Information processing equipment, computer programs and systems

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that allows users to determine the quantity of goods needed to achieve environmental activity targets. [Solution] The information processing device includes a target value acquisition unit that acquires a target value for emission reduction, a reductionable amount acquisition unit that acquires a reductionable amount indicating the amount of emission reduction that can be achieved by using an environmental product per unit quantity, a product quantity calculation unit that calculates the quantity of environmental products necessary to achieve the target value based on the target value and the reductionable amount, and a supply unit that provides the quantity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a computer program and a system.

Background Art

[0002] Along with the increasing social demands for reducing environmental load, including those related to the SDGs, each company is required to implement sustainable corporate activities, such as achieving RE100. However, for small and medium-sized enterprises and other entities, it may be difficult for an individual enterprise to respond to such demands alone. As a means for companies and local governments to jointly respond to such demands, there exist environmental value transactions between enterprises, such as the J-Credit Scheme and non-fossil energy certificates (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-mentioned environmental value transaction, recipients of environmental value have a need to accurately grasp how many environmentally-friendly products need to be introduced to offset their own emissions in order to obtain environmental value. In addition, providers of environmental value have a need to promote the utilization of environmentally-friendly products, so as to support the realization of environmental contribution activities of the recipients.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus for satisfying the needs of both the provider and the recipient of environmental value and promoting the popularization of environmental contribution activities.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes a target value acquisition unit that acquires a target value for emission reductions, a reductionable amount acquisition unit that acquires a reductionable amount indicating the amount of emission reductions that can be achieved by using an environmental product per unit amount, a product quantity calculation unit that calculates the quantity of environmental products necessary to achieve the target value based on the target value and the reductionable amount, and a supply unit that provides the quantity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of how environmental value can be used according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the overall configuration including the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows the processing flow executed by the information processing device and related devices according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of environmental product information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows the overall configuration including an information processing device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows the configuration of an information processing device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the processing flow performed by the information processing device and related devices according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the overall configuration including the information processing device according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, for illustrative purposes, some components may be omitted from the drawings used to describe each embodiment. Furthermore, in the drawings and this specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements. <First Embodiment>

[0009] (Environmental value) Using Figure 1, an example of the use of "environmental value" will be explained to illustrate the properties of "environmental value" according to the first embodiment. Environmental value is a credit granted by an environmental value management office certified by the government in accordance with the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the introduction of energy-saving equipment or the use of renewable energy, or the amount of CO2 absorbed by appropriate forest management. Environmental value is a carbon credit based on emission reductions, such as J-Credits (unit: [t-CO2]). Environmental value may also have properties such as being convertible into currency or being tradable in itself.

[0010] For example, as shown in Figure 1, Business B, a customer of Business A, acquires environmental value through Business A. Specifically, Business B purchases a solar power generation system, which is an environmentally friendly product, from Business A, a building materials manufacturer or sales company, and installs the solar power generation system in the customer's residence. Business B may install the solar power generation system in the customer's residence through Business A. Alternatively, the customer may purchase the solar power generation system from Business A through an introduction by Business B, etc., and install it in the customer's residence. Because the use of fossil fuels can be reduced by installing the solar power generation system, the customer can reduce a predetermined amount of CO2 emissions per year. Based on the predetermined amount of information received from the customer, Business B notifies Business A of the "amount of emission reduction" achieved over one year. The amount of emission reduction may be calculated based on actual measurements using meters installed in the customer's residence or on estimated values, and the amount of emission reduction may also be notified directly by the customer to Business A.

[0011] Business operator A applies to the Environmental Value Management Office for the acquisition of environmental value based on the emission reduction amount notified by business operator B or the customer. The Environmental Value Management Office calculates the environmental value based on the applied emission reduction amount and assigns the calculated environmental value to business operator A. Business operator A provides the assigned environmental value to business operator B. Business operator A may recover a portion of the assigned environmental value as a fee before providing the environmental value to business operator B.

[0012] Furthermore, the emission reduction amount is periodically (e.g., annually) notified to Business Operator A from Business Operator B or a customer, Business Operator A acquires the environmental value through the environmental value management secretariat, the environmental value may be managed by Business Operator A during the contract term, and after the expiration of the predetermined contract term, the environmental value after management may be provided to Business Operator B. When the environmental value is J-Credit, which has the property of decreasing in value over the passage of years, the deterioration of value may be suppressed by said management.

[0013] Instead of being calculated by Business Operator B or a customer, the emission reduction amount may be calculated by any device managed by Business Operator A after data required for calculating the emission reduction amount is transmitted to Business Operator A.

[0014] The modes of the environmental commodity that forms the basis of the emission reduction amount, the notification and application for the emission reduction amount, and the acquisition of environmental value and provision to Business Operator B vary depending on the business content of the business operator and the type of environmental value handled, and said modes are not limited to the above examples.

[0015] (Overall Configuration) Figure 2 shows the overall configuration including the information processing apparatus 1 and related apparatuses according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the information processing apparatus 1 is managed by Business Operator A. The emission reduction amount calculation apparatus 2 is managed by Business Operator C. The information processing apparatus 1 and the emission reduction amount calculation apparatus 2 may configure a single system. The information processing apparatus 1 may be a smartphone terminal apparatus, a tablet terminal apparatus, a laptop PC apparatus, a desktop PC apparatus, a server apparatus, or the like. The emission reduction amount calculation apparatus 2 may be a smartphone terminal apparatus, a tablet terminal apparatus, a laptop PC apparatus, a desktop PC apparatus, a server apparatus, or the like.

[0016] The terminal 3 is an apparatus on the Business Operator B side. For example, the terminal 3 is an apparatus installed at the business establishment of Business Operator B. The terminal 3 is operated or managed by an administrator of Business Operator B or Business Operator A. The terminal 3 may be a portable terminal such as a smartphone terminal apparatus, a tablet terminal apparatus, or a laptop PC apparatus, or may be a desktop PC apparatus.

[0017] The terminal 3 transmits data necessary for calculating the emission amount of greenhouse gases such as CO₂, that is, emission basis data, to the emission reduction amount calculation device 2.

[0018] The emission reduction amount calculation device 2 receives the emission basis data transmitted from the terminal 3. The emission reduction amount calculation device 2 calculates a target value for the greenhouse gas emission reduction amount based on the emission basis data.

[0019] The information processing device 1 calculates the quantity of environmental products for achieving the target value based on the target value and the product information stored in the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1. Here, the quantity of environmental products includes, for example, the number of environmental products. In addition, the quantity of environmental products includes the area (that is, the size or the extent) of environmental products and the volume of environmental products. For example, when the environmental product is a window, the quantity of the environmental product may be represented by the area of the window. The information processing device 1 transmits the quantity of environmental products to the terminal 3.

[0020] The functions of the emission reduction amount calculation device 2 may be included in the information processing device 1. In this case, the information processing device 1 may receive the emission basis data transmitted from the terminal 3, and calculate the target value for the greenhouse gas emission reduction amount based on the emission basis data.

[0021] (Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus) Figure 3 shows the configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a communication unit 11, and a storage unit 12. The CPU 10 operates in accordance with programs stored in advance in the storage unit 12, thereby exhibiting various functions. Specifically, the CPU 10 has functions as a target value acquisition unit 100, a reducible amount acquisition unit 101, a product quantity calculation unit 102, and a providing unit 103. These functions will be described later.

[0022] The communication unit 11 is an interface for connecting to a wide-area communication network such as the Internet. The information processing apparatus 1 communicates with the emission reduction amount calculation device 2 and the terminal 3 via the wide-area communication network and / or the communication unit 11.

[0023] The memory unit 12 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, a non-volatile storage area such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory unit 12 may also be a tangible storage medium that is not temporary. The memory unit 12 also stores environmental product information PI, which will be described later. The memory unit 12 also stores a pre-constructed prediction model, and this prediction model may be configured to be updatable by machine learning using a learning device. The prediction model may be constructed using an algorithm that learns the model's parameters to optimize an evaluation metric that indicates the model's performance, such as a neural network, and the output of the information processing device 1 according to the first embodiment may be optimized.

[0024] (Example of operation) Figure 4 shows the processing flow executed by the information processing device 1 and related devices according to the first embodiment. Note that the content and order of processing shown below are just examples, and the following description is not intended to limit the content and order of processing.

[0025] [Step S101] Terminal 3 acquires emission basis data. For example, Terminal 3 automatically collects electricity usage or gas usage from meters installed at the business premises of business operator B. Terminal 3 acquires the collected electricity usage or gas usage as emission basis data. Alternatively, the manager of business operator B can input data that serves as the basis for greenhouse gas emissions into Terminal 3 based on invoices from the electricity company, invoices from the gas company, or receipts thereof, and Terminal 3 will acquire emission basis data.

[0026] Emissions data may also include gasoline receipts, carbon footprints of building materials, or design data used to calculate BELS values. Emissions data are not limited to the data described in this disclosure.

[0027] [Step S102] Terminal 3 transmits emission basis data to emission reduction amount calculation device 2.

[0028] Alternatively, the administrator of business operator B may send paper documents such as invoices from the power company detailing business operator B's electricity usage and invoices from the gas company detailing gas usage to business operator C via the emission reduction calculation device 2. In this case, the administrator of business operator C may refer to the paper documents and input the emission basis data into the emission reduction calculation device 2.

[0029] Furthermore, the emission basis data may be transmitted directly from terminal 3 to emission reduction calculation device 2, or it may be transmitted via any device of business operator A.

[0030] [Step S103] The emission reduction calculation device 2 calculates the target value for emission reduction.

[0031] For example, suppose business operator B is participating in a project in which each business operator has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero. In this case, if the greenhouse gas emissions calculated by emission reduction calculation device 2 based on emission data are 1,830,000 [kg-CO2], then emission reduction calculation device 2 calculates 1,830,000 [kg-CO2] as the target value for emission reduction.

[0032] [Step S104] The emission reduction calculation device 2 transmits the calculated target value to the information processing device 1. The target value acquisition unit 100 of the information processing device 1 acquires the transmitted target value.

[0033] [Step S105] The reduction amount acquisition unit 101 acquires a reduction amount that indicates the amount of emission reduction that can be achieved by using the environmental product per unit amount.

[0034] Specifically, the reduction amount acquisition unit 101 acquires environmental product information PI from the storage unit 12. As shown in Figure 5, the environmental product information PI includes the environmental product name and the reduction amount associated with the environmental product name. For example, the reduction amount in Figure 5 indicates the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that can be reduced by using the environmental product per unit amount per year. That is, if one unit of product P1 is used for one year, greenhouse gas emissions of 500 [kg-CO2] can be reduced. If one unit of product P2 is used for one year, greenhouse gas emissions of 400 [kg-CO2] can be reduced. If one unit of product P3 is used for one year, greenhouse gas emissions of 30 [kg-CO2] can be reduced.

[0035] Note that while Figure 5 illustrates the case where environmental products are tangible products such as solar power generation systems, environmental products are not limited to tangible products. Environmental products include countable intangible products such as environmental contribution services. For example, a service for installing a solar power generation system is included in intangible products where the number of households using the service is countable. Furthermore, what constitutes one environmental product (i.e., the unit quantity of an environmental product) varies depending on the nature of the environmental product. For example, if the environmental product is a highly insulated structural panel, the unit installation area of ​​the highly insulated structural panel (e.g., 1 [m²]) may be used to define the unit quantity of the environmental product. 2 ]) can also be used as a unit of counting.

[0036] When performing calculations for product P1, the reduction amount acquisition unit 101 acquires the reduction amount (500 [kg-CO2]) associated with product P1. When performing calculations for products P1 to P3, the reduction amount acquisition unit 101 acquires the respective reduction amounts (500 [kg-CO2], 400 [kg-CO2], and 30 [kg-CO2]) associated with products P1 to P3.

[0037] [Step S106] The product quantity calculation unit 102 calculates the quantity of environmentally friendly products necessary to achieve the target value, based on the target value and the amount that can be reduced.

[0038] For example, the product quantity calculation unit 102 calculates the quantity of environmentally friendly products based on the following (Equation 1): Required quantity of environmentally friendly products = Target value ÷ Amount that can be reduced … (Equation 1)

[0039] Specifically, if the target value is 1,830,000 [kg-CO2] and calculations are being performed for product P1, the product quantity calculation unit 102 divides the target value (1,830,000 [kg-CO2]) by the amount of reduction that can be associated with product P1 (500 [kg-CO2]). The product quantity calculation unit 102 then determines the value obtained by the division (4,000 [units]) as the quantity of product P1 necessary to achieve the target value.

[0040] Furthermore, if the target value is 1,830,000 [kg-CO2] and calculations are performed for products P1 to P3, the product quantity calculation unit 102 may determine the quantity of products P1 to P3 necessary to achieve the target value based on the target value and the amount of reduction associated with products P1 to P3. For example, 1,000,000 [kg-CO2] can be reduced by using 2,000 [units] of product P1, which has a reduction amount of 500 [kg-CO2]. 800,000 [kg-CO2] can be reduced by using 2,000 [units] of product P2, which has a reduction amount of 400 [kg-CO2]. 30,000 [kg-CO2] can be reduced by using 1,000 [units] of product P3, which has a reduction amount of 30 [kg-CO2]. In other words, the target value of 1,830,000 kg-CO2 can be achieved by using 2,000 units of product P1, 2,000 units of product P2, and 1,000 units of product P3. At this time, the product quantity calculation unit 102 determines that the quantities of products P1 to P3 necessary to achieve the target value are 2,000 units of product P1, 2,000 units of product P2, and 1,000 units of product P3.

[0041] [Step S107] The supply unit 103 provides the calculated quantity of environmental products to the terminal 3. The supply unit 103 may also simultaneously provide the terminal 3 with product information such as the product name related to the quantity provided.

[0042] If the quantity of product P1 is calculated in step S106 described above, the quantity of product P1 (4,000 [units]) is sent to terminal 3. If the quantity of products P1 to P3 is calculated in step S106 described above, the information that the quantities of products are 2,000 [units] for product P1, 2,000 [units] for product P2, and 1,000 [units] for product P3 is sent to terminal 3.

[0043] The administrator of terminal 3, upon receiving the quantity of goods, can determine the quantity of goods needed for business operator B to achieve its emission reduction target. The administrator can then provide the known quantity of goods to the customer, thereby achieving the target for the environmental contribution activity.

[0044] In the example above, we assumed that the period to achieve the target was one year. However, even if the period to achieve the target is other than one year, similar calculations may be performed based on a coefficient corresponding to that period. For example, if the period to achieve the target is 0.5 years, the required quantity of environmental products may be calculated by multiplying the amount that can be reduced (in Figure 5, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that can be reduced by using one unit amount of environmental products per year) by 0.5.

[0045] (effect) As described above, the information processing device 1 comprises a target value acquisition unit 100 that acquires a target value for emission reductions, a reductionable amount acquisition unit 101 that acquires a reductionable amount indicating the amount of emission reduction that can be achieved by using an environmental product per unit quantity, a product quantity calculation unit 102 that calculates the quantity of environmental products necessary to achieve the target value based on the target value and the reductionable amount, and a supply unit 103 that provides the quantity. This allows recipients of environmental products to accurately understand how many environmental products they need to provide to their customers in order to achieve their own environmental activity goals. Furthermore, providers of environmental products can encourage the use of their products, thereby supporting the realization of their recipients' environmental contribution activities. In addition, it can promote the widespread adoption of environmental contribution activities.

[0046] <Modified form of the first embodiment> A modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

[0047] (Overall structure) Figure 6 shows the overall configuration including the information processing device 1 and related devices according to a modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 is further managed by business operator A. The existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 may be a smartphone terminal device, a tablet terminal device, a notebook PC device, a desktop PC device, a server device, etc. Alternatively, the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 may be integrated into the information processing device 1, and the integrated information processing device 1 may perform the functions of the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4.

[0048] The existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 obtains the usage quantity of already used products from terminal 3. The usage quantity of already used products indicates the quantity of environmental products already used by business operator B. Alternatively, the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 may obtain the usage quantity of already used products by referring to the usage quantity of already used products stored in the storage unit of the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4. In this disclosure, "usage quantity" includes the quantity of products that have already been introduced, the quantity of products that have been purchased but have not yet been introduced, the quantity of products that have not yet been purchased but are planned to be contracted, etc. Furthermore, the quantity of products may be indicated, for example, by the number of items, the area of ​​the product, and the volume of the product.

[0049] The existing estimated amount calculation device 4 calculates the existing estimated amount based on the amount of reduction that can be made corresponding to the environmental products already in use and the quantity of the products already in use. The existing estimated amount indicates the amount of greenhouse gas reduction expected from the environmental products already in use by business operator B.

[0050] Furthermore, the amount that can be reduced may be obtained by referring to the environmental product information stored in the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1. Alternatively, the same environmental product information as that stored in the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1 may be pre-stored in the storage unit of the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4, and the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 may obtain the environmental product information from its own storage unit.

[0051] The existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 transmits the calculated existing estimated quantity to the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 calculates the quantity of environmental products necessary to achieve the target value, based at least on the existing estimated quantity. The information processing device 1 transmits the quantity of environmental products to the terminal 3.

[0052] (Configuration of information processing device) As shown in Figure 7, the CPU 10 of the information processing device 1 according to a modified version of the first embodiment further has the function of a deficit amount calculation unit 104. This function will be described later.

[0053] (Example of operation) Figure 8 shows the processing flow executed by the information processing device 1 and related devices according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Note that the content and sequence of processing shown below are just examples, and the following description is not intended to limit the content and sequence of processing.

[0054] Steps S201 to S204 are the same as steps S101 to S104 in the first embodiment, so the explanation of steps S201 to S204 will be omitted.

[0055] [Step S205] Terminal 3 transmits the quantity of the already used product to the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4. Here, we assume that the already used product is product P1 and the quantity used is 2,000 [units].

[0056] [Step S206] The existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 obtains the amount of reduction that can be achieved by using the environmental product per unit quantity.

[0057] Assume that the storage unit of the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 stores the same environmental product information PI as shown in Figure 5. The existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 retrieves the environmental product information PI from the storage unit. From the retrieved environmental product information PI, the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 retrieves the amount of reduction (500 [kg-CO2]) corresponding to product P1 of the already used product.

[0058] [Step S207] The existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 calculates the existing estimated quantity based on the amount that can be reduced corresponding to the environmental products already in use and the quantity of environmental products already in use.

[0059] For example, the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 calculates the existing estimated quantity based on the following (Equation 2): Existing estimated quantity = (Quantity of environmental products already in use) × Amount that can be reduced … (Equation 2)

[0060] Specifically, if the amount of CO2 that can be reduced corresponding to the already used environmental product P1 is 500 kg, and the quantity of environmental product P1 used is 2,000 units, the existing estimated amount calculation device 4 obtains the existing estimated amount (1,000,000 kg) by multiplying the amount of CO2 that can be reduced by the quantity used.

[0061] [Step S208] The existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 transmits the acquired existing estimated quantity to the information processing device 1.

[0062] [Step S209] The deficit calculation unit 104 of the information processing device 1 calculates the deficit based on the target value and the existing estimated amount.

[0063] For example, the deficit calculation unit 104 calculates the deficit based on the following (Equation 3): Deficit = Target value - Existing estimated amount ... (Equation 3)

[0064] Specifically, if the target value is 1,830,000 [kg-CO2] and the existing estimated amount is 1,000,000 [kg-CO2], the deficit calculation unit 104 subtracts the existing estimated amount from the target value to calculate the deficit (830,000 [kg-CO2]).

[0065] [Step S210] Similar to step S105 of the first embodiment, the reduction amount acquisition unit 101 acquires a reduction amount that indicates the amount of emission reduction that can be achieved by using the environmental product per unit amount.

[0066] [Step S211] The product quantity calculation unit 102 calculates the quantity of environmentally friendly products necessary to achieve the target value based on the shortage and the amount that can be reduced.

[0067] For example, the product quantity calculation unit 102 calculates the quantity of environmentally friendly products based on the following (Equation 4): Required quantity of environmentally friendly products = Shortfall ÷ Amount that can be reduced … (Equation 4)

[0068] Specifically, if the deficit is 830,000 [kg-CO2] and calculations are being made for product P1, the product quantity calculation unit 102 divides the deficit (830,000 [kg-CO2]) by the amount that can be reduced (500 [kg-CO2]) associated with product P1. The product quantity calculation unit 102 then determines the value obtained by the division (2,000 [units]) as the quantity of product P1 necessary to achieve the target value.

[0069] Furthermore, if the deficit is 830,000 [kg-CO2] and calculations are being performed for products P2 and P3, the product quantity calculation unit 102 may determine the quantities of products P2 and P3 necessary to achieve the target value based on the deficit and the amount of reduction associated with products P2 and P3. For example, 800,000 [kg-CO2] can be reduced by using 2,000 [units] of product P2, which has a reduction amount of 400 [kg-CO2]. 30,000 [kg-CO2] can be reduced by using 1,000 [units] of product P3, which has a reduction amount of 30 [kg-CO2]. In other words, the target value of 1,830,000 [kg-CO2] can be achieved by using 2,000 [units] of product P2 and 1,000 [units] of product P3. At this point, the product quantity calculation unit 102 determines that the quantities of products P2 and P3 necessary to achieve the target value are 2,000 units of product P2 and 1,000 units of product P3.

[0070] [Step S212] Similar to step S107 of the first embodiment, the supply unit 103 provides the calculated quantity of environmental products to the terminal 3. The supply unit 103 may also simultaneously provide the terminal 3 with product information such as the product name related to the quantity provided.

[0071] (effect) As described above, the information processing device 1 further includes a deficit calculation unit that calculates the deficit by subtracting the existing estimated amount, which indicates the amount of reduction expected from environmentally friendly products already in use, from the target value. The product quantity calculation unit 102 further calculates the quantity of environmentally friendly products necessary to achieve the target value based on the deficit and the amount that can be reduced. This allows the recipient of environmentally friendly products to accurately understand how many environmentally friendly products they need to provide to their customers in order to achieve their own environmental activity goals, taking into account the environmentally friendly products already in use. In addition, the provider of environmentally friendly products can encourage the use of environmentally friendly products, thereby supporting the realization of the recipient's environmental contribution activities. Furthermore, it can promote the spread of environmental contribution activities.

[0072] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will be explained using Figure 9, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0073] (Overall structure) Figure 9 shows the overall configuration including the information processing device 1 and related devices according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the emission reduction performance aggregation device 5 is further managed by business operator A. The emission reduction performance aggregation device 5 may be a smartphone terminal device, a tablet terminal device, a notebook PC device, a desktop PC device, a server device, etc. Alternatively, the emission reduction performance aggregation device 5 may be integrated into the information processing device 1, and the integrated information processing device 1 may perform the functions of the emission reduction performance aggregation device 5.

[0074] Assume that Business Operator A is acting as an agent for Business Operator B to apply to the Environmental Value Management Office for environmental value based on emission reductions. As shown in Figure 9, Terminal 3 of Business Operator B transmits data indicating emission reductions to Business Operator A's emission reduction performance aggregation device 5. Based on the data received by the emission reduction performance aggregation device 5, Business Operator A submits an application for emission reductions to the Environmental Value Management Office. The Environmental Value Management Office provides Business Operator A with a first environmental value corresponding to the emission reductions. Business Operator A recovers a third environmental value, which is part of the first environmental value, as an application agency fee. Business Operator A provides Business Operator B with a second environmental value, which is the first environmental value minus the third environmental value. The second environmental value is provided by Business Operator A to Business Operator B either for a fee or free of charge. Whether it is provided for a fee or free of charge, and if it is provided for a fee, the amount, may be determined according to the quantity of previously used products, etc.

[0075] For example, the third environmental value is calculated based on the following equation (Equation 5): Third environmental value = First environmental value × Fee coefficient … (Equation 5)

[0076] The fee coefficient may be determined by the emission reduction performance aggregation device 5 based on the emission reduction performance of business operator B. The emission reduction performance represents the total amount of emissions reduced by business operator B up to the time of calculation of the emission reduction performance. The emission reduction performance may be the sum of business operator B's emission reductions for the previous year, or the sum of emission reductions for a specified past year, etc. The fee coefficient may be set to be smaller the larger the emission reduction performance. For example, the fee coefficient value for business operators with small emission reduction performance may be set to 0.5, while the fee coefficient value for business operators with large emission reduction performance may be set to 0.4.

[0077] Furthermore, when the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 calculates the existing estimated quantity, and when the information processing device 1 calculates the quantity of environmental products required, a predetermined coefficient set based on the fee coefficient may be used. For example, the emission reduction performance aggregation device 5 sets the predetermined coefficient based on the following (Equation 6): Predetermined coefficient = 1 ÷ (Fee coefficient × 2) … (Equation 6)

[0078] In other words, considering the method for determining the fee coefficient, the predetermined coefficient is calculated based on the actual emission reduction amount, which represents the total amount of emissions reduced.

[0079] The predetermined coefficient is transmitted from the emission reduction performance aggregation device 5 to the existing estimated amount calculation device 4 and the information processing device 1, as shown in Figure 9.

[0080] The predetermined coefficient is used by the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 when calculating the existing estimated quantity in step S207 of the modified version of the first embodiment. Specifically, the existing estimated quantity calculation device 4 adjusts the amount that can be reduced based on the predetermined coefficient and calculates the existing estimated quantity, as shown in (Equation 7) below. Existing estimated quantity = (Quantity of environmentally friendly products already in use) × (Amount that can be reduced × Predetermined coefficient) … (Equation 7)

[0081] For example, if the fee coefficient for a business with a small amount of emissions reduction is set to 0.5, the predetermined coefficient is set to 1.0 based on (Equation 6). In contrast, if the fee coefficient for a business with a large amount of emissions reduction is set to 0.4, the predetermined coefficient is set to 1.25 based on (Equation 6). According to (Equation 7), the existing estimated amount presented to a business with a large amount of emissions reduction will be a larger value than the existing estimated amount when the predetermined coefficient is not used in the calculation. The existing estimated amount calculated by (Equation 7) is transmitted to the information processing device 1 and used by the deficit calculation unit 104 when calculating the deficit.

[0082] Furthermore, the predetermined coefficient is used by the information processing device 1 when calculating the quantity of environmental products in step S211 of the modified version of the first embodiment. Specifically, the product quantity calculation unit 102 adjusts the amount that can be reduced based on the predetermined coefficient, as shown in (Equation 8) below, and calculates the quantity of environmental products. Required quantity of environmental products = Shortfall ÷ (Amount that can be reduced × Predetermined coefficient) … (Equation 8)

[0083] For example, if the fee coefficient for businesses with small emission reductions is set to 0.5, the predetermined coefficient is set to 1.0 based on (Equation 6). In contrast, if the fee coefficient for businesses with large emission reductions is set to 0.4, the predetermined coefficient is set to 1.25 based on (Equation 6). According to (Equation 8), the quantity of environmental products required for businesses with large emission reductions will be smaller than the quantity of environmental products required when the predetermined coefficient is not used in the calculation. In other words, businesses with large emission reductions will be proposed to use a smaller quantity of environmental products than expected by business A.

[0084] Furthermore, the predetermined coefficient may be used by the information processing device 1 when calculating the quantity of environmental products in step S106 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the product quantity calculation unit 102 adjusts the amount that can be reduced based on the predetermined coefficient and calculates the quantity of environmental products, as shown in the following (Equation 9): Required quantity of environmental products = Target value ÷ (Amount that can be reduced × Predetermined coefficient) … (Equation 9)

[0085] (effect) In summary, the amount of reduction that can be achieved is adjusted based on a predetermined coefficient. This allows recipients of environmental products to reduce the quantity of environmental products they need to use in accordance with their own environmental activity performance. Furthermore, providers of environmental products can offer flexible environmental products tailored to the performance of their recipients.

[0086] <Other Embodiments> Although the embodiments have been described above, they are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Each embodiment can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0087] (Executor of the process) For example, in the above embodiment, the information processing device 1 may perform some or all of the processing performed by the emission reduction amount calculation device 2, terminal 3, existing estimated amount calculation device 4, or emission reduction performance aggregation device 5.

[0088] The information processing device 1, emission reduction amount calculation device 2, existing estimated amount calculation device 4, and emission reduction performance aggregation device 5 of this embodiment do not need to be physically partitioned devices, but may be a single device that combines all of these functions.

[0089] Each device in this embodiment may consist of multiple devices. Each device in this embodiment may be implemented using cloud computing.

[0090] (Examples of various forms) Exemplary, this disclosure includes information processing devices, computer programs, systems, and methods described in the following embodiments. [Aspect 1] A target value acquisition unit that acquires the target value for emission reductions, A reduction potential acquisition unit that acquires the reduction potential amount, which indicates the amount of emission reduction that can be achieved by using an environmentally friendly product per unit quantity, A product quantity calculation unit calculates the quantity of the environmental product necessary to achieve the target value based on the target value and the amount that can be reduced, A supply unit that provides the aforementioned quantity and An information processing device equipped with the following features. [Aspect 2] The system further includes a deficit calculation unit that calculates the deficit by subtracting the existing estimated amount, which represents the reduction expected from environmentally friendly products already in use, from the aforementioned target value. The product quantity calculation unit calculates the quantity of the environmental product necessary to achieve the target value based on the deficit and the amount that can be reduced. The information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Aspect 3] The aforementioned existing estimated quantity is calculated based on the amount of reduction that can be achieved with respect to the environmentally friendly products already in use and the quantity of environmentally friendly products already in use. The information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 2. [Aspect 4] The amount that can be reduced is adjusted based on a predetermined coefficient. An information processing device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3. [Aspect 5] The predetermined coefficient is calculated based on the actual emission reduction amount, which represents the total amount of emissions reduced. The information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 4. [Aspect 6] The processor that the information processing device has, A target value acquisition unit that acquires the target value for emission reductions, A reduction potential acquisition unit that acquires the reduction potential amount, which indicates the amount of emission reduction that can be achieved by using an environmentally friendly product per unit quantity, A product quantity calculation unit calculates the quantity of the environmental product necessary to achieve the target value based on the target value and the amount that can be reduced, A supply unit that provides the aforementioned quantity, and a computer program that causes it to function as such. [Aspect 7] It comprises an information processing device and an emission reduction amount calculation device, The emission reduction calculation device calculates a target value for the emission reduction and transmits it to the information processing device. The aforementioned information processing device is A target value acquisition unit that acquires the aforementioned target value, A reduction potential acquisition unit that acquires the reduction potential amount, which indicates the amount of emission reduction that can be achieved by using an environmentally friendly product per unit quantity, A product quantity calculation unit calculates the quantity of the environmental product necessary to achieve the target value based on the target value and the amount that can be reduced, A supply unit that provides the aforementioned quantity and A system equipped with these features. [Aspect 8] The information processing device further includes a deficit calculation unit that calculates a deficit by subtracting an existing estimated amount, which indicates the amount of reduction expected from environmental products already in use, from the target value. The product quantity calculation unit calculates the quantity of the environmental product necessary to achieve the target value based on the deficit and the amount that can be reduced. The system described in aspect 7. [Aspect 9] The aforementioned existing estimated quantity is calculated based on the amount of reduction that can be achieved with respect to the environmentally friendly products already in use and the quantity of environmentally friendly products already in use. The system described in aspect 8. [Aspect 10] The amount that can be reduced is adjusted based on a predetermined coefficient. A system described in any one of the embodiments 7 to 9. [Aspect 11] The predetermined coefficient is calculated based on the actual emission reduction amount, which represents the total amount of emissions reduced. The system described in aspect 10. [Aspect 12] The processor installed in the information processing device We obtained the target value for emission reductions, We obtain the amount of reduction that can be achieved by using environmentally friendly products per unit quantity, and Based on the target value and the amount that can be reduced, the quantity of the environmental product necessary to achieve the target value is calculated. A method for providing the aforementioned quantity. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1 Information processing device, 10 CPU, 100 Target value acquisition unit, 101 Reduction possible amount acquisition unit, 102 Product quantity calculation unit, 103 Supply unit, 104 Shortfall amount calculation unit, 11 Communication unit, 12 Storage unit, PI Environmental product information, 2 Emission reduction amount calculation device, 3 Terminal, 4 Existing estimated amount calculation device, 5 Emission reduction performance aggregation device

Claims

1. A target value acquisition unit that acquires the target value for emission reductions, A reduction potential acquisition unit that acquires the reduction potential amount, which indicates the amount of emission reduction that can be achieved by using an environmentally friendly product per unit quantity, A product quantity calculation unit calculates the quantity of the environmental product necessary to achieve the target value based on the target value and the amount that can be reduced, A supply unit that provides the aforementioned quantity and An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes a deficit calculation unit that calculates the deficit by subtracting the existing estimated amount, which represents the reduction expected from environmentally friendly products already in use, from the aforementioned target value. The product quantity calculation unit calculates the quantity of the environmental product necessary to achieve the target value based on the deficit and the amount that can be reduced. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned existing estimated quantity is calculated based on the amount of reduction that can be achieved with respect to the environmentally friendly products already in use and the quantity of environmentally friendly products already in use. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The amount that can be reduced is adjusted based on a predetermined coefficient. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The predetermined coefficient is calculated based on the actual emission reduction amount, which represents the total amount of emissions reduced. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The processor that the information processing device has, A target value acquisition unit that acquires the target value for emission reductions, A reduction potential acquisition unit that acquires the reduction potential amount, which indicates the amount of emission reduction that can be achieved by using an environmentally friendly product per unit quantity, A product quantity calculation unit calculates the quantity of the environmental product necessary to achieve the target value based on the target value and the amount that can be reduced, A supply unit that provides the aforementioned quantity, and a computer program that causes it to function as such.

7. It comprises an information processing device and an emission reduction amount calculation device, The emission reduction calculation device calculates a target value for the emission reduction and transmits it to the information processing device. The aforementioned information processing device is A target value acquisition unit that acquires the aforementioned target value, A reduction potential acquisition unit that acquires the reduction potential amount, which indicates the amount of emission reduction that can be achieved by using an environmentally friendly product per unit quantity, A product quantity calculation unit calculates the quantity of the environmental product necessary to achieve the target value based on the target value and the amount that can be reduced, A supply unit that provides the aforementioned quantity and A system that includes these features.

8. The information processing device further includes a deficit calculation unit that calculates a deficit by subtracting an existing estimated amount, which indicates the amount of reduction expected from environmental products already in use, from the target value. The product quantity calculation unit calculates the quantity of the environmental product necessary to achieve the target value based on the deficit and the amount that can be reduced. The system according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned existing estimated quantity is calculated based on the amount of reduction that can be achieved with respect to the environmentally friendly products already in use and the quantity of environmentally friendly products already in use. The system according to claim 8.

10. The amount that can be reduced is adjusted based on a predetermined coefficient. The system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The predetermined coefficient is calculated based on the actual emission reduction amount, which represents the total amount of emissions reduced. The system according to claim 10.

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