Co2 emission calculation support system and service providing method of co2 emission calculation support system

Abstract

The present invention freely provides different services for formulating reports that conform to SHK guidelines, GHG protocols, or LCA approaches, even when any of the guidelines, protocols, and approaches is selected as a CO2 emission calculation mode, in response to a client's request.　This CO2 emission calculation support system is characterized in that a formulation unit (16-5) in a server device (1) freely and efficiently formulates a report in accordance with CO2 emissions calculated by a first calculation unit (16-2), a second calculation unit (16-3), and a third calculation unit (16-4) in response to an attribute of a calculation rule presented on a CO2-related platform (1A) being selected by any of first data terminals (3-1 to 3-N), second data terminals (4-1 to 4-N), third data terminals (5-1 to 5-N), and fourth data terminals (2-1 to 2-N).

Description

CO₂ Emission Calculation Support System and Service Provision Method of CO₂ Emission Calculation Support System

[0001] The present invention relates to a CO₂ emission calculation support system and a service provision method of a CO₂ emission calculation support system, in which each data terminal and server device of each company are connected via a platform that provides a service for calculating CO₂ emissions through a predetermined communication medium, and companies cooperate with each other to support the calculation process of CO₂ emissions.

[0002] The method for calculating greenhouse gas emissions led by the Ministry of the Environment is calculated according to the following guidelines.

[0003] Specifically, (1) As an index of activity level, an index representing the scale of emission activities such as production volume, usage volume, incineration volume, etc. is handled.

[0004] (2) An emission factor (compliant with GHG, SHK) is applied to calculate the index. Specifically, a specific emission factor is multiplied by the activity level. Here, the emission factor (agreed with the emission conversion factor) indicates the emission amount per unit of activity level.

[0005] (3) CO₂ conversion processing is executed. Specifically, the calculated emission amount is multiplied by the global warming potential (GWP) to obtain the CO₂ equivalent emission amount.

[0006] As a service to support these, SusTana (service name) has already been publicly available on the WEB. In the patent application (Patent Document 1) corresponding to this service, a system for calculating the CO₂ emissions of the entire supply chain compliant with the international standard GHG protocol is disclosed.

[0007] In Non-Patent Document 1 that specifies the following Patent Document 1, it is disclosed that "by providing various reduction measures on the user interface based on the increase or decrease of the GHG emissions calculated by the user and other specific variables for each user, it becomes possible to support the formulation and implementation of reduction measures according to the user's reduction cycle."

[0008] On the other hand, as a maintenance method for calculating CO2 emissions other than those mentioned above, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach has also been put into practical use. This approach is characterized by its method of quantitatively evaluating the environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle of a product or service.

[0009] The specific LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) method consists of the following stages (1) to (4).

[0010] (1) In the stage of setting the purpose and scope of evaluation, the purpose of the evaluation is clarified and it is decided which life cycle stage will be targeted.

[0011] (2) In the inventory analysis stage, the amount of resources consumed and the amount of environmentally harmful substances emitted at each stage from raw material extraction to disposal and recycling are quantitatively grasped.

[0012] (3) In the impact assessment stage, the environmental impact will be evaluated based on the data obtained from the inventory analysis.

[0013] (4) In the interpretation stage, the evaluation results are interpreted and improvement measures are considered.

[0014] Thus, a key feature of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is that it evaluates the entire process of a product or service, from the procurement of materials and raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, consumption, and disposal.

[0015] The LCA system is disclosed in detail in Patent Document 2 below.

[0016] Japanese Patent Publication No. 7481561, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-98797

[0017] https: / / www.smbc.co.jp / hojin / businessassist / sustan / news / 20240700002.html

[0018] However, in order to calculate CO2 emissions in accordance with the SHK guidelines led by the Ministry of the Environment, the process of linking the finely categorized items with the conversion factors for calculating the CO2 emissions assigned to each item becomes complicated. As a result, companies introducing GHG for the first time and companies continuing to use SHK each calculate their own CO2 emissions and prepare reports accordingly.

[0019] While each company should standardize on one of these methods, companies using the SHK method are not keen on switching to the GHG method, which is an international standard, because it would drastically change the series of aggregation tasks that would be required due to system changes, etc.

[0020] On the other hand, engineers who have developed a system compliant with the GHG method will need to link the classification items of the SHK method to the items adopted in the GHG method in order for users compliant with the SHK method to smoothly transition to the GHG method.

[0021] However, the SHK method has approximately 1700 possible emission factors, and in order to adopt such emission factors as conversion factors usable in the GHG system, it is necessary to re-link the emission factors in the SHK method to the respective coefficients compliant with GHG, and improvement in this process is urgently needed. Furthermore, some companies are adopting the LCA method, and the development of a CO2 emission calculation support system that can be linked to at least the three methods described above is urgently needed.

[0022] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and the present invention provides a CO2 emission calculation support system and a method for providing the CO2 emission calculation support system service that can flexibly deploy different services to prepare reports compliant with each of the SHK guidelines, the GHG protocol, and the LCA approach, in response to the client's request.

[0023] The present invention relates to a CO2 emission calculation support system that enables communication between a data terminal collection consisting of multiple data terminals operated by CO2 emission setters of each company in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3, and a server device that publishes a platform on the cloud providing a service for calculating CO2 emissions to the data terminal collection, wherein the server device stores a first database from a first cloud server that stores a first conversion factor adopted by the SHK protocol in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 and 2, a second database from a second cloud server that stores a second conversion factor adopted by the GHG protocol in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3, and a third conversion factor adopted by the LCA approach in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3. The system comprises a group of databases including a third database for storage; a determination means for determining whether the CO2 emission calculation mode selected by any data terminal is the SHK protocol, GHG protocol, or LCA approach that follows the guidelines for Scope 1 to 3; a calculation means for calculating the CO2 emission adopted by Scope 1, 2, or Scope 1 to 3 by reading one of the first to third conversion coefficients from any of the first to third databases based on the CO2 emission calculation mode determined by the determination means; and a formulation means for formulating a report according to the CO2 emission calculated by the calculation means, wherein in the adopted Scope 1 and 2, the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient are partially shared.

[0024] According to the present invention, in response to client requests, it is possible to freely develop different services that prepare reports conforming to each of the following calculation modes: the SHK guidelines, the GHG protocol, or the LCA approach.

[0025] The drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention, including not only essential components of the invention but also selective and preferred embodiments. A block diagram illustrating the network configuration of a CO2 emission calculation support system showing one embodiment of the present invention. A block diagram illustrating the configuration of a server device included in the CO2 emission calculation support system shown in Figure 1. (a) is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a data terminal connected to the server device shown in Figure 2, and (b) is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a program deployed in the RAM of the server device shown in (a). A diagram illustrating the structure of a conversion coefficient in the CO2 emission calculation support system showing this embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a CO2 emission calculation formula, emission factor, calorific value, and CO2 emission factor stored in the CO2 information database shown in Figure 2. A diagram showing an example of a CO2 emission calculation formula, emission factor, calorific value, and CO2 emission factor stored in the CO2 information database shown in Figure 2. A diagram showing an example of a CO2 emission calculation formula, emission factor, calorific value, and CO2 emission factor stored in the CO2 information database shown in Figure 2. A flowchart showing a service provision method in the CO2 emission calculation support system showing this embodiment. Another block diagram illustrating the configuration of a server device included in the CO2 emission calculation support system shown in Figure 1. A flowchart showing the procedure for providing the CO2 emission calculation support system service according to this embodiment. A flowchart showing the procedure for providing the CO2 emission calculation support system service according to this embodiment.

[0026] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the network configuration of a CO2 emission calculation support system representing one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a data terminal collection consisting of multiple data terminals operated by GHG personnel or SHK personnel of each company is shown to be able to communicate with a server device that publishes a platform on the cloud providing a service for calculating CO2 emissions to the data terminal collection via a predetermined communication medium.

[0027] In this specification, CFP (Carbon Footprint) is an abbreviation for Carbon Footprint of Products, and refers to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout the entire lifecycle of a product or service, from raw material procurement to disposal and recycling, converted to CO2, and clearly displayed on the product or service.

[0028] In Figure 1, 1 is a server device, which is connected to the network 21 via the CO2-related platform 1A, enabling communication with the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, the second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, the third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, and the fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N.

[0029] Here, the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N are configured so that company representatives who use only the SHK guidelines as conversion factors can access the services of this system by operating a browser.

[0030] The second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N are configured so that company representatives who are required to calculate emissions in accordance with the SHK guidelines or the GHG protocol as conversion factors can access the services of this system by operating a browser.

[0031] The third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N are configured so that company representatives who are required to calculate emissions in accordance with the GHG protocol as the conversion factor can access the services of this system by operating a browser.

[0032] The fourth data terminals, 2-1 to 2-N, are configured to allow company representatives who require the calculation of emissions in accordance with the SHK guidelines, GHG protocol, and LCA approach as conversion factors to access the services of this system by operating a browser.

[0033] 6 is the GHG server, which manages the latest conversion factors applicable to GHG, linked to each company's ID, and provides a service that offers the latest conversion factors based on requests from server device 1.

[0034] 7 is the SHK server, which manages the latest conversion factors applicable to SHK, linked to each company's ID, and provides a service that offers the latest conversion factors based on requests from server device 1.

[0035] 8 is an LCA server that, based on a request from server device 1, provides a service that offers the latest conversion factors to determine greenhouse gas emissions per unit of economic activity in accordance with the LCA approach compliant with ISO 14044 standard.

[0036] Server device 1, in cooperation with LCA server 8, calculates the total CO2 emissions generated directly and indirectly during the production process in each sector's lifecycle, according to the CO2 emissions / specific units using the environmental load intensity data book (3EID) based on input-output tables. For example, if the server wants to calculate the emissions during use in the "passenger car" sector, it uses the calorific value of fossil fuels, CO2 emission factors, and air pollutant emission factors (equivalent to conversion factors) included in 3EID to calculate the emissions from the combustion of gasoline and diesel fuel during driving.

[0037] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device 1 shown in Figure 1, and components identical to those in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0038] In Figure 2, 11 is the communication unit, which controls communication by connecting to the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, the second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, the third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, and the fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, which are connected to the network 21 as a communication medium.

[0039] Similarly, the communication unit 11 connects to the GHG server 6 or SHK server 7 connected to the network 21, which serves as the communication medium, and controls communication.

[0040] 13 is the CPU, which starts the operating system (OS) stored in the external memory 18 connected to the internal bus 12, and starts various applications installed via the API. It also executes the processing of various programs deployed on RAM 16.

[0041] 15 is a keyboard that performs numerical input, text input, icon indication, etc. for the running application.

[0042] 16 is an expandable RAM that deploys and stores the basic program of the CO2-related platform 1A installed in the external memory 18. 17 is a display that displays the startup state of the program via various non-illustrated UI screens.

[0043] Note that the CO2 information database 14A stores a cooperation and sharing form in which representative addresses and email addresses identifying each company for forming a plurality of data terminal aggregates for calculating CO2 emissions through the CO2-related platform 1A, as well as item information used for calculating CO2 emissions, are set.

[0044] Also, the CPU 13 acquires the latest conversion coefficient parameter P1 (conforming to the SHK pointer) obtained from the SHK server 7, and the CPU 13 stores and manages each conversion coefficient parameter in the CO2 information database 14A.

[0045] Further, the CPU 13 acquires the latest conversion coefficient parameter P2 (conforming to GHG) obtained from the GHG server 6, and stores and manages the conversion coefficient parameter in the CO2 information database 14B.

[0046] Also, the CPU 13 acquires the latest conversion coefficient parameter P3 (conforming to LCA) obtained from the LCA server 8, and stores and manages the conversion coefficient parameter in the CO2 information database 14E.

[0047] In a CO₂ emissions calculation support system in which a server device 1 capable of communicating with a data terminal aggregate composed of a plurality of data terminals (first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N) operated by CO₂ emissions calculators of each enterprise configured as described above and a CO₂-related platform 1A that provides a service for calculating CO₂ emissions for the data terminal aggregate is publicly available on the cloud, the server device 1 includes a first database (CO₂ information database 14A) that stores a first conversion coefficient (conforming to the SHK pointer) acquired from a first cloud server, a second database (CO₂ information database 14B) that stores a second conversion coefficient (conforming to the GHG protocol) acquired from a second cloud server, and a third database (CO₂ information database 14E) that stores a third conversion coefficient (conforming to the LCA approach) acquired from a third cloud server, and includes a plurality of database groups.

[0048] Here, the CPU 13 includes a determination unit 16-1 that determines whether the attribute of the conversion coefficient used for CO₂ emissions calculation selected by any of the data terminals is any of the first conversion coefficient, the second conversion coefficient, and the third conversion coefficient; a first calculation unit 16-2 that reads out any of the first to third conversion coefficients from any of the CO₂ information databases 14A, 14B, and 14E based on the attribute of the conversion coefficient selected by the determination unit 16-1 and calculates the CO₂ emissions; a second calculation unit 16-3 that reads out any two of the first to third conversion coefficients from any of the CO₂ information databases 14A, 14B, and 14E based on the attribute of the conversion coefficient selected by the determination unit 16-1 and calculates the CO₂ emissions; a third calculation unit 16-4 that reads out the first to third conversion coefficients from the CO₂ information databases 14A, 14B, and 14E respectively based on the attribute of the conversion coefficient selected by the determination unit 16-1 and calculates the CO₂ emissions; and a determination unit 16-5 that develops a report according to the CO₂ emissions calculated by the first, second, and third calculation units 16-2, 16-3, and 16-4 in the RAM 16 and executes data processing.

[0049] Similarly, server device 1 obtains a second conversion factor in accordance with the GHG protocol from GHG server 6 and stores it together with the data attached to CO2 information database 14B.

[0050] Similarly, server device 1 obtains a third conversion factor according to the LCA approach from LCA server 8 and stores it together with the data attached to the CO2 information database 14E.

[0051] CO2 emissions (CO2 equivalent emissions) are calculated using the basic formula: activity level × emission factor × global warming potential. Here, SHK, GHG, and LCA each employ their own unique conversion factors for emission factors (conversion factors).

[0052] Figure 3(a) is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a data terminal connected to the server device 1 shown in Figure 2, and Figure 3(b) illustrates the configuration of a program deployed in the RAM 16 provided by the server device 1 shown in (a).

[0053] The first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, the second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, the third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, and the fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N are envisioned to be devices such as tablet devices, PC devices, and smartphones.

[0054] In Figure 3(a), 301 is the CPU, which loads the OS and control programs stored in ROM 302 into RAM 303 and executes them to run various applications. Inputting various information and clicking icons displayed on the user interface screen (UI screen) are performed directly on the display 311. 304 is the communication unit, which controls communication for connecting to the server device 1 connected to the network 21.

[0055] In the RAM 303 shown in Figure 3(b), 303-1 is the acquisition unit, which obtains one, any two, or all of the first to third reports (compliant with SHK guidelines, GHG protocol, and LCA approach) for CO2 emissions calculated for each company from the CO2-related platform 1A via the network 21 from the server device 1. The clear rules for LCA shall be in accordance with ISO 14040, etc.

[0056] 303-2 is the upload unit, which uploads data on economic transactions for calculating CO2 emissions (various accounting data including electricity charges, gas charges, etc.) to the server device 1 at predetermined times (periodic timings (closing dates) take priority).

[0057] 303-3 is the UI control unit, which controls the browser to connect to the CO2-related platform 1A and displays various dashboards.

[0058] The CPU 301 manages user account information (user ID, password) registered on the CO2-related platform 1A, which the server device 1 publishes on the web, using an external storage device such as an SSD (not shown).

[0059] The person in charge at each company operates the keyboard 310 to input the following information into the registration form obtained by the acquisition unit 303-1: a first item indicating the company name, founding date, industry, and number of employees; a second item indicating the amount of electricity and gas used that involves CO2 emissions; and a third item indicating information about the collaborating supply chain.

[0060] In this embodiment, financial information includes accounting information that identifies the economic income and expenses associated with corporate activities, business type, and business scale.

[0061] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the conversion coefficients in the CO2 emission calculation support system shown in this embodiment. In Figure 4, there is a conversion coefficient range that conforms to SHK (labeled "SHK system" in Figure 4), a conversion coefficient range that conforms to GHG (labeled "GHG protocol Scope 1 and 2" in Figure 4), and a region where the two do not overlap. On the other hand, regarding the reporting of CO2 emissions, it is assumed that the content to be reported will differ depending on the circumstances of each country, for example, the target (size of business establishments, etc.), obligations (obligation to disclose), disclosure, and characteristics (voluntary reporting + institutional obligations (JP), detailed sector-specific requirements (USA), linked to emission allowance trading (EU)). Therefore, when preparing reports, if there is a protocol unique to each country instead of the SHK protocol, which is a calculation method unique to Japan, the content shown in Figure 4 may be partially modified and applied by taking these into consideration. However, the present invention can be expected to have the same effect by flexibly applying the configuration of the present invention, including these circumstances.

[0062] In particular, the conversion factor range conforming to SHK includes the range of emissions not included in the calculation of Scope 1 and 2 of the GHG protocol, while the conversion factor range conforming to GHG includes the range of emissions included in the calculation of Scope 1 and 2 of the GHG protocol.

[0063] It should be noted that while both the SHK guidelines (system) and the GHG Protocol Scope 1 and 2 include these emissions in their calculations, there are emissions for which the calculation methods differ between the two.

[0064] Therefore, in particular, in the second embodiment, this system reduces the complicated and complex emission calculation process and supports the rapid preparation of reports by applying the GHG conversion factor to the conversion factor that is also used in the calculation of Scope 1 and 2 of the GHG protocol to calculate CO2 emissions.

[0065] Furthermore, regarding Scope 3, CPU 13 oversees the process of formulating it so that it is not provided to companies that adopt SHK as a standard parameter in the GHG protocol.

[0066] Furthermore, in Scope 3, the LCA approach may result in differences between the CO2 emissions used as a baseline upstream and those used as a baseline downstream.

[0067] Figures 5 to 7 show examples of CO2 emission calculation formulas, emission factors, calorific value, and CO2 emission factors stored in the CO2 information databases 14A, 14B, and 14E shown in Figure 2. Note that the conversion factors in the LCA approach are obtained from the LCA server 8, but details are omitted here.

[0068] The values ​​shown in Figures 5 to 7 are subject to change due to periodic reviews and are scheduled to be revised as new materials that emit CO2 are added.

[0069] As a result, in the latest CO2 emission calculation process, waste plastics, waste oil, and waste solid fuel are now also included in the calculation of CO2 emissions.

[0070] Here, "waste solid fuel conversion" refers to the technology of producing solid fuels such as RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) and RPF (Refuse Paper & Plastic Fuel) from waste (garbage).

[0071] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the service provision method in the CO2 emission calculation support system according to this embodiment. (1) to (19), (20-1), and (20-2) represent the respective steps, and each step is realized by the CPU 13 reading a control program stored in the external memory 18 into the RAM 16 and executing it.

[0072] First, when the CPU 13 determines that a mode selection unit is indicated on the display 311 by a user operating the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, and fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, which are connected to the CO2-related platform 1A via the network 21 (1), the CPU 13 activates the determination unit 16-1 to determine whether the selected mode (mode for calculating CO2 emissions) is GHG, SHK, or LCA (2).

[0073] If the CPU 13 determines that the selected mode is GHG, it obtains the GHG protocol reference coefficient from the CO2 information database 14B (3).

[0074] Next, the CPU 13 obtains climate change-related financial information (TCFD) from one of the connected data terminals (4), presents a platform (CDP) for centrally collecting, processing, and publishing customer data (5), refers to emission target values ​​certified by SBTi (6), activates a second calculation unit 16-3 to calculate the amount of electricity supplied by 100% renewable energy (7), and finally activates a formulation unit 16-5 to formulate the calculated CO2 emissions as a securities report (8), thus ending the process.

[0075] Meanwhile, in step (2), if the CPU 13 determines that the reference coefficient for operating the data terminal adopts the SHK standard, it calculates the first CO2 emissions using the basic emission coefficient (9), reads out the new basic emission coefficient (10), aggregates the amount of electricity and gas used obtained from the customer (11), and calculates the CO2 emissions that can be shared with others (12).

[0076] Next, the CPU 13 activates the first calculation unit 16-2 to convert the CFP (Carbon Footprint of Products) into CO2 emissions, representing the total greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire lifecycle of a product or service, from raw material procurement to disposal and recycling (13).

[0077] Furthermore, the CPU 13 reads emission factors based on SHK guidelines from the CO2 information database 14A (14), uploads them to the Energy Conservation Law, Climate Change Countermeasure Law, and Fluorocarbon Law Electronic Reporting System (EEGS), and obtains greenhouse gas emissions calculated by EEGS (15).

[0078] Next, the CPU 13 activates the formulation unit 16-5 to formulate the periodic energy conservation report (16) and executes cap and trade as carbon credit processing (17).

[0079] On the other hand, in step (2), if the CPU 13 determines that the mode selected by the user is LCA, it obtains LCA reference coefficients conforming to the LCA approach from the CO2 information database 14E (18).

[0080] Next, the CPU 13 aggregates CO2 emissions based on 3EID (19), and then the CPU 13 activates the third calculation unit 16-4 to calculate CO2 emissions (20-1). Next, the CPU 13 activates the formulation unit 16-5 to formulate a report based on the LCA approach (20-2), and then terminates the process.

[0081] Specifically, if a company operating a connected data terminal has a predetermined upper limit on greenhouse gas emissions, businesses whose total emissions fall below their allocated emission allowance will sell their surplus emission allowance.

[0082] This process makes it possible to flexibly provide different services to meet client requirements, such as calculating CO2 emissions according to the GHG protocol, calculating CO2 emissions in accordance with the SHK guidelines, or calculating CO2 emissions in accordance with the LCA approach, and then preparing reports that conform to each of these methods.

[0083] [Effects of the First Embodiment] According to this embodiment, it is possible to integrate a system environment in which three CO2 emission calculation service systems, each employing its own unique conversion coefficients, compete, and to present a platform that flexibly responds to the calculation methods required by each company.

[0084] Regardless of how the evolving calculation methods are revised in the future, we will always be able to provide a CO2 emission calculation service using the latest conversion factors, and a service that provides optimal report creation in accordance with the report format that each company should prepare.

[0085] [Second Embodiment] In the above embodiment, a system was described that was integrated on the premise that each company uses a different conversion factor method. The generation AI unit 19A performs AI analysis on the second conversion factor (GHG) stored in the CO2 information database 14B and the first conversion factor (SHK) stored in the CO2 information database 14A to generate a reference table that links the first conversion factor (SHK) to the second conversion factor (GHG) and stores it in the CO2 information database 14C. This allows for efficient calculation of CO2 emissions by referring to the reference table, even when a report compliant with the SHK guidelines is required.

[0086] This allows for the flexible creation of reports that conform to the SHK guidelines. The implementation details are described below.

[0087] Figure 9 is another block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device 1 shown in Figure 1, and the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Figures 1 and 2.

[0088] In Figure 9, 11 is the communication unit, which controls communication by connecting the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, the second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, the third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, and the fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, which are connected to the network 21 as a communication medium.

[0089] Similarly, the communication unit 11 connects to the GHG server 6 or SHK server 7 connected to the network 21, which serves as the communication medium, and controls communication.

[0090] 13 is the CPU, which starts the operating system (OS) stored in the external memory 18 connected to the internal bus 12, and starts various applications installed via the API. The CPU 13 also executes the processing of various programs loaded on the RAM 16.

[0091] The CPU 13 activates the acquisition unit 16-3B to acquire the latest conversion coefficient parameter P1 (compliant with SHK guidelines) from the SHK server 7 via the network 21, and stores and manages it in the CO2 information database 14A.

[0092] The CPU 13 activates the acquisition unit 16-3B and stores and manages the latest conversion coefficient parameter P2 (compliant with GHG standards) obtained from the GHG server 6 via the network 21 in the CO2 information database 14B.

[0093] The generation AI unit 19A performs AI analysis on the first conversion factor (SHK) and the second conversion factor (GHG) acquired by the acquisition unit 16-3B, and generates a reference table that links the first conversion factor (SHK) to the second conversion factor (GHG). Subsequently, the CPU 13 stores and manages the reference table generated by the generation AI unit 19A in the CO2 information database 14C.

[0094] When the CPU 13 determines that the report mode requested by any of the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, the second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, the third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, or the fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N is SHK, it starts the calculation unit 16-1B and, without referring to the CO2 information database 14A which stores the original SHK conversion coefficient, it performs a process to calculate CO2 emissions by referring to the reference table stored in the CO2 information database 14C.

[0095] The formulation unit 16-2B, based on the report mode requested by any data terminal, executes a process to formulate a report that conforms to the GHG protocol based on the CO2 emissions calculated by the calculation unit 16-1B by referring to the CO2 information database 14B, or a report based on the CO2 emissions calculated by the calculation unit 16-1B by referring to the CO2 information database 14C.

[0096] 15 is the keyboard, used for numerical input, text input, and icon selection for running applications.

[0097] 16 is a RAM with expandable capacity that stores the basic program of the CO2-related platform 1A installed in external memory 18. 17 is a display that shows the program's startup status via various UI screens (not shown).

[0098] In this embodiment, the basic program includes an acquisition unit 16-3B that obtains a first conversion factor compliant with the SHK guidelines formulated for calculating CO2 emissions and a second conversion factor compliant with the GHG protocol formulated for calculating CO2 emissions from a predetermined cloud service; a calculation unit 16-1B that calculates CO2 emissions by referring to a reference table stored in the CO2 information database 14C when it is determined that any data terminal has selected SHK as the report mode; and a formulation unit 16-2B that formulates a report based on the report mode requested by any data terminal, all of which are deployed as a program on the RAM 16.

[0099] The CPU 13 then executes one of the basic programs loaded onto the RAM 16 at a predetermined timing, thereby performing the procedure shown in the flowchart described later.

[0100] Specifically, the generation AI unit 19A performs a functional process to generate a reference table that associates the second conversion factor with the first conversion factor by assigning the category, data source, and emission factor name.

[0101] Here, the category includes scope classification, the data source includes emission factors by electric utility company, and the emission factor name is a name subordinate to the electric utility company name; however, other elements may also be included in the configuration.

[0102] Furthermore, the generation AI unit 19A has a function to deep learn and store the CO2 emission calculation processing results using conversion coefficients with different established attributes, and to perform support processing to create detailed opinions for the person in charge for each stage of Scope 1 to Scope 3 in each report.

[0103] In particular, the system supports the extraction of account items for deriving CO2 emissions, such as fuel costs and electricity usage, from accounting data obtained from each company, such as accounting data in PDF format, accounting data in tabular format, and accounting data manually entered by the person in charge into forms disclosed by the server device 1 to the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, and then substituting these into pre-stored calculation formulas.

[0104] Furthermore, the AI ​​support unit 19 also performs OCR function processing to read numerical information of corresponding account items from accounting data acquired as images and supports the process of converting it into predetermined numerical data.

[0105] Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the procedure for providing a service for the CO2 emission calculation support system according to this embodiment. (21) to (32) indicate each step, and each step is realized by the CPU 13 reading a control program stored in the external memory 18 into the RAM 16 and executing it.

[0106] First, the CPU 13 obtains the latest second conversion coefficient associated with each company's ID that applies to the GHG protocol stored in the GHG server 6 shown in Figure 1 (21), and then stores the obtained latest second conversion coefficient compliant with the GHG protocol and the associated management data in the CO2 information database 14B (22).

[0107] Next, the CPU 13 obtains the latest first conversion coefficient associated with each company's ID that applies to the SHK guidelines stored in the SHK server 7 shown in Figure 1 (23), and then stores the obtained latest first conversion coefficient compliant with the SHK guidelines and the associated management data in the CO2 information database 14A (24).

[0108] Next, the CPU 13 reads and analyzes the latest second conversion coefficient linked to each company's ID applicable to the GHG protocol, stored in the CO2 information database 14B, and the latest first conversion coefficient linked to each company's ID applicable to the SHK guidelines, stored in the CO2 information database 14A (25). Next, when the CPU 13 receives a report request based on the SHK guidelines, it obtains a reference table from the generation AI unit 19A for referencing alternative conversion coefficients in the CO2 emission calculation process using the GHG protocol, and stores it in the CO2 information database 14C (26).

[0109] Next, the CPU 13 determines whether the mode of the report requested by the second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, the third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, and the fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N requests the GHG protocol (27). If it determines that the GHG protocol is requested, the CPU 13 calculates the CO2 emissions using the second conversion factor stored in the CO2 information database 14B, generates a report in accordance with the GHG protocol (28), and proceeds to step (31).

[0110] On the other hand, in step (27), if the CPU 13 determines that the GHG protocol is not requested (i.e., if it determines that each person in charge at the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, the second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, the third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, and the fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N has chosen to calculate CO2 emissions based on the SHK guidelines), the CPU 13 activates the calculation unit 16-1B and executes a process to read the latest reference table stored in the CO2 information database 14C and calculate the CO2 emissions adopted by the SHK guidelines (29).

[0111] Next, the CPU 13 activates the formulation unit 16-2B to generate a report in accordance with the SHK guidelines based on the CO2 emissions adopted in the SHK guidelines calculated in step (29) (30).

[0112] Next, the CPU 13 sends either the report generated in step (28) or step (30) to the requesting data terminal (31).

[0113] Next, the CPU 13 determines whether the current date and time match the timing (periodically or as needed) for updating the conversion coefficients (including reference tables) and associated management data stored in the CO2 information databases 14A to 14C (32). If it determines that the timing does not match, the CPU terminates this process.

[0114] On the other hand, if the CPU 13 determines in step (32) that it matches the update timing, it returns to step (21) and repeats the same process.

[0115] This makes it possible to freely provide users with the most suitable report in accordance with the SHK guidelines, even when a report in accordance with the SHK guidelines is required in a system where the GHG protocol is the standard.

[0116] [Effects of the Second Embodiment] According to this embodiment, in the normal CO2 emission calculation process, a report in accordance with the GHG protocol is prepared. However, even if a situation arises where a report needs to be prepared in accordance with the SHK guidelines, the CO2 emissions can be calculated by referring to a pre-stored reference table, and then a report in accordance with the SHK required by the recipient can be freely prepared.

[0117] Therefore, even in system environments where the GHG protocol becomes mainstream in the future, it will be possible to support services that produce reports that comply with the existing SHK guidelines.

[0118] As an advanced version of the system shown in the above embodiment, it is also possible to calculate CO2 emissions adapted to Scope 3 as a linked indicator on a group or site basis, and to construct a CO2 emission calculation support system that includes Scope 1 and 2.

[0119] The disclosure relating to the present invention described above can be summarized to at least the following:

[0120] (1) A CO2 emission calculation support system that enables communication via a predetermined communication medium between a data terminal settling group consisting of multiple data terminals operated by CO2 emission setters of each company in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3, and a server device that publishes a platform on the cloud that provides a service for calculating CO2 emissions to the data terminal settling group, wherein the server device stores a first database from a first cloud server that stores a first conversion factor adopted by the SHK protocol in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 and 2, a second database from a second cloud server that stores a second conversion factor adopted by the GHG protocol in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3, and a third conversion factor from a third cloud server that stores a third conversion factor adopted by the LCA approach in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3. The system comprises a group of databases including a third database, a determination means for determining whether the CO2 emission calculation mode selected by any of the data terminals is the SHK protocol, GHG protocol, or LCA approach that follows the guidelines for Scope 1 to 3, a calculation means for calculating the CO2 emission adopted by Scope 1, 2 or Scope 1 to 3 by reading one of the first to third conversion coefficients from any of the first to third databases based on the CO2 emission calculation mode determined by the determination means, and a formulation means for formulating a report according to the CO2 emission calculated by the calculation means, wherein in the adopted Scope 1 and 2, the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient are partially shared.

[0121] (2) In the scopes 1 and 2 adopted, the first conversion factor and the second conversion factor are characterized in that they are partially shared.

[0122] (3) In the scopes 1 and 2 adopted, the first conversion factor and the second conversion factor are partially different.

[0123] (4) A group of databases including a first database that stores a first conversion factor adopted by the SHK protocol in accordance with the Scope 1 and 2 guidelines from a first cloud server, a second database that stores a second conversion factor adopted by the GHG protocol in accordance with the Scope 1 to 3 guidelines from a second cloud server, and a third database that stores a third conversion factor adopted by the LCA approach in accordance with the Scope 1 to 3 guidelines from a third cloud server, wherein the CO2 emission calculation mode selected by any of the data terminals is the SHK protocol, GHG protocol in accordance with the Scope 1 to 3 guidelines. The system comprises: a determination step to determine whether to use a protocol or an LCA approach; a calculation step to calculate the CO2 emissions adopted by Scope 1, 2 or Scope 1-3 by reading one of the first to third conversion factors from one of the first to third databases based on the CO2 emission calculation mode determined in the determination step; and a formulation step to formulate a report in accordance with the CO2 emissions calculated in the calculation step, wherein in the adopted Scope 1, 2, the first conversion factor and the second conversion factor are partially shared.

[0124] 1 Server equipment 1A CO2-related platform 2-1 to 2-N Fourth data terminal 3-1 to 3-N First data terminal 4-1 to 4-N Second data terminal 5-1 to 5-N Third data terminal 6 GHG server 7 SHK server 8 LCA server

Claims

1. A CO2 emission calculation support system that enables communication via a predetermined communication medium between a data terminal settling body consisting of multiple data terminals operated by CO2 emission setters of each company in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3, and a server device that publishes a platform on the cloud providing a service for calculating CO2 emissions to the data terminal settling body, wherein the server device includes a group of databases including a first database that stores a first conversion factor adopted by the SHK protocol in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 and 2 from a first cloud server, a second database that stores a second conversion factor adopted by the GHG protocol in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3 from a second cloud server, and a third database that stores a third conversion factor adopted by the LCA approach in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3 from a third cloud server, and a determination means for determining whether the CO2 emission calculation mode selected by any of the data terminals is the SHK protocol, GHG protocol, or LCA approach in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3. A CO2 emission calculation support system comprising: a calculation means that reads one of the first to third conversion coefficients from one of the first to third databases based on the CO2 emission calculation mode determined by the determination means, and calculates the CO2 emission to be adopted by Scope 1, 2 or Scope 1 to 3; and a formulation means that formulates a report in accordance with the CO2 emission calculated by the calculation means, wherein in the adopted Scope 1, 2, the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient are partially shared.

2. The CO2 emission calculation support system according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the scopes 1 and 2 adopted, the first conversion factor and the second conversion factor differ in part.

3. A method for providing a CO2 emission calculation support system service, wherein a data terminal set consisting of multiple data terminals operated by CO2 emission setters of each company in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3, and a server device that publishes a platform on the cloud providing a service for calculating CO2 emissions to the data terminal set, can communicate via a predetermined communication medium, the server device comprising a group of databases including a first database that stores a first conversion factor adopted by the SHK protocol in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 and 2 from a first cloud server, a second database that stores a second conversion factor adopted by the GHG protocol in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3 from a second cloud server, and a third database that stores a third conversion factor adopted by the LCA approach in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3 from a third cloud server, and a determination step of determining whether the CO2 emission calculation mode selected by any of the data terminals is the SHK protocol, GHG protocol, or LCA approach in accordance with the guidelines of Scope 1 to 3, A method for providing a CO2 emission calculation support system, comprising: a calculation step of reading one of the first to third conversion coefficients from one of the first to third databases based on the CO2 emission calculation mode determined by the judgment step, and calculating the CO2 emission to be adopted by Scope 1, 2 or Scope 1 to 3; and a formulation step of formulating a report in accordance with the CO2 emission calculated by the calculation step, wherein in the adopted Scope 1, 2, the first conversion coefficient and the second conversion coefficient are partially shared.

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