). In addition to the CO2 emission amount, other business information that can estimate the CO2 emission amount may be set in the CO2 emission amount 915.

[0058] In addition, investment conditions (investment amount conditions, investment frequency, etc.) may be set in the investment upper limit 913. In this case, the investment amount condition may be a fixed value set for each year, or may be a value that changes from time to time. Furthermore, the investment frequency may be a fixed period (for example, one year), or may be an arbitrary period designated by the user. Furthermore, the content of the investment upper limit 913 may differ for each period (for example, year).

[0059] The installation limit 914 includes information including the name 914a of each measure item, the current power consumption due to the implementation of each measure item (related power consumption 914b), and an installation limit 914c, which is a parameter indicating the limit of installation of each measure item.

[0060] The introduction limit 914c sets the limit of various resources that the business can use for the measure items to reduce CO2 emissions, similar to the introduction limit 952c in the related company measure item table 600. For example, the introduction limit 914c contains information such as the amount, type, or scale of resources required to introduce the measure items, such as the current introduction status of the measure items and the conformance status of the introduction conditions for the measure items (for example, the area of the site for solar power generation, the number of lights to be changed to LED lighting).

[0061] Next, in step S502 shown in FIG. 10, the environmental goal setting unit 403 registers the information received from the external information processing device 203 in the other organization CO2 reduction information table 1200 or the associated company CO2 reduction information table 1300.

[0062] (Other organization CO2 reduction information table) 12 is a diagram showing an example of a CO2 reduction information table 1200 for other organizations. The CO2 reduction information table 1200 for other organizations contains information such as policies or rules regarding CO2 emission reductions that are recommended or required of the user company by organizations other than the user company (for example, public organizations such as the national or local government, other companies that have business relationships with the user company, and businesses such as financial institutions that can provide loans to the user company). Specifically, the CO2 reduction information table 1200 contains information including CO2 emission reduction targets 931 set by each organization.

[0063] The reduction target 931 may set, for example, the CO2 emission reduction rate or reduction amount recommended or required of the user company (which may include information on the reference period for comparison of reductions or the period when reductions should be made), or the CO2 emissions after reduction. Furthermore, the reduction target 931 may set performance information of sustainability linked loans (SLLs) handled by financial institutions, in which loan terms are determined based on CO2 emissions. This performance information may include information on the contract details and loan terms of the SLLs used by the user company. For example, the SLL information may identify loan terms such as interest rates applied to the user company as part of the user company's expenses.

[0064] (Affiliated company CO2 reduction information table) 13 is a diagram showing an example of an associated company CO2 reduction information table 1300. The associated company CO2 reduction information table 1300 contains information on CO2 emissions and emission reduction amounts for companies of each attribute (industry type, size). Specifically, the associated company CO2 reduction information table 1300 contains CO2 emission information 942 for businesses of each business size 940 in each industry 941.

[0065] The CO2 emission information 942 includes information including the ID of each business scale business operator (corporate organization ID 942a), the CO2 emission history of each business scale business operator (CO2 emission history 942b), and the history of CO2 reduction rate of each business scale business operator (CO2 reduction rate history 942c). In addition to this information, the CO2 emission information 942 may also include other business information that can be used to estimate CO2 emissions.

[0066] 10, the environmental goal setting unit 403 executes an environmental goal setting process S503. Next, the measure item selection unit 404 executes a CO2 reduction measure item selection process S504. Finally, the roadmap creation unit 405 executes a roadmap formulation process S505.

[0067] Here, the environmental goal setting process S503, the CO2 reduction measure item selection process S504, and the roadmap creation process S505 will be described in detail.

[0068] <Environmental goal setting process> The environmental goal setting process S503 may be a process for calculating the user target reduction amount by identifying the CO2 emission reduction target from the other organization CO2 reduction information table 1200, or may be a process for calculating the user target reduction amount by calculating the CO2 emission reduction target based on the related company CO2 reduction information table 1300.

[0069] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the environmental goal setting process S503a for calculating the user target reduction amount based on the other organization CO2 reduction information table 1200.

[0070] First, the environmental goal setting unit 403 calculates the CO2 emission reduction amount that the user should aim for (hereinafter referred to as the user target reduction amount) based on the user information table 1100 stored in step S501 and the other organization CO2 reduction information table 1200 stored in step S502 (step S601a).

[0071] Then, the environmental goal setting unit 403 displays the user's target reduction amount calculated in step S601a on the screen (step S602a).

[0072] Here, a specific example of step S601a will be described. For example, the environmental goal setting unit 403 calculates the user target reduction amount by multiplying the user CO2 emissions in the user information table 1100 by the value of the reduction target 931 (for example, a CO2 emission reduction rate set by a financial institution with which the user company does business, a country, or other organization) in the other organization CO2 reduction information table 1200. Note that if the reduction target 931 depends on the attribute values, etc. of the user company, the environmental goal setting unit 403 may calculate the user target reduction amount based on the attribute values, etc. and the reduction target 931.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, the environmental goal setting unit 403 calculates the user's target reduction amount based on the user's CO 2 emission amount in the user information table 1100 and the financial institution's SLL performance information in the other organization's CO 2 reduction information table 1200 .

[0074] If the environmental goal setting unit 403 cannot obtain the user CO2 emissions from the user information table 1100, it may estimate the user CO2 emissions using data from the associated company CO2 reduction information table 1300. For example, the environmental goal setting unit 403 may determine the user CO2 emissions as the CO2 emissions of another organization that has the same attributes (industry and size) as the user company.

[0075] Furthermore, if the environmental goal setting unit 403 cannot acquire the value of the reduction target 931 from the other organization CO2 reduction information table 1200, it may calculate the reduction target (CO2 reduction rate) using data from the associated company CO2 reduction information table 1300. The environmental goal setting unit 403 may calculate the reduction target (CO2 reduction rate) based on other information (for example, if the reduction target is a ratio to the CO2 emissions at a predetermined reference time, information at that reference time).

[0076] Next, FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the environmental goal setting process S503b for calculating the user target reduction amount based on the associated company CO2 reduction information table 1300.

[0077] The environmental goal setting unit 403 acquires information on the CO2 emissions of companies related to or similar to the user company based on the information on the user company's attributes (size, industry, etc.) in the user information table 1100 registered in step S501 and the related company CO2 reduction information table 1300 registered in step S502 (step S601b).

[0078] For example, the environmental goal setting unit 403 identifies all companies that have the same industry, company size, and CO2 emissions as the industry 911, size 912, and CO2 emissions 915 of the user company indicated in the user information table 1100, or similar within a specified range, by referring to the industry 941, business size 940, and CO2 emissions information 942 in the related company CO2 reduction information table 1300, and obtains the CO2 emissions history 942b and CO2 reduction rate history 942c of each identified company.

[0079] Then, the environmental goal setting unit 403 calculates the average CO2 reduction rate for all of the companies identified in step S601b or for a portion of the companies based on a predetermined rule (for example, the companies in the top half of CO2 emissions) (step S602b).

[0080] Note that in step S601b and step S602b, the environmental target setting unit 403 may adopt other data extraction methods, such as using only the CO2 reduction rate of a specific (e.g., one) company with the closest attributes.

[0081] The environmental target setting unit 403 calculates the user target reduction amount by multiplying the user CO2 emissions in the user information table 1100 registered in step S501 by the CO2 reduction rate calculated in step S602b (step S603b).

[0082] Then, the environmental target setting unit 403 displays the user target reduction amount calculated in S603b on the screen (step S604b).

[0083] <CO2 Reduction Measure Item Selection Process> FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the CO2 reduction measure item selection process S504.

[0084] The countermeasure item selection unit 404 sets the policy for selecting countermeasure items (step S5041). Specifically, the countermeasure item selection unit 404 accepts an input from the user to select whether the user company receives financing from a financial institution (with financing) or does not receive financing from a financial institution for implementing the countermeasure item (without financing). Note that the countermeasure item selection unit 404 may automatically determine "with financing" or "without financing" based on the financing conditions 918 etc. in the user information table 1100. Alternatively, the countermeasure item selection unit 404 may not determine "with financing" or "without financing", but display both results and then let the user select one of them.

[0085] When the policy for selecting countermeasure items is "with financing" (step S5041: with financing), the with - financing CO2 reduction measure item selection process S5043 is executed. When the policy for selecting countermeasure items is "without financing" (step S5041: without financing), the without - financing CO2 reduction measure item selection process S5042 is executed.

[0086] <Selection of CO2 reduction measures without financing> FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process S5042 for selecting CO2 reduction measures items without financing.

[0087] The measure item selection unit 404 determines whether the introduction of each measure item is financially feasible based on the user company's available investment amount (step S701a). Specifically, the measure item selection unit 404 determines for each measure item whether the user company's investment upper limit 913 in the user information table 1100 is greater than the measure item's minimum introduction cost 902 in the cost-effectiveness table 500.

[0088] If the introduction of a countermeasure item is financially possible (step S702a: NO), the countermeasure item selection unit 404 executes the processing of step S704a for that countermeasure item; if the introduction of each countermeasure item is financially impossible (step S702a: YES), the countermeasure item selection unit 404 executes the processing of step S703a for that countermeasure item.

[0089] In step S704a, the measure item selection unit 404 stores the measure item as an adoptable measure item, and estimates the cost required to implement the measure item and the effect of reducing CO2 emissions by implementing the measure item.

[0090] For example, the measure item selection unit 404 calculates the cost per unit effect based on the minimum introduction unit cost 902, the discount rate 904, and the subsidy system 905 in the cost-effectiveness table 500. This cost is, for example, the cost required to reduce per unit amount of CO2 (for example, per ton) (CO2 reduction cost [M yen / t-CO2]).

[0091] Furthermore, the measure item selection unit 404 calculates the amount of power consumption reduction by multiplying the related power consumption 914b in the user information table 1100 by the power consumption reduction rate 903 in the cost-effectiveness table 500, and setting the resource amount indicated by the installable upper limit 914c as the limit. Then, the measure item selection unit 404 estimates the amount of CO2 emission reduction by multiplying the calculated amount of power consumption reduction by the power consumption rate 921 in the power information table 700. Thereafter, the processing of step S705a is performed. Note that the amount of CO2 emission reduction is, for example, the amount of CO2 emission that can be reduced in a unit period (for example, one year) (reduction potential [t-CO2 / year]).

[0092] In step S703a, the measure item selection unit 404 stores the measure item as an unadoptable measure item (deletes it from the measure items to be invested in), and executes the process of step S705a.

[0093] In step S705a, the measure item selection unit 404 sorts the adoptable measure items determined by the processing in step S704a in ascending order of cost (CO2 reduction cost), and sets this order as the introduction order (implementation start order) of the measure items.

[0094] Then, the measure item selection unit 404 displays information about each measure item on the screen in the order set in step S705a (step S706a).

[0095] <Selection process for CO2 reduction measures with financing> FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process S5043 for selecting a CO2 reduction measure item with financing.

[0096] As in step S704a, the measure item selection unit 404 stores each measure item as an adoptable measure item and estimates the cost and CO2 emission reduction effect associated with implementing each measure item (step S701b). Note that the measure item selection unit 404 may calculate the cost (CO2 reduction cost) taking into account information on the interest rate of the loan.

[0097] As in step S705a, the measure item selection unit 404 arranges the adoptable measure items in ascending order of cost (CO2 reduction cost), and sets this order as the introduction order (implementation start order) of the measure items (step S702b).

[0098] Then, similar to step 706a, the measure item selection unit 404 displays information about each measure item determined in step S702b on the screen (step 703b).

[0099] In steps S704a and S701b, the measure item selection unit 404 calculated the amount that can be invested in implementing the measure items based on the introduction limit 914c in the user information table 1100. However, some user companies may not have resource information that defines the introduction limit for measure items, and therefore may not have a value set for the introduction limit 914c. In such cases, the measure item selection unit 404 can estimate the value of the introduction limit 914c using other information. For example, the measure item selection unit 404 may extract the values of the introduction limit 952c of other organizations that have the same or similar attributes (industry and size) as the user company's attributes based on the affiliated company CO2 reduction information table 1300, and use the average of the extracted values as the introduction limit 914c for the user company. In addition, if the user company has some resource information, the measure item selection unit 404 may use a value that takes into account both that information and the average value as the introduction limit 914c for the user company.

[0100] <Roadmap formulation process> Next, FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the roadmap formulation process S505.

[0101] The roadmap creation unit 405 sets a policy for the roadmap creation process (step S5051). Specifically, the roadmap creation unit 405 receives a selection input from the user as to whether to create a roadmap with emphasis on the investment upper limit (emphasis on investment upper limit) or to create a roadmap with emphasis on cost-effectiveness (emphasis on cost-effectiveness). The roadmap creation unit 405 may automatically determine whether "loan available" or "loan unavailable" based on the loan conditions 918 in the user information table 1100, etc.

[0102] If the roadmap formulation process is based on an investment upper limit emphasis (step S5051: investment upper limit emphasis), the investment upper limit emphasis roadmap formulation process S505a is executed, and if the roadmap formulation process is based on a cost-effectiveness emphasis (step S5051: cost-effectiveness emphasis), the cost-effectiveness emphasis roadmap formulation process S505b is executed.

[0103] <Roadmap creation process with emphasis on investment cap> FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the investment upper limit prioritizing roadmap formulation process S505a.

[0104] The roadmap creation unit 405 reads the user information table 1100 and the associated company CO2 reduction information table 1300 (step S801a).

[0105] The roadmap creation unit 405 arranges the measure items determined in the CO2 reduction measure item selection process S504 in order of the cost required to achieve the effect of their implementation (here, in order of the CO2 reduction cost [M yen / t-CO2]), and sets this order as the order of introduction (implementation start). At this time, the roadmap creation unit 405 assigns the implementation start timing for each measure item so that the total implementation amount (taking into account the scale of implementation, etc.) of the measure items at each timing (e.g., each year) of the roadmap does not exceed a predetermined upper limit total investment amount (e.g., calculated using the investment upper limit 913) (step S802a). Furthermore, if information on interest rates based on loans from financial institutions is included, the roadmap creation unit 405 includes the interest rates in the costs.

[0106] At this time, the roadmap creation unit 405 sets the implementation start timing of the roadmap as the roadmap start year 917 in the user information table 1100, and sets the investment interval between measure items based on an input from the user (for example, every year or every other year) or automatically. Note that the investment interval does not need to be a fixed value and may differ depending on the type of measure item, for example.

[0107] The roadmap creation unit 405 calculates the total implementation cost of each measure item at each timing (for example, each year) based on step S802a. The roadmap creation unit 405 also determines whether or not the condition is met that the total implementation cost (minimum introduction unit price 902 of the cost-effectiveness table 500) of the Nth (N=1, 2, . . .) measure item and the N+1th measure item aligned above, which are implemented at a certain timing, is greater than the total upper limit of investment, but the total implementation cost of the Nth measure item and the N+2th measure item implemented the following year is smaller than the total upper limit of investment (step S803a).

[0108] If the above conditions are met (step S803a: YES), the roadmap creation unit 405 executes the process of step S804a, and if the above conditions are not met (step S803a: NO), the roadmap creation unit 405 executes the process of step S805a.

[0109] In step S804a, the roadmap creation unit 405 sets the implementation start timing of the Nth measure item and the N+2th measure item to the same, and sets the implementation start timing of the N+1th measure item to the next year (i.e., the combination of measure items to be implemented at the same time is changed (replaced) so that the implementation cost becomes higher without exceeding the upper limit total investment amount). After that, the processing of step S806a is performed.

[0110] In step S805a, the roadmap creation unit 405 does not change the implementation start timing of the countermeasure items as described above. After that, the processes from step S806a onwards are carried out.

[0111] In step S806a, the roadmap creation unit 405 determines whether all of the measure items in the roadmap identified by the processes up to this point will be started by the user company's desired goal achievement year 916. If all of the measure items will be started by the user company's desired goal achievement year 916 (step S806a: NO), the roadmap creation unit 405 executes the process of step S808a.

[0112] If there is a measure item that will not be started by the user company's desired goal achievement year 916 (step S806a: YES), the roadmap creation unit 405 increases the user company's investment upper limit (step S807a) and redoes the processing from step S802a onwards. Note that in step S807a, the roadmap creation unit 405 may accept input of the investment upper limit from the user, or may automatically calculate the increased investment upper limit. Furthermore, the roadmap creation unit 405 may extend the desired goal achievement year 916 either by user input or automatically.

[0113] In step S808a, the roadmap creation unit 405 checks whether there has been a change in the investment upper limit or the desired goal achievement year 916. If the investment upper limit has been changed (step S808a: NO), the roadmap creation unit 405 executes the processing of step S810a, and if neither the investment upper limit nor the desired goal achievement year 916 has been changed (step S808a: YES), the roadmap creation unit 405 executes the processing of step S809a.

[0114] In step S809a, the roadmap creation unit 405 displays the roadmap information identified by the processing up to step S806a on the screen of the computer 204, etc. In addition, the roadmap creation unit 405 displays the amount of CO2 emission reduction and the required cost by implementing each measure item in the roadmap on the screen of the computer 204, etc.

[0115] In step S810a, the roadmap creation unit 405 displays information on the roadmap in the case where the investment upper limit has not been changed, as determined by the processing up to step S806a, and information on the roadmap in the case where the investment upper limit has not been changed, on the screen of the computer 204, etc. In addition, the roadmap creation unit 405 displays the amount of CO2 emission reduction, the required costs, and the cost-effectiveness resulting from the implementation of each measure item in the roadmap on the screen of the computer 204, etc.

[0116] In steps S803a and S804a, the roadmap creation unit 405 sets the implementation start timing of the (N+2)th measure item to the same as the implementation start timing of the Nth measure item, but it may also perform processing to set the implementation start timing of the (N+3)th and subsequent measure items to the same as the implementation start timing of the Nth measure item. Furthermore, if the implementation start cost of each measure item in each year exceeds the upper limit of introduction 914c, the roadmap creation unit 405 may start implementation of the excess measure items at a later timing, such as the following year.

[0117] In this way, the roadmap creation unit 405 determines the countermeasure items at each timing so that the total implementation cost of each countermeasure item implemented at each timing is as close as possible to the upper limit investment amount. Note that the roadmap creation unit 405 may adjust the countermeasure items implemented at each timing using another algorithm. For example, the roadmap creation unit 405 may create all combinations of countermeasure items implemented at each timing and identify the combination with the smallest total unachieved amount relative to the upper limit investment amount from the created combinations.

[0118] <Cost-effectiveness focused roadmap creation process> FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the cost-effectiveness focused roadmap formulation process S505b.

[0119] The roadmap creation unit 405 reads the user information table 1100 and the associated company CO2 reduction information table 1300 (step S801b).

[0120] As in step S802a, the roadmap creation unit 405 allocates each measure item so that the earlier the implementation starts, the lower the cost required to achieve the effect of implementation (the lower the CO2 reduction cost [M yen / t-CO2]), so that the total implementation cost at each timing does not exceed the total investment upper limit (step S802a).

[0121] In this case, the roadmap creation unit 405 sets the start timing of the roadmap to the roadmap start year 917 in the user information table 1100, and sets the period (investment interval) between each implementation start timing in each roadmap to the shortest period required for the cost-effectiveness of the implementation of each measure item to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value (positive here) (step S802b). For example, the roadmap creation unit 405 accumulates the income and expenditure amounts calculated using the method described below for each year from a certain implementation start timing (e.g., roadmap start year 917), and sets the year in which the accumulated value of the income and expenditure amount turns from negative or zero to positive as the final year of the period. Alternatively, the roadmap creation unit 405 may set the investment interval to a value obtained by dividing the total implementation costs of the measure items by the upper limit of the investment amount that can be invested in the measure item per unit time (e.g., one year). Note that the calculation method for the investment interval described here is just an example, and any calculation algorithm can be used.

[0122] The above balance is calculated, for example, as follows. That is, for each measure item, the roadmap creation unit 405 multiplies the power consumption reduction rate 903 in the cost-effectiveness table 500 by the power unit price 922 in the power information table 700, and further multiplies this by a parameter indicating the scale of implementation of the measure item, thereby calculating the profit amount for each measure item. The roadmap creation unit 405 also calculates the cost amount (a negative value) for each measure item based on the minimum implementation unit price 902, discount rate 904, subsidy system 905, and parameters indicating the scale of implementation of the measure item in the cost-effectiveness table 500. The roadmap creation unit 405 calculates the balance amount (cost-effectiveness) for that year by adding up the profit amount and the cost amount for all measure items implemented in that year.

[0123] If the roadmap creation unit 405 includes information on interest rates based on loans from financial institutions, the roadmap creation unit 405 includes the interest rates in the expenses. If the reduction target 931 in the other organization CO2 reduction information table 1200 includes information on the financial institution's SLL, the roadmap creation unit 405 corrects the expenses using the interest rates, etc. specified by the SLL depending on the degree of match between the user target reduction amount and the SLL. For example, if the user target reduction amount set in the environmental goal setting process S503 is equal to or greater than the target amount indicated by the SLL, the roadmap creation unit 405 corrects the expenses using the preferential interest rate indicated by the SLL.

[0124] The roadmap creation unit 405 determines whether the same conditions as in step S803a are met (step S803b). If the conditions are met (step S803b: YES), the roadmap creation unit 405 executes the process of step S804b, and if the conditions are not met (step S803b: NO), the roadmap creation unit 405 executes the process of step S805b.

[0125] In step S804b, the roadmap creation unit 405 sets the implementation start timing of the Nth measure item and the N+2th measure item to the same, as in step S804a, and sets the implementation start timing of the N+1th investment target measure item to the next year. Thereafter, the processing of step S806b is performed.

[0126] In step S805b, the roadmap creation unit 405 does not change the implementation start timing of the measure item, as in step S805a, and performs the processes from step S806b onwards.

[0127] In step 806b, the roadmap creation unit 405 determines whether the investment interval (the period required for the cost-effectiveness to become positive) set in step S802b is within the upper limit year for starting measures 919. For example, the roadmap creation unit 405 determines whether the upper limit year for starting measures 919 is longer than the number of years required for the cost-effectiveness of the N-1th measure item to become positive.

[0128] If the investment interval is within the upper limit year for starting countermeasures 919 (step 806b: YES), the roadmap creation unit 405 executes the processing of step 808b, and if the investment interval is not within the upper limit year for starting countermeasures 919 (step 806b: NO), the roadmap creation unit 405 executes the processing of step 807b.

[0129] In step 808b, the roadmap creation unit 405 sets the implementation start timing of a measure item to the timing after the investment interval has elapsed since the implementation start timing of the previous measure item. For example, the roadmap creation unit 405 sets the implementation start year S of the Nth measure item = (implementation start year of the (N-1)th measure item) + (number of years until the cost-effectiveness of the (N-1)th measure item becomes positive)). Thereafter, the processing of step S811b is performed.

[0130] In step 807b, the roadmap creation unit 405 sets the implementation start timing of a measure item to be the timing after the upper limit of measure start years 919 has elapsed since the implementation start timing of the previous measure item, so that the implementation of the next measure item will start before the cost-effectiveness becomes positive. For example, the roadmap creation unit 405 sets the implementation start year S of the Nth measure item = (implementation start year of the (N-1)th measure item) + (upper limit of measure start year 919)). Thereafter, the processing of step S809b is performed.

[0131] In step S809b, similarly to step S806a, the roadmap creation unit 405 determines whether or not all of the measure items in the roadmap identified by the processes up to this point will be implemented by the user company's desired goal achievement year 916. If all of the measure items will be implemented by the user company's desired goal achievement year 916 (step S809b: NO), the roadmap creation unit 405 executes the process of step S811b.

[0132] If there are any countermeasure items that will not be implemented by the user company's desired goal achievement year 916 (step S809b: YES), the roadmap creation unit 405 increases the total investment upper limit (e.g., investment upper limit 913) or the countermeasure start upper limit year 919 (step S810b) and repeats the processing from step S802b onwards.

[0133] In step S811b, the roadmap creation unit 405 checks whether there has been a change in the investment upper limit or the desired goal achievement year 916. If the investment upper limit has been changed (step S811b: NO), the roadmap creation unit 405 executes the processing of step S813b, and if neither the investment upper limit nor the desired goal achievement year 916 has been changed (step S811b: YES), the roadmap creation unit 405 executes the processing of step S812b.

[0134] In step S813b, similarly to step S810a, the roadmap creation unit 405 displays the roadmap information identified by the processing up to step S811b on the screen of the computer 204, etc. In addition, the roadmap creation unit 405 displays each piece of information on the roadmap in the case where the total investment upper limit amount is not changed on the screen of the computer 204, etc.

[0135] In step 812b, the roadmap creation unit 405 displays the roadmap identified by the processing up to step S811b, the amount of CO2 emission reduction, and information on the necessary costs on the screen of the computer 204 or the like, similarly to step S809a.

[0136] Here, each screen displayed in roadmap creation unit 405 will be described.

[0137] (Roadmap results screen) FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a roadmap result screen 2200. The roadmap result screen 2200 has a with-finance display section 2210 that displays roadmap information when financing is available, and a without-finance display section 2220 that displays roadmap information when financing is not available.

[0138] The loan display section 2210 has a CO2 display section 2213 that displays the effect 2211 of CO2 emission reduction at each future timing (e.g., CO2 emission amount or reduction amount) along with the user company's reduction target 2112, and a cost-effectiveness display section 2214 that displays the implementation schedule and effect of each countermeasure item for each year in the roadmap.

[0139] Specifically, the cost-effectiveness display section 2214 displays the name of each measure item and the investment amount at each timing 2215. The cost-effectiveness display section 2214 also displays cost-effectiveness information 2216 (profit and cost amounts) of the measure item for each year.

[0140] The no-finance display section 2220 also has a CO2 display section 2223 and a cost-effectiveness display section 2224, similar to the with-finance display section 2210.

[0141] Some countermeasure items require large investments that exceed the user company's investment limit. However, by obtaining a loan from a financial institution or the like and implementing such countermeasure items over the long term or on a large scale, costs such as electricity charges can be reduced, and the invested capital can be recovered. The roadmap result screen 2200 displays the environmental and economic effects (CO2 emission reductions and cost-effectiveness) of implementing the countermeasure items with and without such a loan, thereby helping the user company decide whether or not to obtain a loan.

[0142] (Roadmap details screen) FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a roadmap details screen 2300. As shown in FIG.

[0143] The roadmap details screen 2300 has a selection section 2310 that accepts the selection of one or more countermeasure items, a CO2 display section 2320 that displays the effect of reducing CO2 emissions at each future timing due to the countermeasure item selected in the selection section 2310 (for example, the amount of CO2 emissions or the amount of reduction), a cost-effectiveness display section 2330 that displays the cost-effectiveness at each future timing due to the countermeasure item selected in the selection section 2310, and a cost display section 2340 that displays the cost at each future timing due to the countermeasure item selected in the selection section 2310.

[0144] The cost-effectiveness display section 2330 displays the cost-effectiveness 2331 (cumulative income and expenditure) at each timing as well as the amount invested for implementing the measure items. This amount is displayed for each pattern of payment for implementing the measure items and loans received for implementing the measure items, such as amount 2332 for installment payments (with interest), amount 2334 for lump-sum payments, and amount 2333 for loans received through SLL.

[0145] (Marginal reduction cost curve screen) FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a marginal abatement cost curve screen 2400. The marginal abatement cost curve screen 2400 has a curve display section 2410 that displays a marginal abatement cost curve (MAC curve). The marginal abatement cost curve (MAC curve) is a diagram that displays the CO2 emission reduction amount (reduction potential) achieved by implementing each measure item, arranged in ascending order of the cost (CO2 reduction cost) required to reduce CO2 emissions by one ton. In this embodiment, the measure items are generally introduced in descending order of CO2 reduction cost (except for the case where the introduction order is modified based on the investment upper limit in step S804a, etc.). Therefore, the MAC curve displays information about the measure items in that order. Note that the MAC curve requires the investment payback year to be set; however, this value may be set to, for example, three years and may be changeable by the user.

[0146] The marginal abatement cost curve screen 2400 also includes a measure item selection section 2420 that accepts the user's final decision on the measure items to be implemented in the roadmap.

[0147] The countermeasure items extracted by the environmental load reduction support device 201 in the roadmap formulation process S505 etc. may not necessarily be the countermeasure items desired by the user. Therefore, the user can refer to the curve display section 2410 and select and input countermeasure items in the countermeasure item selection section 2420, thereby customizing the roadmap by re-determining (re-extracting) the countermeasure items to be adopted in the roadmap, taking into consideration the CO2 reduction cost and reduction potential of each countermeasure item.

[0148] As explained above, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment sets targets (such as the amount of CO2 emissions reduced) for measures to reduce environmental loads related to resources (such as CO2) that a user company will implement, extracts each measure item that can be adopted to achieve the target based on predetermined rules, determines the order in which or the timing at which to start implementing each of the extracted measure items based on the cost-effectiveness table 500, and outputs information regarding the order in which or the timing at which to start implementing each of the determined measures on a screen (such as the roadmap result screen 2200).

[0149] That is, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment determines a time-series roadmap of countermeasure items for reducing CO2 emissions etc. in accordance with the target of the user company and displays it on the screen.

[0150] In this way, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment can support the creation of a timeline of measures for achieving appropriate targets for reducing environmental load.

[0151] Furthermore, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment determines the timing to start implementing each measure item based on the cost-effectiveness table 500, and outputs information on the determined implementation start timing of each measure, the cost (CO2 reduction cost), and the economic or environmental load reduction effect (cost-effectiveness, CO2 emission reduction) on the screen (roadmap result screen 2200, roadmap detail screen 2300, etc.).

[0152] This allows user companies to comprehensively understand the costs and benefits of the roadmap.

[0153] Furthermore, the environmental load reduction support apparatus 201 of this embodiment extracts countermeasure items whose cost (minimum introduction cost 902) does not exceed the upper limit of the cost used for the countermeasure items (upper investment limit 913).

[0154] This allows the user company to create a roadmap with countermeasure items that are financially feasible to implement.

[0155] In addition, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment sets targets for the user company's environmental load reduction measures (such as the amount of CO2 emissions reduced) based on either the user information table 1100, the other organization CO2 reduction information table 1200, or the related company CO2 reduction information table 1300.

[0156] This allows the user company to set goals based on its own information, information about organizations related to the user company, or information set by a third party.

[0157] Furthermore, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment extracts each measure item that can be adopted by the user company to achieve the target, based on the first limit quantity information (the implementation upper limit 914 of the user information table 1100) or the second limit quantity information (the implementation upper limit 952c of the related company measure item table 600).

[0158] This allows the user company to set goals based on knowledge of its own limitations or the limitations of organizations associated with the user company.

[0159] Furthermore, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment determines the timing to start implementing each measure item so that the earlier the cost (CO2 reduction cost) required to obtain the effect of implementing each measure item is, the lower the timing will be, and so that the total implementation cost of the measure items implemented at the same time is less than or equal to the investment upper limit 913.

[0160] This allows user companies to create roadmaps with high cost performance.

[0161] Furthermore, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment further searches for other combinations of countermeasure items that are implemented at the same time, with a total implementation cost that is higher and is equal to or less than the investment upper limit 913, and modifies the searched combination of countermeasure items to countermeasure items that are implemented at the same time.

[0162] This allows countermeasure items to be implemented to the maximum extent possible within the investment upper limit 913 at each timing.

[0163] The environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment also extracts each measure item that can be adopted to achieve the target based on the interest rate information in the cost-effectiveness table 500 and the reduction target 931 in the other organization CO2 reduction information table 1200. Furthermore, the environmental load reduction support device 201 determines the implementation start order or implementation timing of each measure item based on this interest rate information.

[0164] This allows us to identify countermeasure items that could be included in a roadmap and create a roadmap, taking into account the details of loans provided by financial institutions such as SLL.

[0165] Furthermore, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment identifies the degree of conformity between the user's target reduction amount and the interest rate of the contract such as the SLL, and corrects the cost of the measure item based on the identified degree of conformity.

[0166] This makes it possible to encourage user companies to implement measures that will increase the user's target reduction amount, that is, to further reduce CO2 emissions.

[0167] Furthermore, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment calculates the period required for the cost-effectiveness of implementing a measure item to become positive based on the cost-effectiveness table 500, sets the calculated period as the investment interval, and determines the timing for starting implementation of each measure item based on the investment interval.

[0168] This makes it possible to create a roadmap that ensures the recovery of invested capital through the implementation of each measure.

[0169] Furthermore, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment determines the investment interval based on a value input by the user or the cost per predetermined period that can be invested in implementing the countermeasure items, and determines the timing to start implementing each countermeasure item based on the investment interval.

[0170] This allows us to create a roadmap that ensures that each measure is implemented at the appropriate time.

[0171] Furthermore, if the investment interval between countermeasure items exceeds the upper limit year for starting countermeasures 919, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment determines the timing for starting implementation of each countermeasure item by setting the upper limit year for starting countermeasures 919 as the investment interval.

[0172] This will allow us to create a roadmap that will avoid excessive investment intervals and will have the effect of reducing environmental impact.

[0173] Furthermore, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment determines the timing to start implementing a measure item based on the cost-effectiveness table 500 and the investment upper limit 913, and if it determines that the implementation of each measure item will not be completed by the desired target achievement year 916, it changes the desired target achievement year 916 or the investment upper limit 913 and re-determines (recalculates) the timing to start implementing the measure item.

[0174] This allows you to create a roadmap that allows you to achieve your goals in a more realistic time frame.

[0175] Furthermore, the environmental load reduction support device 201 of this embodiment displays a MAC curve, which indicates the relationship between the cost of each measure item (CO2 reduction cost) and the effect (reduction potential) of each measure item, on the marginal abatement cost curve screen 2400, and accepts re-extraction (re-selection) of each measure item from the user.

[0176] This allows the user to revise the measures to be adopted in the roadmap, taking into consideration the CO2 reduction cost and reduction potential of each measure.

[0177] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. It is possible to replace part of the configuration of an embodiment with another configuration, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of an embodiment. It is also possible to delete part of the configuration of an embodiment.

[0178] For example, the control lines and information lines in the above-described embodiments are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and do not necessarily show all the control lines and information lines in the product. In reality, it can be considered that almost all components are connected to each other.

[0179] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the resource targeted for emission reduction is CO2, but it may be other resources (other types of greenhouse gases, toxic substances, etc.).

[0180] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each countermeasure item is implemented continuously after introduction (start of implementation), but implementation may also be terminated at a specified deadline (a deadline based on the lifespan of the equipment, etc.).

[0181] The order in which to start implementing each measure may be determined based on rules other than those described in this embodiment. For example, the order may be determined based on the greatest effect on CO2 reduction, or the number of discount programs or subsidy programs offered by financial institutions, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 101 Environmental load reduction support system, 201 Environmental load reduction support device, 500 Cost-effectiveness table

Claims

1. a storage device for storing cost-effectiveness information, which is information on the costs and effects of each measure for reducing environmental impacts related to a predetermined resource; and an environmental goal setting process for setting a goal for measures to be taken by a business operator to reduce the environmental burden related to the resource; a measure item selection process for extracting measures that can be adopted to achieve the goal based on the cost-effectiveness information; a control device that executes a roadmap creation process of determining an implementation start order or implementation start timing of each of the extracted measures according to a predetermined rule, and outputting information on the determined implementation start order or implementation start timing of each of the measures to an output device; Environmental load reduction support device.

2. the storage device stores, as the cost-effectiveness information, information on the cost and economic or environmental impact reduction effect of each measure for reducing the environmental impact related to the resource; The control device In the roadmap creation process, the timing for starting implementation of each of the extracted measures is determined based on the cost-effectiveness information, and information regarding the timing for starting implementation, costs, and economic or environmental load reduction effects of each determined measure is output to an output device. The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 1 .

3. The control device In the measure item selection process, an upper limit of the cost to be used for the measure is set, and measures whose cost does not exceed the set upper limit are extracted. The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 1 .

4. the storage device stores first business information which is information on the resources in the business of the business operator, second business information which is information on the attributes of the business operator and other organizations other than the business operator and information on the resources in the business of the other organizations, or third business information which is information on the resources that other organizations other than the business operator request from the business operator; the control device calculates the resource-related target set by the business operator based on any one of the first business information, the second business information, or the third business information in the environmental target setting process; The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 1 .

5. the storage device stores first limit amount information, which is information on the upper limit of resources that the business operator can use to implement the measures to reduce the environmental load, or second limit amount information, which is information on the attributes of the business operator and other organizations other than the business operator, and information on the upper limit of resources that the other organizations can use to implement the measures to reduce the environmental load; The control device In the measure item selection process, measures that can be adopted by the business operator to achieve the target are extracted based on the first limit amount information or the second limit amount information. The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 1 .

6. The control device In the roadmap creation process, the timing to start implementing each of the measures is determined so that the smaller the cost required to obtain the effect of implementing each of the measures is, the earlier the implementation start timing will be, and so that the total cost of the measures implemented at the same timing will be equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit. The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 1 .

7. The control device In the roadmap creation process, another combination of measures to be implemented at the same time is searched for, so that the total amount is higher and is equal to or less than the upper limit, and the searched combination of measures is modified to the measures to be implemented at the same time. The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 6.

8. The storage device stores information on interest rates on loans to cover the costs required for the business operator to obtain the effects of implementing each of the measures, The control device In the measure item selection process, each measure that can be adopted to achieve the goal is extracted further based on the interest rate information, or in the roadmap formulation process, the order in which to start implementing each measure or the timing of implementation is determined further based on the interest rate information. The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 1 .

9. The control device In the roadmap creation process, a degree of conformance between the set goal and a goal indicated in a predetermined contract is identified, and the cost of the countermeasure is adjusted based on the identified degree of conformance. The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 6.

10. The control device In the roadmap creation process, a period required for the implementation of measures to achieve a predetermined level of effect is calculated based on the cost-effectiveness information, the calculated period is set as an implementation start interval between measures, and implementation start timing of each of the extracted measures is determined based on the implementation start interval. The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 1 .

11. The control device In the roadmap creation process, an implementation start interval between the measures is determined based on a value input by a user or a cost per predetermined period that can be invested in implementing the measures, and an implementation start timing for each of the extracted measures is determined based on the implementation start interval. The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 1 .

12. the storage device stores an upper limit of an implementation start interval between countermeasures; The control device In the roadmap creation process, it is determined whether or not the implementation start interval between the determined measures exceeds the upper limit, and if it is determined that the implementation start interval between the determined measures exceeds the upper limit, the upper limit is set as the implementation start interval between the measures, thereby determining the implementation start timing of each of the extracted measures. The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. the storage device stores a deadline for achieving the goal and an upper limit of the cost to be spent on the measure; The control device In the roadmap creation process, the timing to start implementing each of the extracted measures is determined based on the cost-effectiveness information and the upper limit of the cost, and it is determined whether or not the implementation of each of the measures will be completed by the deadline for achievement. If it is determined that the implementation of each of the measures will not be completed by the deadline for achievement, the deadline for achievement or the upper limit of the cost is changed, and the timing to start implementing each of the measures is re-determined. The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 1 .

14. The control device In the roadmap creation process, information indicating a relationship between the cost of each of the extracted measures and the effect of each of the extracted measures is output to an output device, and re-extraction of each of the extracted measures is accepted from a user. The environmental load reduction support device according to claim 1 .

15. 1. A method for supporting environmental load reduction using an information processing device including a storage device that stores cost-effectiveness information, which is information on the costs and effects of each measure for reducing environmental load on a predetermined resource, and a control device, The control device an environmental goal setting process for setting a goal for measures to be taken by a business operator to reduce the environmental burden related to the resource; a measure item selection process for extracting measures that can be adopted to achieve the goal based on the cost-effectiveness information; and executing a roadmap creation process for determining the implementation start order or implementation start timing of each of the extracted measures according to a predetermined rule, and outputting information on the determined implementation start order or implementation start timing of each of the measures to an output device. Methods to help reduce environmental impact.

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