Carbon dioxide emission reduction promotion method

Abstract

To provide a method for promoting carbon dioxide emission reduction, which promotes carbon dioxide emission reduction by use of home energy saving appliances.SOLUTION: A server is configured to: receive desired purposes of use of proceeds from sale of carbon dioxide credits inputted from a plurality of users having energy saving appliances; construct a plurality of groups classified by purpose of use, each of which consists of users having a same purpose of use, by classifying the plurality of users into groups in accordance with the inputted purposes; and sum up carbon dioxide emission reduction indexes representing magnitude of carbon dioxide emission reduction amounts resulting from use of energy saving appliances possessed respectively by users constituting the group, in units of groups classified by the purpose of use so as to calculate a total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction indexes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for promoting reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by using home energy-saving equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, efforts have been made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide. For example, in Japan, efforts are being made to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing the J-Credit Scheme. The J-Credit Scheme is a system in which the government certifies the amount of greenhouse gas emission reduction or absorption achieved through such efforts as the introduction of energy-saving equipment and forest management as "credits (emission rights)." This system is an advanced integration of the domestic credit system and the offset credit system, and certified credits can be used for various purposes, such as achieving the goals of the Low Carbon Society Action Plan and carbon offsetting.

[0003] The use of home energy-saving equipment also reduces carbon dioxide emissions, so by going through the procedures under the J-Credit Scheme, the amount of reduction can be certified as a carbon dioxide credit. However, in this case, the procedures for receiving the credit certification are complicated, and the amount of the certified credit is small. Therefore, each household does not go through the procedures individually.

[0004] The Green Linkage Club was established so that carbon dioxide emissions reduced by the use of energy-saving devices for homes, which have a small carbon dioxide credit scale, can be effectively certified as carbon dioxide credits. The Green Linkage Club collects and processes the carbon dioxide emissions reduced by the use of energy-saving devices owned by each household (individual), that is, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced by the use of energy-saving devices, all in one go. This means that the scale of carbon dioxide credits can be large, and can be effectively used for carbon offsets, etc.

[0005] Patent Document 1 also discloses a system that measures the amount of power generated by fuel cells of multiple general households and small businesses, adds up the measured amounts of power generated by the fuel cells to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction, and receives approval for carbon dioxide credits based on the calculated amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction. This system makes it possible to return the profits from the sale of carbon dioxide credits to the general households and small businesses. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-46926 A Summary of the Invention

[0007] (Problem to be solved by the invention) Even if you register with the Green Linkage Club and contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, the profits from the sale of carbon dioxide credits are paid into the national treasury, and are not returned to the users (hereinafter simply referred to as users) who own home energy-saving devices. Even if the profits from the sale of carbon dioxide credits are returned to users using the method shown in Patent Document 1, the amount returned to each user is so small that users do not feel much benefit. For this reason, it is difficult to increase motivation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions more proactively, and as a result, carbon dioxide emission reductions are not sufficiently promoted.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for promoting carbon dioxide emission reduction that promotes the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through the use of home energy-saving equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides a carbon dioxide emission reduction promotion method that promotes carbon dioxide emission reduction using a computer, wherein the computer is configured to be able to execute the following steps: a desired use input step for inputting a desired use of proceeds from the sale of carbon dioxide credits from each of a plurality of users who own energy-saving equipment that can contribute to carbon dioxide emission reduction; a use-specific group construction step for constructing a plurality of use-specific groups made up of users who have the same desired use by grouping each of the plurality of users according to the desired use input in the desired use input step; and a calculation step for adding up, for each use-specific group, a carbon dioxide emission reduction index that represents the magnitude of carbon dioxide emission reduction created by use of the energy-saving equipment owned by each of the constituent users of each use-specific group, and calculating a total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index for each use-specific group.

[0010] According to the present invention, since the total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index is calculated for each use group, a competitive spirit for carbon dioxide emission reduction between the use groups is increased, and the constituent users of each use group are made to work together to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. As a result, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through the use of home energy-saving devices owned by users is promoted overall. In addition, by making an arrangement in advance to utilize the proceeds from the sale of carbon dioxide credits for the desired use of the constituent users of the use group with a large total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index, or for the desired use of the constituent users of the use group with a total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index that has reached the target value, the competitive spirit between the groups is further increased, and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through the use of home energy-saving devices can be further promoted.

[0011] In the above invention, the energy-saving devices owned by each user are home energy-saving devices, i.e., energy-saving devices of a size that can be installed in an ordinary home. Examples of such energy-saving devices include a fuel cell cogeneration system, a solar power generation system, or an electrical product recommended as an energy-saving product (e.g., an LED lamp, etc.).

[0012] In the above invention, the "desired use" means the use of the proceeds from the sale of carbon dioxide credits that the user desires. This desired use may be a use proposed by the user himself, or may be a use selected by the user from a plurality of uses set in advance. The "carbon dioxide emission reduction index" is a value that indicates the magnitude of the carbon dioxide emission reduction amount created by the use of the energy-saving equipment, and may be the carbon dioxide emission reduction amount itself. In addition, if the energy-saving equipment is a fuel cell cogeneration device, the carbon dioxide emission reduction index may be the amount of power generation or the amount of energy created (power generation amount + heat generation amount) of the fuel cell cogeneration device. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide emission reduction index may be a point that is determined so that it increases as the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction increases.

[0013] The computer may be configured to execute a display step of displaying the total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index calculated for each group by use in the calculation step. In this way, the total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index is displayed for each group by use, which further enhances the sense of competition between the groups and further promotes the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through the use of home energy-saving devices.

[0014] The computer may also be configured to execute a storage step of storing the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction created by the use of the energy-saving equipment owned by each user. In this case, the computer may continuously accumulate data on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction created by the use of the energy-saving equipment owned by each user for each predetermined period (e.g., each month). In this way, the computer can calculate the total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index for each use group based on the stored amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction of each user. The computer can also calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction related to the application of carbon dioxide credits based on the stored amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction of each user. In this case, the computer may calculate the total value of the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction for each use group, or may calculate the total value of the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction of all users.

[0015] The computer is also configured to execute a point awarding step of awarding to the user points that are determined to increase as the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction created by the use of the energy-saving device owned by the user increases. do. Then, in the calculation step, the computer calculates a total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index for each use group using the points awarded in the point awarding step as the carbon dioxide emission reduction index. do. According to this, by competing among groups based on the use of energy, the total points as the combined value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index, the members of each group based on the use of energy will come together and try to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. As a result, it is possible to further promote the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through the use of home energy-saving devices.

[0016] Also The energy-saving equipment is a fuel cell cogeneration system. do.In the point allocating step, the computer may determine points according to the power generation ratio so that points determined when the power generation ratio, which is the ratio of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell cogeneration system to the amount of power used in the user's home, is greater than a predetermined ratio are greater than points determined when the power generation ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined ratio. In this way, the more efficient the use of the fuel cell cogeneration system, the greater the points that are allocated, so that each user will be motivated to use the fuel cell cogeneration system more efficiently. As a result, utility costs can be reduced and carbon dioxide emissions can be further reduced.

[0017] The computer may be configured to execute a step of constructing a plurality of groups by lifestyle environment, each group being made up of users with similar lifestyle environments, by dividing the users into groups by their lifestyle environments. In this way, useful information exchange regarding carbon dioxide emission reduction can be carried out within the groups by users with similar lifestyle environments, thereby contributing to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an overview of a system for implementing a carbon dioxide emission reduction promotion method according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] Figure 2 shows an example of an introductory screen that explains how the proceeds from the sale of carbon dioxide credits will be used. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows an example of a detailed display screen for a purpose selected on the inquiry screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an example of the confirmation screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a group allocation processing routine executed by the calculation unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of a group database by purpose. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of a carbon dioxide emission reduction calculation process routine executed by the calculation unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of the user-specific reduction amount database. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a point-giving process routine executed by the calculation unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of a group-by-group carbon dioxide emission reduction calculation process routine executed by the calculation unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of a group point calculation process routine executed by the calculation unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an example of a screen displaying the carbon dioxide emission reduction amount and group points for each group by use. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a point achievement confirmation process routine executed by the calculation unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of a similar living environment group creation process routine executed by the calculation unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an overview of a system for implementing a carbon dioxide emission reduction promotion method according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, this system is composed of a fuel cell cogeneration system 1 as an energy-saving device owned by multiple users, a credit management institution 2, a credit authentication institution 3, and a credit buyer 4 such as a company. The energy-saving devices owned by the multiple users are home-use energy-saving devices that are installed in general homes. In this embodiment, a fuel cell cogeneration system is exemplified as an energy-saving device, but other home-use energy-saving devices such as a solar power generation device or an electrical product recommended as an energy-saving product (e.g., LED lighting) may also be used.

[0020] The fuel cell cogeneration system 1 owned by multiple users generates electricity using fuel and oxygen, and generates heat along with the electricity generation. Although the electricity generated by the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 may be partially sold, the sold electricity is not considered in this embodiment. In other words, the electricity generated by the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 in this embodiment is the electricity consumed by the electric load in the user's home. The amount of carbon dioxide discharged per unit of electricity generated when the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 is used to generate electricity is less than the amount of carbon dioxide discharged per unit of electricity generated when a system power source such as a commercial power source generates electricity. Therefore, the more the electricity generated by the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 is used in place of the system power source, the more the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced, that is, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced, can be increased. Furthermore, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced can be further increased by effectively utilizing the heat generated by the fuel cell cogeneration system 1. There is a certain relationship between the amount of energy generated by the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 (electric power generation amount + heat generation amount) and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced can be estimated based on the amount of electricity generated and the amount of heat generated by the fuel cell cogeneration system 1.

[0021] Each user transfers rights based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reductions created by the use of the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 to the credit management institution 2. The credit management institution 2 gives each user points in return for the transfer of rights based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reductions. The credit management institution 2 then submits an application for approval of carbon dioxide credits to the credit certification institution 3 based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reductions created by each user's use of the fuel cell cogeneration system 1. The credit certification institution 3 verifies and deliberates the documents related to the approval application, and then approves the carbon dioxide credits to the credit management institution 2.

[0022] The credit management institution 2 sells the carbon dioxide credits approved by the credit certification institution 3 to the credit buyer 4 through carbon offsets or the like. This allows the credit management institution 2 to earn profits on the sale of carbon dioxide credits. The credit management institution 2 that has earned the profits on the sale can use a portion of the profits on sale for the purposes desired by each user (desired use) according to the points granted to the multiple users. In this way, a portion of the profits on the sale of carbon dioxide credits is returned to the users.

[0023] The credit management institution 2 includes a server 10. The server 10 corresponds to the computer of the present invention. The server 10 includes a calculation unit 11, a memory unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The calculation unit 11 is configured to realize various functions by executing each process described below. The memory unit 12 stores information on each process executed by the calculation unit 11, databases required when the calculation unit 11 executes each process, values ​​calculated by executing each process, etc. The communication unit 13 has a function of communicating with the outside. The server 10 is configured to be connectable to the Internet via this communication unit 13. The memory unit 12 stores various databases such as a user-specific reduction amount database, a group-specific user database, a group-specific point database, and a living environment database described below.

[0024] In addition, the credit management institution 2 has established a website regarding the management of carbon dioxide credits (hereinafter, CO2 credit website) through the server 10. Each user can access the CO2 credit website via the Internet from a user terminal such as a personal computer or a smartphone that the user owns.

[0025] In order for each user to transfer to the credit management institution 2 the rights based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reductions created by the use of the fuel cell cogeneration system 1, each user registers as a user with the credit management institution 2. In this case, the user accesses the CO2 credit website using the user terminal and performs the registration procedure according to the instructions on the user registration procedure screen displayed on the display screen of the user terminal. At this time, the user enters the user ID, password, and email address of the user terminal into the user registration procedure screen. As a result, the user ID, password, and email address are registered in the server 10.

[0026] When user registration is complete, each user's personal page will be opened on the CO2 credit website. In addition, by inputting the registered user ID and password on the top page of the CO2 credit website, a dedicated site that can only be viewed by the registered user will be displayed on the user's terminal. In addition, information will be sent from the server 10 to the user's own terminal via the registered email address.

[0027] On each user's My Page, each user can view user registration information, the history of the amount of power generated and the amount of heat generated by the fuel cell cogeneration system 1, the history of the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction created by using the fuel cell cogeneration system 1, the history of points acquired, and the like. In addition, a screen (living environment input screen) for inputting the living environment of each user is displayed on the My Page. On this living environment input screen, the user can input his / her own living environment information (family composition, house type, total floor area, presence or absence of solar power generation, usage of air conditioner, whether the user is away or at home during the daytime on weekdays, etc.). The input living environment information is displayed on the My Page and is stored for each user in the living environment database of the server 10. Furthermore, the living environment information can be corrected by re-entering information on the living environment input screen.

[0028] The content that can be viewed on the dedicated site of the CO2 credit website includes content that can utilize the proceeds from the sale of carbon dioxide credits, that is, content that introduces the uses of the proceeds from the sale. FIG. 2 shows an example of an introduction screen that introduces the uses of the proceeds from the sale of carbon dioxide credits. The screen shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on a user terminal. As shown in FIG. 2, this introduction screen displays headings 20 introducing multiple uses for which carbon dioxide credits can be utilized. In the example of FIG. 2, the introduction headings 20 showing contents such as donations to welfare and charitable organizations, greening of parks and forests, and introduction of energy-saving equipment to public facilities are displayed. Note that, in addition to the uses shown in FIG. 2, for example, an introduction heading about the use of carbon dioxide credits that allows the user to obtain some kind of benefit or product may be displayed.

[0029] When the user selects (clicks or touches) one of the headings 20 of the use of funds displayed on the introduction screen shown in FIG. 2, details of the selected use of funds are displayed on the screen of the user terminal. FIG. 3 shows an example of a detailed display screen of the selected use of funds. The example of FIG. 3 is a detailed display screen about donations to welfare and charity organizations. This detailed display screen displays, in a table format, the names of multiple welfare and charity organizations, an overview of the activities performed by each organization, and the number of users (number of users) who support the activities and wish to use carbon dioxide credits for the activities. In addition, this detailed display screen displays icons (application icons 21) corresponding to each activity to indicate that the user supports the activities of each organization and wishes to use carbon dioxide credits for the activities. If the user intends to use carbon dioxide credits for any of the activities, the user operates (clicks or touches) the application icon 21 corresponding to the activity. On the other hand, if the user does not agree with the activity displayed on the detailed display screen and has no intention of using carbon dioxide credits for it, the user can close this detailed display screen or return to the previous screen (introduction screen).

[0030] When the user operates (clicks or touches) the application icon on the details display screen, a confirmation screen is then displayed on the user terminal. FIG. 4 shows an example of the confirmation screen. As shown in FIG. 4, the confirmation screen displays photos of the selected activity organization when it actually carried out the activity, the results of the carried out activity, and the like. The confirmation screen also displays an application confirmation icon 22 for confirming that carbon dioxide credits will be used for the displayed activity. If the user decides to use carbon dioxide credits for this activity, the user operates (clicks or touches) the application confirmation icon 22. On the other hand, if the user reconsiders using carbon dioxide credits for the activity displayed on the confirmation screen and decides that he or she would like to use carbon dioxide credits for a different activity after all, the user can close the confirmation screen or return to the previous screen (details screen).

[0031] When a user operates (clicks or touches) the application confirmation icon 22 on the confirmation screen, information regarding the desired use of the proceeds from the sale of carbon dioxide credits is input from that user's user terminal to the server 10. For example, when the application confirmation icon 22 shown in FIG. 4 is operated from the user terminal of user a, information that the desired use of the proceeds from the sale of carbon dioxide credits by user a is to donate to non-profit organization ▲▲ is input from that user terminal to the server 10. When each of a plurality of users operates the application confirmation icon 22 in this way, the server 10 inputs the desired use of the proceeds from the sale of carbon dioxide credits from each of the multiple users (desired use input step).

[0032] Furthermore, when the desired use is input by the user as described above, the calculation unit 11 of the server 10 executes group allocation processing. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the group allocation processing routine executed by the calculation unit 11. When this routine is started, the calculation unit 11 first identifies the application target user in step (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S) 11 of FIG. 5. This identification can be made based on the user ID or the like transmitted from the user terminal where the desired use was input (i.e., the application confirmation icon 22 was operated). Next, in S12, the calculation unit 11 identifies the content of the use for which the application confirmation icon 22 was operated, i.e., the desired use. This identification can be made based on the type of confirmation screen on which the application confirmation icon 22 was operated.

[0033] Next, the calculation unit 11 updates the use group database stored in the storage unit 12 in S13. FIG. 6 shows an example of the use group database. As shown in FIG. 6, the use group database stores desired uses of carbon dioxide credits and users (constituent users) who wish to utilize carbon dioxide credits in a state of being associated with the desired uses, and the associated desired uses and constituent users are classified into groups by use. In the example of FIG. 6, a user who has a desired use of the credits to purchase energy-saving equipment A is classified into use group A, which is composed of user a, user b, and user c. A user who has a desired use of the credits to donate to a charity organization B is classified into use group B, which is composed of user d, user e, and user f. A user who has a desired use of the credits to green C Park is classified into use group C, which is composed of user g, user h, and user i. Users who have a desired purpose of purchasing electrical appliance D are classified into purpose group D, which is composed of user j, user k, and user l. In other words, the purpose group database stores a plurality of purpose groups composed of users with the same desired purpose. The month in which the members of each purpose group were registered in that purpose group (group registration start month) is also stored in the purpose group database.

[0034] In S13, the calculation unit 11 adds the user identified in S11 to the constituent users of the desired use identified in S12 among the desired uses stored in the purpose group database, and stores the registration start month of that user. This causes the calculation unit 11 to update the purpose group database. Next, the calculation unit 11 sends a message to the email address of the user identified in S11 to the effect that registration of the purpose group has been completed (S14). Thereafter, the server 10 ends this routine.

[0035] The calculation unit 11 executes the above-mentioned group allocation process each time the application confirmation icon 22 on the confirmation screen is operated from the user terminal of any user. As a result, each of the multiple users is grouped according to the desired use input. As a result, multiple groups by purpose are created, each of which is made up of users with the same desired use. The execution of the group allocation process by the calculation unit 11 corresponds to the step of creating groups by purpose of the present invention.

[0036] Furthermore, the calculation unit 11 executes a carbon dioxide emission reduction calculation process to individually calculate the carbon dioxide emission reduction created by the use of the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 owned by each user. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of a carbon dioxide emission reduction calculation process routine executed by the calculation unit 11. This routine is repeatedly executed at predetermined short intervals. When this routine is started, the calculation unit 11 first determines in S21 of FIG. 7 whether the current date and time is a predetermined date and time at the beginning of the month (for example, 12:00 PM on the 1st of each month). If the current date and time is not the predetermined date and time at the beginning of the month (S21: No), the calculation unit 11 ends this routine. On the other hand, if the current date and time is the predetermined date and time at the beginning of the month (S21: Yes), the calculation unit 11 proceeds to S22.

[0037] In S22, the calculation unit 11 acquires, for each user, the monthly power generation amount E1 generated and the monthly heat generation amount Q1 generated by use of the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 of each user between 0:00 AM on the first day of the previous month and 11:59 PM on the last day of the month. Here, the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 owned by each user is configured to calculate the monthly power generation amount E1 and monthly heat generation amount Q1 and transmit the calculated data to the server 10, and transmits the monthly power generation amount E1 and monthly heat generation amount Q1 of the previous month to the server 10 at a specified date and time (for example, 9:00 AM on the first day of the month). In S22, the calculation unit 11 acquires, for each user, the monthly power generation amount E1 and monthly heat generation amount Q1 of the previous month transmitted as described above.

[0038] Next, in S23, the calculation unit 11 acquires the monthly energy usage E0, which is the amount of energy used in the house where the user resides from 0:00 a.m. at the beginning of the previous month to 11:59 p.m. at the end of the last month. Here, the monthly energy usage E0 can be calculated by a smart meter installed in the house where each user resides, and the calculated monthly energy usage E0 can be output from the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 or the smart meter. Therefore, the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 or the smart meter transmits the monthly energy usage E0 of the previous month to the server 10 at a predetermined date and time (for example, 9 a.m. at the beginning of the month). In S23, the calculation unit 11 acquires the monthly energy usage E0 of the previous month transmitted as described above for each user. Note that, if the user's house is not equipped with a smart meter, for example, the user can check the monthly energy usage E0 of the previous month by looking at a calibration meter or the like until a predetermined date and time at the beginning of the month (for example, 9 a.m. at the beginning of the month), and transmit the result from the user terminal to the server 10 by email. In this case, the operator of the server 10 inputs the monthly energy usage E0 described in the received email to the server 10. This enables the calculation unit 11 to obtain the monthly energy usage E0 for the previous month.

[0039] Next, the calculation unit 11 advances the process to S24. In S24, the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction (monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction C1) created by the use of the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 in the previous month is calculated from the monthly power generation amount E1 and monthly heat generation amount Q1 of the previous month acquired in S22. In this case, the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction C1 of the previous month can be calculated from the monthly power generation amount E1 and monthly heat generation amount Q1 of the previous month using a generally recognized calculation formula, or using a calculation formula described in the document attached by the credit management institution 2 when applying for carbon dioxide credits.

[0040] Next, the calculation unit 11 advances the process to S25, and stores the acquired values ​​(monthly power generation E1, monthly heat generation Q1, and monthly power usage E0 of the previous month) and the calculated monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction C1 of the previous month in the user-specific reduction database of the storage unit 12. FIG. 8 shows an example of the user-specific reduction database. As shown in FIG. 8, this database stores data of monthly power generation E1, monthly heat generation Q1, monthly power usage E0, and monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction C1 for each user, continuously for each month from the month of user registration. In S25, the calculation unit 11 stores the values ​​acquired in S22 and S23 (monthly power generation E1, monthly heat generation Q1, and monthly power usage E0) and the monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction C1 calculated in S24 in association with the corresponding month in the user-specific reduction database. As a result, these data are accumulated in the user-specific reduction database.

[0041] Next, the calculation unit 11 advances the process to S26. In S26, the calculation unit 11 uploads the monthly power generation amount E1 and the monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1 stored in the user-specific reduction amount database for each user in S25 to each user's personal page. After that, the calculation unit 11 ends this routine. By the calculation unit 11 executing such user-specific carbon dioxide emission reduction amount calculation processing, the carbon dioxide emission reduction amount created by the use of the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 owned by each user is stored as the monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1 for each month. The monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1 stored in this way is accumulated for each user in the user-specific reduction amount database. In addition, each user can access his / her own personal page from the user terminal to check the monthly power generation amount E1 and monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1 by using the fuel cell cogeneration system 1.

[0042] Furthermore, the calculation unit 11 executes a point granting process to grant points to each user according to the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a point granting process routine executed by the calculation unit 11. This routine is executed immediately after the carbon dioxide emission reduction calculation process is completed. When this routine is started, the calculation unit 11 first refers to the user-specific reduction database in S31 of Fig. 9 to obtain the monthly power generation amount E1, monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1, and monthly power usage E0 of the previous month for each user.

[0043] Next, the calculation unit 11 calculates the normal point P1 based on the monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1 acquired in S31 (S32). The normal point P1 is determined to be larger as the monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1 is larger. In this case, the normal point P1 may be calculated by multiplying the monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1 by a predetermined positive coefficient.

[0044] Next, the calculation unit 11 advances the process to S33 to calculate the power generation ratio R. The power generation ratio R can be calculated as the ratio of the monthly power generation amount E1 to the monthly power usage amount E0 of the previous month obtained in S31. This power generation ratio represents the proportion of the power generation amount in the power usage amount. Next, the calculation unit 11 advances the process to S34 to determine whether the power generation ratio R calculated in S33 is greater than a preset threshold ratio Rth. The threshold ratio Rth can be set arbitrarily. The threshold ratio Rth can be set to, for example, about 0.8.

[0045] If the power generation ratio R is equal to or less than the threshold ratio Rth (S34: No), the calculation unit 11 advances the process to S36 and sets the monthly acquired points P to the normal points P1. On the other hand, if the power generation ratio R is greater than the threshold ratio Rth (S34: Yes), the calculation unit 11 advances the process to S35 and calculates the monthly acquired points P by adding the special points P2 to the normal points P1. The special points P2 can be set to, for example, approximately the average normal points P1. The process of S35 may also be a process of multiplying the normal points P1 by a predetermined coefficient greater than 1 to calculate the monthly acquired points P.

[0046] After calculating the monthly acquired points P in S35 or S36, the calculation unit 11 stores the calculated monthly acquired points P in the user-specific point database in the storage unit 12 (S37). In this user-specific point database, data on the monthly acquired points P acquired each month is continuously stored for each user. In S37, the calculation unit 11 stores the monthly acquired points P calculated in S35 or S36 in association with the corresponding month in the user-specific point database. As a result, the monthly acquired points P are continuously accumulated for each user in the user-specific point database. Next, the calculation unit 11 uploads the monthly acquired points P for the previous month to each user's personal page (S38). Thereafter, the calculation unit 11 ends this routine.

[0047] As a result of the calculation unit 11 executing this kind of point allocation process, the server 10 allocates to the user points that are determined to increase as the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction created by the use of the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 owned by the user increases (point allocation step). Each user can then access their own My Page from their user terminal and check the points that have been allocated to them for their use of the fuel cell cogeneration system 1. The points allocated to each user in this way correspond to the carbon dioxide emission reduction index of the present invention.

[0048] In addition, the calculation unit 11 executes a group-specific reduction amount calculation process to calculate a total value of carbon dioxide emission reduction amounts for each group of use allocated according to the desired use of the proceeds from the sale of carbon dioxide credits. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a group-specific carbon dioxide emission reduction amount calculation process routine executed by the calculation unit 11. This routine is executed after the execution of the carbon dioxide emission reduction amount calculation process is completed. When this routine is started, the calculation unit 11 first selects one use-specific group that has not yet been selected from all use-specific groups registered in the use-specific group database of FIG. 6 in S41 of FIG. 10. Next, the calculation unit 11 refers to the use-specific group database and reads out all the constituent users of the selected use-specific group (S42). Next, the calculation unit 11 refers to the user-specific reduction amount database and calculates an accumulated carbon dioxide emission reduction amount, which is the sum of the monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1 from the group registration start month to the previous month, for each of the read users (S43). For example, assume that the selected group by purpose is group A, user a was registered in group A in January 2020, and user b was registered in group A in June 2020. In this case, the calculation unit 11 calculates the sum of the monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1 from January 2020 to the previous month for user a as the accumulated carbon dioxide emission reduction amount, and calculates the sum of the monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1 from June 2020 to the previous month for user b as the accumulated carbon dioxide emission reduction amount. Note that the group registration start month for each user is stored in the group by purpose database as described above.

[0049] Next, the calculation unit 11 calculates the carbon dioxide emission reduction amount by group by adding up all the accumulated carbon dioxide emission reduction amounts of the users read out in S42 (S44). Next, the calculation unit 11 proceeds to the process of S45 and judges whether or not there is any usage group that has not yet been selected. If there is a usage group that has not yet been selected (S45: No), the calculation unit 11 returns to the process of S41 and repeats the process from S41 onwards. On the other hand, if there is no usage group that has not yet been selected (S45: Yes), the calculation unit 11 proceeds to the process of S46 and uploads the group-by-group carbon dioxide emission reduction amount of each usage group to the CO2 credit website. After that, the server 10 ends this routine.

[0050] Moreover, the calculation unit 11 executes a group point calculation process to calculate, for each use group, group points that are the total of points given to the constituent users of the use group (i.e., the total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index). FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of a group point calculation process routine executed by the calculation unit 11. This routine is executed after the carbon dioxide emission reduction amount calculation process is completed. When this routine is started, the calculation unit 11 first selects one use group that has not yet been selected from all use groups registered in the use group database of FIG. 6 in S51 of FIG. 11. Next, the calculation unit 11 refers to the use group database and reads out all the constituent users of the selected use group (S52). Next, the calculation unit 11 refers to the user point database and calculates, for each of the read out users, the accumulated points that are the sum of the monthly acquired points P from the group registration start month to the previous month (S53). For example, assume that the selected group is group B, user c was registered in group B in March 2020, and user d was registered in group B in September 2020. In this case, the calculation unit 11 calculates the sum of monthly acquired points P from March 2020 to the previous month as the accumulated points for user c, and calculates the sum of monthly acquired points P from September 2020 to the previous month as the accumulated points for user b.

[0051] Next, the calculation unit 11 advances the process to S54. In S54, the calculation unit 11 calculates group points by adding up all the accumulated points of the user read out in S52 (calculation step). Next, the calculation unit 11 advances the process to S55 to determine whether or not there is a usage group that has not yet been selected. If there is a usage group that has not yet been selected (S55: No), the calculation unit 11 returns the process to S51 and repeats the processes from S51 onwards. On the other hand, if there is no usage group that has not yet been selected (S55: Yes), the calculation unit 11 advances the process to S56 to upload the group points of each usage group to the CO2 credit website (display step). After that, the calculation unit 11 ends this routine.

[0052] By the calculation unit 11 executing the group-specific carbon dioxide emission reduction calculation process and group point calculation process described above, the group-specific carbon dioxide emission reduction (total value of carbon dioxide emission reduction) and group points (total value of accumulated points) are displayed on the CO2 credit website for each group by use. Therefore, each user can check these on the CO2 credit website. At this time, for example, rankings can be determined based on group points, and the group-specific carbon dioxide emission reductions and group points can be displayed in a list format together with the determined rankings.

[0053] FIG. 12 shows an example of a display screen of the group-by-purpose carbon dioxide emission reduction amount and group points for each purpose group. As shown in FIG. 12, group points, target points, achievement rate, and group-by-group carbon dioxide emission reduction amount are summarized in a table for each purpose group. Here, the target points column displays the points required to achieve the desired purpose assigned to each purpose group. These target points are set in advance for each desired purpose. The target points may be the same number of points for all desired purposes, or may be different numbers of points depending on the desired purpose. Additionally, the achievement rate column displays the percentage of group points relative to the target points.

[0054] This table also shows the group points of each purpose group in a ranking format. Specifically, the purpose group with the most group points (Group A in FIG. 12) is ranked 1st, followed by 2nd, 3rd, etc., in descending order of group points. Note that each purpose group may be ranked based on achievement rate instead of group points.

[0055] In addition, the calculation unit 11 executes a point achievement confirmation process to check whether the group-specific points of each use group have reached the target points, and performs processing in the case where they have been reached. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a point achievement confirmation process routine executed by the calculation unit 11. This routine is executed after the group-specific carbon dioxide emission reduction amount calculation process and the group-specific point calculation process are completed. When this routine is started, the calculation unit 11 first selects one use-specific group that has not yet been selected from all use-specific groups registered in the use-specific group database of FIG. 6 in S61 of FIG. 13. Next, the calculation unit 11 acquires the group points PG calculated in S54 of the group point calculation process for the selected use-specific group (S62). Next, the calculation unit 11 judges whether the acquired group points PG are equal to or greater than the target points PG* set for the desired use of the use-specific group (S63).

[0056] If the group points PG are equal to or greater than the target points PG* (S63: Yes), the calculation unit 11 proceeds to S64 and sends a point achievement notification to the user terminal of the member users of the purpose-specific group. This allows the member users of the purpose-specific group to recognize that the group points PG have reached the target points PG*. The calculation unit 11 then proceeds to S65. If the group points PG are less than the target points PG* (S63: No), the calculation unit 11 skips S64 and proceeds to S65.

[0057] In S65, the calculation unit 11 judges whether or not there is any use-specific group that has not yet been selected. If there is any use-specific group that has not yet been selected (S65: No), the calculation unit 11 returns to the process of S61 and repeats the process from S61 onwards. On the other hand, if there is no use-specific group that has not yet been selected (S65: Yes), the calculation unit 11 ends this routine. By the calculation unit 11 executing such a point achievement confirmation process, the constituent users of each use-specific group can confirm whether or not the group points PG of that group have reached the target points PG*.

[0058] When the group points reach the target points, the desired use of the group by use is carried out. For example, when the group points of group A in FIG. 6 reach the target points, an energy-saving device (e.g., a solar power generation device) that can be used jointly by the members of group A (user a, user b, user c) is purchased. When the group points of group B in FIG. 6 reach the target points, a donation to charity B is carried out. When the group points of group C in FIG. 6 reach the target points, greening of park C is carried out. And when the group points of group D reach the target points, each of the members of group D (user j, user k, user l) is presented with electrical appliance D. The funds required for carrying out the desired use of each group by use are contributed from the profits obtained by selling the carbon dioxide credits held by the credit management institution 2.

[0059] Thus, according to this embodiment, the calculation unit 11 executes a point granting process to grant each user points determined to be larger as the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction created by the use of the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 owned by the user increases (point granting step). The calculation unit 11 also uses the points granted in the point granting step as an index (carbon dioxide emission reduction index) representing the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction, and in the group point calculation process, adds up the points (accumulated points of the users) for each use group, and calculates the sum (i.e., the sum of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index) as group points for each use group (calculation step). This causes each use group to compete for the total points, increasing the competitive spirit of carbon dioxide emission reduction among each use group, and the users constituting each use group will come together and try to reduce carbon dioxide emission. As a result, carbon dioxide emission reduction by using the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 owned by the user is promoted. Furthermore, when the group points reach the target points, the desired uses of the members of that usage-specific group will be carried out, further increasing the sense of competition between groups, which will further promote the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through the use of the fuel cell cogeneration system 1.

[0060] Furthermore, the calculation unit 11 displays the group points of all the groups by use calculated in the point allocation process in a ranking format on the CO2 credit website (display step). This further enhances the competitive spirit among the groups, and further promotes the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through the use of home energy-saving devices.

[0061] The memory unit 12 also continuously stores and accumulates the monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1 created by the use of the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 owned by each user in a user-specific reduction amount database on a monthly basis. Therefore, based on the stored monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction amount C1 of each user, it is possible to calculate group points and group-specific carbon dioxide emission reduction amount for each use group. Furthermore, based on the carbon dioxide emission reduction amount of each user stored in the memory unit 12, it is possible to calculate the carbon dioxide emission reduction amount related to the application of carbon dioxide credits.

[0062] Furthermore, in the point allocation process (point allocation step), the calculation unit 11 determines points for each user according to the power generation ratio so that points are allocated to each user when the power generation ratio R, which is the ratio of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell cogeneration system to the amount of power used, is greater than a threshold ratio Rth than points allocated to each user when the power generation ratio R is equal to or less than the threshold ratio Rth. For this reason, users will try to use the fuel cell cogeneration system 1 efficiently in order to obtain more points. As a result, it is possible to reduce utility costs and contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0063] Furthermore, the calculation unit 11 executes a similar living environment group creation process to construct a plurality of living environment-based groups each made up of users with similar living environments. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of a similar living environment group creation process routine executed by the calculation unit 11. This routine is executed when an operator of the server 10 inputs a predetermined command to the server 10. When this routine is started, the calculation unit 11 first analyzes the living environment of each user in S71 of FIG. 14. This analysis is performed based on the living environment stored for each user in the living environment database of the storage unit 12 of the server 10.

[0064] Next, in S72, the calculation unit 11 divides the users into groups based on the analysis results of the living environment of each user into groups with similar living environments. For example, the users are divided into groups of three-person family, apartment house, and solar power generation equipment, or five-person family, owner-occupied house, and no solar power generation equipment.

[0065] When grouping of all users is completed, the calculation unit 11 advances the process to S73 and notifies each user of the similar living environment group. In this case, the calculation unit 11 may notify the user terminal of each user of the similar living environment group, or may display the corresponding similar living environment group on each user's personal page. After that, the calculation unit 11 ends this routine.

[0066] The calculation unit 11 executes the similar living environment group creation process to group users according to their living environments, thereby creating a plurality of living environment-based groups made up of users with similar living environments (living environment-based group creation step). By providing a means for users in the living environment-based groups created in this way to exchange information about carbon dioxide emission reduction, users with similar living environments can share useful information about carbon dioxide emission reduction, which can further promote carbon dioxide emission reduction. To realize such information exchange, for example, a dedicated bulletin board for each similar living environment group can be set up on the CO2 credit website, and users in the same group can send information to each other via the dedicated bulletin board.

[0067] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention should not be limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the carbon dioxide emission reduction amount and points were calculated monthly, but they may be calculated weekly or daily. In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the special points P2 were added to the normal points P1 when the power generation ratio R was greater than the threshold ratio Rth, but a configuration may be made in which a plurality of threshold ratios exist and the special points added in stages are increased. In addition, a configuration may be made in which the special points added are increased as the power generation ratio increases. Even in such a case, the points determined when the power generation ratio is greater than a predetermined ratio are greater than the points determined when the power generation ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined ratio. In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the desired use of the use group in which the group points have reached the target points is realized, but it is also possible to realize the desired use of the use group with the largest group points within a predetermined period, or to realize the desired use of multiple use groups with the largest group points within a predetermined period. In this way, the present invention can be modified without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1... fuel cell cogeneration system (energy saving equipment), 2... credit management organization, 3... credit certification organization, 4... credit seller, 10... server (computer), 11... calculation unit, 12... memory unit, 13... communication unit, 21... application icon, 22... application confirmation icon, E0... monthly power usage, E1... monthly power generation, Q1... monthly heat generation, C1... monthly carbon dioxide emission reduction, P... monthly acquired points, PG... group points, R... power generation ratio

Claims

1. A method for promoting carbon dioxide emission reduction using a computer, the computer comprising: A desired use input step in which each of a plurality of users having energy-saving equipment that can contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions inputs a desired use of the proceeds from the sale of the carbon dioxide credits; a group construction step of constructing a plurality of groups by purpose, each of which is composed of users having the same desired purpose by grouping the plurality of users according to the desired purpose inputted in the desired purpose input step; a calculation step of adding up carbon dioxide emission reduction indices, which indicate the magnitude of carbon dioxide emission reduction amounts created by the use of the energy-saving devices owned by the constituent users of each of the use groups, for each of the use groups, and calculating a total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction indices for each of the use groups; a point awarding step of awarding points to the user, the points being determined so as to increase as the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction created by the use of the energy-saving device owned by the user increases; the energy-saving device is a fuel cell cogeneration system, In the calculation step, the computer calculates a total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index for each of the use groups, using the points awarded in the point awarding step as the carbon dioxide emission reduction index, A method for promoting reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, in which in the point allocating step, the computer determines points according to a power generation ratio, which is the ratio of the power generation amount of the fuel cell cogeneration system to the amount of electricity used in the user's home, such that the points determined when the power generation ratio is greater than a predetermined ratio are greater than the points determined when the power generation ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined ratio.

2. The carbon dioxide emission reduction promotion method according to claim 1, The computer includes: A carbon dioxide emission reduction promotion method configured to be capable of executing a display step of displaying the total value of the carbon dioxide emission reduction index calculated for each of the use-based groups in the calculation step.

3. The carbon dioxide emission reduction promotion method according to claim 1 or 2, The carbon dioxide emission reduction promotion method, wherein the computer is configured to be capable of executing a storage step of storing an amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction created by use of the energy-saving equipment owned by each of the users.

4. The carbon dioxide emission reduction promotion method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The carbon dioxide emission reduction promotion method, wherein the computer is configured to be capable of executing a living environment-based group construction step of constructing a plurality of living environment-based groups made up of users having similar living environments by grouping each user according to their living environment.

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