Environmental information management system

Abstract

An environmental information management system according to the present invention stores setting information that includes information about one or more selected green value items that have been selected by a user from a plurality of green value items that include the energy and the materials that are inputted into a production process. The environmental information management system determines an allocation amount for each of the selected green value items from production data for the production process for a green certification target product, determines a green resource allocation amount for the green certification target product for each of the selected green value items from input information that includes information about the amount of green resources inputted into the production process for each of the selected green value items and the allocation amounts for the selected green value items for the green certification target product, and stores the determined information at a storage device.

Description

Environmental Information Management System Incorporation by reference

[0001] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-228494, filed on December 25, 2024, and incorporates its content by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to environmental information management in the production process.

[0003] As a related technology of the present application, there is Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-82191. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-82191 discloses a method for authenticating recycled products executed by a computer system, including a first acquisition step of acquiring information on the inflow amount of recycled resin in the manufacturing entity of resin products, a second acquisition step of acquiring information on the outflow amount of resin products using the recycled resin in the manufacturing entity or a different manufacturing entity, and an authentication step of granting authentication to the resin products when the authentication conditions based on the information on the outflow amount and the inflow amount are satisfied (see, for example, the abstract).

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-82191

[0005] As one approach to achieving a carbon-neutral society, the mass balance method is being utilized in many industries, particularly attracting high attention in greenhouse gas-intensive industrial fields such as metals, materials, and chemicals.

[0006] Generally, the mass balance method is a concept that, when materials with different characteristics are mixed in the raw materials from which products are made, treats the products produced using them as products with different characteristics corresponding to the mixing ratio.

[0007] For example, in the mass balance method, when producing products by mixing biomass-derived raw materials (green raw materials) and petroleum-derived raw materials (non-green raw materials) in the production process, the final products in a proportion corresponding to the mixing ratio of the biomass-derived raw materials are regarded as products produced from the biomass-derived raw materials.

[0008] The mass balance method is easy to apply to various production processes because it does not require changes to the production process. On the other hand, to avoid suspicion of greenwashing, companies and products are obtaining third-party certification for data management systems and calculation methods that guarantee the accuracy of mass balances. However, individual certifications require a long period of time and significant costs.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for technology that can efficiently perform green certification using a mass balance method for production processes.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is an environmental information management system for supporting green certification of a production process, comprising one or more processors and one or more storage devices, wherein the one or more storage devices store setting information, which includes information on one or more selected green value items selected by the user from a plurality of green value items, which include energy and materials input into the production process, and the energy and materials input into the production process each include predefined green resources and non-green resources, respectively, and the one or more processors determine the allocation amount of each of the selected green value items to the green certified product from the production data of the green certified product in the production process, and determine the allocation amount of the green resources of each of the selected green value items to the green certified product from input information including information on the amount of green resources of each of the selected green value items input into the production process and the allocation amount of the selected green value items to the green certified product, and store output information, which includes the allocation amount of the green resources of each of the selected green value items to the green certified product, in the one or more storage devices.

[0011] Further features relating to the present invention will become apparent from the description herein and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention are achieved and realized by elements and various combinations of elements and by the modes of the claims described herein in detail and the appended claims.

[0012] It should be understood that the descriptions herein are merely typical examples and do not limit the scope of the claims or applications of the present invention in any way.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, green certification using a mass balance method can be efficiently performed for production processes.

[0014] This diagram illustrates the assignment of green value items for green certification in an environmental information management system according to one embodiment of this specification. It shows an example of the logical configuration of the environmental information management system. It is a diagram illustrating an overview of the operation of the environmental information management system. It is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the environmental information management system according to the embodiment of this specification. It shows an example of a managed item setting screen for a user to set managed items for obtaining and maintaining green certification. It shows an example of the configuration of input data setting information. It shows an example of the configuration of output data setting information. It shows an example of the configuration of model setting information. It shows a flowchart of an example of the processing of the calculation unit. It shows an example of the configuration of calculation input information. It shows an example of the configuration of calculation output information for fully green products. It shows an example of the configuration of calculation output information for greenhouse gas reduction products. It shows an example of the configuration of calculation output information for normal products (non-green products). It shows an example of the configuration of calculation output information for fully green products when a month is selected as the green certification period. It shows an example of a judgment result screen where the information is generated by the judgment unit and displayed by the display unit. It shows an example of a verification condition setting screen that accepts user-defined verification conditions. It shows an example of a verification result screen where the information is generated by the verification unit and displayed by the display unit.

[0015] Embodiments of this specification will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the attached drawings, functionally identical elements may be indicated by the same number. The attached drawings show specific embodiments and implementation examples in accordance with the principles of the present invention, but these are for the purpose of understanding the present invention and are not to be used in any way to limit the interpretation of the present invention.

[0016] While the embodiments are described in sufficient detail for those skilled in the art to implement the present invention, it is important to understand that other implementations and forms are possible, and that the configuration and structure can be changed or various elements replaced without departing from the scope and spirit of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, the following description should not be interpreted as limiting the scope to these embodiments.

[0017] Furthermore, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as software running on a general-purpose computer, or as dedicated hardware or a combination of software and hardware, as will be described later.

[0018] When describing each process in the embodiments of this specification using "each processing unit as a program" as the subject (operating entity), the program performs the processes defined by execution by the processor (CPU, etc.) using memory and communication ports (communication control devices), so the description may also be given with the processor as the subject.

[0019] The following describes an embodiment of environmental information management according to this specification. The environmental information management system according to this embodiment generates reference information for green certification using a mass balance method and a credit method. Green certification is certification that predetermined conditions regarding the reduction of environmental impact have been met.

[0020] The environmental information management system eliminates variations in data reliability caused by different data management methods used by each user. Furthermore, by pre-certifying the environmental information management system, data generated by the system can be used as reference information for green certification without additional procedures. The credit method does not necessarily need to be used.

[0021] Generally, the mass balance method is a concept in which, when raw materials with different properties are mixed together to form a product, the resulting product is treated as having different properties corresponding to the proportion of the mixture.

[0022] The environmental information management system in one embodiment of this specification includes, in addition to materials (Scope 3), Type 2 energy supplied from external sources (Energy of Scope 2) and Type 1 energy supplied by the operators of the production process (Energy of Scope 1) as targets for mass balancing. This enables more comprehensive green certification. Energy of Scope 2 is energy that may be associated with indirect greenhouse gas emissions, and energy of Scope 1 is energy that may be associated with direct greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 are categories of supply chain emissions.

[0023] Credits are green value certificates that demonstrate the value of reducing environmental impact. Credits can be allocated to green products in lieu of the actual use of green energy or green materials. Credits can be acquired both within and outside the business. Green energy and green materials are designated (defined) within the environmental information management system. From the perspective of green certification, green energy, green materials, and credits are green resources in product production.

[0024] The environmental information management system estimates the energy and materials required to produce green-certified products from data on green-certified products produced during the production process. If a green-certified product is a fully green product, it is required to be produced using green energy and green materials.

[0025] The environmental information management system determines the allocation of green energy and green materials used in the production process, as well as prepared credits, to green-certified products using both a mass balance method and a credit method. This allows for the efficient generation of reference information to determine whether green-certified products meet the green certification requirements.

[0026] The green certification process includes initial certification of the production process and periodic audits (verification) to ensure that the production process is being operated in accordance with the initial certification. The environmental information management system assists the user in either the initial certification or the audit, or both.

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates the allocation of green value items for green certification in an environmental information management system according to one embodiment of this specification. The production process in question produces non-green product 301 and green product 311.

[0028] The production process 300 receives energy (Scope 1) 321 that can directly emit greenhouse gases, and energy (Scope 2) 331 such as electricity obtained from other businesses, that is, energy that can indirectly emit greenhouse gases. Energy (Scope 1) 321 and energy (Scope 2) 331 consist of energy from fossil fuels and energy from non-fossil fuels, respectively.

[0029] Furthermore, the product materials 341 are fed into the production process 300. The materials 341 consist of green materials and new materials that are non-green. Internal procurement credits 351 and external procurement credits 352 are provided for the production process 300.

[0030] Green product 311 is certified as green if it is produced from green materials using only non-fossil fuel energy. The environmental information management system determines the amount to be allocated to green product 311 from the total amount of green energy and green materials input into the production process 300, using a mass balance method and a credit method.

[0031] The amount of non-fossil energy and green materials that can be allocated to green product 311 is less than or equal to the amount of non-fossil energy and green materials of material 341 for each of the input energy (Scope 1) 321 and energy (Scope 2) 331.

[0032] Any deficit in any green value item (energy or materials) can be covered by internally sourced credits 351 or externally sourced credits 352. Credits are also green value items. If a deficit remains in energy or remaining green value items even after using credits, a portion of the green product 311 will not meet the green certification requirements.

[0033] One embodiment of this specification allows users to select green value items to be subject to green certification. For example, a user can select energy (Scope 2) and materials as green values ​​to be subject to green certification. The environmental information management system allocates the required amount to the green product 311 only from the specified energy (Scope 2) 331 and materials 341. In this way, by accepting the designation of green value items, it is possible to provide green certification support that meets the diverse needs of various users.

[0034] Figure 2A shows an example of the logical configuration of the environmental information management system 1. The environmental information management system 1 is assumed to be certified by a specific certification body. The environmental information management system 1 includes an input data setting unit 101, an output data setting unit 102, a model setting unit 103, a calculation unit 104, a determination unit 105, a display unit 107, and a verification unit 108. The functional units 101 to 105 in the environmental information management system 1 may be implemented by a processor that executes programs, or by hardware modules implemented according to each functional unit.

[0035] The environmental information management system 1 stores input data setting information 121, output data setting information 122, and model setting information 123. The environmental information management system 1 also stores calculation input information 124 and calculation output information 125. The input data setting information 121, output data setting information 122, and model setting information 123 are information entered and set by the production process manager (user). The calculation input information 124 and calculation output information 125 are generated by the calculation unit 104 and stored in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0036] Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating the overview of the operation of the environmental information management system 1. The input data setting unit 101 stores input data setting information 121, which includes information on the source of input data specified by the user, in the auxiliary storage device 23. The output data setting unit 102 stores output data setting information 122, which includes information on the source of output data specified by the user, in the auxiliary storage device 23. The model setting unit 103 stores model setting information 123, which includes information on the calculation model for green certification specified by the user, in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0037] The calculation unit 104 obtains input data setting information 121, output data setting information 122, and model setting information 123 from the auxiliary storage device 23. The input data setting information 121, output data setting information 122, and model setting information 123 are passed to the calculation unit 104 via the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0038] The calculation unit 104 acquires input data and output data from the sources indicated by the input data setting information 121 and output data setting information 122, and generates calculation input information 124 and calculation output information 125. The calculation input information 124 and calculation output information 125 are stored in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0039] The determination unit 105 acquires the calculation input information 124 and calculation output information 125 generated by the calculation unit 104 and performs a determination process to determine whether the green certification conditions are met. The determination result is stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 and presented to the user by the display unit 107. The determination unit 105 may be omitted.

[0040] The verification unit 108 is executed periodically, for example, for audits by certification bodies. The verification unit 108 obtains information within a specified range from the calculation input information 124 and calculation output information 125, as well as the determination result from the determination unit 105, and presents it to the user.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the environmental information management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present specification. The environmental information management system 1 includes a CPU (processor) 21 that executes various programs, a memory (main storage device) 22 that stores various programs, and an auxiliary storage device 23 that stores various data.

[0042] The CPU 21 can include one or more cores, and the memory 22 is, for example, a DRAM including a volatile storage area. The auxiliary storage device 23 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory, etc., and can provide a non-volatile storage area.

[0043] The environmental information management system 1 further includes an output device 24 for presenting information to the user of the system, an input device 25 for inputting instructions, images, etc. by the user, and a communication device 26 for communicating with other devices. These are interconnected by a bus 27.

[0044] The functional units of the environmental information management system 1 shown in FIG. 2A can be implemented, for example, when the CPU 21 operates according to a program. The CPU 21 reads and executes various programs from the memory 22 as necessary. The memory 22 can store programs corresponding to each of the functional units 101 to 108 shown in FIG. 2A. Each program is, for example, loaded from the auxiliary storage device 23 to the memory 22 and executed by the CPU 21. Note that at least a part of the functional units may be composed of logic circuits.

[0045] The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data that is referenced or managed by various programs. For example, the auxiliary storage device 23 can store various information 121 to 12⑤ shown in FIG. 3.

[0046] The output device 24 is composed of devices such as a display, a printer, a speaker, etc. The input device 25 is composed of devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc. The output device 24 presents the input result from the user and also presents the processing result by the environmental information management system 1. An instruction by the user is input to the environmental information management system 1 by the input device 25.

[0047] The communication device 26 receives, for example, data transmitted from other devices connected via a network, and also transmits the processing result by the environmental information management system 1 to other devices. Note that the environmental information management system 1 can include a plurality of computers. The number of components shown in FIG. 3 is arbitrary, and some components may be omitted.

[0048] In addition, the user may access the environmental information management system 1 using a user terminal connected to the environmental information management system 1 via a network. The user terminal may have the same hardware configuration as the environmental information management system 1 shown in FIG. 3. When the user terminal is used, its input / output devices function in the same manner, and the output device 24 and the input device 25 can be omitted.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows an example of a management target setting screen 40 for the user to set a management target for obtaining and maintaining green authentication. The display unit 107 generates and displays the management target setting screen 40. The management target setting screen 40 includes sections 41, 42, and 43 for inputting information regarding the calculation model.

[0050] Section 4​​​

[0052] Materials refer to the materials used in the production process of a product. Materials can be sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 3, which are greenhouse gases emitted by other companies in connection with the company's business. Scope 3 is further classified into several categories. This embodiment does not refer to the classification of Scope 3, but user selection and green certification determination may be performed for each classification of Scope 3.

[0053] Internally sourced credits are green value certificates (environmental value certificates) that represent the green value (value of reduced environmental impact) obtained through greenhouse gas reduction projects undertaken by the business itself. Externally sourced credits are green value certificates purchased by the business from external sources such as the market or trading partners. Any type of credit (certificate) selected from the types of credits (certificates) recognized in society may be pre-specified in the environmental information management system 1. Note that in green certification, the terms certificate and credit may have different meanings, but in this specification, credit encompasses both.

[0054] In the examples described below, the credits are applicable to any of the other types of green value. That is, the credits are applicable to direct energy emissions (Scope 1), indirect energy emissions (Scope 2), and materials. In other examples, multiple types of credits may be defined, and the green value items to which they are applicable may be limited. For example, a credit may be defined that is applicable to only one or two of the following: direct energy emissions (Scope 1), indirect energy emissions (Scope 2), and materials.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 4, all five green value items are selected. Users can select only some of the green value items. In this embodiment, internally sourced credits and externally sourced credits are selected together with at least one of the following: energy from Scope 1, energy from Scope 2, or materials.

[0056] The managed object settings screen 40 further includes a section 42 for selecting the boundaries of the managed objects. Section 42 is for selecting the scope of managed objects in the business of the operator. In the example shown in Figure 4, one item is selected from the entire company, locations, buildings, and production lines. The boundary items have an inclusion relationship, with production lines being included in buildings, included in buildings and locations, and locations being included in the entire company.

[0057] In the example in Figure 4, a building is selected. The entire production process of the building is managed. If there are multiple production lines, the production on all production lines, which may include the production of different types of products, is included in the building's production process. For example, all production lines within the building and the equipment related to the production process within the building are included in the managed process. As another example, if a site is selected, the entire production process of the site is managed. For example, all buildings within the site, all production lines within each building, and related equipment within the site are included in the managed process.

[0058] The managed data settings screen 40 further includes a section 43 for selecting the unit period for which the data to be managed is to be measured. Section 43 is for selecting the unit period for determining the green certification conditions in production. In the example shown in Figure 4, one period is selected from a year, quarter, month, and week. The green certification conditions in production are determined to be met for each specified period. In the example in Figure 4, a week is selected. Therefore, for example, the green certification conditions are determined to be met for data aggregated on a weekly basis for the production process.

[0059] The managed data setting screen 40 further includes a section 45 for specifying the source of input data and a section 46 for specifying the source of output data. The input data and output data are the source data from which data referenced for determining the green certification of the managed production process is generated. The environmental information management system 1 periodically accesses the designated storage location to obtain the data necessary for generating the reference data for determining the green certification conditions.

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 4, paths (URLs) indicating the storage locations of the input data and output data are entered. While Figure 4 shows one URL for each of the input and output data, multiple URLs can be entered.

[0061] The specified input and output data are data from a specific building or location that is being managed. For example, if a building is specified as the boundary, the input and output data are the input and output data of a production process in a specific building. For example, the source of input and output data for a specific building may include multiple URLs for data from multiple production lines within that building.

[0062] The input data includes information on the energy and materials used in the target production process, such as specific buildings or production lines, as well as information on acquired credits, namely internally sourced credits and externally sourced credits.

[0063] Energy information includes fossil and non-fossil energy information from Scope 1, as well as fossil and non-fossil energy information from Scope 2. Material information includes information that allows for the calculation of input amounts for green materials and non-green materials (new materials), such as material type and source. Input data sources include, for example, purchase data from procurement and accounting systems, and input amount data from production management systems.

[0064] The output data includes information about the products produced in the production process. For example, it is management data from a sales management system, production management system, etc., including information such as the type of product produced, customer, destination, lot, and production volume per lot.

[0065] The information entered on the managed data settings screen 40 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 as management information for the environmental information management system 1. Figure 5A shows an example of the configuration of the input data setting information 121. The input data setting unit 101 includes the input data path information entered in the input data section 45 on the managed data settings screen 40 in the input data setting information 121 and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0066] Figure 5B shows an example of the configuration of the output data setting information 122. The output data setting unit 102 includes the path information of the output data entered into the output data section 46 on the managed object setting screen 40 in the output data setting information 122 and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0067] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the model setting information 123. The model setting unit 103 includes in the model setting information 123 information about the calculation model of the green certification judgment reference data, which is entered in the calculation model sections 41, 42, and 43 on the managed item setting screen 40. The model setting information 123 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 23. The model setting information 123 includes a green value item field 411, a boundary field 412, and a period field 413. The green value item field 411, the boundary field 412, and the period field 413 each store information for the items selected by the user on the managed item setting screen 40.

[0068] The following describes how the calculation unit 104 generates reference data for green certification of the production process. The calculation unit 104 generates information from input data and output data to determine whether the production process under management meets the conditions for green certification.

[0069] In one embodiment of this specification, the environmental information management system 1 determines whether a pre-specified product meets pre-specified green certification conditions using a mass balance method and a credit method. As described above, the green value items used in the green certification calculation model can be specified by the user. If neither internal procurement credit nor external procurement credit is selected, green certification is performed using only the mass balance method.

[0070] Green certification is performed based on calculation input information 124 and calculation output information 125 generated by the calculation unit 104. The calculation unit 104 generates calculation input information 124 from user-specified input data as explained with reference to Figure 4. The calculation unit 104 further generates calculation output information 125 from the calculation input information 124 and user-specified output data as explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0071] The calculation input information 124 includes information on prepared resources that can be used in the production process under management, namely green energy, non-green energy, green materials, non-green materials, and credits. Green energy and green materials are pre-specified energies and materials that are subject to green certification.

[0072] Green energy is, for example, energy that meets the conditions of carbon neutrality (net zero emissions). Green energy includes, for example, non-fossil energy such as wind power, solar power, and biomass, and electricity generated (and certified as such) from them. Green energy may also include nuclear energy. Green energy / non-green energy is defined in advance in the environmental information management system 1.

[0073] Green materials are materials that reduce environmental impact, such as materials that meet the conditions for carbon neutrality (net zero emissions). Green materials include, for example, biomass, materials produced from biomass (e.g., plastics), and recycled materials. Green materials and non-green materials are defined in advance in the environmental information management system 1.

[0074] The calculation output information 125 includes information on the allocated amount of each designated green value item for the produced product. For example, let's assume that energy (Scope 1), energy (Scope 2), and materials have been selected as the green value items subject to green certification.

[0075] In the product range produced, fully green products are eligible for green certification. For products designated as fully green in the product range produced, the use of only green energy and green materials is a condition of green certification. The calculation unit 104 allocates green energy and green materials to fully green products from the calculation input information 124 using the mass balance method.

[0076] Figure 7 shows a flowchart of an example of the processing of the calculation unit 104. The calculation unit 104 reads the model setting information 123 (S11). The calculation unit 104 acquires input data from the acquisition source indicated by the input data setting information 121 (S12). The calculation unit 104 acquires output data from the acquisition source indicated by the output data setting information 122 (S13).

[0077] The calculation unit 104 executes steps S14 to S18 at predetermined intervals (e.g., weekly). The calculation unit 104 generates calculation input information for the selected green value items indicated by the model setting information 123 from the input data and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 23 (S14). The calculation unit 104 determines the required allocation amounts of energy and materials for the selected green value items for the green certified product from the output data (S15).

[0078] The calculation unit 104 determines the allocation amount of green resources for the selected green value items for the green certified product from the calculation input information and the required allocation amount, generates calculation output information, and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 23 (S16). The calculation unit 104 generates calculation input information and calculation output information for the selection period (green certification unit period) indicated by the model setting information 123, and stores them in the auxiliary storage device 23 (S17). This step S18 is performed when necessary. For example, if the selection period is months, it is performed every month.

[0079] Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of calculation input information 510, which is generated by the calculation unit 104 from user-specified input data and stored in the auxiliary storage device 23. The calculation input information 510 includes information on each green value item that can be assigned to the production process subject to green certification determination. The calculation input information 510 targets the entire production process of the specified boundary; that is, it is generated by integrating information on the production processes of all products produced within the specified boundary. Note that preprocessing for generating the calculation input information 510 may be performed by another system or administrator.

[0080] In the example described below, all green value items, namely energy (Scope 1), energy (Scope 2), materials, internally sourced credits, and externally sourced credits, are selected.

[0081] The calculation input information 510 includes a date column 511, a direct (Scope 1) column 512, an indirect (Scope 2) column 513, a material column 514, an internal procurement credit column 515, and an external procurement credit column 516. The direct (Scope 1) column 512 and the indirect (Scope 2) column 513 represent the energy of Scope 1 and Scope 2, respectively.

[0082] Each record stores information for one week or total information for one month. The date column 511 indicates the start date or month of each week. The Direct (Scope 1) column 512 indicates the amount of Scope 1 energy that can be input into the production process each week. The Direct (Scope 1) column 512 is further composed of a column showing the amount of energy from fossil fuels (non-green energy) and a column showing the amount of energy from non-fossil fuels (green energy). In the example in Figure 8, the amount of energy in Scope 1 is expressed in terms of the amount of fuel (liters (l)).

[0083] The Indirect (Scope 2) column 513 shows the amount of Scope 2 energy that can be input into the production process each week. The Indirect (Scope 2) column 513 is further composed of a column showing the amount of energy from fossil fuels (non-green energy) and a column showing the amount of energy from non-fossil fuels (green energy). In the example in Figure 8, the amount of energy in Scope 2 is expressed in terms of electrical energy (kW / h).

[0084] The materials column 514 indicates the amount of materials that can be input into the production process each week. The materials column 514 is further composed of a column indicating the amount of new materials, which are non-green materials, and a column indicating the amount of green materials. In the example in Figure 8, the amount of materials is expressed in weight (kW / h). Both new materials and green materials may include multiple types of materials. In addition, the amount that can be input may be defined for each type of material for both new materials and green materials.

[0085] The Internal Procurement Credit column 515 shows the remaining amount of internal procurement credits for each week. In the example shown in Figure 8, the amount of internal procurement credits is expressed in terms of carbon dioxide (tCO2). The External Procurement Credit column 516 shows the amount of external procurement credits obtained for each week. An empty cell means that the amount obtained is 0. In the example in Figure 8, the amount of external procurement credits is expressed in terms of carbon dioxide (tCO2). Note that the unit of the amount of credit may differ depending on the type of credit obtained.

[0086] The calculation unit 104 acquires data related to the production process from the specified input data source and generates calculation input information 510 as shown in Figure 8. As described above, the input data source stores data related to the production process within the specified boundary. For example, the calculation unit 104 accesses the input data weekly and adds each record.

[0087] As described above, Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of calculation input information when all green value items are selected. If some green value items are selected, the column for unselected items is omitted.

[0088] Next, the calculation output information will be explained. The calculation unit 104 generates calculation output information from the calculation input information 510 and the user-specified output data, and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0089] The calculated output information is information on the amount of green value to be assigned to products produced using the mass balance method and the credit method. In the example described below, the calculation unit 104 generates calculated output information for fully green products, greenhouse gas reduction products, and normal products (non-green products). Greenhouse gas reduction products may be included in or excluded from the products eligible for green certification for green certification purposes. Normal products are excluded from the products eligible for green certification. Note that the calculated output information for at least one of greenhouse gas reduction products and normal products may be omitted.

[0090] Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of calculation output information 530 for fully green products. In the example described below, the period specified by the user in section 43 of the managed item settings screen 40 is assumed to be weeks.

[0091] Fully green products in the managed production processes are specified in the output data according to product type, delivery destination, lot number, etc. Calculation output information 530 covers all fully green products within the specified boundary.

[0092] The calculation unit 104 estimates the amount of direct energy emissions, indirect energy emissions, and materials required for the production of a completely green product from the output data on the completely green product. The calculation unit 104 then assigns these estimated values ​​from the calculation input information 510 to the calculation output information 530 related to the completely green product.

[0093] The calculation output information 530 includes a date column 531, a direct (Scope 1) column 532, an indirect (Scope 2) column 533, a material column 534, an internal procurement credit column 535, and an external procurement credit column 536. These correspond to the columns with the same names in the calculation input information 510, respectively.

[0094] Each record shows the quantity of each green value item allocated to a fully green product using the mass balance method and the credit method. Each record shows the allocation for each week or the total for the month.

[0095] The calculation unit 104 can assign numerical values ​​to the calculation output information 530 from the correspondingly named fields in the calculation input information 510 each week. Specifically, the calculation unit 104 can assign numerical values ​​less than or equal to the value in the fossil field of the direct (Scope 1) field 512 in the calculation input information 510 to the fossil field of the direct (Scope 1) field 532 in the calculation output information 530.

[0096] Furthermore, the calculation unit 104 can assign a value less than or equal to the value in the non-fossil column of the direct (Scope 1) column 512 in the calculation input information 510 to the non-fossil column of the direct (Scope 1) column 532 in the calculation output information 530. A similar explanation applies to the relationship between the indirect (Scope 2) column 513 and the indirect (Scope 2) column 533, and the relationship between the material column 514 and the material column 534.

[0097] The calculation unit 104 can assign a numerical value to the internal procurement credit field 535 in the calculation output information 530 within the range of the numerical values ​​in the internal procurement credit field 515 in the calculation input information 510. Similarly, the calculation unit 104 can assign a numerical value to the external procurement credit field 536 in the calculation output information 530 within the range of the numerical values ​​in the external procurement credit field 516 in the calculation input information 510.

[0098] In this embodiment, internally sourced credits and externally sourced credits are applicable to any energy and material. In other embodiments, internally sourced credits and externally sourced credits may each be classified into multiple types, and their applicable energy or material may be limited.

[0099] The calculation unit 104 prioritizes the allocation of non-fossil energy and green materials to fully green products over other types of products. Specifically, each week, the calculation unit 104 allocates the required amount of non-fossil energy from the direct (Scope 1) column 512 of the calculation input information 510 to the direct (Scope 1) column 532 of the calculation output information 530. The required amount is the amount estimated from the output data to have been used in the production of fully green products.

[0100] If the amount of non-fossil energy in the calculation input information 510 is greater than the required amount, the surplus may be carried over to the following week and may be allocated to greenhouse gas reduction products as described later. If the amount of non-fossil energy in the calculation input data is less than the required amount, the calculation unit 104 allocates the deficit from internally sourced credits or externally sourced credits. In credit allocation, credits and non-fossil energy are standardized. If there is still a deficit in credits, the calculation unit 104 allocates the deficit from fossil energy in the direct (Scope 1) column 512.

[0101] In the configuration examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, the non-fossil fuels in the Direct (Scope 1) column 512 of the calculation input information 510 and the non-fossil fuels in the Direct (Scope 1) column 532 of the calculation output information 530 are the same in all weeks. Furthermore, the allocation of fossil fuels in the Direct (Scope 1) column 532 is 0, meaning no credits are allocated. In other words, the non-fossil fuels in the Direct (Scope 1) column 512 of the calculation input information 510 match the required amount for the production of fully green products in each week, and all of the non-fossil fuels in the Direct (Scope 1) column 512 of the calculation input information 510 are allocated to fully green products.

[0102] The same explanation applies to indirect (Scope 2) energy. In other words, each week, the calculation unit 104 allocates the required amount of non-fossil energy from the indirect (Scope 2) column 513 of the calculation input information 510 to the indirect (Scope 2) column 533 of the calculation output information 530. If there is an excess in the calculation input information 510, the excess may be carried over to the next week or allocated to greenhouse gas reduction products, as described later.

[0103] If the amount of non-fossil energy in the calculation input information 510 is less than the required amount, the calculation unit 104 allocates the deficit from internally sourced credits or externally sourced credits. In credit allocation, credits and non-fossil energy are standardized. If there is still a deficit in credits, the calculation unit 104 allocates the deficit from fossil energy in the indirect (Scope 2) column 513.

[0104] In the configuration examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, the non-fossil fuels in the indirect (Scope 2) column 513 of the calculation input information 510 and the non-fossil fuels in the indirect (Scope 2) column 533 of the calculation output information 530 are the same in all weeks. Furthermore, the allocation of fossil fuels in the indirect (Scope 2) column 533 is 0, meaning no credits are allocated. In other words, the non-fossil fuels in the indirect (Scope 2) column 513 of the calculation input information 510 match the required amount for the production of fully green products in each week, and all of the non-fossil fuels in the indirect (Scope 2) column 532 of the calculation input information 510 are allocated to fully green products.

[0105] Similarly, with respect to materials, the calculation unit 104 allocates green materials and credits to fully green products with priority over other types of products. Green materials are also allocated to fully green products with priority over credits.

[0106] Each week, the calculation unit 104 allocates the required amount of fully green product materials from the green materials in the materials column 514 of the calculation input information 510 to the materials column 534 of the calculation output information 530. If there is an excess of green materials in the calculation input information 510, the excess may be carried over to the next week or allocated to greenhouse gas reduction products as described later.

[0107] If the amount of green materials in the calculation input information 510 is less than the required amount, the calculation unit 104 allocates the deficit from internal procurement credits or external procurement credits. In allocating credits, credits and materials are numerically normalized using emission intensity units, etc. If credits are also insufficient, the calculation unit 104 allocates the deficit from new materials in the material column 514.

[0108] In the configuration examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, the amount of green materials in the material column 514 of the calculation input information 510 is greater than the amount of green materials in the material column 534 of the calculation output information 530. Only a portion of the green materials in the calculation input information 510 are allocated to fully green products.

[0109] Next, the allocation of green value to greenhouse gas emission reduction products will be explained. The calculation unit 104 allocates the remaining green energy, green materials, and / or credits from the green value allocation for fully green products to greenhouse gas emission reduction products. This makes it possible to allocate green value more appropriately to different types of products from a green certification perspective.

[0110] Figure 10 shows an example of the structure of calculation output information 550 for greenhouse gas reduction products. Except for the difference in the target product type, it has the same structure as the calculation output information 530 for fully green products. In other words, the calculation output information 550 includes a date column 551, a direct (Scope 1) column 552, an indirect (Scope 2) column 553, a material column 554, an internal procurement credit column 555, and an external procurement credit column 556. These correspond to the columns with the same names in the calculation output information 530, respectively.

[0111] Greenhouse gas reduction products in the managed production processes are specified in the output data according to product type, delivery destination, lot number, etc. Calculated output information 550 covers all greenhouse gas reduction products within the specified boundary.

[0112] The calculation unit 104 estimates the amount of direct energy emissions, indirect energy emissions, and materials required for the production of greenhouse gas reduction products from the output data on greenhouse gas reduction products. The calculation unit 104 then assigns these estimated values ​​from the calculation input information 510 to the calculation output information 530 for fully green products.

[0113] The calculation unit 104 allocates at least a portion of the remaining non-fossil energy (green energy), green materials, and credits, after allocating them to fully green products, to greenhouse gas reduction products according to predetermined rules. For example, each of the non-fossil energy, green materials, and credits may be allocated to greenhouse gas reduction products without restriction or within upper limits of a percentage or amount.

[0114] In the example shown in Figure 10, only fossil fuels are allocated to the direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) energy of the production process for greenhouse gas reduction products. For materials, a portion of the allocation is for green materials, and another portion is for novel materials. Furthermore, a portion of the remaining internally sourced credits is allocated to greenhouse gas reduction products, and all of the remaining externally sourced credits are allocated to greenhouse gas reduction products.

[0115] Next, we will explain the allocation of green value to conventional products (non-green products). For conventional products, fossil fuels and new materials are allocated. No credits are allocated.

[0116] Figure 11 shows an example of the structure of calculation output information 570 for regular products (non-green products). Except for the difference in the target product type, it has the same structure as the calculation output information 530 for fully green products. In other words, the calculation output information 570 includes a date column 571, a direct (Scope 1) column 572, an indirect (Scope 2) column 573, a material column 574, an internal procurement credit column 575, and an external procurement credit column 576. These correspond to the columns with the same names in the calculation output information 530, respectively.

[0117] The configuration example described with reference to Figures 9, 10, and 11 requires that the green certification conditions be met on a weekly basis. As mentioned above, the green certification assessment period can be selected from weeks, months, quarters, or years. Figure 12 shows an example configuration of the calculation output information 590 for a fully green product when a month is selected as the green certification period.

[0118] The structure of the calculation output information 590 is the same as that of the calculation output information 530. That is, the calculation output information 590 includes a date column 591, a direct (Scope 1) column 592, an indirect (Scope 2) column 593, a material column 594, an internal procurement credit column 595, and an external procurement credit column 596. These correspond to the columns with the same names in the calculation output information 530, respectively.

[0119] The calculation unit 104 determines the weekly allocation from the calculation input information 510 so that the monthly requirements for direct energy emissions, indirect energy emissions, and materials in the production of fully green products are met by non-fossil fuels, green materials, or credits. Green certification conditions are determined on a monthly basis. Therefore, the monthly requirements and allocations must match, but the weekly allocations may differ from the requirements.

[0120] This embodiment defines three types of products in green certification, but the number of types is not particularly limited. For example, only fully green products and regular products may be defined, or many more types may be defined.

[0121] Some of the calculation output information, for example, calculation output information for greenhouse gas reduction products and normal products, may be omitted. In that case, information on fossil energy and new materials in the calculation input information and calculation output information may be omitted. The display unit 107 may display at least some of the calculation input information and calculation output information on the display device which is the output device 24. For example, in response to user instructions, the display unit 107 presents the calculation input information and calculation output information.

[0122] Next, the processing of the determination unit 105 will be explained. The determination unit 105 refers to the calculation input information and calculation output information generated by the calculation unit 104 to determine whether the green certification conditions are met. The determination result may be output to the output device 24 or stored in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0123] For example, the determination unit 105 determines whether fully green products and greenhouse gas reduction products meet the green certification conditions. The green certification condition for fully green products is that, during the specified period, the required amount of each specified green value item is supplied by green energy or green materials. For greenhouse gas reduction products, the green certification condition may be defined, for example, by defining a minimum value for the proportion of green energy or green materials for each green value item.

[0124] The determination unit 105 makes a determination by referring to the calculation input information and calculation output information for each specified green certification determination period. Furthermore, the determination unit 105 may perform the determination process at shorter intervals than the specified period. For example, if a month is specified as the green certification period, the determination unit 105 may perform the determination weekly. Furthermore, if the green certification conditions are not met, the determination result, including a warning, may be presented to the user. This allows the user to take the necessary measures to meet the green certification requirements in a timely manner.

[0125] Figure 13 shows an example of a judgment result screen 710, where the information is generated by the judgment unit 105 and displayed by the display unit 107. As described above, the judgment results may be generated and presented at specified green certification periods or shorter intervals. The judgment result screen 710 includes a section 711 indicating whether or not the green certification conditions are met, a section 712 describing a message corresponding to the judgment result, and a section 713 indicating environmental value items to be addressed if the green certification conditions are not met. This allows the user to understand the current state of the production process from a green certification perspective.

[0126] The judgment result screen 710 illustrates the amount of green input that is lacking. As shown in Figure 13, the judgment unit 105 may normalize and combine different types of green value items using emission intensity, or it may present information indicating the surplus or deficit for each green value item.

[0127] Next, the processing of the verification unit 108 will be described. The verification unit 108 may perform processing according to the instructions of a user of the environmental information management system 1, such as a production process manager or a certification body (certifier). For example, a certification body periodically audits the production process to check whether it is being operated in accordance with the production process confirmed in the initial green certification. The verification unit 108 generates and presents information for such audits, for example.

[0128] Figure 14 shows an example of a verification condition setting screen 730 that accepts user-defined verification conditions. The display unit 107 displays the verification condition setting screen 730 on the display device, which is the output device 24. In the example shown in Figure 14, the verification condition setting screen 730 includes a verification period specification section 731 and a verification target specification section 732.

[0129] The verification period specification section 731 may accept the specification of one period or multiple consecutive or discontinuous periods in the unit period specified for the production process under management, that is, the period unit selected in section 43 of the management settings screen 40. In the example in Figure 14, one period in units of weeks is specified.

[0130] The verification target designation section 732 accepts selections from the green value items specified on the managed item settings screen 40. In the example in Figure 14, all green value items specified on the managed item settings screen 40 are selected. Upon selection of the OK button 733, the setting information is passed to the verification unit 108.

[0131] Figure 15 shows an example of a verification results screen 750, which is generated by the verification unit 108 and displayed by the display unit 107. The verification results screen 750 includes a verification period section 751, a boundary section 752 for the production process to be verified, and a verification results information section 755 generated from the calculation input information and calculation output information.

[0132] The verification period section 751 indicates the verification period specified on the verification condition setting screen 730. The boundary section 752 indicates the boundary selected in section 42 of the managed object setting screen 40. This allows the user to know the boundary being verified.

[0133] The Verification Results Information Section 755 presents the verification results for each green certification unit period within the specified verification period. Figure 15 shows the verification results information for one weekly period. The Verification Results Information Section 755 shows the numerical values ​​of the calculation input information, the numerical values ​​of the calculation output information, and the judgment result by the judgment unit 105 for each green value item designated as the verification target.

[0134] In the example in Figure 15, the verification results information section 755 shows only information about fully green products. In other examples, the verification results information section 755 may show the calculated output information and judgment results separately for fully green products and greenhouse gas reduction products, or it may show combined information. The combined information may be, for example, the logical AND of the sum of the numerical values ​​of the calculated output information for the two types of products and the judgment result.

[0135] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are included. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0136] Furthermore, some or all of the above configurations, functions, and processing units may be implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. Alternatively, the above configurations and functions may be implemented in software by having the processor interpret and execute programs that implement each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that implement each function can be stored in memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card or SD card.

[0137] Furthermore, the control lines and information lines shown are those deemed necessary for explanatory purposes, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the actual product. In practice, it is reasonable to assume that almost all components are interconnected.

Claims

1. An environmental information management system that supports green certification related to a production process, comprising: one or more processors; one or more storage devices, wherein the one or more storage devices store setting information including information on one or more selected green value items selected by the user from a plurality of green value items including energy and materials input into the production process; the energy and materials input into the production process each include predefined green resources and non-green resources; the one or more processors determine the allocation amount of each of the selected green value items to the green certified product from the production data of the green certified product in the production process; the allocation amount of each of the selected green value items to the green certified product from input information including information on the amount of green resources of each of the selected green value items input into the production process and the allocation amount of the selected green value items to the green certified product; and the output information including the allocation amount of each of the selected green value items to the green certified product, stored in the one or more storage devices.

2. An environmental information management system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors determine, based on the output information, whether the green certified product satisfies predefined green certification conditions, and present the result of the determination.

3. An environmental information management system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of green value items include first-type energy supplied by the operator of the production process and second-type energy supplied from an external source.

4. An environmental information management system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of green value items include credits, the input information includes information on credits prepared in the production process, and the one or more processors allocate the credits when the amount of green resources allocated to the selected green value items for the green certified product does not meet the predefined green certification conditions.

5. An environmental information management system according to claim 1, wherein the production process allocates the green resources of each of the selected green value items to the green certified products in priority to products other than the green certified products produced by the production process.

6. An environmental information management system according to claim 1, wherein one or more processors determine, based on the output information, whether the green certified product satisfies predefined green certification conditions, the setting information further includes information on the unit period of the green certification, the one or more processors perform the generation of the output information and the determination in a period shorter than the unit period, and if the result of the determination in the shorter period indicates that the green certified product does not satisfy the predefined green certification conditions, a warning is issued.

7. An environmental information management system according to claim 1, wherein the setting information further includes information on the unit period of the green certification, the one or more processors generate the output information for each unit period and store it in the one or more storage devices, determine whether the green certified product satisfies predefined green certification conditions based on the output information for each unit period, store the result of the determination in the one or more storage devices, and present the result of the determination for the specified period stored in the one or more storage devices in response to an instruction for verification of the green certification with a specified period.

8. An environmental information management system according to claim 7, wherein the setting information further includes boundary information of the production process subject to the green certification, and the one or more processors present the boundary information in response to the instruction for verification.

9. An environmental information management method for supporting green certification of a production process, wherein the system stores setting information including information on one or more selected green value items selected by the user from a plurality of green value items including energy and materials input into the production process, the energy and materials input into the production process each include predefined green resources and non-green resources, the environmental information management method wherein the system determines the allocation amount of each of the selected green value items to the green certified product from the production data of the green certified product in the production process, determines the allocation amount of each of the selected green resources to the green certified product from input information including information on the amount of green resources of each of the selected green value items input into the production process and the allocation amount of the selected green value items to the green certified product, and stores output information including the allocation amount of each of the selected green resources to the green certified product in one or more storage devices.

Images