Greenhouse gas emission calculation system, greenhouse gas emission calculation method, and program

Abstract

The calculation information used to determine greenhouse gas emissions associated with product manufacturing will be efficiently shared and entered by multiple users involved in the product's production. [Solution] A greenhouse gas emission calculation system for calculating greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the manufacturing of a product comprises: an input receiving unit that receives input from users who have been given input privileges to input corresponding calculation usage information for each of a plurality of calculation usage information items categorized based on the manufacturing process of the product to be calculated; a calculation unit that calculates the greenhouse gas emissions of the product to be calculated based on the plurality of calculation usage information items received by the input receiving unit; and a privilege setting unit that sets the respective input privileges of each of the plurality of users involved in the manufacturing of the product for each of the plurality of calculation usage information items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a greenhouse gas emission calculation system, a greenhouse gas emission calculation method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for calculating, in terms of unit items, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions related to the production of a target product reported by a primary supplier to a finished product manufacturer as the supply destination, using calculation information such as product information, unit item, and activity amount of the unit item input by the primary supplier (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When calculating the greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the production of a product, it is required to input each information item in the information (calculation use information) used for calculating the greenhouse gas emissions as accurately as possible. In the production of a product, a plurality of users are involved, such as an owner who uses the product, for example, by selling the product, a manufacturer who manufactures the product, and a supplier who supplies and transports the materials of the manufactured product. When such a plurality of users are involved in production, it is difficult for a single specific user to accurately grasp all the information items in the calculation use information, and the information items accurately grasped by each user are different. Against this background, it is preferable that instead of a single user aggregating and inputting the calculation use information used for calculating the greenhouse gas emissions, a plurality of users can share the input.

[0005] The present invention aims to enable multiple users involved in the manufacturing of a product to efficiently share and input calculation information used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the manufacturing of that product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a greenhouse gas emission calculation system for calculating greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the manufacturing of a product, comprising: an input receiving unit that receives input from users who have been set to input corresponding calculation usage information for each of a plurality of calculation usage information items categorized based on the manufacturing process of the product to be calculated; a calculation unit that calculates the greenhouse gas emissions of the product to be calculated based on the plurality of calculation usage information items received by the input receiving unit; and an authority setting unit that sets the respective input authority of each of the plurality of users involved in the manufacturing of the product for each of the plurality of calculation usage information items.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a greenhouse gas emission calculation method in a greenhouse gas emission calculation system for calculating greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the manufacture of a product, comprising: an input reception step in which an input reception unit receives input from a user who has been set to input corresponding calculation usage information for each of a plurality of calculation usage information items categorized based on the manufacturing process of the product to be calculated; a calculation step in which a calculation unit calculates the greenhouse gas emissions of the product to be calculated based on the plurality of calculation usage information items received in the input reception step; and an authorization setting step in which an authorization setting unit sets the respective input authorizations of each of the plurality of users involved in the manufacture of the product for each of the plurality of calculation usage information items.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a program for a computer in a greenhouse gas emission calculation system that calculates greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the manufacture of a product, which functions as an input receiving unit that receives input from users who have been given input privileges to input corresponding calculation usage information for each of a plurality of calculation usage information items categorized based on the manufacturing process of the product to be calculated; a calculation unit that calculates the greenhouse gas emissions of the product to be calculated based on the plurality of calculation usage information items received by the input receiving unit; and a privilege setting unit that sets the respective input privileges of each of the plurality of users involved in the manufacture of the product for each of the plurality of calculation usage information items. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the calculation and utilization information used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the manufacturing of a product can be efficiently shared and input by multiple users involved in the manufacturing of the product. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of the GHG emissions calculation system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of how information is used in the calculation of GHG emissions in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a product information screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a packaging information screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a materials and process information screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the packaging material compatibility calculation result screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the material and process information input result screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the GHG emission calculation device in the first embodiment. [Figure 9]This figure shows an example of permission setting information in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the processing procedure performed by the GHG emissions calculation system in the first embodiment in relation to granting input privileges. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of how information is used in the calculation of GHG emissions in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the processing procedure performed by the GHG emissions calculation system in the first embodiment in relation to granting input privileges. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <First Embodiment> [Example of the overall configuration of a GHG emissions calculation system] The following describes an example of the overall configuration of this embodiment of the GHG (greenhouse gas) emission calculation system with reference to the drawings. The GHG emission calculation system of this embodiment primarily calculates the GHG emissions generated during the manufacturing of products. The product in this embodiment includes packaging materials (such as flexible packaging materials like pouches, paper containers like cardboard boxes, injection-molded products like containers, etc.), packaging materials (such as laminated films like barrier films, etc.), and building materials (such as flooring materials, decorative paper, wallpaper, and interior decorative materials), and is manufactured in a factory. GHGs include gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). In the following description, the greenhouse gas emission calculation device of this embodiment will be described as an example in which the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent converted using the global warming potential is used as the GHG emission.

[0012] Figure 1 shows an overall configuration example of the GHG emission calculation system according to this embodiment. The configuration of the GHG emission calculation system in the figure corresponds to, for example, the manufacture of one product. The GHG emission calculation system in the figure includes a GHG emission calculation device 100, an owner terminal 200-1, a manufacturer terminal 200-2, and a supplier terminal 200-3. The GHG emission calculation device 100 is communicably connected to the owner terminal 200-1, the manufacturer terminal 200-2, and the supplier terminal 200-3 via a network.

[0013] The GHG emission calculation device 100 calculates the GHG emissions generated during the manufacture of the target product by using the calculation utilization information input from the owner terminal 200-1, the manufacturer terminal 200-2, and the supplier terminal 200-3. When there is no particular distinction between the owner terminal 200-1, the manufacturer terminal 200-2, and the supplier terminal 200-3, it is described as the user terminal 200. The GHG emission calculation device 100 can present the input calculation utilization information to the user terminal 200 by display. The GHG emission calculation device 100 can present the information on the calculated GHG emissions to the user terminal 200 by display. The GHG emission calculation device 100 may be constructed, for example, as a server on a network or as a cloud server.

[0014] In this embodiment, users who use the GHG emission calculation system include an owner OW, a manufacturer MK, and a supplier SP. The owner OW is a company (which may be an individual) that uses the target product. For example, the owner OW plays a role in providing the GHG emissions of the target product. The manufacturer MK is a company that manufactures the target product. The supplier SP is a company that supplies materials (raw materials, components, etc.) used in the manufacture of the target product to the manufacturer MK or is responsible for transporting the materials. [[ID=​Owner terminal 200-1 is a terminal used by the owner OW operator. Owner terminal 200-1 accesses the GHG emission calculation device 100 in response to the operator's input and inputs calculation information used to calculate the GHG emissions of the target product into the GHG emission calculation device 100. In addition, by accessing the GHG emission calculation device 100 in response to the operator's input, owner terminal 200-1 can display information regarding the calculated GHG emissions for the target product.

[0016] Manufacturer terminal 200-2 is a terminal used by the operator of manufacturer MK. Manufacturer terminal 200-2 accesses the GHG emission calculation device 100 in response to the operator's input and inputs calculation information used to calculate the GHG emissions of the target product into the GHG emission calculation device 100. Furthermore, by accessing the GHG emission calculation device 100 in response to the operator's input, manufacturer terminal 200-2 can display information regarding the calculated GHG emissions for the target product.

[0017] Supplier terminal 200-3 is a terminal used by the operator of supplier SP. Supplier terminal 200-3 accesses the GHG emission calculation device 100 in response to the operator's input and inputs calculation information used to calculate the GHG emissions of the target product into the GHG emission calculation device 100. In addition, by accessing the GHG emission calculation device 100 in response to the operator's input, supplier terminal 200-3 can display information regarding the calculated GHG emissions for the target product.

[0018] Figure 2 shows an example of how information is used in calculating GHG emissions in this embodiment. In this embodiment, when the GHG emission calculation device 100 is made to calculate GHG emissions, the user terminal 200 inputs calculation usage information D1 to the GHG emission calculation device 100. In this embodiment, the calculation utilization information D1 is divided into multiple calculation utilization information (category-specific calculation utilization information) corresponding to the manufacturing process of the product for which GHG emissions are to be calculated. Specifically, the figure shows an example in which three categories of calculation utilization information are defined: product information D11, packaging information D12, and material / process information D13. Product information D11 is the most comprehensive information used for classification calculation, and includes predetermined information items related to the product in question. Note that in the following explanation, "product" and "merchandise" may be used interchangeably. Packaging material information D12 is classification calculation information positioned at a lower level than product information D11, and includes predetermined information items related to the packaging material used for the target product. Material and process information D13 is classified and used information positioned at a lower level than packaging information D12, and includes predetermined information items related to the materials and processes used in manufacturing the corresponding packaging material.

[0019] In the example shown in Figure 2, the calculated utilization information D1 includes product information D11, packaging information D12, and material / process information D13. However, the calculated utilization information D1 may include only a portion of product information D11, packaging information D12, and material / process information D13. For example, the calculated utilization information D1 may include packaging information D12 and material / process information D13, but exclude product information D11.

[0020] The GHG emission calculation device 100 uses the calculation utilization information D1, which includes product information D11, packaging information D12, and material / process information D13, input from the user terminal 200, to calculate the GHG emissions D2 generated in accordance with the manufacturing of the target product.

[0021] In this embodiment, the authority to input information is set for each of the classification calculation information: product information D11, packaging information D12, and material / process information D13. In other words, the input of each of the product information D11, packaging information D12, and material / process information D13 is limited to users among the owner OW, manufacturer MK, and supplier SP who have the corresponding input authority.

[0022] In this embodiment, by default, as shown in Figure 2, the owner OW, which handles products as goods, is configured to have input privileges pv1 for product information D11, pv2 for packaging information D12, and pv3 for material / process information D13. In other words, the owner terminal 200-1 is capable of inputting any of the classification calculation and utilization information for product information D11, packaging information D12, and material / process information D13. On the other hand, users of Manufacturer MK and Supplier SP, who are subordinate to Owner OW, do not have input privileges for any of the classification calculation information in Product Information D11, Packaging Information D12, and Material / Process Information D13 by default.

[0023] Under these default conditions, the owner OW operator operates the owner terminal 200-1 to input the calculation and utilization information for each category of product information D11, packaging information D12, and material / process information D13, causing the GHG emission calculation device 100 to calculate the GHG emissions. In other words, the GHG emission calculation system of this embodiment is fundamentally based on the premise that the owner OW inputs the calculation and utilization information and causes the GHG emission calculation device 100 to calculate the GHG emissions.

[0024] The owner (OW) is able to accurately input product information D11 regarding the product as a commodity because they have a thorough understanding of it. However, the owner (OW) may not have a thorough understanding of packaging materials, raw materials, and processes, and therefore may not be able to accurately input packaging information D12 and raw material / process information D13. For example, information regarding packaging materials, materials, and processes is accurately grasped by users lower down the chain than the owner (OW), such as manufacturers (MK) and suppliers (SP). Considering these circumstances, in order to accurately calculate GHG emissions, it is preferable that users lower down the chain than the owner (OW) input the packaging information (D12) and material / process information (D13) on behalf of the owner (OW). However, if, from the default settings, lower-level users are granted input privileges for each category calculation usage information in addition to the owner (OW), it may become difficult to determine, for example, which user entered which information item for which category calculation usage information, potentially leading to confusion.

[0025] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the owner OW wants a subordinate user to input the classification calculation usage information on their behalf, the owner OW can grant the subordinate user input permission to input the classification calculation usage information. In this way, the owner OW can grant the subordinate user input permission to input the classification calculation usage information at their discretion, and the user with input permission can input the classification calculation usage information. This allows the owner OW, as the higher-level user, to limit the input of the classification calculation usage information to users they specify, thus avoiding the confusion described above while enabling multiple users to efficiently input the calculation usage information.

[0026] Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the owner OW grants manufacturer MK the input authority pv2-1 for packaging material information D12 via authorization gp1, and grants supplier SP the input authority pv3-1 for material / process information D13 via authorization gp2. The owner OW is authorized to input product information D11 using input permission Pv1. Even after being granted input permissions pv2-1 and pv2-2, the owner OW still has input permission pv1 for packaging information D12 and pv2 for material / process information D13, but does not need to input packaging information D12 and material / process information D13 as these will be handled by lower-level users. Meanwhile, manufacturer MK, which has been granted input permission pv2-1, will input packaging information D12. Manufacturer MK, which has been granted input permission pv3-1, will input material and process information D13.

[0027] In this way, by having the owner OW, manufacturer MK, and supplier SP share the input of product information D11, packaging information D12, and material / process information D13, accurate information is entered for each of these fields. As a result, the GHG emission calculation device 100 calculates accurate GHG emissions D2, ensuring high reliability.

[0028] [About the Calculation Usage Information Screen] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, examples of the configuration of the calculation usage information screen where calculation usage information is entered, and examples of operations for specifying input permissions to the information input screen will be explained. The GHG emission calculation device 100 has a web server (GHG emission calculation web server) that has the function of displaying GHG emission information calculated in response to the input of calculation usage information. The calculation usage information screen in Figures 3 to 5 is displayed on the user terminal 200 when the user terminal 200 accesses the GHG emission calculation web server.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an example of a product information screen that corresponds to the input of classification calculation information as product information, as a calculation usage information screen. In this figure, the information items that can be entered as product information are product name, product code, JAN code, tag data, registration date, sales start date, and sales end date. Furthermore, the product information screen includes an edit button BT1 and a delete button BT2. The edit button BT1 is used to edit the product information displayed on the product information screen. The delete button BT2 is used to delete the product information displayed on the product information screen. In this embodiment, the owner operator operates the product information screen to input information for each information item of the product information.

[0030] Furthermore, in the product information screen shown in Figure 3, the calculation result area AR1 is the area where the calculation results for GHG emissions for the corresponding product are displayed. Specifically, in calculation result area AR1, the status, GHG (CO2) emissions, and plastic weight are displayed. The status indicates whether the input for product information D11, packaging information D12, and material / process information D13 has been completed. Once the input for product information D11, packaging information D12, and material / process information D13 is completed, it becomes possible to calculate the GHG emissions for the corresponding product. GHG(CO2) emissions represent the calculated GHG(CO2) emissions for the corresponding product. The plastic weight indicates the total weight of the plastic included in the corresponding product.

[0031] Furthermore, the product information screen includes an authorization destination input area AR2 where the user to whom the authority to input classification calculation usage information, which is one level below the product information, will be granted. Specifically, in this embodiment, the owner operator enters information indicating the manufacturer of the corresponding product (for example, the manufacturer's name) into the authorization destination input area AR2. Users entered in the authorization destination input area AR2 will be granted the authority to input packaging information by accepting the authorization as described below.

[0032] Figure 4 shows an example of a packaging information screen that corresponds to the input of classification calculation information as packaging information, as a calculation usage information screen. In the corresponding product information area AR10 of the packaging information screen, the product name, product code, and JAN code are displayed as information about the product to which the packaging information corresponds. The product name, product code, and JAN code in the corresponding product information area AR10 are displayed based on the information entered in the product information screen in Figure 3.

[0033] In the packaging information screen shown in Figure 4, the following information items can be entered for packaging information: packaging name, packaging code, packaging category, and number of packaging materials used (per product). Furthermore, the packaging information screen includes an edit button BT11 and a delete button BT12. The edit button BT11 is used to edit the packaging information displayed on the packaging information screen. The delete button BT12 is used to delete the packaging information displayed on the packaging information screen. In this embodiment, the owner operator operates the packaging information screen to input information for each information item of the packaging information. Furthermore, the packaging information screen in Figure 4 contains a material / process information details button BT13. When the material / process information details button BT13 is pressed, the display transitions to the material / process information screen.

[0034] Furthermore, the packaging information screen includes an authorization destination input area AR11 where users to whom input authority will be granted for material and process information, which is a lower-level classification calculation usage information relative to the packaging information. Specifically, in this embodiment, the manufacturer's operator enters information indicating the supplier of the corresponding product (for example, the supplier name) into the authorization destination input area AR11. Users entered in the authorization destination input area AR11 will be granted the authority to input material and process information by accepting the authorization as described below.

[0035] Figure 5 shows an example of a materials and process information screen that corresponds to the input of classification calculation information as materials and process information, as a calculation and usage information screen. The materials and process information screen is displayed in response to the operation of the materials and process information details button BT13 in Figure 4. In the corresponding product and packaging information area AR20 of the materials and process information screen, information about the corresponding product and packaging is displayed, including the product name, product code, JAN code, packaging name, packaging code, and packaging category. The product name, product code, and JAN code in the corresponding product and packaging information area AR20 are displayed based on the information entered in the product information screen in Figure 3, while the packaging name, packaging code, and packaging category are displayed based on the information entered in the packaging information screen in Figure 4.

[0036] In the material and process information screen shown in Figure 5, the following information items can be entered for material and process information: material and process code, material and process name, packaging form (packaging category information, delivery form), delivery quantity (finished unfolded width, number of rows, quantity, usable quantity), packaging size information (pitch), etc. In this embodiment, the supplier's operator operates the material and process information screen to input information for each information item.

[0037] In accordance with the completion of information input for each of the calculation and usage information screens shown in Figures 3 to 5 (product information screen, packaging information screen, material / process information screen), the GHG emission calculation device 100 calculates the GHG emissions for the corresponding product. The GHG emission calculation device 100 displays the calculated GHG emissions on the user terminal 200 in response to access from the user terminal 200. Specifically, the GHG emissions corresponding to each product are displayed in the calculation results area AR1 on the product information screen shown in Figure 3.

[0038] Furthermore, information regarding GHG emissions for each type of packaging material for the applicable products will be displayed on the packaging material compatibility calculation results screen. Figure 6 shows an example of the packaging material compatibility calculation results screen. The packaging material compatibility calculation results screen in this figure is configured with records for each packaging material used in the corresponding product. Each record for a single packaging material displays the packaging material code, packaging material name, category, number used, GHG (CO2) emissions, and plastic weight. The total GHG (CO2) emissions and total plastic weight for each packaging material shown in Figure 6 may match the total GHG (CO2) emissions and plastic weight per product in the calculation result area AR1 of Figure 3, respectively.

[0039] Furthermore, each record in Figure 6 has a confirmation button BT21. When the confirmation button BT21 is clicked, the system transitions to a confirmation screen that displays a list of the information entered for the corresponding packaging material. The information entered for the corresponding packaging material may be modified through operations on the confirmation screen. Additionally, the packaging material compatibility calculation results screen includes a "Add Packaging Material Registration" button (B22). By operating the "Add Packaging Material Registration" button (B22), a packaging material registration screen is displayed, allowing users to register additional packaging material information for compatible products.

[0040] Furthermore, the input results of the material and process information used to calculate GHG emissions and plastic weight per product or packaging unit, as described above, are displayed on the material and process information input results screen. Figure 7 shows an example of the material and process information input results screen. In this screen, it is possible to input information about "paper and resin" as materials (classification, material, paper width, thickness, input amount) and information about "ink and varnish" (ink and varnish type, number of colors, total surface area). In addition, process information such as type, process, and processing amount / thickness can be input.

[0041] The screens shown in Figures 3 to 7 may be arranged on a single web page, or some of the screens may be presented as separate web pages.

[0042] [Example of functional configuration of a GHG emissions calculation device] Referring to Figure 8, an example of the functional configuration of the GHG emission calculation device 100 will be explained. The GHG emissions calculation device 100 may be configured with hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The GHG emissions calculation device 100 may also be equipped with a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) as hardware. The functions of the GHG emissions calculation device 100 shown in the figure are realized by the execution of programs by the CPU and GPU provided in the GHG emissions calculation device 100.

[0043] The GHG emissions calculation device 100 includes a communication unit 101, a control unit 102, and a storage unit 103. The communication unit 101 connects to each of the user terminals 200 via the network, enabling communication with each of them.

[0044] The control unit 102 performs various controls in the GHG emission calculation device 100. The control unit 102 includes an input reception unit 121, a calculation unit 122, and an authorization setting unit 123. Note that the presentation control unit 124 corresponds to the third embodiment described later, so its explanation is omitted here.

[0045] The input reception unit 121 receives input of calculation usage information from the user terminal 200. The input reception unit 121 accepts input according to the input permissions set for each category of calculation usage information. In other words, for each category of calculation usage information, the input reception unit 121 accepts input from the user terminal 200 of users who have input permissions, but does not accept input from the user terminal 200 of users who do not have input permissions.

[0046] The calculation unit 122 uses the calculation utilization information (product information, packaging information, material / process information) obtained from the input reception unit 121 to calculate the GHG emissions corresponding to the manufacturing of the product.

[0047] The authorization setting unit 123 sets user input permissions for each category calculation usage information. The details of the input permission settings made by the authorization setting unit 123 are stored as authorization setting information in the authorization setting information storage unit 132.

[0048] The memory unit 103 stores various types of information corresponding to the GHG emission calculation device 100. The memory unit 103 includes a calculation usage information storage unit 131 and an authorization setting information storage unit 132.

[0049] The calculation and utilization information storage unit 131 stores the calculation and utilization information. The calculation and utilization information storage unit 131 includes a product information storage unit 1311, a packaging material information storage unit 1312, and a material / process information storage unit 1313, which correspond to each category of calculation and utilization information. The product information storage unit 1311 stores product information entered from the user terminal 200. The packaging information storage unit 1312 stores the packaging information input from the user terminal 200. The material and process information storage unit 1313 stores material and process information input from the user terminal 200.

[0050] The authorization setting information storage unit 132 stores authorization setting information. The authorization setting information shows the results of setting user-specific input permissions by the authorization setting unit 123. Figure 9 shows an example of permission settings information. In this figure, the user IDs for each owner, manufacturer, and supplier are shown, along with the username and the input permission settings for each type of calculated usage information (product information, packaging information, material / process information). The permission settings information in the diagram indicates that, for the owner, input permissions are set by default for product information, packaging information, and material / process information. Furthermore, the permission settings in the same diagram indicate that, for manufacturers, there is no permission to input product information, but there is permission to input packaging information through authorization, and no permission to input material / process information. Furthermore, the permission settings in the same diagram indicate that, for suppliers, there is no permission to input product information, no permission to input packaging information, and permission to input material and process information has been granted. In the above permission setting information, lower-level users are limited to inputting information only for classification calculation usage information to which the owner has granted input permission. However, for example, the permission setting unit 123 may grant input permission to lower-level users for one classification calculation usage information, in addition to the classification calculation usage information at a lower level than the one that the owner has granted input permission for. Specifically, for example, if the owner grants input permission to a manufacturer for packaging information, input permission may also be granted to material and process information, which is classification calculation usage information at a lower level than the packaging information.

[0051] [Example of owner terminal function configuration] Referring to Figure 10, an example of the functional configuration of user terminals 200 (owner terminal 200-1, manufacturer terminal 200-2, supplier terminal 200-3) will be described. User terminals 200 may be configured with hardware such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and storage devices such as HDDs and SSDs. User terminals 200 may also be equipped with a GPU. The functions of user terminals 200 shown in the figure are realized by the CPU and GPU equipped in user terminals 200 executing programs. The user terminal 200 may be, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet.

[0052] The user terminal 200 in the figure comprises a communication unit 201, a user interface unit 202, a control unit 203, and a storage unit 204. The communication unit 201 is connected to the GHG emission calculation device 100 via a network, enabling communication between them.

[0053] The user interface unit 202 is equipped with controls and input devices to receive operator input. The user interface unit 202 is also equipped with a display device to display images to the operator. Furthermore, the user interface unit 202 may be equipped with a speaker or similar device to output sound to the operator.

[0054] The control unit 203 performs various controls on the user terminal 200. The memory unit 204 stores various types of information corresponding to the user terminal 200.

[0055] [Example of processing procedure] Referring to the sequence diagram in Figure 11, an example of the processing procedure performed by the GHG emissions calculation system of this embodiment in relation to granting input privileges will be described. Step S100: The owner's operator accesses the GHG emission calculation web server of the GHG emission calculation device 100 using the owner terminal 200-1 to display the product information screen (Figure 3). The owner's operator then inputs product information into the displayed product information screen. The owner terminal 200-1 inputs (transmits) the product information to the GHG emission calculation device 100 in response to the operator's input.

[0056] Step S102: In the GHG emission calculation device 100, the input reception unit 121 receives product information input from the owner terminal 200-1 in step S100 and stores the input product information in the product information storage unit 1311.

[0057] Step S104: The owner operator also enters the username of the user to whom the authority to input packaging information should be granted in the authorization destination input area AR2 on the product information screen. Specifically, the operator may enter the manufacturer's name as the username. The owner terminal 200-1 accepts the username input. The owner terminal 200-1 sends an authorization grant request to the GHG emission calculation device 100 specifying that the user with the entered username should be granted the authority to input packaging information.

[0058] Step S106: In response to receiving the authorization request sent in step S104, the authorization setting unit 123 of the GHG emission calculation device 100 sends a request for packaging information input to the manufacturer's terminal 200-2 of the manufacturer, which is the user specified in the received authorization request. The request for packaging information input may be made, for example, by sending an email, or as a notification on a screen provided by the GHG emission calculation web server.

[0059] Step S108: The manufacturer's operator can respond with acceptance or rejection to the packaging information input request sent in step S106. If the manufacturer's operator accepts the packaging information input request, they will have the manufacturer's terminal 200-2 send an acceptance notification to the GHG emission calculation device 100. The acceptance notification may be sent as a reply to the email requesting packaging information input, or as a confirmation operation on the screen provided by the GHG emission calculation web server regarding the notification of the requesting packaging information input.

[0060] Step S110: The authorization setting unit 123 of the GHG emission calculation device 100 grants the manufacturer the authority to input packaging information in response to receiving the acceptance notification sent in step S108. The authorization setting unit 123 may grant such authority by changing the authorization setting information.

[0061] Step S112: The authorization setting unit 123 sends an authorization grant notification to the manufacturer terminal 200-2 indicating that authorization to input packaging information has been granted. The authorization grant notification may be sent by email or as a notification on a screen provided by the GHG emissions calculation web server.

[0062] Step S114: When the operator of the manufacturer terminal 200-2 confirms that they have been granted permission to input packaging information based on the authorization notification sent in step S112, they display the packaging information screen (Figure 4) on the manufacturer terminal 200-2 and perform the operation to input the packaging information on the packaging information screen. The manufacturer terminal 200-2 inputs the packaging information into the GHG emission calculation device 100 in accordance with the operator's operation.

[0063] Step S116: In the GHG emission calculation device 100, the input receiving unit 121 receives the packaging information input from the manufacturer terminal 200-2 in step S114, and stores the input packaging information in the packaging information storage unit 1312.

[0064] Step S118: The owner operator also displays the packaging information screen (Figure 4) on the owner terminal 200-1 and enters the username of the user to whom the authority to input material and process information, which is a lower level of the packaging information, should be granted in the authorization destination input area AR11 on the packaging information screen. Specifically, in this case, the operator may enter the supplier name as the username. The owner terminal 200-1 accepts the username input. The owner terminal 200-1 sends an authorization grant request to the GHG emission calculation device 100 specifying that the user with the entered username should be granted the authority to input material and process information.

[0065] Step S120: In response to receiving the authorization request sent in step S118, the authorization setting unit 123 of the GHG emission calculation device 100 sends a material / process information input request to the supplier terminal 200-3 of the supplier, which is the user specified in the received authorization request.

[0066] Step S122: The supplier's operator can respond with acceptance or rejection to the material and process information input request sent in step S106. If the supplier's operator accepts the material and process information input request, the supplier's terminal 200-3 sends an acceptance notification to the GHG emission calculation device 100.

[0067] Step S124: The authorization setting unit 123 of the GHG emission calculation device 100 grants the supplier the authority to input material and process information upon receiving the acceptance notification sent in step S122.

[0068] Step S126: The authorization setting unit 123 sends an authorization grant notification to the supplier terminal 200-3 indicating that the authorization to input material and process information has been granted.

[0069] Step S128: When the operator of supplier terminal 200-3 confirms that they have been granted permission to input material and process information based on the authorization notification sent in step S126, they display the material and process information screen (Figure 5) on supplier terminal 200-3 and input the material and process information on the screen. In response to the operator's operation, supplier terminal 200-3 inputs the material and process information into the GHG emission calculation device 100.

[0070] Step S130: In the GHG emission calculation device 100, the input receiving unit 121 receives material and process information from the supplier terminal 200-3 in step S128, and stores the input material and process information in the material and process information storage unit 1313.

[0071] Step S132: In the GHG emission calculation device 100, the calculation unit 122 uses the calculation utilization information (product information, packaging information, material / process information) stored in steps S102, S116, and S130 to calculate the GHG emissions corresponding to the manufacture of the target product. The calculated GHG emissions will be displayed on a webpage provided by the GHG emissions calculation web server.

[0072] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, when the owner grants input rights to a lower-level user for one classification calculation usage information, the same lower-level user is also granted input rights to classification calculation usage information at a lower level than that one classification calculation usage information. Furthermore, a lower-level user who has been granted multiple input rights as described above can grant input rights to a user even lower than themselves for classification calculation usage information of which they have input rights, by selecting the classification calculation usage information from among the classification calculation usage information for which they have input rights. In other words, in this case, even a user lower than the owner can, for example, decide to have a lower-level user input classification calculation usage information on their behalf. In this case, the lower-level users mentioned above may be granted input privileges for lower-level classification calculation usage information to even lower-level users than the classification calculation usage information they themselves input. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, manufacturer MK is granted the authority to input packaging information pv2-1 by the authority grant gp1 from owner OW. As a result, manufacturer MK has input authority for two categories of calculated and used information: pv2-1 for packaging information and pv3-2 for material and process information, which is lower in rank than packaging information. Furthermore, manufacturer MK is instructed by the authority grant gp2 to grant supplier SP the authority to input material and process information pv3-1. Furthermore, in this embodiment as well, the owner, who is the highest-level user, may grant any user (manufacturer, supplier) below him or any other user the authority to input arbitrary classification calculation usage information.

[0073] Referring to the sequence diagram in Figure 13, an example of the processing procedure performed by the GHG emissions calculation system of this embodiment in relation to granting input privileges will be described. The processing in steps S200 to S216 is the same as in steps S100 to S116 in Figure 11. However, in this embodiment, when granting input authority in step S210, the authority setting unit 123 of the GHG emission calculation device 100 sets the manufacturer to have input authority not only for the packaging information specified by the authority granting request received in step S204, but also for the material and process information at a lower level of the packaging information.

[0074] Step S218: The manufacturer's operator enters the supplier name to be granted input authority for material and process information in the authorization destination input area AR11 on the packaging information screen displayed on the manufacturer's terminal 200-2. The manufacturer's terminal 200-2 accepts the input of a user name. The owner terminal 200-1 sends an authorization grant request to the GHG emission calculation device 100, specifying that the user with the entered username should be granted input authority for material and process information.

[0075] The processing in steps S220 to S232 is the same as in steps S120 to S132 in Figure 11.

[0076] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. For example, when a manufacturer or supplier, who is a user lower in rank than the owner, inputs classification calculation usage information on behalf of the owner, there may be cases where they want to conceal certain information items from other users. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a user lower in rank than the owner inputs classification calculation usage information on behalf of the owner, it may be possible to set whether or not to present each information item in the input classification calculation usage information to other users, depending on the operation on the user terminal 200 (manufacturer terminal 200-2 or supplier terminal 200-3). Such a setting for whether or not to display the information can be done, for example, by associating a flag indicating whether or not to display the information item with the information item when the input receiving unit 121 stores the input information item in the calculation and utilization information storage unit 131.

[0077] In this embodiment, the GHG emission calculation device 100 displays the calculation usage information screen on the user terminal 200 in response to access from the user terminal 200. Information items that have been set as unavailable for display by users other than the accessing user terminal 200 are hidden from view. Specifically, for example, information items that have been set as unavailable for display may be masked in a predetermined manner to prevent viewing. For this type of control, the GHG emission calculation device 100 of this embodiment includes a display control unit 124. When generating a calculation usage information screen to be displayed on the user terminal 200 in response to access from the user terminal 200, the display control unit 124 may perform a process to mask information items that have been set as unavailable for display.

[0078] Furthermore, it may be possible to disable the display of all information items in the classification calculation usage information, i.e., on a classification calculation usage information basis.

[0079] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the owner themselves may wish to conceal certain information items from other users when entering any of the classification calculation usage information. Therefore, when the owner enters certain classification calculation usage information using the owner terminal 200-1, it may be possible to set whether or not each information item can be displayed.

[0080] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In each of the above embodiments, for example, one user can grant input rights to other users for the classification calculation usage information that they possess. Furthermore, one user is allowed to continue to have input rights for the classification calculation usage information to which other users have been granted input rights. In this embodiment, for classification calculation usage information for which input privileges have been granted from one user to another user, the setting of input privileges for said classification calculation usage information to the one user may be removed. In other words, in this embodiment, the input privileges for classification calculation usage information may be transferred from one user to another user. By allowing users to transfer the authority to input classification calculation information in this way, it is possible to limit the number of users who can input each classification calculation information to one, which is expected to more effectively prevent confusion regarding information input.

[0081] Furthermore, the GHG emissions calculation device 100, user terminal 200, etc., may be performed by recording a program for realizing the functions of the GHG emissions calculation device 100, user terminal 200, etc., on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Here, "loading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into the computer system. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Also, "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Also, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as HDDs and SSDs built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may also be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the recording medium includes internal or external recording media that can be accessed from the distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code in a format executable by the terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server is irrelevant, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form that can be executed on the terminal device. Furthermore, the program may be divided into multiple parts, each downloaded at a different time and then combined on the terminal device, and each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" includes volatile memory (RAM) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted over a network, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Moreover, the above program may be intended to implement only a part of the functions described above.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be implemented in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, such as so-called differential files (differential programs).

[0082] <Note> (1) One aspect of this embodiment is a greenhouse gas emission calculation system for calculating greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the manufacturing of a product, comprising: an input receiving unit (121) that receives input from users who have been set to input corresponding calculation usage information for each of a plurality of calculation usage information (e.g., categorized calculation usage information) categorized based on the manufacturing process of the product to be calculated; a calculation unit (122) that calculates the greenhouse gas emissions of the product to be calculated based on the plurality of calculation usage information received by the input receiving unit; and an authority setting unit (123) that sets the respective input authority of each of the plurality of users involved in the manufacturing of the product for each of the plurality of calculation usage information.

[0083] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is the greenhouse gas emission calculation system described in (1), wherein the authorization setting unit may, in response to the input of authorization information from a terminal of a primary user (e.g., owner) (e.g., owner terminal 200-1) which by default has input authority to all of the calculation utilization information, set the input authority for the calculation utilization information specified by the input authorization information to the subordinate user (e.g., manufacturer, supplier) specified by the input authorization information.

[0084] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is the greenhouse gas emission calculation system described in (2), wherein the authorization setting unit may, in response to the input of authorization information from the terminal of a subordinate user (e.g., a manufacturer) for whom input authorization has been set, set the input authorization for the calculation usage information specified by the input authorization information to another subordinate user (e.g., a supplier) specified by the input authorization information.

[0085] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is the greenhouse gas emission calculation system described in (3), wherein the primary user is the owner who sells the product, the secondary user is the manufacturer that produces the product, and the other secondary users may be suppliers that provide the materials used in the manufacture of the product.

[0086] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is a greenhouse gas emission calculation system described in any one of (2) to (4), wherein the plurality of calculation utilization information are classified in a hierarchical manner based on the manufacturing process of the corresponding product, and the authorization setting unit may receive input of authorization grant information specifying calculation utilization information of a lower hierarchical level than the first calculation utilization information from a user terminal (e.g., user terminal 200) of which has been granted input authority corresponding to the first calculation utilization information.

[0087] (6) One aspect of this embodiment is a greenhouse gas emission calculation system according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the authorization setting unit may, in response to the setting of input authorizations set for one user to another user, release the setting of said input authorizations set for another user for one user.

[0088] (7) One aspect of this embodiment is a greenhouse gas emission calculation system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the input receiving unit is capable of receiving input from the user's terminal specifying that the calculation usage information entered by the user's terminal should not be shown to other users, and the system may further include a display control unit (124) that, when displaying the calculation usage information entered by the user's terminal on other users' terminals, refrains from displaying information items that have been specified as not to be shown.

[0089] (8) One aspect of this embodiment is a greenhouse gas emission calculation method in a greenhouse gas emission calculation system for calculating greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the manufacturing of a product, comprising: an input reception step in which an input reception unit receives input from a user who has been set to input corresponding calculation usage information for each of a plurality of calculation usage information classified based on the manufacturing process of the product to be calculated; a calculation step in which a calculation unit calculates the greenhouse gas emissions of the product to be calculated based on the plurality of calculation usage information received in the input reception step; and an authorization setting step in which an authorization setting unit sets the respective input authorizations of each of the plurality of users involved in the manufacturing of the product for each of the plurality of calculation usage information.

[0090] (9) One aspect of this embodiment is a program that causes a computer in a greenhouse gas emission calculation system for calculating greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the manufacture of a product to function as an input receiving unit that receives input from users who have been set to input corresponding calculation usage information for each of a plurality of calculation usage information items categorized based on the manufacturing process of the product to be calculated, a calculation unit that calculates the greenhouse gas emissions of the product to be calculated based on the plurality of calculation usage information items received by the input receiving unit, and an authority setting unit that sets the respective input authority of each of the plurality of users involved in the manufacture of the product for each of the plurality of calculation usage information items. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 100 GHG emission calculation device, 101 communication unit, 102 control unit, 103 storage unit, 121 input reception unit, 122 calculation unit, 123 authorization setting unit, 124 presentation control unit, 131 calculation usage information storage unit, 132 authorization setting information storage unit, 200 user terminal, 200-1 owner terminal, 200-2 manufacturer terminal, 200-3 supplier terminal, 201 communication unit, 202 user interface unit, 203 control unit, 204 storage unit, 1311 product information storage unit, 1312 packaging information storage unit, 1313 material / process information storage unit

Claims

1. A greenhouse gas emissions calculation system that calculates the greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the manufacturing of a product, For each of the multiple calculation usage information categories based on the manufacturing process of the product being calculated, an input reception unit accepts input from users who have been granted input privileges to enter the corresponding calculation usage information. A calculation unit calculates the greenhouse gas emissions of the product to be calculated based on multiple calculation usage information received by the input reception unit, A permission setting unit that sets the input permissions for each of the multiple users involved in the manufacturing of the aforementioned product for each of the multiple calculation and usage information units. A greenhouse gas emissions calculation system equipped with [specific features / features].

2. The permission setting unit, in response to permission grant information input from the terminal of a primary user who, by default, has input permissions for all of the multiple calculation usage information, sets the input permissions for the calculation usage information specified by the input permission grant information to the subordinate user specified by the input permission grant information. The greenhouse gas emission calculation system according to claim 1.

3. The permission setting unit, in response to the input of permission grant information from the terminal of a subordinate user for whom input permission has been set, sets the input permission for the calculation usage information specified by the input permission grant information to other subordinate users specified by the input permission grant information. The greenhouse gas emission calculation system according to claim 2.

4. The primary user is the owner who sells the product, the secondary user is the manufacturer that produces the product, and the other secondary users are suppliers that provide the materials used in the manufacture of the product. The greenhouse gas emission calculation system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned multiple calculation and utilization information are categorized in a hierarchical manner based on the manufacturing process of the corresponding product. The authorization setting unit receives authorization information from a user's terminal that has been granted input authority corresponding to the calculation usage information in 1, specifying calculation usage information at a lower level than the calculation usage information in 1. A greenhouse gas emission calculation system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The permission setting unit, in response to setting input permissions set for one user to another user, removes the setting for the input permissions set for the other user from the setting for the first user. A greenhouse gas emission calculation system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

7. The input receiving unit is capable of receiving input from the user's terminal specifying that the calculation usage information entered by the user's terminal cannot be presented to other users. The system further includes a display control unit that, when displaying calculated usage information entered from the aforementioned user's terminal on another user's terminal, refrains from displaying information items that have been designated as unavailable for display. A greenhouse gas emission calculation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. A method for calculating greenhouse gas emissions in a greenhouse gas emission calculation system that calculates greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the manufacturing of a product, The input reception unit receives input from users who have been granted input privileges to input corresponding calculation usage information for each of the multiple calculation usage information categories based on the manufacturing process of the product to be calculated, in an input reception step. The calculation unit calculates the greenhouse gas emissions of the product to be calculated based on multiple calculation usage information received in the input reception step, The authorization setting unit performs an authorization setting step in which it sets the input permissions for each of the multiple users involved in the manufacturing of the product for each of the multiple calculation usage information items. A method for calculating greenhouse gas emissions, including [specific gases].

9. A computer in a greenhouse gas emissions calculation system that calculates greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the manufacturing of a product, For each of the multiple calculation usage information categories based on the manufacturing process of the product being calculated, an input reception unit accepts input from users who have been granted input privileges to enter the corresponding calculation usage information. The calculation unit calculates the greenhouse gas emissions of the product to be calculated based on multiple calculation usage information received by the input reception unit. Permission setting unit that sets input permissions for each of the multiple users involved in the manufacturing of the aforementioned product, for each of the multiple calculation and usage information. A program designed to function as such.

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