Point granting system, point granting method, and program

Abstract

To provide a point granting system and the like capable of encouraging users to reduce CO2 emissions.SOLUTION: A point granting system 10 includes: an acquisition unit 11 that acquires CO2 emission reduction information of a user who has implemented CO2 emission reductions; and a granting unit 13 that grants a first point to the user based on the CO2 emission reduction information. The granting unit 13 grants a second point to a user depending on the effort of the user that is calculated based on the CO2 emission reduction information of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a point awarding system, a point awarding method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a CO2 emissions reduction system that includes a measurement unit that measures CO2 emissions at a user's business or home, a calculation unit that calculates numerical data on CO2 emissions that can be reduced, and an issuance unit that issues local currency, etc. to the user terminals of users who have taken actions to reduce CO2 emissions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-94423 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology in Patent Document 1 only awards points, a local currency, based on the amount of CO2 emissions reduced, and does not provide any measures to encourage users to actively make efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, which poses a problem of users becoming less motivated to actively reduce CO2 emissions.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a points awarding system, a points awarding method, and a program that can encourage users to reduce CO2 emissions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A point-assigning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires CO2 emission reduction information of a user who has implemented CO2 emission reduction, and an assignment unit that assigns first points to the user based on the CO2 emission reduction information, and the assignment unit additionally assigns second points to the user in accordance with the user's level of effort calculated based on the CO2 emission reduction information of the user.

[0007] Furthermore, a point awarding method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes acquiring CO2 emission reduction information of a user who has performed CO2 emission reduction, awarding first points to the user based on the CO2 emission reduction information, and additionally awarding second points to the user according to the user's level of effort calculated based on the CO2 emission reduction information of the user.

[0008] Furthermore, a program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute a point-giving method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The point-granting system and the like of the present disclosure can encourage users to reduce CO2 emissions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a decarbonization system according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a decarbonization system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a decarbonization action menu list. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a decarbonization application that displays CO2 emission reduction information. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the user ID, effort level, CO2 emission reduction information, and points stored in the storage unit. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows a decarbonization catalog. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing points owned by a user and first and second points acquired by the user. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a decarbonization application displaying CO2 emission reduction information, a first point, and a second point. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the decarbonization system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the decarbonization system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection of the components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0012] The drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Therefore, for example, the scales of the drawings do not necessarily match. In addition, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote substantially the same components, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) <Summary> Before describing the present disclosure, the background to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1A. Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a decarbonization system according to an embodiment.

[0014] In recent years, greenhouse gas emissions have increased dramatically due to human social activities, causing global warming. Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, are urgently needed.

[0015] The Paris Agreement, adopted at the 2015 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP21) and coming into effect in 2016, was an international agreement to achieve "net zero" (a state in which greenhouse gas emissions and removals are balanced) by 2050. Carbon credits are attracting attention as one of the means to achieve this net zero goal.

[0016] Carbon credits are a system in which companies and other organizations issue credits representing the reduction (amount reduced or absorbed) of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by forest protection or afforestation, or the introduction of energy-saving equipment, and can then trade these credits with other organizations such as other companies. Organizations are the entities that create carbon credits, and other companies are the entities that use them. Carbon credit systems include the government-led (Japan) J-Credit and the private-sector-led Voluntary Credit.

[0017] Here, examples of organizations include companies, businesses, organizations, local governments (e.g., local governments), and non-profit organizations (NPOs) that are working to contribute to the environment, but they may also be any other organization that is working to contribute to the environment.

[0018] Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions reductions are being sought not only from organizations such as those mentioned above, but also from users such as individuals and households. However, currently, it is difficult for users to effectively utilize the environmental value generated by their decarbonization actions for purposes such as creating carbon credits. Furthermore, currently, the environmental value generated by users' decarbonization actions is small, making it difficult to make it a viable business. It is believed that decarbonization can be accelerated if users and organizations work together toward decarbonization, but as mentioned above, currently, an environment in which users and organizations can work together toward decarbonization has not been created.

[0019] Therefore, the inventors of the present application developed the decarbonization system (an example of an environmental system) described below with the aim of accelerating decarbonization by fostering momentum among users and organizations working toward decarbonization. This environmental system is characterized by the fact that environmental value generated by users' environmental actions can be exchanged for rebate menus offered by organizations (providers). The environmental system also uses environmental points as a medium for exchanging environmental value and rebate menus. Environmental points are a general term for points used within the environmental system, and there can be one or more (e.g., multiple) types. Rebate menus are the objects of exchange that can be exchanged for environmental value.

[0020] The decarbonization system is an example of an environmental system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and is a system for mainly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. For example, the environmental system may include a system for reducing CO2 emissions, a system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions other than CO2, or a system for other purposes than reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0021] In the following, decarbonization points refer to environmental points that include those obtained through actions other than decarbonization, and include points obtained through reducing CO2 emissions, points obtained through reducing greenhouse gas emissions other than CO2, and points obtained through actions other than reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0022] Furthermore, decarbonization points are an example of environmental points awarded for the above-mentioned environmental actions.

[0023] An overview of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Hereinafter, as an example of an environmental system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a decarbonization system for primarily reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, which is considered to have a large impact on global warming among greenhouse gases, will be described. Hereinafter, organizations participating in the decarbonization system (i.e., organizations offering rebate programs) will also be referred to as providers.

[0024] The outline of the decarbonization system described below is merely an example, and is not limited to the content described below. For example, the decarbonization system will be described below as an example realized via an app, but is not limited to this. For example, the decarbonization system may be realized as a function provided in a home energy management system (HEMS) owned by a household, a terminal device such as an intercom, or a virtual private assistant (VPA) device such as a smart speaker with a monitor. A smart speaker is a speaker with an AI (artificial intelligence) assistant function that supports interactive voice operation.

[0025] A user selects a decarbonization action menu containing a decarbonization action that the user wants to perform from a decarbonization action menu list containing multiple decarbonization action menus via a decarbonization application (app) for realizing a decarbonization system. Specifically, the app is installed on a terminal device owned by the user, and the decarbonization action menu list is displayed on the terminal device. The user operates the terminal device to select a decarbonization action menu containing a desired decarbonization action from the displayed decarbonization action menu list. The decarbonization action menu associates the type of decarbonization action, the unit time for performing the decarbonization action, information indicating the provider, the point type (type of decarbonization point) earned by the decarbonization action, and the number of decarbonization points awarded for the amount of decarbonization action performed. For example, the user can check the multiple decarbonization actions displayed on the app and information regarding the decarbonization points awarded, and select a decarbonization action that the user wants to perform. Note that there are multiple point types corresponding to the decarbonization action menu, i.e., the type of decarbonization action.

[0026] The multiple point types according to the type of decarbonization action include, for example, points derived from J-Credits based on solar power methodologies and awarded to users when they take environmental action related to renewable energy (here, decarbonization actions); points derived from J-Credits based on various energy-saving methodologies and awarded to users when they take decarbonization actions related to energy saving; points derived from users' self-reporting that they have taken decarbonization actions and awarded to users when they self-report that they have taken decarbonization actions; points derived from the measurement results of the decarbonization actions taken by users and awarded to users according to the measurement results of the decarbonization actions taken by users; points derived from various voluntary credits and awarded to users when they take decarbonization actions corresponding to the voluntary credits; points derived from decarbonization actions in which users select (purchase) goods or services with a lower CFP (Carbon Footprint of Products) than normal purchasing actions and awarded to users when they purchase products or services with a lower CFP; and points derived from unique decarbonization actions desired by providers and awarded to users when they take the unique decarbonization actions desired by the provider.

[0027] The types of points are not limited to these.

[0028] The unit time for performing decarbonization actions is a time period set for counting (aggregating) the amount of CO2 reduction, the number of decarbonization actions, the duration of the decarbonization actions, the distance decarbonized, etc. The unit time is set in advance, and examples include, but are not limited to, one day, one week, one month, one year, etc. For example, decarbonization points may be awarded for each unit time according to the amount of decarbonization action taken in that unit time.

[0029] In this way, the decarbonization action menu sets how many points of each type can be earned by performing each decarbonization action. The decarbonization action selected determines whether the decarbonization points awarded to the user are linked to carbon credits. For example, the decarbonization action selected may determine whether the decarbonization points awarded to the user are automatically linked to J-Credits derived from renewable energy electricity, energy-saving J-Credits, voluntary credits rather than J-Credits, or points that cannot be converted into credits at all. Furthermore, since providing a point type for each environmentally contributing corporation would result in too many point types, the point type may include one or more decarbonization points that can only be used in conjunction with an environmentally contributing corporation, i.e., are not compatible with each other and have limited redemption options.

[0030] The decarbonization action menu list may include a decarbonization action menu including decarbonization actions set by the app administrator, or may include a decarbonization action menu including decarbonization actions proposed by providers or users participating in the decarbonization system (for example, a decarbonization action menu set by an environmental contribution corporation). Also, one decarbonization action menu may include two or more decarbonization actions.

[0031] In addition, information about the provider's environmental contribution efforts may be displayed on the terminal device along with the provider's proposed decarbonization actions. In this way, the app allows users to view the provider's environmental contribution efforts within the app. This increases the provider's opportunities to inform users of its organization's environmental contribution or decarbonization efforts, thereby helping to create a sense of environmental contribution among users through these efforts. Furthermore, by posting information about how the provider utilized the emission reductions generated by users who exchanged their points, users can feel a connection with the provider or its brand, products, or services (e.g., characters, idols, etc.), which may increase customer engagement. Furthermore, these efforts can help create a sense of environmental contribution among stakeholders surrounding the provider, such as investors, business partners, and job seekers, in addition to customers, thereby increasing corporate value.

[0032] Note that the decarbonization actions taken by the user are not limited to those included in the decarbonization action menu, and may be, for example, decarbonization actions proposed by the user. They may also be decarbonization actions voluntarily proposed by the user within the app and approved by a provider or app administrator. In this case, the approved provider or administrator will award the user decarbonization points.

[0033] In this specification, decarbonization behavior is an example of environmental behavior related to greenhouse gas emission reduction, and mainly refers to CO2 emission reduction behavior. Furthermore, for example, environmental behavior may include behavior to reduce CO2 emissions, behavior to reduce greenhouse gas emissions other than carbon dioxide, or behavior other than greenhouse gas emission reduction (e.g., environmental contribution behavior described below, behavior to indirectly reduce greenhouse gases, etc.). Greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide may include, for example, greenhouse gases whose reduction amount is converted into CO2.

[0034] Environmental actions may include actions to reduce greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide, such as methane, nitrous oxide, and alternative fluorocarbons, and may also include actions to reduce greenhouse gases whose reductions are not converted into CO2 (not quantified).

[0035] Environmental actions may be actions that directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as those described above, or actions that indirectly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as purchasing products with a low carbon footprint or alleviating the tightness of electricity supply and demand (for example, participating in DR (Demand Response)).

[0036] CO2 reductions include both quantifiable and unquantifiable CO2 reductions. When a user selects a decarbonization action, the app monitors the amount of CO2 reductions (equivalent to a different method for unquantifiable CO2 reductions). The app then awards the user decarbonization points based on the amount of CO2 reductions. Decarbonization points can be exchanged for rewards offered by each provider. Rebate options can be viewed at any time. Users select the desired reward option from a decarbonization catalog containing multiple reward options offered by each provider via the app. This allows the user to use the decarbonization points accumulated through decarbonization actions. Exchanging decarbonization points for reward options is equivalent to exchanging the reward option for the environmental value generated by the decarbonization action corresponding to the decarbonization points. The amount equivalent to CO2 reductions refers to the number of decarbonization actions that cannot be quantified as CO2 reductions, the duration of the decarbonization action, the distance traveled, and other factors. The amount equivalent to CO2 reductions is determined based on the decarbonization action, not limited to duration or distance, and is determined based on the decarbonization action that cannot be quantified as CO2 reductions.

[0037] In addition to the rebate menu offered by the provider, information regarding the provider's environmental contribution efforts may also be displayed on the terminal device.

[0038] The timing for presenting the provider's environmental contribution efforts to the user within the app may be the first timing when the user selects the decarbonization action as described above, or the second timing when the user selects the rebate menu. The presentation timing may be any timing between the first timing and the second timing, for example.

[0039] The app administrator then applies to an examination agency for the amount of CO2 reduction equivalent to the exchanged decarbonization points. If the application is approved, the amount of CO2 reduction is exchanged for J-Credits. In other words, J-Credits are issued according to the amount of CO2 reduction. These J-Credits are awarded to the companies that offer the rebate menu. This allows companies to acquire J-Credits, which are environmental value according to the decarbonization points.

[0040] In addition, when decarbonization points are exchanged for a rebate menu in the decarbonization system, the provider is required to pay a fee based on the number of decarbonization points, a fee based on the number of exchanges, etc. to the administrator of the decarbonization system.

[0041] Conventionally, decarbonization points accumulated by users through decarbonization actions have been exchanged for electronic money such as PayPay (registered trademark) or Amazon gift cards, or cash. However, since the value of electronic money or cash does not fluctuate depending on differences in values ​​such as user preferences, it has not been possible to exchange decarbonization points for value objects (rebate menus) whose value fluctuates depending on differences in values ​​such as user preferences. In other words, it has not been possible to exchange environmental value for exchange objects that provide greater value to users.

[0042] Therefore, the inventors of the present application have conducted extensive research into exchange systems and the like that can support the exchange of environmental value (e.g., decarbonization points within a decarbonization system) generated by environmental actions (here, decarbonization actions) for exchange items that are more valuable to users, and have devised the exchange system and the like described below. Specifically, the inventors of the present application have devised an exchange system and the like that allows users to select exchange items from a decarbonization catalog containing a variety of products and services, the value of which varies depending on the user, thereby enabling users to select products and services that they perceive as valuable. The ability to exchange for such products and services is expected to have the effect of encouraging users to exchange. In other words, the ability to exchange for such products and services is expected to have the effect of encouraging users to perform decarbonization actions. The decarbonization system can also be said to be a mechanism for providing users with products and services that correspond to decarbonization actions.

[0043] <Configuration and Function> Hereinafter, a point-giving system 10, a point-giving method, and a program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1B to 4C.

[0044] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a decarbonization system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a decarbonization action menu list. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a decarbonization application that displays CO2 emission reduction information. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a user ID, effort level, CO2 emission reduction information, and points stored in memory unit 14. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a decarbonization catalog. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing points held by a user and first and second points to be acquired. FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a decarbonization application that displays CO2 emission reduction information, first and second points.

[0045] 1B, the decarbonization system 1 can communicate with a user's terminal device 20 and an organization's management server. By acting as an intermediary between users and providers who are making efforts to contribute to the environment, the decarbonization system 1 can encourage users to take decarbonization actions and make users aware of the providers' efforts to contribute to the environment.

[0046] The decarbonization system 1 has a point-giving system 10 as one of a plurality of functions. The decarbonization system 1 may also have a terminal device 20 of a user.

[0047] The terminal device 20 may be, for example, an information terminal in which the dedicated decarbonization application described above is installed. The terminal device 20 may be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, a stationary information terminal such as a PC (personal computer), a HEMS, or a device having a monitor, a device having a VPA function such as a smart speaker connected to the monitor so as to be able to communicate with the monitor, or a device integrated with the monitor so as to be able to communicate with the monitor.

[0048] The point-giving system 10 can manage points given to multiple users in accordance with their respective decarbonization actions. A user is an individual. In this embodiment, a first user and a second user may be used as an example of multiple users. In addition, multiple users may be collectively referred to simply as users.

[0049] Points are virtual decarbonization currency that are paid out according to users' decarbonization actions. Users can use the points to exchange for goods or services.

[0050] The point-giving system 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a point calculation unit 12a, an effort level calculation unit 12b, an awarding unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a presentation unit 16.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2A , when a user wants to earn points or take decarbonization actions, the user selects the desired decarbonization action from a decarbonization action menu list displayed on the terminal device 20, which is a list of multiple items representing decarbonization actions. The user then actually performs the selected decarbonization action. Here, the decarbonization action menu list is a list of multiple items A1 representing one or more providers' environmental contribution initiatives and decarbonization actions. The items A1 indicate, for example, the provider's environmental contribution initiatives, the decarbonization actions the provider requests, and the points and point types that can be obtained through the decarbonization actions. This allows the acquisition unit 11 to acquire information about CO2 emissions reductions achieved through the user's decarbonization actions. The CO2 emission reduction information includes the amount of CO2 emissions reduced through the user's decarbonization actions. The CO2 emission reduction information further includes, for example, at least one of the user's frequency of use of the electrical equipment and the period of use of the electrical equipment.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1B, the acquisition unit 11 may be, for example, a terminal device 20 of a user.

[0053] In this case, for example, if the user installs energy-saving equipment, the terminal device 20 may acquire usage time, usage frequency, etc. from the equipment and calculate the CO2 emission reduction amount based on the usage time, usage frequency, etc. Specifically, a decarbonization application installed in the terminal device 20 may calculate the CO2 emission reduction amount based on the usage time, usage frequency, etc. In this way, the terminal device 20 may acquire CO2 emission reduction information including the CO2 emission reduction amount by calculating the CO2 emission reduction amount.

[0054] The terminal device 20 is an information terminal carried by a user. The terminal device 20 may be, for example, an information terminal in which the dedicated decarbonization application described above is installed. The terminal device 20 may be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, a stationary information terminal such as a PC (personal computer), a HEMS, or a device having a monitor, a device having a VPA function such as a smart speaker connected to the monitor so as to be able to communicate with the monitor, or a device integrated with the monitor so as to be able to communicate with the monitor.

[0055] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11 may be, for example, an input interface. In this case, the user directly inputs the CO2 emission reduction information into the terminal device 20, so that the user's terminal device 20 can acquire the CO2 emission reduction information. The acquisition unit 11 can acquire the CO2 emission reduction information input into the user's terminal device 20 from the user's terminal device 20. In this embodiment, a case where the acquisition unit 11 is an input interface is exemplified.

[0056] Furthermore, the CO2 emission reduction information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 may be displayed on the terminal device 20 as shown in Fig. 2B. In Fig. 2B, the decarbonization application causes the terminal device 20 to display the amount of CO2 emission reduction (4.842 g) included in the CO2 emission reduction information and the decarbonization actions taken by the user ("I ran the dishwasher during a time period when solar power generation was high" and "I reduced the time I spent playing video games and played outside"). The decarbonization application may also cause the terminal device 20 to display the usage time and frequency of the electrical equipment.

[0057] The decarbonization actions taken by the user may be acquired by the acquisition unit 11 through input from the user, or the acquisition unit 11 may acquire data regarding the user's decarbonization actions from the equipment described below, or the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the results of monitoring by a third party other than the user, such as a provider or administrator.

[0058] The acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired CO2 emission reduction information to the point calculation unit 12a and the effort calculation unit 12b. In other words, when the acquisition unit 11 acquires the CO2 emission reduction information of the user, the acquisition unit 11 outputs the CO2 emission reduction information of the user to the point calculation unit 12a and the effort calculation unit 12b.

[0059] The point calculation unit 12a can calculate first points to be awarded to the user based on the CO2 emission reduction information of the user. Specifically, the point calculation unit 12a can calculate first points to be awarded to the user based on the CO2 emission reduction amount indicated in the CO2 emission reduction information of the user.

[0060] For example, the point calculation unit 12a may calculate the first points using a function that is preset according to the amount of CO2 emission reduction indicated in the CO2 emission reduction information, or may calculate the first points using a correlation table between the amount of CO2 emission reduction and points.

[0061] The point calculation unit 12a notifies the calculated points to the granting unit 13. That is, when the point calculation unit 12a calculates first points to be granted to the user, it notifies the granting unit 13 of the calculated first points.

[0062] The granting unit 13 grants the first points calculated by the point calculation unit 12a to the user.

[0063] For example, when granting first points to a user, the granting unit 13 adds the first points to be granted to the points currently held by the user, and stores the points after the addition in the storage unit 14.

[0064] The effort calculation unit 12b can calculate the user's effort level based on the user's CO2 emission reduction information. Specifically, the effort calculation unit 12b can calculate the user's effort level based on at least one of the frequency of use of the electrical equipment and the period of use of the electrical equipment included in the CO2 emission reduction information.

[0065] For example, the effort calculation unit 12b can calculate the degree of effort of each of the multiple users by comparing the CO2 emission reduction information of each of the multiple users. Specifically, the users include a first user and a second user who is different from the first user. In this case, the effort calculation unit 12b can calculate the degree of effort of the first user and the degree of effort of the second user by comparing the CO2 emission reduction information of the first user and the CO2 emission reduction information of the second user.

[0066] As a specific example, the effort calculation unit 12b can compare the CO2 emission reduction information of a first user with the CO2 emission reduction information of a second user for the same period. The same period means that the same date and time are used. For example, if the period of use of an electrical device indicated in the CO2 emission reduction information of the first user is 365 days (hours A) during a certain year and the period of use of an electrical device indicated in the CO2 emission reduction information of the second user is 3 months (hours B) during a certain year, the effort calculation unit 12b can compare time A with time B. Electrical devices include home appliances such as air conditioners, heaters, fans, microwave ovens, induction cookers, and televisions, as well as computers such as personal computers and smartphones. Electrical devices are not limited to these and also include well-known devices. In this case, since time B is shorter than time A, it is considered that the second user is making more effort to reduce CO2 emissions than the first user. Therefore, the effort level calculation unit 12b can calculate the effort level of the second user to be higher than the effort level of the first user.

[0067] The electrical equipment is an example, and the equipment may be other than electrical equipment.

[0068] To give another specific example, when the frequency of use of an electrical device indicated in the CO2 emission reduction information of a first user is three months out of a certain year (usage frequency C) and the frequency of use of an electrical device indicated in the CO2 emission reduction information of a second user is one month out of a certain year (usage frequency D), effort level calculation unit 12b can compare use frequency C with use frequency D. In this case, since use frequency C is higher than use frequency D, it is considered that the second user is making more effort to reduce CO2 emissions than the first user. Therefore, effort level calculation unit 12b can calculate the effort level of the second user to be higher than the effort level of the first user.

[0069] In this way, the effort calculation unit 12b evaluates the degree of effort of the user. For example, even if the first user has installed more energy-saving electrical equipment than the second user, if the first user uses the electrical equipment for a longer period of time or more frequently than the second user, it is considered that the second user is making more effort than the first user. Therefore, even if the first user has reduced CO2 emissions more than the second user, the effort calculation unit 12b evaluates the effort of the second user, who is making an effort, higher than that of the first user.

[0070] The effort level calculation unit 12b can notify the calculated effort level of the first user and the calculated effort level of the second user to the assigning unit 13. Furthermore, the effort level calculation unit 12b may store the calculated effort level of the first user and the calculated effort level of the second user in the storage unit 14.

[0071] The granting unit 13 additionally grants second points to the user in accordance with the user's effort level calculated by the effort level calculation unit 12b.

[0072] Specifically, when the effort level of at least the first user is higher than the effort level of the second user, the granting unit 13 grants additional second points to the first user in accordance with the effort level of the first user. Furthermore, the granting unit 13 may grant additional second points to the second user in accordance with the effort level of the second user, although the number of second points is less than the number of second points granted to the first user.

[0073] Furthermore, when the effort level of at least the second user is higher than the effort level of the first user, the granting unit 13 grants additional second points to the second user in accordance with the effort level of the second user. Furthermore, the granting unit 13 may grant additional second points to the first user in accordance with the effort level of the first user, although the number of second points is less than the number of second points granted to the second user.

[0074] For example, when granting second points to a user, the granting unit 13 adds the second points to be granted to the points currently held by the user, and stores the added points in the storage unit 14.

[0075] In this way, the granting unit 13 grants first points as a reward to all users based on the CO2 emission reduction information, and further grants second points to users who have made efforts to reduce CO2 emissions as a reward according to the user's level of effort. Therefore, if a user's level of effort is lower than that of other users, the number of second points granted to the user may be fewer or no second points may be granted to the user. However, if a user's level of effort is higher than that of other users, the number of second points granted to the user may be greater.

[0076] The granting unit 13 grants the first points and the second points to the user, allowing the user to accumulate points.

[0077] Furthermore, the first points and second points assigned to the user by the assigning unit 13 may be displayed on the terminal device 20 as shown in Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C. In Fig. 4B, the decarbonization application causes the terminal device 20 to display the first points (200 pts) and second points (100 pts) assigned to the user by the assigning unit 13, the points held by the user (1200 pts), the points remaining to the target (500 pts), etc. In Fig. 4C, the decarbonization application causes the terminal device 20 to display the amount of CO2 emission reduction included in the CO2 emission reduction information, and the first points and second points associated with the amount of CO2 emission reduction.

[0078] Furthermore, if the first point and the second point are managed and calculated separately, the decarbonization catalog may include a catalog for the first point and a catalog for the second point. Note that the catalog for the first point and the catalog for the second point may be the same catalog. In this case, the first point and the second point may be added together.

[0079] The memory unit 14 stores, in association with each other, a user ID capable of identifying each of the multiple users, the level of effort of each of the multiple users, CO2 emission reduction information of each of the multiple users, points held by each of the multiple users, etc. The memory unit 14 may also store an action history regarding decarbonization actions taken by the user in the past, a point acquisition history regarding point acquisition, etc. The point acquisition history includes points awarded for decarbonization actions taken by the user in the past, the time points were awarded, etc. The memory unit 14 may also store a decarbonization application for executing the point awarding system 10.

[0080] The storage unit 14 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory, and is not particularly limited and any known information storage means can be used.

[0081] 1B and 4A, when a user wants to use points, the user accesses the decarbonization system 1 using the terminal device 20, which can then display a decarbonization catalog that redeems (exchanges) points for goods or services. The decarbonization catalog is a list of multiple items, each of which includes, for example, the details of the goods or services and the points required to exchange them for the goods or services.

[0082] That is, the presentation unit 16 can present, via the terminal device 20, a decarbonization catalog that includes products or services that the user can receive in exchange for points that the user holds.

[0083] For example, when a user selects a desired product or service from a decarbonization catalog displayed on the terminal device 20, the terminal device 20 transmits identification information indicating the selected product or service to the point-giving system 10. The point-giving system 10 subtracts the points required to exchange for the product or service indicated in the identification information from the points held by the user, and stores the subtracted points in the memory unit 14. The point-giving system 10 also transmits the identification information to the administrator's server. As a result, the provider provides the user with the product or service selected by the user.

[0084] <Operation> The operations of the point-giving system 10, point-giving method, and program according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0085] [Example 1] First, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of an operation in which first points and second points are given to a user will be described.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the decarbonization system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0087] As shown in Figure 5, when a user accesses the decarbonization system 1 using the terminal device 20, the terminal device 20 displays a decarbonization action menu, which is a list consisting of multiple items indicating decarbonization actions. The user selects the decarbonization action they want to implement from the decarbonization action menu list displayed on the terminal device 20. Thereafter, information on the CO2 emission reduction achieved by the decarbonization action implemented by the user is input to the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 transmits the input CO2 emission reduction information to the decarbonization system 1.

[0088] This allows the acquisition unit 11 of the point-granting system 10 to acquire information on CO2 emission reductions achieved through the user's decarbonization actions (S11). The acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired CO2 emission reduction information to the point calculation unit 12a and the effort calculation unit 12b.

[0089] Next, the point calculation unit 12a can calculate first points based on the CO2 emission reduction amount indicated in the CO2 emission reduction information of the user (S12). After calculating the first points of the user, the point calculation unit 12a notifies the allocation unit 13 of the calculated first points.

[0090] Next, the granting unit 13 can grant the first points calculated by the point calculation unit 12a to the user (S13). When granting the first points to the user, the granting unit 13 adds the first points to be granted to the points currently held by the user, and stores the added points in the storage unit 14.

[0091] Next, the effort calculation unit 12b can calculate the user's effort level based on at least one of the frequency of use and the period of use included in the CO2 emission reduction information (S14). The effort calculation unit 12b can notify the granting unit 13 of the calculated user's effort level.

[0092] Next, the granting unit 13 grants additional second points to the user according to the user's effort level calculated by the effort level calculation unit 12b (S15). When granting second points to the user, the granting unit 13 adds the second points to be granted to the points currently held by the user and stores the added points in the storage unit 14.

[0093] Then, the point-giving system 10 ends the operation example of FIG.

[0094] Note that this operation example is not limited to the flowchart in Fig. 5. For example, step S14 may be executed between steps S11 and S12, or between steps S12 and S13. In this case, step S15 may be executed at any timing after step S14.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, if the details of the decarbonization action menu shown in FIG. 2A include a goal of "saving energy with an air conditioner," then, for example, if energy saving is achieved with an air conditioner, "effort points" may be awarded to the user as a point type. For example, if the air conditioner temperature is set to "0°C to 0°C," 1 point may be awarded per day as effort points on the terminal device 20. Furthermore, the number of effort points to be awarded and the number of normal points described above may be displayed on the terminal device 20.

[0096] The decarbonization action menu list may include a decarbonization action menu that only earns "effort points."

[0097] [Example 2] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of an operation when points held by a user are redeemed for goods or services will be described.

[0098] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the decarbonization system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0099] First, as shown in Fig. 6, when a user wishes to exchange their points for goods or services, the user accesses the decarbonization system 1 using the terminal device 20. This allows the presentation unit 16 of the point-giving system 10 to present, via the terminal device 20, a decarbonization catalog, which is a list of goods or services that the user can receive in exchange for the points (S31).

[0100] Next, when the user selects a desired product or service from the decarbonization catalog displayed on the terminal device 20, the terminal device 20 transmits identification information indicating the selected product or service to the points-giving system 10. The points-giving system 10 subtracts the points required to exchange for the product or service indicated in the identification information from the points held by the user, and updates the points held by the user. The points-giving system 10 stores the updated points in the memory unit 14 (S32).

[0101] Next, the point-giving system 10 transmits identification information indicating the selected product or service to the provider's management server (S33). As a result, the provider provides the user with the product or service selected by the user. Then, the point-giving system 10 ends the operation example of FIG.

[0102] <Action and effect> The following describes the effects of the point-giving system 10, point-giving method, and program according to this embodiment.

[0103] As described above, the point-assigning system 10 of Technology 1 in this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 11 that acquires CO2 emission reduction information of a user who has reduced CO2 emissions, and an assignment unit 13 that assigns first points to the user based on the CO2 emission reduction information. The assignment unit 13 then assigns additional second points to the user in accordance with the user's effort level calculated based on the user's CO2 emission reduction information.

[0104] According to this, when a user's decarbonization behavior reduces CO2 emissions, the user can acquire first points based on the CO2 emission reduction information. Furthermore, when the user makes an effort to decarbonize, the effort (effort) is calculated as the degree of effort, and the granting unit 13 can grant the user additional second points according to the degree of effort. In other words, the user can acquire the first points as a reward and the second points as a reward according to the effort. The user can feel that their effort has been recognized, and thus can maintain their motivation to actively reduce CO2 emissions.

[0105] Therefore, the point-giving system 10 of the present disclosure can encourage users to reduce CO2 emissions.

[0106] Furthermore, the point awarding method of Technique 6 in this embodiment includes acquiring CO2 emission reduction information of a user who has performed CO2 emission reduction, awarding first points to the user based on the CO2 emission reduction information, and awarding additional second points to the user according to the user's level of effort calculated based on the user's CO2 emission reduction information.

[0107] This method also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0108] The program of Technique 7 in this embodiment is a program for causing a computer to execute the point awarding method of Technique 6.

[0109] This program also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0110] The point-giving system 10 of Technology 2 in this embodiment is the point-giving system 10 described in Technology 1. In this case, the CO2 emission reduction information includes the amount of CO2 emission reduction achieved by the user's decarbonization behavior. The point-giving system 10 of Technology 2 further includes a point calculation unit 12a that calculates first points to be awarded to the user based on the amount of CO2 emission reduction indicated in the CO2 emission reduction information, and an effort calculation unit 12b that calculates the user's effort level based on the user's CO2 emission reduction information.

[0111] This allows the calculation of the first points and the user's effort level based on the CO2 emission reduction information. As a result, the first points and the second points can be awarded to the user. The user can feel that their efforts have been recognized, which helps maintain their motivation to actively reduce CO2 emissions.

[0112] Furthermore, the point-giving system 10 of Technology 3 in this embodiment is the point-giving system 10 described in Technology 2. In this case, the users include a first user and a second user different from the first user. The effort level calculation unit 12b then calculates the effort levels of the first user and the second user by comparing the CO2 emission reduction information of the first user with the CO2 emission reduction information of the second user.

[0113] This allows the degree of effort of each user to be calculated, which encourages users with low levels of effort to try to improve their own level of effort. This encourages users to actively try to reduce their CO2 emissions in order to improve their level of effort. As a result, it is expected that the effectiveness of CO2 emission reductions will improve.

[0114] Furthermore, the point-giving system 10 of Technology 4 in this embodiment is the point-giving system 10 described in Technology 3. In this case, when the effort level of the first user is higher than that of the second user, the giving unit 13 gives additional second points to the first user in accordance with at least the effort level of the first user, and when the effort level of the second user is higher than that of the first user, the giving unit 13 gives additional second points to the second user in accordance with at least the effort level of the second user.

[0115] According to this system, the more effort a user puts in, the more second points they can earn as a reward, so users will actively try to reduce their CO2 emissions so that they can earn second points. As a result, it can be expected that the effectiveness of CO2 emission reduction will improve.

[0116] Furthermore, the point-giving system 10 of Technique 5 in this embodiment is the point-giving system 10 described in any one of Techniques 2 to 4. In this case, the CO2 emission reduction information includes at least one of the frequency of use and the period of use of the electrical equipment by the user. The effort calculation unit 12b then calculates the user's effort level based on at least one of the frequency of use and the period of use included in the CO2 emission reduction information.

[0117] This will encourage users to make efforts to reduce the frequency and duration of use of electrical equipment, which can be expected to improve the effectiveness of reducing CO2 emissions.

[0118] (Other variations) The point-giving system, point-giving method, and program according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the above-mentioned embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can conceive of to the embodiments may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0119] For example, in the point-giving system, point-giving method, and program according to the present embodiment, a user may be able to transfer points held by the user to another user and may be able to acquire points held by the other user. The point-giving system may further include a point management unit that manages points among a plurality of users.

[0120] In the points-granting system, the points-granting method, and the program according to the present embodiment, the storage unit may store CO2 emission reduction information including at least one of the frequency and duration of use of the electrical equipment by the user in the past. The effort calculation unit may calculate the user's effort by comparing the CO2 emission reduction information for a first period stored in the storage unit with CO2 emission reduction information for a second period that is closer to the present than the first period.

[0121] The point-giving system, the point-giving method, and the program according to the present embodiment may be arranged on a cloud server.

[0122] Furthermore, although the point-assignment method and program according to the present embodiment are installed in a management server of a decarbonization system, this is not limited thereto. The program for a computer to execute the point-assignment method may be installed in a user's terminal device. In this case, the user's terminal device may be able to access each user's terminal device via the cloud.

[0123] Furthermore, each component of the point-granting system according to the above embodiment, such as the point calculation unit, effort calculation unit, granting unit, and presentation unit, is typically realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These components may be individually implemented as single chips, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip.

[0124] Furthermore, the integration is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which can be programmed after LSI fabrication, or reconfigurable processors, which allow the connections and settings of circuit cells within LSIs to be reconfigured, may also be used.

[0125] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0126] Furthermore, all of the numbers used above are examples for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the numbers shown as examples.

[0127] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0128] The order in which the steps in the flowchart are executed is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and an order other than the above may be used. Also, some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0129] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 10 Points System 11 Acquisition Department 12a Points calculation section 12b Effort calculation part 13 Granting Department 16 Presentation section

Claims

1. CO ２ CO of users who have implemented emission reductions ２ an acquisition unit that acquires emission reduction information; The CO ２ an awarding unit that awards first points to the user based on the emission reduction information, The granting unit is configured to grant the CO ２ Second points are additionally awarded to the user according to the degree of effort of the user calculated based on the emission reduction information. Points award system.

2. The CO ２ The emission reduction information is the amount of CO reduced by the user's decarbonization actions. ２ Including emission reductions, The CO ２ The CO shown in the emission reduction information ２ a point calculation unit that calculates the first points to be awarded to the user based on an amount of emission reduction; The CO of the user ２ and an effort level calculation unit that calculates the effort level of the user based on the emission reduction information. The points-giving system according to claim 1 .

3. the users include a first user and a second user different from the first user; The effort calculation unit calculates the CO ２ Emission reduction information and the CO ２ and calculating the degree of effort of the first user and the degree of effort of the second user by comparing the degree of effort of the first user and the degree of effort of the second user with the emission reduction information. The points-giving system according to claim 2 .

4. The granting unit If the effort level of the first user is higher than the effort level of the second user, the second points are additionally awarded to the first user according to at least the effort level of the first user; If the effort level of the second user is higher than the effort level of the first user, the second points are additionally awarded to the second user in accordance with at least the effort level of the second user. The points-giving system according to claim 3.

5. The CO ２ the emission reduction information includes at least one of a frequency of use of the electrical equipment by the user and a period of use of the electrical equipment; The effort calculation unit ２ The degree of effort of the user is calculated based on at least one of the frequency of use and the period of use included in the emission reduction information. The point-giving system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. CO ２ CO of users who have implemented emission reductions ２ Obtaining emission reduction information; The CO ２ awarding first points to the user based on the emission reduction information; The CO of the user ２ and additionally awarding second points to the user in accordance with the degree of effort of the user calculated based on the emission reduction information. How points are awarded.

7. A method for causing a computer to execute the point giving method according to claim 6. program.

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