Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of enabling the effective utilization of an environmental value. A service provider server 1 according to an embodiment includes a GHG emission amount and environmental value calculation unit 103, an achieved emission value calculation unit 105, a comparative determination unit 106, and a control unit 107. The GHG emission amount and environmental value calculation unit 103 calculates an emission amount of a greenhouse gas and an environmental value for the activity status of an organization. The achieved emission value calculation unit 105 calculates an achieved emission value of the greenhouse gas of the organization by subtracting a portion of an environmental value in an environmental value DB 202 from the calculated emission amount. The comparative determination unit 106 determines the probability of achieving an emission amount target value of the greenhouse gas by comparing the achieved emission value of the greenhouse gas with an emission target value. The control unit 107 controls the use of the environmental value in the environmental value DB 202 on the basis of the result of the determination. As a result, the above problem is solved.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

[0002] Conventionally, there are technologies for trading electricity by power generation method (see, for example, Patent Document 1). To achieve their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, organizations such as companies install power generation equipment (e.g., solar power generation equipment) in their factories, etc. that does not emit greenhouse gases during power generation. Furthermore, for example, using technologies such as those described in Patent Document 1, organizations can aim to achieve their emission targets by using electricity generated by methods such as solar power generation that do not emit greenhouse gases during power generation. Thus, electricity generated from non-fossil energy sources such as renewable energy sources can be said to have a non-fossil value, which is a type of environmental value, such as not relying on fossil fuels, in addition to the kWh value of the electricity itself, as electricity generated using a method that does not emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide associated with the combustion of fossil fuels.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-158839

[0004] However, the concept of environmental value itself is generally difficult to understand, and the penetration of non-fossil certificates, green power certificates, J-Credits, and other representative trading instruments for environmental value is limited. As a result, it cannot be said that environmental value is currently being used effectively.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to make it possible to effectively utilize environmental value.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device of one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first storage control means that acquires a greenhouse gas emission target value for an organization and executes control to store the emission target value in a first database; an activity status acquisition means that acquires the activity status of the organization; a calculation means that calculates the greenhouse gas emission amount and environmental value for the activity status of the organization; a second storage control means that executes control to store the environmental value held by the organization, including the calculated environmental value, in a second database; an emission achievement value calculation means that calculates the greenhouse gas emission achievement value for the organization by subtracting at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the second database from the calculated emission amount; a comparison and judgment means that judges the possibility of achieving the greenhouse gas emission target by comparing the greenhouse gas emission achievement value with the emission target value; and a control means that controls the use of the environmental value stored in the second database based on the result of judgment by the comparison and judgment means.

[0007] Furthermore, an information processing method and a program according to one aspect of the present invention are a method and a program corresponding to the information processing device according to the above-described one aspect of the present invention.

[0008] According to the present invention, environmental value can be effectively utilized.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the service to which an embodiment of an information processing device of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow (distribution) of acquisition and use of electricity and environmental value in the service of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system for providing the service of FIG. 1, which includes an embodiment of an information processing device of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a service provider server of an embodiment of an information processing device of the present invention, out of the information processing system of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the input and output of information to the environmental value DB of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration for executing processing of transactions including at least environmental value, out of the structural and functional configuration of the service provider server having the hardware of FIG.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a service (hereinafter referred to as "this service") provided by an information processing system including an embodiment of an information processing device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of this service to which an embodiment of an information processing device of the present invention is applied. In the following description, when it is necessary to explain each element separately, a numerical value will be assigned to the symbol, and when explaining collectively, the numerical value will be used. For example, users U1 to Um will be collectively referred to as user U.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, this service is provided by a service provider SA to m users U1 to Um (m is an integer value of 1 or more) and a power company DK.

[0012] Users U1 to Um are those who require electricity and conduct business, etc. (electricity demanders or electricity consumers), and at the same time, those who conduct business, etc. that supply electricity (electricity suppliers). They are organizations like companies, but they may also be individuals. This electricity includes electricity supplied by the electric power company DK, electricity generated by each of users U1 to Um and used for self-consumption, and renewable energy supplied by other users Up (p is an integer value between 2 and m). In this example, user U is illustrated as both an electricity demander or electricity consumer and an electricity supplier, but user U may also be only an electricity demander or electricity consumer, or only an electricity supplier.

[0013] In addition to the electric power company DK and users U1 to Um, the present service also includes the environmental value trading market KS and the electricity market DS. In this service, the service provider SA acts as an intermediary between the electric power company DK and users U1 to Um using a decarbonization platform, and effectively utilizes environmental value by individually trading (buying and selling) environmental value in the environmental value trading market KS and electricity in the electricity market DS.

[0014] Environmental values ​​are called, for example, non-fossil certificates, green power certificates, J-Credits, etc., and retail electricity suppliers and consumers (users such as companies) can sell or purchase non-fossil certificates (zero emission value, etc.) through environmental value trading markets such as the Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX). ２ If targets are set for greenhouse gas emissions and reductions, and reductions are insufficient (CO ２ In cases where a company is emitting too much carbon dioxide, it can achieve its emissions targets by purchasing environmental value (non-fossil fuel certificates, green power certificates, J-Credits, etc.).

[0015] The service provider SA mediates the electricity transactions between each of the users U1 to Um. Therefore, the service provider SA has a power storage device TD that stores electricity. The power storage device TD is intended to absorb the time lag that occurs in electricity transactions. Utilizing the power storage device TD makes it possible to shift the time when electricity is generated from the time when it is consumed or sold, thereby improving profitability. The power storage device TD may be, for example, a storage battery, a device for converting electricity into chemical substances such as hydrogen or ammonia, or an electric vehicle battery. While this example illustrates only one power storage device TD, multiple power storage devices TD may be distributed and located, and the power storage devices TD may be managed by a third party as a management entity. In other words, the number and location of the power storage devices TD, as well as the management entity, are not important.

[0016] Users Uk (k is an integer between 1 and m) demand electricity supplied from electric power companies DK and the like to run their own businesses. However, at least some of users U1 to Um have facilities capable of producing renewable energy, power storage devices, etc., and also function as electricity suppliers. Renewable energy sources include, for example, solar power generation, wind power generation, biomass power generation, hydroelectric power generation, geothermal power generation, wave power generation, and pumped storage power generation.

[0017] Specifically, for example, user U1 among users U1 to Um has a user power generation system UGS1 for solar power generation, equipment SB1 for running his / her business (e.g., an engine that operates manufacturing equipment in a factory), a monitoring system WS1 connected to this equipment SB1 via an IoT sensor SE1, and a user server US1 that performs information processing for carrying out the business. The user power generation system UGS1, the monitoring system WS1, and the user server US1 are connected to each other via an in-house network or the like so that data can be exchanged.

[0018] The user power generation system UGS1 includes a solar power generation device SO1, a power storage device TK1, a control device CO1, etc. The solar power generation device SO1 receives sunlight and generates electricity. The electricity generated by the solar power generation device SO1 is stored in the power storage device TK1. Based on instructions from the service provider SA, the control device CO1 controls how the electricity stored in the power storage device TK1 and the environmental value it holds are used, such as whether to sell the electricity stored in the power storage device TK1 and the environmental value it holds to others (e.g., the environmental value trading market KS, an electric power company DK, or another user Up (p is an integer value between 2 and m)) through the service provider SA, whether to use the electricity within user U1, or whether to purchase the electricity and environmental value from others.

[0019] The monitoring system WS1 monitors the operating status of the equipment SB1 using the IoT sensor SE1 attached to the equipment SB1 and outputs this information to the control device CO1. Here, monitoring the operating status of the equipment SB1 means, for example, detecting the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted by the equipment SB1 and the amount of electricity consumed by the equipment SB1 (self-power consumption). The user server US1 stores data such as an equipment installation plan, and outputs to the control device CO1 a future greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction value calculated from the data on the energy-saving equipment installation plan for the business. The same applies to users U2 to Um other than user U1.

[0020] Next, the distribution of electricity and environmental value will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow (distribution) of the acquisition and use of electricity and environmental value in the service of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, non-fossil fuel electricity DR and environmental value KK are acquired by the service provider SA from the electric power company DK and stored in the environmental value DB 202. Specifically, the electric power company DK provides 100% carbon offset electricity, which is a set of electricity and environmental value. From each of the user power generation systems UGS-1 to UGS-m of the user U, the service provider SA acquires non-fossil fuel electricity DR (electricity generated in-house from renewable energy sources such as solar power) and the environmental value KK corresponding to that electricity, and stores them in the environmental value DB 202. In addition, the user U inputs environmental value KK generated by the user U's installation of new energy-saving equipment or tree planting, which is stored in the environmental value DB 202. The environmental value KK stored in the environmental value DB 202 in this manner is bought and sold by the service provider SA on the environmental value trading market KS.

[0021] The service provider SA uses the decarbonization platform provided by the service provider server 1 shown in Figure 3 to collect supply and demand information on electricity and environmental value between the electric power company server 2 and the user systems US-1 to US-m, and supports the buying and selling of electricity through the electricity market server 4 and the buying and selling of environmental value through the environmental value trading market server 3.

[0022] The decarbonization platform utilizes AI (Artificial Intelligence) to predict the supply and demand of electricity and environmental value generated by power company DK and user Uk (Uk is one of U1 to Um), and determines whether to sell or procure the electricity or environmental value depending on the situation, and is able to trade the electricity or environmental value independently or in combination with other sources in an optimal manner with each party.

[0023] The decarbonization platform trades non-fossil electricity DR from electric power company DK or electricity DR generated by each of user U's user power generation systems UGS-1 to UGS-m via the electricity market DS, and trades environmental value via the environmental value trading market KS. In this case, trading is carried out to maximize profits from the difference between purchase price and sales price based on trends in the electricity market DS and the environmental value trading market KS. For example, the decarbonization platform purchases inexpensive environmental value and sells it when the price rises.

[0024] Specifically, the service provider SA acquires, for example, in December 2021, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target values ​​for user U for January to April 2022, which were set in December 2021, and executes control to store the emission target values ​​in the user information DB 201 (see Figure 6), and acquires the activity status of user U, such as the use of renewable energy in January 2022, the operating status of factory equipment, and the actual or planned introduction of energy-saving equipment.

[0025] The service provider SA calculates the user U's activity status, for example, the actual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in January 2022, and the environmental value generated by the user U in January 2022.

[0026] The service provider SA executes control to store the environmental value held by the user U (environmental value generated within the organization + environmental value acquired from other sources), including the calculated environmental value, in the environmental value DB 202, and calculates the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission achievement value for the user U, for example, in January 2022, by subtracting at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the environmental value DB 202 from the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission amount.

[0027] The service provider SA compares the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission achievement value with the emission target value to determine the possibility of achieving the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target, and based on the result of this determination, controls the use of the environmental value stored in the environmental value DB 202 (for example, by selling it to others or by further compensating for any shortfall in the service provider's own emission target value).As a result, the environmental value can be used effectively.

[0028] Next, an information processing system including a service provider server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system for providing the present service of Fig. 1, including an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention.

[0029] The information processing system shown in Figure 3 is configured to include a service provider server 1 managed by a service provider SA, an electric power company server 2, an environmental value trading market server 3, an electricity market server 4, and user systems US-1 to US-m (m is an arbitrary integer value greater than or equal to 1 and different from n) owned and managed by users U1 to Um (see Figure 1), respectively.

[0030] The service provider server 1, the electric power company server 2, the environmental value trading market server 3, the electricity market server 4, and the user power generation systems UGS-1 to UGS-m are interconnected via a network NW such as the Internet.

[0031] Of the user systems US-1 to US-m, for example, user system US-1 includes, for example, a solar power generation device SO1, a power storage device TK1, a control device CO1, etc., as shown in Figure 1, and is operated and managed by each of users U1 to Um. For example, when user U1 of user system US-1 enters into a usage contract for the decarbonization platform with service provider SA, it becomes possible to control the supply and demand of environmental value and electricity (whether to sell acquired environmental value or produced electricity or to consume it in-house, etc.) by issuing instructions from service provider server 1 to control device CO1. The same applies to user systems US-2 to US-m other than user system US-1.

[0032] The electric power company server 2 issues instructions to the service provider server 1 to buy and sell electricity through the electricity market DS and to buy and sell environmental value through the environmental value trading market KS, and is operated by the respective personnel of the electric power company DK.

[0033] The environmental value trading market server 3 provides a venue for trading environmental values. Specifically, the environmental value trading market server 3 provides an environmental value trading market KS on the Internet. The electricity market server 4 provides a venue for trading electricity. Specifically, the electricity market server 4 provides an electricity market DS on the Internet.

[0034] In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the user power generation systems UGS-1 to UGS-m, they will be collectively referred to as "user power generation systems UGS."

[0035] The service provider server 1 manages the operation of the user system US. The service provider server 1 executes various processes to provide the above-mentioned functions to the user system US and the electric power company server 2. Furthermore, the service provider server 1 executes the buying and selling process of the electricity and environmental value acquired from the user U, the electric power company DK, etc., to the environmental value trading market server 3 and the electricity market server 4 on the decarbonization platform.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a service provider server in the information processing system of FIG. 3, which is an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention.

[0037] The service provider server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0038] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to programs recorded in the ROM 12 or programs loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 also stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

[0039] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0040] The output unit 16 is configured with a display such as a liquid crystal display, and displays various images. The input unit 17 is configured with various hardware buttons, and inputs various information in response to instructions given by the operator.

[0041] The storage unit 18 is configured with a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like and stores various data. The communication unit 19 controls communication with other devices (such as the electric power company server 2, the environmental value trading market server 3, and the electricity market server 4) via a network NW including the Internet.

[0042] The drive 20 is provided as needed. Removable media 21, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately attached to the drive 20. Programs read from the removable media 21 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. The removable media 21 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same way as the storage unit 18.

[0043] 4, various hardware components and various software components of the service provider server 1 can execute various processes described below in the service provider server 1. As a result, the service provider SA can provide various services described below to users U1 to Um.

[0044] Next, specific information input and output to the environmental value DB (decarbonization platform as a service) in Fig. 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing input and output to the environmental value DB in Fig. 2.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5 , the service provider server 1 receives inputs of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission information at the time (including collaboration with other companies), weekly factory operation information (planned) estimated from past usage, and input information for a greenhouse gas (GHG) calculation tool that includes not only factories estimated from past usage but also headquarters such as the head office and sales offices. The greenhouse gas (GHG) calculation tool refers to one means by which the activity status acquisition unit 102 acquires the activity status of each of users U1 to Um, but the activity status acquisition unit 102 may acquire the activity status by other means as long as it is an activity status acquisition means that acquires the activity status of the organization. From this information, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission amount for the date and time is calculated. Furthermore, when the company's power generation results (environmental value amount) from renewable energy power generation, etc. and the target annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission amount are input, these power generation results (environmental value amount) and target annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission amount are compared with the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission amount information for the date and time calculated above, that is, the prediction is compared with the actual result, and the comparison result is stored in the environmental value DB 202. In other words, information on how much greenhouse gas (GHG) the company is emitting is input to the service provider server 1.

[0046] Meanwhile, the service provider server 1 outputs instructions regarding greenhouse gases (GHGs) (such as reducing emissions and purchasing or selling environmental values) based on the information stored in the environmental value DB 202. The instructions include, for example, issuing alerts to each department to curb emissions and requests to the relevant department to purchase environmental values ​​(such as non-fossil fuel certificates, green power certificates, and J-Credits). Purchase requests for environmental values ​​(such as non-fossil fuel certificates, green power certificates, and J-Credits) are estimated based on time-series data. The purchase requests also include instructions on timing and bidding price. After online trading begins, purchase instructions are issued via API.

[0047] Furthermore, the service provider server 1 sells the electricity value portion (including self-consumption, bilateral sales, and the electricity market) and sells the environmental value based on the above-mentioned information stored in the environmental value DB 202. Here, the service provider server 1 sells the environmental value when its own environmental value exceeds a target value, and sells electricity when the electricity value is higher than its own purchase price.

[0048] The functional configuration of the service provider server of the information processing system of Fig. 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration for executing processing of transactions including at least environmental value, among the functional configurations of the service provider server having the hardware of Fig. 4.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, a user information DB 201 and an environmental value DB 202 are provided in one area of ​​the storage unit 18 of the service provider server 1 .

[0050] Each of users U1 to Um is, for example, an organization such as a company, factory, business division, or department, and is exemplified by a company. The user information DB 201 stores information about each of users U1 to Um's companies, as well as transaction cost information on the electricity transaction costs of users U1 to Um. For example, for user U1, the transaction cost information includes the transaction costs incurred by user U1 when buying and selling electricity, as well as the purchase price of the storage device TK, land use fees, and the wheeling costs of transmitting electricity via the grid. In addition, the user information DB 201 stores the company's greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target value (the target value for January to April 2022 set in December 2021) acquired at a certain time, such as December 2021. The user information DB 201 also stores data on the activity status of each of users U1 to Um at their companies. The activity status data is, for example, data on the use of renewable energy, the operating status of factory equipment, and the results or plans for the introduction of energy-saving equipment.

[0051] The environmental value DB202 stores the environmental value held by the company (environmental value generated within the organization + environmental value acquired from others), including the environmental value calculated by each company of users U1 to Um (environmental value generated within the organization).

[0052] Specifically, the environmental value DB 202 stores CO ２ The target value of the emission amount and the CO actually monitored by the sensor (such as the IoT sensor SE1 in Figure 1) ２ emissions (or CO ２ Data such as the amount of reduction in emissions and other factors is stored for each user. The environmental value DB 202 also stores information on the supply and demand and buying and selling of electricity obtained from the electric power company server 2, the electricity market server 4, etc. For example, the buying and selling prices of electricity in a predetermined time period in the past in the electricity market DS (information on past buying and selling results, etc.) are stored in the environmental value DB 202. In addition, the environmental value DB 202 also stores price scenario data, etc., as price data for the environmental value trading market.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, when processing related to environmental value is executed in the CPU 11 of the server 1, a target value storage control unit 101, an activity status acquisition unit 102, a GHG emission amount and environmental value calculation unit 103, a storage control unit 104, an emission achievement value calculation unit 105, a comparison judgment unit 106, a control unit 107, etc. function.

[0054] The target value storage control unit 101 acquires the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target values ​​for each of users U1 to Um (for example, target values ​​for January to April 2022 set in December 2021), for example, in December 2021, and performs control to store the emission target values ​​in the user information DB 201.

[0055] The activity status acquisition unit 102 acquires the activity status of each of users U1 to Um (e.g., actual activity status values ​​for January 2022, etc.) on, for example, February 1, 2022. The activity status of each of users U1 to Um acquired by the activity status acquisition unit 102 is not limited to past activity actual values, and may also be future activity plans or real-time activity status. The GHG emission amount and environmental value calculation unit 103 calculates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (actual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for January 2022) and environmental value (e.g., environmental value produced by a company in January 2022) based on the activity status of each of users U1 to Um's companies. Specifically, the activity status acquisition unit 102 acquires the activity status by calculating the activity status based on the amount of renewable energy used for each of the companies of users U1 to Um, the operating status of the factory equipment owned by the companies detected by the IoT sensor SE1 (see FIG. 1), and the implementation record or plan of energy-saving equipment, etc., obtained from the user server of each of user systems US-1 to US-m (user server US1 (see FIG. 1) in the case of user system US-1). As a result, the activity status is calculated in detail based on the amount of renewable energy used for each of users U1 to Um's companies, the operating status of the factory equipment owned by the organization (e.g., solar power generation equipment SO, etc.) detected by a sensor (e.g., IoT sensor SE1 in FIG. 1), and the implementation record or plan of the equipment, so that the activity status can be obtained with high accuracy.

[0056] The GHG emission amount and environmental value calculation unit 103 calculates the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the amount of environmental value owned according to a predetermined calculation method using an emission intensity and a conversion coefficient for the activity status acquired with high accuracy by the activity status acquisition unit 102. In this way, by calculating the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental value based on the actual activity status acquired with high accuracy, the accuracy of the calculated value of the environmental value can be improved.

[0057] The storage control unit 104 executes control to store the environmental value held by the company (environmental value generated within the company + environmental value acquired from other sources), including the calculated environmental value (environmental value generated within the company), in the environmental value DB 202.

[0058] The emission achievement value calculation unit 105 calculates the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission achievement value (e.g., the achievement value for January 2022) for the organization by subtracting at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the environmental value DB 202 from the calculated greenhouse gas (GHG) emission amount.

[0059] The comparison / determination unit 106 compares the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission achievement value with the emission target value to determine the possibility of achieving the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target.

[0060] The control unit 107 controls the use of the environmental value stored in the environmental value DB 202 based on the result of the determination by the comparison and determination unit 106 .

[0061] The control unit 107 provides at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the environmental value DB 202 to third parties such as the environmental value trading market KS via the storage control unit 104, and also executes control to store environmental value acquired by a company in the environmental value DB 202. In this way, by exchanging environmental value using the environmental value DB 202, it is possible to comprehensively manage the exchange of environmental value.

[0062] If the comparison and judgment unit 106 determines that the target can be achieved, the control unit 107 executes control to provide at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the environmental value DB 202 to a third party such as the environmental value trading market KS, and if the comparison and judgment unit 106 determines that the target cannot be achieved, the control unit 107 executes control to acquire environmental value from the environmental value trading market KS. In this way, by controlling the provision or acquisition of environmental value to the environmental value trading market KS depending on whether the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target can be achieved, environmental value can be used flexibly.

[0063] The control unit 107 controls the provision of environmental value to the environmental value trading market KS by giving priority to related organizations (for example, companies that do business with the company), thereby enabling cooperative relationships to be established with related organizations.

[0064] The control unit 107 executes control to preferentially acquire environmental values ​​with tracking as control to acquire environmental values ​​from the environmental value trading market KS. By preferentially acquiring environmental values ​​with tracking from the environmental value trading market KS in this way, power source information such as a power plant from which the environmental value originates becomes clear, and the credibility of the environmental value can be increased.

[0065] When a company acquires renewable energy, the control unit 107 executes control to separate the environmental value from the renewable energy and store the separated environmental value in the environmental value DB 202. By separating the environmental value from the renewable energy in this way, it is possible to sell the environmental value through a sales channel different from the original sales channel, such as by selling only the environmental value to the environmental value trading market KS.

[0066] The control unit 107 executes control to provide at least a portion of the environmental value to the person who offers the highest purchase price among those who wish to purchase the environmental value and who are trading in the environmental value trading market KS. This allows the creation of a market similar to an auction, and allows the environmental value to be sold at a higher price.

[0067] The control unit 107 executes control to provide environmental value to those who trade on the environmental value trading market KS by selecting one or more non-fossil value trading markets, such as the renewable energy value trading market and the Advanced Energy and Natural Resources Act Obligation Fulfillment market, and providing the environmental value. This allows one or more non-fossil value trading markets, such as the renewable energy value trading market and the Advanced Energy and Natural Resources Act Obligation Fulfillment market, to be selected for sale, thereby expanding the sales channels for environmental value.

[0068] When acquiring an environmental value with tracking, the control unit 107 executes control to purchase the environmental value at a price that includes the donation to the local area. In this way, when purchasing an environmental value with tracking, the environmental value can be purchased at a price that includes the donation to the local area, thereby contributing to the local area.

[0069] The control unit 107 executes control to combine the environmental value with electricity generated by the company and provide it. This allows the environmental value to be freely combined with electricity that is originally different from the environmental value of the original electricity, so that, for example, by selling a special combination of environmental value and electricity, it is possible to add value to the environmental value and sell it at a premium price.

[0070] The control unit 107 executes control to convert the environmental value into another value (for example, points, etc.) By converting the environmental value into points in this way, the environmental value can be utilized for purposes other than subtracting it from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

[0071] If the purchase price of the environmental value is lower than the price obtained by subtracting the transaction cost from the selling price, the control unit 107 executes control to sell the environmental value stored in the environmental value DB 202 and purchase the environmental value, thereby enabling the user to sell the environmental value that the user owns and purchase the environmental value that the user needs at a low price.

[0072] As described above, according to the service provider server 1 of the information processing system of this embodiment, environmental value can be effectively utilized by separating it from electricity and providing it to organizations that need it.

[0073] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the target value storage control unit 101 acquired the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target values ​​for January to April 2022 set for the company in December 2021 in December 2021 and performed control to store the emission target values ​​in the user information DB 201, but other methods are also possible, and a first storage control means that acquires the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target values ​​for the organization and performs control to store the emission target values ​​in the first database will suffice.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the activity status acquisition unit 102 acquired the company's use of renewable energy in January 2022, the operating status of factory equipment, and the implementation record or plans for energy-saving equipment, etc., but other information is also acceptable, and any activity status acquisition means that acquires the activity status of the organization will suffice.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the GHG emission and environmental value calculation unit 103 calculated the actual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in January 2022 and the environmental value generated by the company in January 2022 regarding the company's activity status, but other calculation means may be used, and any calculation means that calculates the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental value regarding the organization's activity status will suffice.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the storage control unit 104 performed control to store the environmental value held by the company (environmental value generated within the organization + environmental value acquired from elsewhere), including the calculated environmental value (environmental value generated within the organization), in the environmental value DB 202, but this may be something else; a second storage control means that performs control to store the environmental value held by the organization, including the calculated environmental value, in a second database will suffice.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the emission achievement value calculation unit 105 calculated the company's greenhouse gas (GHG) emission achievement value for January 2022 by subtracting at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the environmental value DB 202 from the calculated emission amount, but other methods are also possible, and any emission achievement value calculation means that calculates the organization's greenhouse gas (GHG) emission achievement value by subtracting at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the second database from the calculated emission amount will suffice.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the comparison judgment unit 106 judges the possibility of achieving the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target by comparing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission achievement value with the emission target value, but other methods are also possible, and any comparison judgment means that judges the possibility of achieving the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target by comparing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission achievement value with the emission target value will suffice.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 107 controlled the use of the environmental value stored in the environmental value DB 202 based on the result of the judgment by the comparison judgment unit 106, but it can be something other than this, and any control means that controls the use of the environmental value stored in the second database based on the result of the judgment by the comparison judgment means will suffice.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the functional configuration of, for example, FIG. 6 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient for the information processing system to have the functionality to execute the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the functional blocks used to realize these functions are not particularly limited to the example of FIG. 6. Furthermore, the locations of the functional blocks and databases are not particularly limited to those of FIG. 6 and may be arbitrary. For example, at least some of the functional blocks and databases required to execute various processes may be transferred to another information processing device. Conversely, the functional blocks and databases of an information processing device may be transferred to a server or the like. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof.

[0082] When a series of processes is executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed onto a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer incorporated into dedicated hardware. The computer may also be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0083] The recording medium containing such a program may be composed not only of a removable medium (not shown) that is distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to the user, but also of a recording medium that is provided to the user in a state that is pre-installed in the device main body.

[0084] In this specification, the steps describing the program recorded on the recording medium include not only processes that are performed in chronological order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed in chronological order but are performed in parallel or individually. Also, in this specification, the term "system" means an overall device composed of multiple devices or multiple means, etc.

[0085] In other words, an information processing device to which the present invention is applied is only required to have the following configuration, and can take various forms. That is, an information processing device to which the present invention is applied (for example, the service provider server 1 in FIG. 4, etc.) includes: a first storage control means (for example, the target value storage control unit 101 in FIG. 6, etc.) that acquires (for example, acquired in December 2021) greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target values ​​(for example, target values ​​for January to April 2022 set in December 2021) for an organization (for example, a company, factory, business division, department, etc., hereinafter referred to as a company), and controls the storage of the emission target values ​​in a first database (for example, the user information DB 201 in FIG. 6, etc.); an activity status acquisition means (for example, the activity status acquisition unit 102 in FIG. 6, etc.) that acquires (for example, acquired on February 1, 2022) the activity status of the organization (company, etc.) (for example, the use of renewable energy in January 2022, the operating status of factory equipment, the introduction record or plan of energy-saving equipment, etc.); a calculation means (such as the GHG emission and environmental value calculation unit 103 in FIG. 6 ) that calculates the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (actual emissions as of January 2022) and environmental value (such as the environmental value generated within the organization (company, etc.) in January 2022) regarding the activity status of the organization (company, etc.); a second storage control means (such as the storage control unit 104 in FIG. 6 ) that executes control to store the environmental value held by the organization (company, etc.) (environmental value generated within the organization + environmental value acquired from other sources), including the calculated environmental value (environmental value generated within the organization), in a second database (such as the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ); an emission achievement value calculation means (e.g., the emission achievement value calculation unit 105 in FIG. 6 ) that calculates an emission achievement value (e.g., the achievement value for January 2022) of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the organization (such as a company) by subtracting at least a part of the environmental value stored in the second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ) from the calculated emission amount; a comparison and judgment means (e.g., the comparison and judgment unit 106 in FIG. 6 ) that compares the emission achievement value of the greenhouse gases (GHG) with the emission target value to judge the possibility of achieving the emission target of the greenhouse gases (GHG);and control means (for example, the control unit 107 in FIG. 6 ) for controlling the use of the environmental value stored in the second database (for example, the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ) based on the result of the judgment by the comparison and judgment means (for example, the comparison and judgment unit 106 in FIG. 6 ). This makes it possible to effectively use the environmental value.

[0086] The activity status acquisition means (e.g., the activity status acquisition unit 102 in FIG. 6 ) calculates the activity status based on the amount of renewable energy used by the organization (company, etc.), the operating status of factory equipment owned by the organization (company, etc.) detected by sensors, and the installation record or plan for the equipment, thereby acquiring the activity status. As a result, the activity status is calculated in detail based on the amount of renewable energy used by the user's organization (company, etc.), the operating status of equipment (e.g., solar power generation equipment SO) owned by the organization (company, etc.) detected by sensors (e.g., the IoT sensor SE in FIG. 1 ), and the installation plan for the equipment, so that the activity status can be obtained with high accuracy.

[0087] The calculation means (for example, the GHG emission amount and environmental value calculation unit 103 in FIG. 6 ) calculates the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission amount and the environmental value in accordance with a predetermined calculation method that uses an emission intensity and a conversion coefficient for the activity status acquired with high accuracy by the activity status acquisition means. In this way, by calculating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission amount and the environmental value based on the activity status acquired with high accuracy, the accuracy of the calculated value of the environmental value can be improved.

[0088] The control means (e.g., the control unit 107 in FIG. 6 ) provides at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ) to a third party (e.g., the environmental value trading market KS) via the second storage control means (e.g., the storage control unit 104 in FIG. 6 ), and also executes control to store the environmental value acquired by the organization (e.g., a company) in the second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ). In this way, by exchanging environmental value using the second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ), the exchange of environmental value can be managed comprehensively.

[0089] The control means (e.g., the control unit 107 in FIG. 6 ) executes control to provide at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ) to a third party (e.g., the environmental value trading market KS) when the comparison and judgment means (e.g., the comparison and judgment unit 106 in FIG. 6 ) determines that the target can be achieved, and executes control to acquire environmental value from the third party (e.g., the environmental value trading market KS) when the comparison and judgment means (e.g., the comparison and judgment unit 106 in FIG. 6 ) determines that the target cannot be achieved. In this way, by controlling the provision or acquisition of environmental value to a third party (e.g., the environmental value trading market KS) depending on whether the target for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be achieved, environmental value can be used flexibly.

[0090] The control means (for example, the control unit 107 in FIG. 6) controls the provision of the environmental value to third parties (for example, those who trade on the environmental value trading market KS) by giving priority to related organizations (for example, companies that do business with the company). This allows for a cooperative relationship with the related organizations.

[0091] The control means (for example, the control unit 107 in FIG. 6 ) executes control to acquire the environmental value from a third party (for example, the environmental value trading market KS, etc.) by preferentially acquiring an environmental value with tracking. By preferentially acquiring an environmental value with tracking from a third party (for example, the environmental value trading market KS, etc.), power source information such as a power plant from which the environmental value originates becomes clear, thereby increasing the credibility of the environmental value.

[0092] When the organization (company, etc.) acquires renewable energy, the control means (e.g., the control unit 107 in FIG. 6 ) executes control to separate the environmental value from the renewable energy and store the separated environmental value in the second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ). By separating the environmental value from the renewable energy in this way, the environmental value can be sold through a sales channel different from the original sales channel, such as by selling only the environmental value to a third party (e.g., a person who trades on the environmental value trading market KS).

[0093] The control means (for example, the control unit 107 in FIG. 6) executes control to provide at least a portion of the environmental value to the third party who wishes to purchase the environmental value (for example, a party trading on the environmental value trading market KS) who offers the highest purchase price. This allows the creation of a market similar to an auction, and allows the environmental value to be sold at a higher price.

[0094] The control means (e.g., the control unit 107 in FIG. 6 ) executes control to provide the environmental value to a third party (e.g., a party trading through the environmental value trading market KS, etc.) by selecting one or more non-fossil value trading markets (e.g., a renewable energy value trading market, an Advanced Energy Management Act obligation fulfillment market, etc.). This allows the selection of one or more non-fossil value trading markets (e.g., a renewable energy value trading market, an Advanced Energy Management Act obligation fulfillment market, etc.) for sale, thereby expanding the sales channels for the environmental value.

[0095] When acquiring an environmental value with tracking, the control means (for example, the control unit 107 in FIG. 6) executes control to purchase the environmental value at a price that includes the donation to the local area. In this way, when purchasing an environmental value with tracking, the environmental value can be purchased at a price that includes the donation to the local area.

[0096] The control means (for example, the control unit 107 in FIG. 6 ) executes control to combine the environmental value with electricity generated by the organization (such as a company) and provide it. This allows the environmental value to be freely combined with electricity that is originally different from the environmental value of the original electricity, so that added value can be added to the environmental value and sold, for example, by creating a special combination of environmental value and electricity and selling it at a premium price.

[0097] The control means (for example, the control unit 107 in FIG. 6 ) executes control to convert the environmental value into another value (for example, points, etc.) In this way, by converting the environmental value into another value (for example, points), the environmental value can be utilized for purposes other than subtracting it from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

[0098] If the purchase price of the environmental value is lower than the price obtained by subtracting the transaction cost from the selling price, the control means (e.g., the control unit 107 in FIG. 6) executes control to sell the environmental value stored in the second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6) and purchase environmental value. This allows the user to sell the environmental value they own and purchase the environmental value they need at a low price.

[0099] an information processing method executed by an information processing device (such as the service provider server 1 in FIG. 4 ); a first storage control step of acquiring (acquiring in December 2021) greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target values ​​(such as target values ​​for January to April 2022 set in December 2021) for an organization (such as a company, factory, division, department, etc., hereinafter referred to as a company) (acquiring in December 2021) and storing the emission target values ​​in a first database (such as the user information DB 201 in FIG. 6 ); an activity status acquisition step of acquiring (acquiring on February 1, 2022, for example) the activity status of the organization (such as a company) (such as the use of renewable energy in January 2022, the operating status of factory equipment, the actual or planned introduction of energy-saving equipment, etc.); and a calculation step of calculating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission amount (such as the actual emission amount in January 2022) and environmental value (such as the environmental value generated within the company in January 2022) for the activity status of the organization (such as a company). The method includes: a second storage control step of executing control to store the environmental value held by the organization (such as a company) (e.g., the environmental value generated within the organization plus environmental value acquired from elsewhere), including the calculated environmental value (e.g., the environmental value generated within the organization), in a second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ); an emission achievement value calculation step of calculating a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission achievement value (e.g., the achievement value for January 2022) for the organization (such as a company) by subtracting at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ) from the calculated emission amount; a comparison and judgment step of comparing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission achievement value with the emission target value to judge the possibility of achieving the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target; and a control step of controlling the use of the environmental value stored in the second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ) based on the result of the judgment made in the comparison and judgment step. This allows for effective use of environmental value.

[0100] a first storage control step of executing control in a computer to acquire (e.g., acquire in December 2021) greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target values ​​(target values ​​for January to April 2022 set in December 2021) for an organization (e.g., a company, factory, business division, department, etc., hereinafter referred to as a company) and store the emission target values ​​in a first database (e.g., user information DB 201 in Figure 6, etc.); an activity status acquisition step of acquiring (e.g., acquire on February 1, 2022) the activity status of the organization (company, etc.) (e.g., use of renewable energy in January 2022, operation status of factory equipment, actual or planned introduction of energy-saving equipment, etc.); and a calculation step of calculating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission amount (actual emission amount in January 2022) and environmental value (e.g., environmental value generated within the company, etc. in January 2022) for the activity status of the organization (company, etc.). a second storage control step of executing control to store the environmental value (environmental value generated within the organization + environmental value acquired from other sources) held by the organization (company, etc.), including the calculated environmental value (environmental value generated within the organization), in a second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ); an emission achievement value calculation step of calculating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission achievement value (e.g., the achievement value for January 2022) of the organization (company, etc.) by subtracting at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ) from the calculated emission amount; a comparison and judgment step of comparing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission achievement value with the emission target value to judge the possibility of achieving the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target; and a control step of controlling the use of the environmental value stored in the second database (e.g., the environmental value DB 202 in FIG. 6 ) based on the result of the judgment in the comparison and judgment step. By executing a control process including the above, the environmental value can be effectively utilized.

[0101] 1...Service provider server, 2...Power company server, 3...Environmental value trading market server, 4...Electricity market server, 11...CPU, 12...ROM, 13...RAM, 14...Bus, 15...Input / output interface, 16...Output unit, 17...Input unit, 18...Memory unit, 19...Communication unit, 101...Target value storage control unit, 102...Activity status acquisition unit, 103...GHG emission amount and environmental value calculation unit, 104...Memory control unit 104, 105...Emission achievement value calculation unit, 106...Comparison and judgment unit, 107...Control unit, 201...User information DB, 201...Environmental value DB

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a first storage control means for acquiring a greenhouse gas emission target value for an organization and executing control to store the emission target value in a first database; an activity status acquisition means for acquiring the activity status of the organization; a calculation means for calculating the greenhouse gas emission amount and environmental value for the activity status of the organization; a second storage control means for executing control to store the environmental value held by the organization including the calculated environmental value in a second database; an emission achievement value calculation means for calculating a greenhouse gas emission achievement value for the organization by subtracting at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the second database from the calculated emission amount; a comparison and judgment means for comparing the greenhouse gas emission achievement value with the emission target value to judge the possibility of achieving the greenhouse gas emission target; and a control means for controlling the use of the environmental value stored in the second database based on the result of judgment by the comparison and judgment means.

2. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the activity status acquisition means acquires the activity status by calculating the activity status based on the amount of renewable energy used by the organization, the operating status of equipment owned by the organization detected by a sensor, and the introduction plan for the equipment.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation means calculates the greenhouse gas emission amount and the environmental value according to a predetermined calculation method using an emission unit and a conversion coefficient.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means provides at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the second database to a third party via the second storage control means, and executes control to store the environmental value acquired by the organization in the second database.

5. The information processing device of claim 4, wherein the control means, when the comparison and judgment means determines that achievement of the goal is possible, executes control to provide at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the second database to a third party, and, when the comparison and judgment means determines that achievement of the goal is impossible, executes control to obtain the environmental value from the third party.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the control means executes control to provide the environmental value to a third party with priority given to related organizations.

7. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control means executes control to preferentially acquire an environmental value with tracking as control to acquire the environmental value from a third party.

8. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the control means executes control to separate an environmental value from renewable energy when the organization acquires the renewable energy, and to store the separated environmental value in the second database.

9. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein said control means executes control to provide at least a portion of said environmental value to a person who offers the highest purchase price among third parties who wish to purchase said environmental value.

10. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the control means executes control to provide the environmental value to a third party by selecting one or more of one or more non-fossil value trading markets and one or more renewable energy value trading markets.

11. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the control means executes control to purchase the tracking-enabled environmental value at an amount that is combined with a donation to the local community when the tracking-enabled environmental value is acquired.

12. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the control means executes control to provide the environmental value in combination with electricity generated by the organization.

13. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means executes control for converting the environmental value into another value.

14. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means executes control to sell the environmental value stored in the second database and purchase the environmental value when the purchase price of the environmental value is lower than the price obtained by subtracting transaction costs from the selling price.

15. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, comprising: a first storage control step of acquiring a greenhouse gas emission target value for an organization and executing control to store the emission target value in a first database; an activity status acquisition step of acquiring the activity status of the organization; a calculation step of calculating the greenhouse gas emission amount and environmental value for the activity status of the organization; a second storage control step of executing control to store the environmental value held by the organization including the calculated environmental value in a second database; an emission achievement value calculation step of calculating a greenhouse gas emission achievement value for the organization by subtracting at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the second database from the calculated emission amount; a comparison judgment step of comparing the greenhouse gas emission achievement value with the emission target value to judge the possibility of achieving the greenhouse gas emission target; and a control step of controlling the use of the environmental value stored in the second database based on the result of the judgment processing in the comparison judgment step.

16. A program for causing a computer to execute control processing including: a first storage control step of acquiring a greenhouse gas emission target value for an organization and executing control to store the emission target value in a first database; an activity status acquisition step of acquiring the activity status of the organization; a calculation step of calculating the greenhouse gas emission amount and environmental value for the activity status of the organization; a second storage control step of executing control to store the environmental value held by the organization including the calculated environmental value in a second database; an emission achievement value calculation step of calculating a greenhouse gas emission achievement value for the organization by subtracting at least a portion of the environmental value stored in the second database from the calculated emission amount; a comparison and judgment step of comparing the greenhouse gas emission achievement value with the emission target value to judge the possibility of achieving the greenhouse gas emission target; and a control step of controlling the use of the environmental value stored in the second database based on the result of the judgment processing in the comparison and judgment step.

Images