Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device capable of accurately calculating emissions to be allocated to a reporting company. This information processing device acquires primary data relating to the emissions of greenhouse gas from a client. The information processing device determines, on the basis of at least an attribute relating to the primary data, whether to use the primary data for calculating allocated emissions to be allocated to the reporting company for the emissions of greenhouse gas relating to the client. On the basis of the determination result relating to the primary data, the information processing device uses the primary data to calculate allocated emissions relating to the client. The information processing device outputs the calculated allocated emissions.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Program

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

[0002] Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG; Green House Gas) emissions is required. Each company is required to calculate the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG; Green House Gas) emitted through its own activities and report the calculated amount of greenhouse gas emissions. In relation to this, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that calculates GHG emissions. The system according to Patent Document 1 uses the sales amount and greenhouse gas emission amount of a supplier company stored in a corporate database, and the acquired transaction amount to calculate the allocated emission amount of the supplier company allocated to a reporting company.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7406614

[0004] The technology according to Patent Document 1 does not consider the attributes of data used for calculating the allocated emission amount at the supplier company allocated to the reporting company. Therefore, with the technology according to Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the emission amount allocated to the reporting company cannot be calculated with high accuracy.

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is made to solve such problems, and is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of accurately calculating the emission amount allocated to a reporting company.

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: primary data acquisition means for acquiring primary data relating to greenhouse gas emissions of a supplier; primary data determination means for determining whether or not to use the primary data for calculating allocated emission amount allocated to a reporting company with respect to greenhouse gas emissions of the supplier, based on at least an attribute relating to the primary data; first emission amount calculation means for calculating the allocated emission amount relating to the supplier using the primary data based on a determination result relating to the primary data; and output means for outputting the calculated allocated emission amount.

[0007] The information processing method relating to this disclosure acquires primary data on the greenhouse gas emissions of a trading partner, determines whether to use the primary data to calculate the allocated emissions to be distributed to reporting companies for greenhouse gas emissions related to the trading partner, based at least on the attributes of the primary data, calculates the allocated emissions related to the trading partner using the primary data based on the determination result regarding the primary data, and outputs the calculated allocated emissions.

[0008] The program relating to this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquire primary data on the greenhouse gas emissions of a trading partner; determine whether to use the primary data to calculate the allocated emissions to be distributed to the reporting company for greenhouse gas emissions related to the trading partner, based on at least the attributes of the primary data; calculate the allocated emissions related to the trading partner using the primary data based on the determination result regarding the primary data; and output the calculated allocated emissions.

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can accurately calculate the emissions allocated to reporting companies.

[0010] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device related to this disclosure. This is a flowchart showing the information processing method performed by the information processing device related to this disclosure. This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing system related to this disclosure. This is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the information processing device related to this disclosure. This is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing device related to this disclosure. This is a diagram illustrating the primary data related to this disclosure. This is a diagram for explaining the method for calculating the second allocated emissions related to this disclosure. This is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the information processing device related to this disclosure. This is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the information processing device related to this disclosure. This is a diagram illustrating the processing performed by the information processing device related to this disclosure. This is a diagram illustrating a specific example related to this disclosure. This is a diagram illustrating a specific example related to this disclosure. This is a diagram illustrating a specific example related to this disclosure. This is a diagram illustrating a specific example related to this disclosure.

[0011] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In addition, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing, and redundant explanations have been omitted where necessary. Furthermore, although the following explanation will use drawings, the drawings used in the description of a particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment. Each drawing may be applicable to all embodiments.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 1 according to the present disclosure. The information processing device 1 includes a primary data acquisition unit 2, a primary data determination unit 4, a first emission calculation unit 6, and an output unit 8. The primary data acquisition unit 2 functions as a primary data acquisition means. The primary data determination unit 4 functions as a primary data determination means. The first emission calculation unit 6 functions as a first emission calculation means. The output unit 8 functions as an output means.

[0013] The information processing device 1 may be implemented by a computer. The information processing device 1 may also be, for example, a server. The information processing device 1 may also be implemented by, for example, cloud computing. Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may be implemented by, for example, multiple computers that are connected to each other in a communicative manner. Furthermore, each component of the information processing device 1 may be implemented by being distributed across multiple computers. That is, the computer that implements the primary data acquisition unit 2, the computer that implements the primary data determination unit 4, the computer that implements the first emission calculation unit 6, and the computer that implements the output unit 8 may be physically separate. Also, the function of each of the multiple components may be implemented by multiple computers. The information processing device 1 may be a server owned by the reporting company. Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may be a cloud server available to the reporting company. A reporting company is a company that reports the amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted by its own activities. A reporting company includes any business that reports greenhouse gas emissions.

[0014] Figure 2 is a flowchart of an information processing method performed by the information processing device 1 according to this disclosure. The primary data acquisition unit 2 acquires primary data (step S12). Specifically, the primary data acquisition unit 2 acquires primary data of a business partner. The primary data acquisition unit 2 may acquire primary data, for example, through user operation.

[0015] In this disclosure, “primary data” refers to data on the greenhouse gas emissions of a trading partner. “Emissions” also refers to greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases include, for example, carbon dioxide, but are not limited to these. Primary data may be provided by the trading partner. Primary data may also be used to calculate allocated emissions. In this disclosure, “allocated emissions” refers to the emissions allocated to the reporting company for greenhouse gas emissions related to the trading partner. Primary data may include, for example, the trading partner’s total sales, the trading partner’s sales to the reporting company, and the trading partner’s total emissions. A “counterparty” is an organization (company, etc.) that supplies materials to the reporting company. In other words, a trading partner corresponds to a supplier. Therefore, the reporting company procures materials from a trading partner. In other words, a supply chain may be formed between the trading partner and the reporting company. Details of primary data will be described later.

[0016] The primary data determination unit 4 determines whether or not to use the primary data for calculating the allocated emissions (step S14). Specifically, the primary data determination unit 4 determines whether or not to use the primary data for calculating the allocated emissions based on at least the attributes of the primary data.

[0017] More specifically, the primary data determination unit 4 may determine whether or not the attributes in the primary data are unified. If the attributes in the primary data are not unified, the primary data determination unit 4 may determine not to use the primary data for calculating the allocated emissions. Alternatively, if the attributes in the primary data are unified, the primary data determination unit 4 may determine to use the primary data for calculating the allocated emissions. Here, "attributes" refer to the attributes of the trading partner that provided the primary data. "Attributes" may, for example, indicate whether the value in the primary data is a single value relating to the trading partner itself, or a combined value relating to the entire group including the trading partner, but are not limited to these. The primary data determination unit 4 may also determine whether or not to use the primary data for calculating the allocated emissions based on factors other than the attributes in the primary data. Details of the primary data determination will be described later.

[0018] The first emission calculation unit 6 calculates the allocated emission amount using the primary data based on the determination result (step S16). Specifically, the first emission calculation unit 6 calculates the allocated emission amount using the primary data based on the determination result regarding the primary data in the processing of S14. Details of the method for calculating the allocated emission amount using the primary data will be described later. The allocated emission amount calculated using the primary data is sometimes referred to as the "first allocated emission amount".

[0019] The output unit 8 outputs the calculated allocated emissions (step S18). Specifically, the output unit 8 outputs the allocated emissions calculated in the processing of S16. For example, the output unit 8 may display the allocated emissions on the user interface of the information processing device 1. Alternatively, for example, the output unit 8 may output the allocated emissions to the user's terminal. Alternatively, for example, the output unit 8 may output the allocated emissions to a device (server, etc.) to which greenhouse gas emissions are reported.

[0020] As described above, the information processing device 1 in this disclosure determines whether or not to use primary data for calculating allocated emissions, based at least on the attributes of the primary data, and calculates the allocated emissions using the primary data based on the determination result. Therefore, the information processing device 1 in this disclosure calculates the allocated emissions taking into account the attributes of the primary data. This makes it possible for the information processing device 1 in this disclosure to accurately calculate the emissions allocated to reporting companies. Furthermore, it is also possible for the information processing method executed by the information processing device 1 to accurately calculate the emissions allocated to reporting companies. In addition, it is also possible for the program that executes the information processing method to accurately calculate the emissions allocated to reporting companies.

[0021] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. Also, in each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations have been omitted as necessary. The system according to Embodiment 2 corresponds to a specific example of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0022] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system 20 according to this disclosure. The information processing system 20 includes at least one terminal device 30 and an information processing device 100. The terminal device 30 and the information processing device 100 have functions as, for example, computers. The terminal device 30 and the information processing device 100 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a wired or wireless network. The terminal device 30 may be integrated with the information processing device 100.

[0023] The terminal device 30 is, for example, a user terminal. The terminal device 30 can be operated by the user. The terminal device 30 receives user input and presents the user with necessary information. The terminal device 30 may be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0024] The terminal device 30 may, for example, be the terminal of a user of the reporting company. Alternatively, the terminal device 30 may be the terminal of a user of a business partner. The terminal device 30 accepts the input of primary data. If the terminal device 30 is the terminal of the reporting company, the user of the reporting company may operate the user interface of the terminal device 30 to input primary data provided by the business partner into the terminal device 30. In this way, the terminal device 30 accepts the input of primary data. If the terminal device 30 is the terminal of a business partner, the user of the business partner may operate the user interface of the terminal device 30 to input primary data from the business partner into the terminal device 30. In this way, the terminal device 30 accepts the input of primary data. The terminal device 30 transmits the primary data to the information processing device 100 via the network.

[0025] The information processing device 100 corresponds to the information processing device 1 shown in Figure 1. The information processing device 100 may be, for example, a server. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may be, for example, an information terminal. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may be implemented by, for example, cloud computing. Also, the information processing device 100 may be implemented by, for example, multiple computers that are connected to each other in a communicative manner. Furthermore, each component of the information processing device 100, which will be described later, may be implemented by multiple computers. The information processing device 100 may be a server owned by a reporting company that reports greenhouse gas emissions. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may be a cloud server available to the reporting company.

[0026] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100 according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 100 has as its main hardware components a control unit 102, a storage unit 104, a communication unit 106, and an interface unit 108 (IF). The control unit 102, storage unit 104, communication unit 106, and interface unit 108 are interconnected via a data bus or the like. The terminal device 30 described above may also have the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100 shown in Figure 4.

[0027] The control unit 102 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 102 has the function of an arithmetic unit that performs control processing and calculation processing. The control unit 102 may have multiple processors.

[0028] The storage unit 104 is, for example, a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 104 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 104 has the function of storing control programs and arithmetic programs executed by the control unit 102. In other words, the storage unit 104, which is a memory or the like, stores one or more instructions. The storage unit 104 also has the function of temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 104 may include a database. Furthermore, the storage unit 104 may have multiple memories.

[0029] The communication unit 106 performs the processing necessary for the information processing device 100 to communicate with other devices via a network. The communication unit 106 may include a communication port, router, firewall, etc.

[0030] The interface unit 108 (IF; Interface) is, for example, a user interface (UI). The interface unit 108 has an input device such as a keyboard, touch panel, or mouse, and an output device such as a display or speaker. The interface unit 108 may have a display device. The interface unit 108 may be configured such that the input device and the output device are integrated, for example, a touchscreen or touch panel. The interface unit 108 accepts data input operations from a user such as an operator or worker, and outputs information to the user. The interface unit 108 may accept the above-mentioned primary data through user operations. The interface unit 108 may output the above-mentioned primary data. The interface unit 108 may output the above-mentioned distributed emission amounts.

[0031] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing device 100 according to this disclosure. The information processing device 100 has as its components a primary data processing unit 110, a secondary data processing unit 120, a data management unit 130, a correction request processing unit 140, and an allocated emission output unit 150. The primary data processing unit 110 has a primary data acquisition unit 112, a primary data determination unit 114, and a first emission calculation unit 116. The secondary data processing unit 120 has a secondary data acquisition unit 122 and a second emission calculation unit 126. The information processing device 100 calculates the allocated emission using these components and outputs the calculated allocated emission.

[0032] As mentioned above, the information processing device 100 does not need to be composed of a single physical device. In this case, each of the above-mentioned components may be realized by multiple physically separate devices.

[0033] The primary data processing unit 110 functions as a primary data processing means. The secondary data processing unit 120 functions as a secondary data processing means. The data management unit 130 functions as a data management means. The correction request processing unit 140 functions as a correction request processing means. The allocated emission output unit 150 functions as a means. The primary data acquisition unit 112 functions as a primary data acquisition means. The primary data determination unit 114 functions as a primary data determination means. The first emission calculation unit 116 functions as a first emission calculation means. The secondary data acquisition unit 122 functions as a secondary data acquisition means. The second emission calculation unit 126 functions as a second emission calculation means.

[0034] Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the control unit 102. More specifically, each component can be realized by the control unit 102 executing a program (instruction) stored in the memory unit 104. Alternatively, each component can be realized by recording the necessary program on any non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed. Furthermore, each component is not limited to being realized by software programs, but may also be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. In addition, each component may be realized using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcontroller. In this case, the program composed of the above-described components may be realized using this integrated circuit.

[0035] The primary data processing unit 110 performs processing on the primary data. Specifically, the primary data processing unit 110 uses the primary data to perform allocation calculations and calculates the allocated emissions (first allocated emissions) of reporting companies for trading partners related to the primary data. The primary data processing unit 110 may also temporarily store (remember) the calculated first allocated emissions.

[0036] The primary data acquisition unit 112 corresponds to the primary data acquisition unit 2 described above. The primary data acquisition unit 112 acquires primary data provided by business partners. The primary data acquisition unit 112 may acquire primary data by receiving primary data from the terminal device 30. In this case, the primary data acquisition unit 112 can be implemented by the communication unit 106. Alternatively, the primary data acquisition unit 112 may acquire primary data when a user of the information processing device 100 inputs primary data by operating the interface unit 108. In this case, the primary data acquisition unit 112 can be implemented by the interface unit 108. Note that some business partners may not provide primary data depending on their policies. In this case, it should be noted that the primary data acquisition unit 112 may not acquire primary data for that business partner.

[0037] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating primary data related to this disclosure. Please note that the primary data illustrated in Figure 6 is for illustrative purposes only, and the primary data related to this disclosure is not limited to those illustrated in Figure 6.

[0038] Primary data includes data about the trading partner that provided the primary data. Primary data includes, for example, the trading partner's total sales, the trading partner's sales to reporting companies, data attributes for the trading partner's total sales, and data attributes for sales to reporting companies. Primary data also includes, for example, Scope 1 emissions, Scope 2 emissions, data attributes for Scope 1 and Scope 2, and whether or not third-party certification exists for Scope 1 and Scope 2. Primary data also includes, for example, total Scope 3 emissions, data attributes for Scope 3, and whether or not third-party certification exists for Scope 3. Primary data may also include emissions by Scope 3 Category as a breakdown of total Scope 3 emissions. In the example in Figure 6, this includes Category 1 emissions, Category 2 emissions, Category 3 emissions, Category 4 emissions, Category 5 emissions, Category 6 emissions, Category 7 emissions, and Category 8 emissions for Scope 3. Third-party certification for Scope 1 and Scope 2, and third-party certification for Scope 3, are not required.

[0039] Furthermore, Scope 1-3 and Scope 3 categories 1-8 are defined in the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. Primary data may also include "total emissions," which combines Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 total emissions, instead of Scope 1 emissions, Scope 2 emissions, and total Scope 3 emissions. In this case, primary data may include data attributes for total emissions.

[0040] Here, "data attribute" (and simply "attribute") indicates, for example, whether each value related to that attribute is a standalone value or a linked value. A "standalone value" is a value relating to the customer itself, that is, a value relating to the customer alone. In contrast, a "linked value" is a value relating to the entire group that includes the customer. Therefore, if an attribute indicates "standalone," the corresponding value is a standalone value. Also, if an attribute indicates "linked," the corresponding value is a linked value.

[0041] For example, if the attribute of "Total Sales of a Business Partner" is "Individual," the "Total Sales of a Business Partner" shown in the primary data is the total sales of the individual business partner that provided the primary data. On the other hand, if the attribute of "Total Sales of a Business Partner" is "Consolidated," the "Total Sales of a Business Partner" shown in the primary data is the total sales of the entire group, including the business partner that provided the primary data. Also, for example, if the attribute of "Scope 1" is "Individual," the "Scope 1 Emissions" shown in the primary data is the Scope 1 emissions of the individual business partner that provided the primary data. On the other hand, if the attribute of "Scope 1" is "Consolidated," the "Scope 1 Emissions" shown in the primary data is the Scope 1 emissions of the entire group, including the business partner that provided the primary data.

[0042] Furthermore, for example, if the Scope 3 attribute is "Individual," the "Total Scope 3 Emissions" shown in the primary data represents the total Scope 3 emissions of the individual trading partner that provided the primary data. On the other hand, if the Scope 3 attribute is "Consolidated," the "Total Scope 3 Emissions" shown in the primary data represents the total Scope 3 emissions of the entire group, including the trading partner that provided the primary data. Also, if the primary data includes "Total Emissions," and the Total Emissions attribute is "Individual," the "Total Emissions" shown in the primary data represents the total emissions of the individual trading partner that provided the primary data. On the other hand, if the Total Emissions attribute is "Consolidated," the "Total Emissions" shown in the primary data represents the total emissions of the entire group, including the trading partner that provided the primary data.

[0043] The primary data determination unit 114 corresponds to the primary data determination unit 4 shown in FIG. 1. The primary data determination unit 114 determines whether or not primary data is to be used for calculating allocated emissions. In other words, the primary data determination unit 114 determines whether it is possible to accurately calculate allocated emissions using primary data. When the allocated emissions can be accurately calculated using primary data, the primary data determination unit 114 determines that the primary data is to be used for calculating the allocated emissions. When the allocated emissions cannot be accurately calculated using primary data, the primary data determination unit 114 determines that the primary data is not to be used for calculating the allocated emissions.

[0044] Specifically, the primary data determination unit 114 determines whether or not to use primary data for calculating allocated emissions based at least on attributes related to the primary data. More specifically, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine whether attributes are uniform in the primary data. That is, the primary data determination unit 114 determines whether or not the attributes of a plurality of data included in the primary data are the same as each other.

[0045] Then, when the attributes are not uniform in the primary data, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that allocated emissions cannot be accurately calculated using the primary data. In other words, when the attributes are not uniform in the primary data, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the primary data is not to be used for calculating allocated emissions. In this case, the allocated emissions related to the business partner can be calculated using secondary data described later. On the other hand, when the attributes are uniform in the primary data, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the primary data can be used for calculating allocated emissions. In this case, as described later, the first emission calculation unit 116 can calculate a first allocated emission using the primary data. It should be noted that if it is determined based on a determination based on factors other than attributes described later that the primary data is not to be used for calculating allocated emissions, the primary data may not be used for calculating allocated emissions.

[0046] For example, if an attribute is either "standalone" or "consolidated," the primary data determination unit 114 determines whether the attribute in the primary data is unified to either "standalone" or "consolidated." In the example in Figure 6, the primary data determination unit 114 determines whether the attribute of total sales to trading partners, the attribute of sales to reporting companies, the attribute of Scope 1, the attribute of Scope 2, and the attribute of Scope 3 are unified. In other words, the primary data determination unit 114 determines whether the attributes shown in the third, sixth, and seventeenth items of the primary data illustrated in Figure 6 are unified to either "standalone" or "consolidated." To put it another way, the primary data determination unit 114 determines whether all of these attributes are either "standalone" or all are "consolidated." Furthermore, if the primary data includes total emissions instead of Scope 1 emissions, Scope 2 emissions, and Scope 3 total emissions, the primary data determination unit 114 determines whether the attribute of total sales to trading partners, the attribute of sales to reporting companies, and the attribute of total emissions are unified.

[0047] Furthermore, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine whether the emission categories shown in the primary data are predetermined categories. Here, "predetermined categories" are categories sufficient for calculating allocated emission amounts. In other words, "predetermined categories" are categories that cover the total emission amounts of trading partners. That is, the primary data determination unit 114 determines whether the emission amounts shown in the primary data cover the total emission amounts of trading partners. To put it another way, the primary data determination unit 114 determines whether there are any missing data in the emission amounts shown in the primary data that are necessary for calculating allocated emission amounts.

[0048] Then, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the allocated emission amount cannot be accurately calculated using the primary data when the emission classification indicated in the primary data is not a predetermined classification. That is, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the primary data is not to be used for calculating the allocated emission amount when the emission classification indicated in the primary data is not a predetermined classification. In this case, the allocated emission amount for the business partner can be calculated using secondary data described later. On the other hand, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the primary data can be used for calculating the allocated emission amount when the emission classification indicated in the primary data is a predetermined classification. In this case, as described later, the first allocated emission amount can be calculated by the first emission amount calculation unit 116 using the primary data.

[0049] For example, the "predetermined classification" may be categories 1 to 8 of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. Further, for example, the "predetermined classification" may be categories 1 to 7 of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. Further, for example, the "predetermined classification" may be all categories of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. The "predetermined classification" can be appropriately set by a user, for example.

[0050] The primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the emission classification indicated in the primary data is a predetermined classification when emission values are indicated for all of the items described above. On the other hand, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the emission classification indicated in the primary data is not a predetermined classification when there is any item among the items described above for which no emission value is indicated. Further, for example, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the emission classification indicated in the primary data is a predetermined classification when the item of "total emissions" in the primary data includes a value of total emissions.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 6, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the emission category shown in the primary data is a predetermined category when emission values ​​are shown in the 4th, 5th, and 8th items of Figure 6. Alternatively, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the emission category shown in the primary data is a predetermined category when emission values ​​are shown in the 4th, 5th, and 9th to 16th items of Figure 6. Alternatively, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the emission category shown in the primary data is a predetermined category when emission values ​​are shown in the 4th, 5th, and 9th to 15th items of Figure 6.

[0052] Furthermore, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine whether the supplier emission coefficient obtained using the primary data is an abnormal value. Note that a supplier emission coefficient being an abnormal value may mean that the supplier emission coefficient is smaller than a predetermined number. For example, the supplier emission coefficient may be smaller than a predetermined number in at least one of the following cases: when the "total supplier emissions" are reported to be smaller than a predetermined number, and when the "total supplier sales" are reported to be larger than a predetermined number. Alternatively, a supplier emission coefficient being an abnormal value may mean that the supplier emission coefficient is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. Therefore, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine whether the supplier emission coefficient is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. Here, the "supplier emission coefficient" corresponds to the proportion of emissions related to the supplier. The supplier emission coefficient may be, for example, the value obtained by dividing the "total supplier emissions" by the "total supplier sales," i.e., "total supplier emissions" / "total supplier sales." In the example in Figure 6, "Total emissions from suppliers" may be the sum of "Scope 1 emissions," "Scope 2 emissions," and "Scope 3 emissions from categories 1 to 8." Alternatively, "Total emissions from suppliers" may be the sum of "Scope 1 emissions," "Scope 2 emissions," and "Scope 3 emissions from categories 1 to 7." Alternatively, "Total emissions from suppliers" may be the sum of "Scope 1 emissions," "Scope 2 emissions," and "Total Scope 3 emissions." Note that the supplier emission coefficient may be calculated by the first emission calculation unit 116.

[0053] Furthermore, predetermined thresholds may be set appropriately, for example, using emission factors for products with high greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the threshold may be set to a value greater than the emission factor based on the purchase price of coal products. For example, if the emission factor based on the purchase price of coal products is 19.54 (t-CO2 / million yen), the threshold may be set to 20 (t-CO2 / million yen). Note that "t-CO2" (tons of carbon dioxide) is a unit that converts carbon dioxide emissions into weight (tons).

[0054] Furthermore, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that it is not possible to accurately calculate the allocated emissions using the primary data if the supplier emission coefficient obtained using the primary data is an abnormal value. In other words, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the primary data should not be used to calculate the allocated emissions if the supplier emission coefficient obtained using the primary data is an abnormal value. In this case, the allocated emissions for that supplier may be calculated using the secondary data described later. On the other hand, the primary data determination unit 114 may determine that the primary data can be used to calculate the allocated emissions if the supplier emission coefficient obtained using the primary data is not an abnormal value. In this case, as described later, the first allocated emissions may be calculated using the primary data by the first emissions calculation unit 116.

[0055] The first emission calculation unit 116 corresponds to the first emission calculation unit 6 shown in Figure 1. Based on the determination result by the primary data determination unit 114, the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the allocated emission amount (first allocated emission amount) using the primary data. Specifically, if the primary data determination unit 114 determines that the primary data should not be used to calculate the allocated emission amount, the first emission calculation unit 116 will not calculate the first allocated emission amount using the primary data. In other words, if the first emission calculation unit 116 determines that it cannot accurately calculate the allocated emission amount using the primary data, it will not calculate the first allocated emission amount. For example, if the attributes in the primary data are not unified, the first emission calculation unit 116 may not calculate the first allocated emission amount. Also, if the emission categories shown in the primary data are not predetermined categories, the first emission calculation unit 116 may not calculate the first allocated emission amount. Furthermore, if the supplier emission coefficient obtained using the primary data is an abnormal value, the first emission calculation unit 116 may not calculate the first allocated emission amount.

[0056] On the other hand, the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emission using the primary data if the primary data determination unit 114 determines that the primary data should be used to calculate the allocated emission. That is, the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emission if it determines that it can accurately calculate the allocated emission using the primary data. For example, the first emission calculation unit 116 may calculate the allocated emission (first allocated emission) using primary data for which the attributes have been determined to be unified. Alternatively, the first emission calculation unit 116 may calculate the allocated emission (first allocated emission) using primary data for which the emission category has been determined to be a predetermined category. Furthermore, the first emission calculation unit 116 may calculate the allocated emission (first allocated emission) using primary data for which the supplier emission coefficient has been determined not to be an abnormal value.

[0057] The first emissions calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emissions using the primary data as follows: If the attributes in the primary data are unified as "single values", the first emissions calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emissions using the following formula 1: (Formula 1) Total emissions from trading partners (single) × {Sales to reporting companies (single) / Total sales from trading partners (single)}

[0058] Furthermore, if the attributes in the primary data are unified as "consolidated values," the first emissions calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emissions using the following formula 2: (Formula 2) Total emissions from trading partners (consolidated) × {Sales to reporting companies (consolidated) / Total sales from trading partners (consolidated)}

[0059] Here, "Total Emissions from Suppliers (Standalone)" refers to the standalone value of total emissions from suppliers. "Total Emissions from Suppliers (Consolidated)" refers to the consolidated value of total emissions from suppliers. Also, "Sales to Reporting Entity (Standalone)" refers to the standalone value of sales to reporting entity. "Sales to Reporting Entity (Consolidated)" refers to the consolidated value of sales to reporting entity. Also, "Total Sales from Suppliers (Standalone)" refers to the standalone value of total sales from suppliers. "Total Sales from Suppliers (Consolidated)" refers to the consolidated value of total sales from suppliers. Note that when calculating the first allocated emissions for each scope, you may use Equations 1 and 2 after replacing "Total Emissions from Suppliers" in Equations 1 and 2 with "Emissions from Suppliers for Each Scope".

[0060] The secondary data processing unit 120 processes secondary data related to the greenhouse gas emissions of trading partners. Specifically, the secondary data processing unit 120 uses the secondary data to calculate the allocated emissions to be distributed to the companies reporting the emissions of trading partners. The allocated emissions calculated using the secondary data are referred to as "secondary allocated emissions." The secondary data processing unit 120 may also temporarily store (remember) the calculated secondary allocated emissions.

[0061] The secondary data acquisition unit 122 acquires secondary data regarding the greenhouse gas emissions of trading partners. The secondary data includes data necessary for calculating the second allocation emissions. The secondary data acquisition unit 122 may acquire secondary data, for example, by receiving secondary data from a device that stores secondary data. In this case, the secondary data acquisition unit 122 can be implemented by the communication unit 106. Alternatively, the secondary data acquisition unit 122 may acquire secondary data when a user inputs secondary data by operating the interface unit 108. In this case, the secondary data acquisition unit 122 can be implemented by the interface unit 108.

[0062] The secondary data acquisition unit 122 may acquire, for example, material data relating to materials procured from business partners as secondary data. For example, the secondary data acquisition unit 122 may acquire material data for each business partner from the reporting company's procurement system. Here, the material data indicates how much of each material category was procured for each material category relating to the materials procured from business partners. In other words, the material data indicates the activity level for each material category relating to the materials procured from business partners. The material data may also indicate, for example, the procurement amount for each material category relating to the materials procured from business partners. Alternatively, the material data may also indicate, for example, the procurement quantity for each material category of materials procured from business partners.

[0063] Furthermore, material data may indicate attributes such as procurement amount or procurement quantity. The attributes of material data may be the same as those in the primary data. If the attribute of material data is "single," the procurement amount or procurement quantity indicated by the material data is the single value for the supplier itself. If the attribute of material data is "consolidated," the procurement amount or procurement quantity indicated by the material data is the consolidated value for the entire group, including the supplier.

[0064] Furthermore, the secondary data acquisition unit 122 may acquire, for example, emission factors (emission intensity) corresponding to material categories related to materials procured from trading partners as secondary data. For example, the secondary data acquisition unit 122 may acquire emission factors for each material category from the Ministry of the Environment's input-output table database. If the material data indicates the procurement amount, the secondary data acquisition unit 122 may acquire emission factors indicating greenhouse gas emissions per unit procurement amount. If the material data indicates the procurement quantity, the secondary data acquisition unit 122 may acquire emission factors indicating greenhouse gas emissions per unit procurement quantity. It should be noted that the emission factors obtainable from the Ministry of the Environment's input-output table database may be industry averages and therefore may not reflect the actual conditions of individual trading partners.

[0065] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the material data included in the secondary data can be obtained from the reporting company's procurement system. In addition, the emission factors included in the secondary data can be obtained from the Ministry of the Environment's input-output table database. Therefore, unlike the primary data acquisition unit 112, which may not be able to acquire primary data, it should be noted that the secondary data acquisition unit 122 has a very high probability of being able to acquire secondary data.

[0066] The second emission calculation unit 126 calculates the second allocated emission using secondary data. Specifically, the second emission calculation unit 126 calculates the second allocated emission using material data and emission factors as secondary data. More specifically, the second emission calculation unit 126 calculates the GHG emission for each material category by multiplying the activity amount (procurement amount or procurement quantity) by the emission factor (emission intensity) for each material category. Then, the second emission calculation unit 126 calculates the second allocated emission by calculating the sum of the GHG emissions for each material category. Note that, as described above, the first emission calculation unit 116 may not calculate the first allocated emission depending on the supplier. On the other hand, it should be noted that the second emission calculation unit 126 can calculate the second allocated emission for all suppliers as long as the items necessary for calculating the second allocated emission are known.

[0067] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the method for calculating the second allocated emissions related to this disclosure. Figure 7 shows secondary data for each material category of a certain trading partner. In the example in Figure 7, for material category a, the procurement amount is 50 million yen, and the emission factor is 4.08 (t-CO2 / million yen). Therefore, the second emissions calculation unit 126 calculates the GHG emissions for material category a as 50 × 4.08 = 204 (t-CO2). For material category b, the procurement amount is 20 million yen, and the emission factor is 4.28 (t-CO2 / million yen). Therefore, the second emissions calculation unit 126 calculates the GHG emissions for material category b as 20 × 4.28 = 85.6 (t-CO2). For material category c, the procurement amount is 30 million yen, and the emission factor is 3.5 (t-CO2 / million yen). Therefore, the second emission calculation unit 126 calculates the GHG emissions for material category c as 30 × 3.5 = 105 (t-CO2). Then, the second emission calculation unit 126 sums up the GHG emissions for material categories a, b, and c and calculates the second allocated emissions for the reporting company for that trading partner as 394.6 (t-CO2).

[0068] The data management unit 130 manages emission data showing the allocated emissions for each trading partner. Specifically, the data management unit 130 generates emission data showing the allocated emissions for each trading partner. The data management unit 130 then stores the emission data as presentation data to be presented to the reporting recipient. The presentation data (emission data) is output by the allocated emissions output unit 150, which will be described later. In other words, the allocated emissions (emission data) managed by the data management unit 130 are output by the allocated emissions output unit 150. Here, the data management unit 130 manages the allocated emissions for each trading partner in such a way that a first allocated emissions calculated based on primary data and a second allocated emissions calculated based on secondary data may coexist. For example, the data management unit 130 stores the first allocated emissions for trading partner A as presentation data, and stores the second allocated emissions for trading partner B as presentation data.

[0069] Furthermore, the data management unit 130 may determine, when the first allocated emissions are calculated for a particular business partner using primary data, to output the first allocated emissions as the data to the reporting destination instead of the second allocated emissions calculated using secondary data. Alternatively, when both the first and second allocated emissions are calculated for a particular business partner, the data management unit 130 may determine which of the first and second allocated emissions should be output to the reporting destination as the data to be presented.

[0070] Specifically, suppose that the first and second allocated emissions have been calculated for a certain business partner A. In this case, the data management unit 130 determines the attributes of the secondary data used to calculate the second allocated emissions for business partner A. The data management unit 130 also determines the attributes of the primary data used to calculate the first allocated emissions for business partner A. The data management unit 130 determines whether the attributes of the secondary data and the attributes of the primary data match. If the attributes of the secondary data and the attributes of the primary data match, the data management unit 130 may decide to output the first allocated emissions, calculated using the secondary data, to the reporting destination as the data to be presented. On the other hand, if the attributes of the secondary data and the attributes of the primary data do not match, the data management unit 130 may decide to output the second allocated emissions, calculated using the secondary data, to the reporting destination as the data to be presented.

[0071] The correction request processing unit 140 performs processing to request correction of primary data from the trading partner if it is determined that primary data cannot be used to calculate the allocated emissions. In other words, the correction request processing unit 140 performs correction request processing. For example, the correction request processing unit 140 may generate a correction request and perform processing to display the correction request on the trading partner's terminal device 30.

[0072] The correction request may indicate the determination result by the primary data determination unit 114. If the primary data determination unit 114 determines that the attributes related to the primary data are not uniform, the correction request may include a message requesting that the attributes related to the primary data be uniformed. If the primary data determination unit 114 determines that the emission category shown in the primary data is not a predetermined category, the correction request may include a message requesting that the emission category shown in the primary data be changed to a predetermined category. If the primary data determination unit 114 determines that the supplier emission coefficient obtained using the primary data is an abnormal value, the correction request may include a message requesting that the primary data be corrected so that the supplier emission coefficient is not an abnormal value.

[0073] Furthermore, the correction request processing unit 140 may receive a notification indicating that the primary data has been corrected by the business partner. In this way, by having the correction request processing unit 140 process correction requests to business partners, the likelihood of obtaining appropriate primary data from business partners increases.

[0074] The allocated emission output unit 150 corresponds to the output unit 8 shown in Figure 1. The allocated emission output unit 150 outputs the calculated allocated emission. The allocated emission output unit 150 may also output the allocated emission to a server or terminal to which it is reported. In this case, the allocated emission output unit 150 can be implemented by the communication unit 106. Alternatively, the allocated emission output unit 150 may output the allocated emission to the interface unit 108 of the information processing device 100. In this case, the allocated emission output unit 150 can be implemented by the interface unit 108. Alternatively, the allocated emission output unit 150 may output the allocated emission to a terminal device 30. In this case, the allocated emission output unit 150 can be implemented by the communication unit 106.

[0075] The allocated emissions output unit 150 outputs the allocated emissions managed by the data management unit 130 as suggested data. In other words, the allocated emissions output unit 150 outputs the allocated emissions that the data management unit 130 has determined to be output as suggested data. The allocated emissions output unit 150 may output the first allocated emissions calculated using primary data instead of the second allocated emissions calculated using secondary data when the first allocated emissions for a certain trading partner are calculated using primary data. The allocated emissions output unit 150 may also output the first allocated emissions calculated using primary data instead of the second allocated emissions calculated using secondary data when the attributes related to the secondary data and the attributes related to the primary data for a certain trading partner match. The allocated emissions output unit 150 may also output the second allocated emissions calculated using secondary data when the attributes related to the secondary data and the attributes related to the primary data do not match.

[0076] Figures 8 to 10 are flowcharts illustrating the processing performed by the information processing device 100 according to this disclosure. Figures 8 to 10 are flowcharts of the information processing method. The primary data processing unit 110 of the information processing device 100 performs processing on primary data for the trading partner to be processed (step S110). Specifically, the primary data processing unit 110 acquires primary data for trading partner #N to be processed, performs an allocation calculation, and calculates the first allocated emission amount. If trading partner #N does not provide primary data, the process in S110 is skipped.

[0077] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the process in S110. The primary data acquisition unit 112 acquires primary data for customer #N (step S112). The primary data determination unit 114 determines whether the emission category in the primary data is a predetermined category (step S114). If the emission category in the primary data is not a predetermined category (NO in S114), the process flow proceeds to S152, which will be described later.

[0078] On the other hand, if the emission category in the primary data is a predetermined category (YES in S114), the primary data determination unit 114 determines whether the attributes in the primary data are unified as "single values" (step S122). If the attributes in the primary data are unified as "single values" (YES in S122), the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the supplier emission coefficient based on the single values ​​(step S124). The primary data determination unit 114 determines whether the supplier emission coefficient based on the single values ​​is an abnormal value (step S126). If the supplier emission coefficient based on the single values ​​is an abnormal value (YES in S126), the processing flow proceeds to S152, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the supplier emission coefficient based on the single values ​​is not an abnormal value (NO in S126), the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emission amount as a single value for supplier #N (step S128). Then, the processing flow proceeds to S142, which will be described later.

[0079] On the other hand, if the attributes in the primary data are not unified as "single values" (NO in S122), the primary data determination unit 114 determines whether the attributes in the primary data are unified as "linked values" (step S132). If the attributes in the primary data are unified as "linked values" (YES in S132), the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the supplier emission coefficient based on the linked values ​​(step S134). The primary data determination unit 114 determines whether the supplier emission coefficient based on the linked values ​​is an abnormal value (step S136). If the supplier emission coefficient based on the linked values ​​is an abnormal value (YES in S136), the processing flow proceeds to S152, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the supplier emission coefficient based on the linked values ​​is not an abnormal value (NO in S136), the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emission amount as the linked value for supplier #N (step S138). The processing flow then proceeds to S142, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the attributes in the primary data are not unified as "linked values" (NO in S132), the processing flow proceeds to S152, which will be described later.

[0080] The primary data processing unit 110 calculates the first allocated emissions for customer #N as an individual or combined value, and then terminates the allocation calculation for customer #N (step S142). The primary data processing unit 110 then determines whether or not processing has been performed for all customers (step S144). If there are customers for whom processing has not been performed (NO in S144), the processing flow returns to S112, and the above processing is repeated for other customers. On the other hand, if processing has been performed for all customers (YES in S144), the processing in S110 is terminated.

[0081] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8, if it is determined in the S110 process that primary data will be used to calculate the first allocated emissions for the trading partner to be processed (YES in step S150), the processing flow proceeds to S160, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that primary data will not be used in the S110 process (NO in S150), the correction request processing unit 140 performs a correction request process for the trading partner to be processed, as described above (step S152). Then, if the correction request processing unit 140 receives a notification indicating that the primary data has been corrected by the trading partner (YES in S154), the processing flow returns to S110, and the S110 process is repeated.

[0082] On the other hand, if the correction request processing unit 140 does not receive a notification from the trading partner indicating that the primary data has been corrected by the trading partner by the end of the predetermined period, the correction request processing unit 140 determines that the primary data has not been corrected by the trading partner (NO in S154). In this case, the correction request processing unit 140 or the primary data processing unit 110 of the information processing device 100 determines that it is impossible to calculate the allocated emissions using the primary data for the trading partner being processed (step S156). The processing flow then proceeds to S160.

[0083] The secondary data processing unit 120 performs processing related to the secondary data (step S160). Specifically, as described above, the secondary data processing unit 120 acquires secondary data related to the trading partner to be processed and calculates the second allocated emissions using the secondary data. The data management unit 130 also performs data management processing (step S170). The data management unit 130 determines whether to output the first allocated emissions or the second allocated emissions as data for the trading partner to be processed.

[0084] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the details of the process in S170. The data management unit 130 acquires secondary data and second allocated emissions for customer #N (step S172). The data management unit 130 determines whether or not the first allocated emissions for customer #N have been calculated (step S174). If the first allocated emissions for customer #N have not been calculated (NO in S174), the processing flow proceeds to S182, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the first allocated emissions for customer #N have been calculated (YES in S174), the data management unit 130 acquires primary data and first allocated emissions for customer #N (step S176).

[0085] The data management unit 130 determines whether the attributes of the secondary data and the primary data match individually or concatenated (step S178). If the attributes of the secondary data and the primary data do not match (NO in S178), the processing flow proceeds to S182, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the attributes of the secondary data and the primary data match (YES in S178), the data management unit 130 determines the first allocated emissions as the allocated emissions for customer #N (step S180). In other words, the data management unit 130 decides to output the first allocated emissions as the data to be presented for customer #N.

[0086] Meanwhile, in the process of S182, the data management unit 130 determines the second allocated emission amount as the allocated emission amount for customer #N (step S182). In other words, the data management unit 130 decides to output the second allocated emission amount as the data to be presented for customer #N. The data management unit 130 then determines whether or not processing has been performed for all customers (step S184). If there are customers for whom processing has not been performed (NO in S184), the processing flow returns to S172, and the above processing is repeated for another customer. On the other hand, if processing has been performed for all customers (YES in S184), the process of S170 ends.

[0087] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8, the allocated emission output unit 150 of the information processing device 100 outputs the allocated emission amount (step S190). As described above, the allocated emission output unit 150 outputs the first allocated emission amount or the second allocated emission amount for each trading partner as presentation data to the reporting destination, etc.

[0088] (Specific Example) Figures 11 to 14 are diagrams for illustrating specific examples related to this disclosure. The specific example will be explained below using Figures 11 to 14. Please note that Figures 11 to 14 are merely illustrative, and the content of the primary and secondary data and the data aggregation method are not limited to the content of Figures 11 to 14. In this specific example, the information processing device 100 performs allocation calculations for trading partners #1, #2, #3, and #4, and outputs the allocated emissions as presentation data.

[0089] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate primary data obtained from business partners according to this disclosure. The primary data acquisition unit 112 acquires the primary data exemplified in Figures 11 and 12 from business partners #2, #3, and #4. In the example of Figures 11 and 12, it is assumed that the primary data acquisition unit 112 was unable to acquire primary data from business partner #1.

[0090] The primary data obtained from supplier #2 shows that the total sales amount is "12,000 (million yen)", the sales amount to reporting companies is "120 (million yen)", and the total emissions are "10,000 (t-CO2)". In addition, the breakdown of total emissions in the primary data from supplier #2 is "2,000 (t-CO2)" for Scope 1 emissions, "3,000 (t-CO2)" for Scope 2 emissions, and "5,000 (t-CO2)" for Scope 3 emissions. Furthermore, the attributes in the primary data from supplier #2 are uniformly set to "consolidated".

[0091] Furthermore, the primary data obtained from customer #3 shows that the total sales amount is "8,000 (million yen)", the sales amount to reporting companies is "400 (million yen)", and the total emissions are "10,200 (t-CO2)". In addition, the breakdown of total emissions in the primary data from customer #3 is "5,200 (t-CO2)" for Scope 1 emissions, "3,000 (t-CO2)" for Scope 2 emissions, and "2,000 (t-CO2)" for Scope 3 emissions. Also, in the primary data from customer #3, the attribute is consistently set to "single".

[0092] Furthermore, the primary data obtained from customer #4 shows that the total sales amount is "60 million yen", the sales amount to reporting companies is "10 million yen", and the total emissions are "600 (t-CO2)". In addition, the breakdown of total emissions in the primary data from customer #4 is "300 (t-CO2)" for Scope 1 emissions, "200 (t-CO2)" for Scope 2 emissions, and "100 (t-CO2)" for Scope 3 emissions. In addition, the attributes in the primary data from customer #3 are either "standalone" or "consolidated", and are not consistent. The primary data determination unit 114 determines that the primary data for customer #4 will not be used to calculate the allocated emissions because the attributes in the primary data for customer #4 are not consistent.

[0093] The primary data determination unit 114 determines that the attributes in the primary data of customer #2 are unified and that the emission category is a predetermined category. The primary data determination unit 114 determines that the customer emission coefficient obtained from the primary data of customer #2 is less than the threshold. Therefore, the primary data determination unit 114 determines that the primary data of customer #2 will be used to calculate the first allocated emission amount. Accordingly, the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emission amount for customer #2 using the primary data enclosed by the thick line portion A1 in Figure 12.

[0094] Furthermore, the primary data determination unit 114 determines that the attributes in the primary data of customer #3 are unified and that the emission category is a predetermined category. The primary data determination unit 114 determines that the customer emission coefficient obtained from the primary data of customer #3 is less than the threshold. Therefore, the primary data determination unit 114 determines that the primary data of customer #3 will be used to calculate the first allocated emission amount. Accordingly, the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emission amount for customer #3 using the primary data enclosed by the thick line portion A2 in Figure 12.

[0095] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating secondary data relating to business partners as per this disclosure. Figure 13 illustrates material data relating to business partners #1, #2, #3, and #4. The secondary data illustrated in Figure 13 can be obtained from the reporting company's procurement system. The secondary data acquisition unit 122 acquires the secondary data (material data) illustrated in Figure 13 for business partners #1, #2, #3, and #4. The second emission calculation unit 126 calculates the second allocated emission for business partners #1, #2, #3, and #4 using the secondary data (material data) illustrated in Figure 13.

[0096] In Figure 13, the secondary data for the first item code "P0001" is material data related to the item classification "electronic components" of customer #1. The attribute of the material data (secondary data) for the first item code "P0001" is "standalone," and the purchase amount is "250 million yen." The secondary data for the second item code "P0001" is material data related to the item classification "electronic components" of customer #2. The attribute of the material data (secondary data) for the second item code "P0001" is "consolidated," and the purchase amount is "120 million yen."

[0097] Furthermore, the secondary data for item code "P0002" in the third row is material data related to the item classification "electronic components" of customer #1. The attribute of the material data (secondary data) for item code "P0002" in the third row is "single item," and the purchase amount is "30 (million yen)." Furthermore, the secondary data for item code "P0003" in the fourth row is material data related to the item classification "integrated circuits" of customer #1. The attribute of the material data (secondary data) for item code "P0003" in the fourth row is "single item," and the purchase amount is "50 (million yen)."

[0098] Furthermore, the secondary data for item code "P0004" in the fifth row is material data related to the item classification "transformers" of customer #3. The attribute of the material data (secondary data) for item code "P0004" in the fifth row is "single item," and the purchase amount is "100 (million yen)." Furthermore, the secondary data for item code "P0005" in the sixth row is material data related to the item classification "integrated circuits" of customer #3. The attribute of the material data (secondary data) for item code "P0005" in the sixth row is "single item," and the purchase amount is "300 (million yen)." Furthermore, the secondary data for item code "P0006" in the seventh row is material data related to the item classification "transformers" of customer #4. The attribute of the material data (secondary data) for item code "P0006" in the seventh row is "single item," and the purchase amount is "10 (million yen)."

[0099] Here, regarding customer #2, as described above, the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emission using the primary data enclosed by the thick line portion A1 in Figure 12. Also, for customer #2, the attribute of the primary data is uniformly set to "consolidated". Furthermore, referring to the secondary data of the second-row item CD "P0001", the attribute of the secondary data for customer #2 is "consolidated". Therefore, the data management unit 130 determines that it will output the first allocated emission calculated using the primary data enclosed by the thick line portion A1 in Figure 12 as the presented data, instead of the second allocated emission calculated using the secondary data enclosed by the thick line portion B1 in Figure 13.

[0100] Furthermore, regarding customer #3, as described above, the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emission using the primary data enclosed by the thick line portion A2 in Figure 12. Also, for customer #3, the attribute of the primary data is uniformly set to "single". Furthermore, referring to the secondary data of item CD "P0004" in the fifth row and the secondary data of item CD "0005" in the sixth row, the attribute of the secondary data for customer #2 is "single". Therefore, the data management unit 130 determines that it will output the first allocated emission calculated using the primary data enclosed by the thick line portion A2 in Figure 12 as the presented data, instead of the second allocated emission calculated using the secondary data enclosed by the thick line portion B2 in Figure 13.

[0101] As mentioned above, primary data was not obtained for supplier #1, so the first allocated emissions were not calculated. For supplier #4, primary data was obtained, but it was determined that the first allocated emissions would not be calculated using this primary data. Therefore, the data management unit 130 determines that for supplier #1 and supplier #4, the second allocated emissions calculated using secondary data will be output as the presented data.

[0102] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating emission data managed by the data management unit 130 relating to this disclosure. Figure 14 shows emission data calculated using either the primary data illustrated in Figure 12 or the secondary data illustrated in Figure 13. The major category indicates the category in Scope 3 of the data presented by the reporting company. The emission data illustrated in Figure 14 shows emissions from materials purchased from suppliers, so the major category is "Category 1". The subcategory indicates the basis for calculating the emission data. When the emission data shows the first allocated emission calculated using primary data, the first allocated emission is calculated based on primary data provided by suppliers, so the subcategory indicates the source of the primary data. Also, when the emission data shows the second allocated emission calculated using secondary data, the second allocated emission is calculated based on the price at which it was purchased from suppliers, so the subcategory indicates "Producer Price". Furthermore, the minor category indicates what kind of emissions the emission data represents. When the emission data shows the first allocated emission calculated using primary data, the minor category indicates which scope of emissions it represents. Furthermore, when emission data represents the second allocation of emissions calculated using secondary data, the subcategory indicates which material the emissions are due to.

[0103] The item codes "Z01001", "Z01003", and "Z01006" in Figure 14 relate to emission data showing the second allocation emission calculated using secondary data. On the other hand, the emission data enclosed in the thick line section C1 shows the first allocation emission calculated using primary data. Here, the data management unit 130 manages the emission data so that there is no overlap in the allocation emission between the second allocation emission calculated using secondary data and the first allocation emission calculated using primary data.

[0104] Item code "Z01001" indicates emissions from "electronic components". Note that item code "Z01001" indicates the second allocation emissions calculated using secondary data, and therefore the emissions shown for item code "Z01001" do not include emissions calculated using primary data. Specifically, in the secondary data illustrated in Figure 13, the secondary data corresponding to "electronic components" are the secondary data for item CD "P0001" in the first row, the secondary data for item CD "P0001" in the second row, and the secondary data for item CD "P0002" in the third row. Here, the secondary data for item CD "P0001" in the second row corresponds to the secondary data for trading partner #2, but since the first allocation emissions for trading partner #2 are calculated using primary data, the emissions for item code "Z01001" do not include emissions from trading partner #2. The secondary data for item code "P0001" in the first row and the secondary data for item code "P0002" in the third row are secondary data for "electronic components" from customer #1, which did not provide primary data. Here, the total purchase amount for the secondary data for item code "P0001" in the first row and the secondary data for item code "P0002" in the third row is 250 + 30 = 280 (million yen). The secondary data acquisition unit 122 also acquires the emission intensity (emission coefficient) for electronic components, which is "4.08 (t-CO2 / million yen)". Therefore, for item code "Z01001", the second emission calculation unit 126 calculates the second allocated emission amount for customer #1's "electronic components" as 280 × 4.08 = 1142.4 (t-CO2).

[0105] Item code "Z01003" indicates emissions from "integrated circuits". Note that item code "Z01003" indicates the second allocated emissions calculated using secondary data, and therefore the emissions shown for item code "Z01003" do not include emissions calculated using primary data. Specifically, in the secondary data illustrated in Figure 13, the secondary data corresponding to "integrated circuits" are the secondary data for item code "P0003" in the fourth row and the secondary data for item code "P0005" in the sixth row. Here, the secondary data for item code "P0005" in the sixth row corresponds to the secondary data of customer #3, but since the first allocated emissions for customer #3 are calculated using primary data, the emissions for item code "Z01003" do not include the emissions of customer #3. The secondary data for item code "P0003" in the fourth row is the secondary data for "integrated circuits" from customer #1, which did not provide primary data. Here, the purchase amount in the secondary data for item CD "P0003" in the fourth row is 50 million yen. The secondary data acquisition unit 122 also acquires the emission intensity (emission factor) for integrated circuits, which is "4.28 (t-CO2 / million yen)". Therefore, for item code "Z01003", the second emission calculation unit 126 calculates the second allocated emission amount for "integrated circuits" from trading partner #1 as 50 × 4.28 = 214 (t-CO2).

[0106] Item code "Z01006" indicates the emissions discharged by the "transformer". Note that item code "Z01003" indicates the second allocated emissions calculated using secondary data, so the emissions shown in item code "Z01003" do not include the emissions calculated using primary data. In other words, in the secondary data illustrated in Figure 13, the secondary data corresponding to the "transformer" is the secondary data for item code "P0004" in the fifth row and the secondary data for item code "P0006" in the seventh row. Here, the secondary data for item code "P0004" in the fifth row corresponds to the secondary data for customer #3, but since the first allocated emissions for customer #3 are calculated using primary data, the emissions for item code "Z01006" do not include the emissions for customer #3. The secondary data for item code "P0006" in the seventh row is the secondary data for the "transformer" of customer #4, which was determined not to use primary data. Here, the purchase amount in the secondary data for item code "P0006" in the seventh row is 10 million yen. Also, the secondary data acquisition unit 122 has acquired the emission intensity (emission coefficient) of the transformer, which is "5.26 (t-CO2 / million yen)". Therefore, for item code "Z01006", the second emission calculation unit 126 calculates the second allocated emission amount for "transformer" from trading partner #4 as 10 × 5.26 = 52.6 (t-CO2).

[0107] Item code "S02001" represents the first allocated emissions for Scope 1 of customer #2. In the primary data illustrated in Figure 12, the Scope 1 emissions for customer #2 are 2000 (t-CO2). Therefore, for item code "S02001", the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emissions for Scope 1 of customer #2 using the above-described formula 2 as 2000 × {120 / 12000} = 20 (t-CO2).

[0108] Item code "S02002" represents the first allocated emissions for Scope 2 of customer #2. In the primary data illustrated in Figure 12, the Scope 2 emissions for customer #2 are 3000 (t-CO2). Therefore, for item code "S02002", the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emissions for Scope 2 of customer #2 using the above-described formula 2 as 3000 × {120 / 12000} = 30 (t-CO2).

[0109] Item code "S02003" represents the first allocated emissions for Scope 3 of customer #2. In the primary data illustrated in Figure 12, the Scope 3 emissions for customer #2 are 5000 (t-CO2). Therefore, for item code "S02003", the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emissions for Scope 3 of customer #2 using the above-described formula 2 as 5000 × {120 / 12000} = 50 (t-CO2).

[0110] Item code "S03001" represents the first allocated emissions for Scope 1 of customer #3. In the primary data illustrated in Figure 12, the Scope 1 emissions for customer #3 are 5200 (t-CO2). Therefore, for item code "S03001", the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emissions for Scope 1 of customer #3 using the above-mentioned formula 1 as 5200 × {400 / 8000} = 260 (t-CO2).

[0111] Item code "S03002" represents the first allocated emissions for Scope 2 of customer #3. In the primary data illustrated in Figure 12, the Scope 2 emissions for customer #3 are 3000 (t-CO2). Therefore, for item code "S03002", the first emission calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emissions for Scope 2 of customer #3 using the above-mentioned formula 1 as 3000 × {400 / 8000} = 150 (t-CO2).

[0112] Item code "S03003" represents the first allocated emissions for Scope 3 of customer #3. In the primary data illustrated in Figure 12, the Scope 3 emissions for customer #3 are 2000 (t-CO2). Therefore, for item code "S03003", the first emissions calculation unit 116 calculates the first allocated emissions for Scope 3 of customer #3 using the above-mentioned formula 1 as 2000 × {400 / 8000} = 100 (t-CO2).

[0113] The data management unit 130 may also calculate the total of all allocated emissions. In the example in Figure 14, the data management unit 130 calculates the total emissions for category 1 as 2019 (t-CO2). The allocated emissions output unit 150 may then output the emissions data exemplified in Figure 14 as presentation data.

[0114] As described above, the information processing device 100 in this disclosure determines whether or not to use primary data for calculating allocated emissions, based at least on the attributes of the primary data, and calculates allocated emissions for the trading partner using the primary data based on the determination result. In other words, the information processing device 100 in this disclosure calculates allocated emissions considering the attributes of the primary data. However, if the attributes in the primary data are not unified, it may not be possible to calculate appropriate first allocated emissions even if the primary data is used. For example, in the example in Figure 12, the primary data for trading partner #4 has attributes of "standalone" for total sales amount and sales amount to reporting companies, and attributes of "consolidated" for emissions. In this case, total sales amount, sales amount to reporting companies, and emissions do not correspond to each other. That is, since emissions are on a consolidated basis, they may be excessive compared to total sales amount and sales amount to reporting companies, which are on a standalone basis. Therefore, even if first allocated emissions are calculated using these values, the values ​​may not be appropriate. In contrast, the information processing device 100 in this disclosure calculates allocated emissions considering the attributes of the primary data, and can therefore calculate appropriate first allocated emissions. Therefore, it becomes possible to accurately calculate the emissions allocated to reporting companies.

[0115] (Modifications) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, each process in the flowchart described above may be implemented using a trained model learned by machine learning.

[0116] Furthermore, the order of each process in the flowchart described above can be changed as appropriate. Also, one or more of the processes in the flowchart described above may be omitted. For example, the processes S152 to S156 shown in Figure 8 may be omitted. Also, the order of S114, S122 to S128, and S132 to S138 shown in Figure 9 can be changed from one another. For example, the process of S114 may be performed after S122 to S128 and S132 to S138. Also, the process of S122 may be performed after the process of S132. Also, the process of S178 shown in Figure 10 may be omitted. In other words, even if the attributes of the secondary data and the primary data are not unified individually or linked, the data management unit 130 may determine the first allocated emission amount as the allocated emission amount if the first allocated emission amount is calculated using the primary data.

[0117] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the second allocated emission is calculated using secondary data regardless of whether the first allocated emission is calculated using primary data or not, but the configuration is not limited to this. If the first allocated emission is calculated using primary data, it is not necessary to calculate the second allocated emission using secondary data. Therefore, in Figure 8, if the determination in S150 is YES, the process in S160 may be skipped.

[0118] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0119] Each drawing is merely illustrative to illustrate one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated with one or more other embodiments, rather than being associated with only one specific embodiment. As those skilled in the art will understand, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing to illustrate an exemplary embodiment are necessarily required, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any of the drawings may be changed as appropriate.

[0120] The program described above, when loaded into a computer, includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include electrical, optical, acoustic or other forms of propagating signals. The program may also include a program product.

[0121] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note 1) An information processing device comprising: primary data acquisition means for acquiring primary data relating to the greenhouse gas emissions of a trading partner; primary data determination means for determining whether or not to use the primary data for calculating allocated emissions to be distributed to reporting companies of greenhouse gas emissions relating to the trading partner, based on at least the attributes relating to the primary data; first emission calculation means for calculating the allocated emissions relating to the trading partner using the primary data based on the determination result relating to the primary data; and output means for outputting the calculated allocated emissions. (Note 2) The information processing device according to Note 1, wherein the primary data determination means determines whether or not the attributes are unified in the primary data, and the first emission calculation means calculates the allocated emissions using the primary data for which the attributes have been determined to be unified. (Note 3) The information processing device according to Note 2, wherein the primary data determination means determines not to use the primary data for calculating the allocated emissions if the attributes are not unified in the primary data. (Note 4) The primary data determination means determines whether the supplier emission coefficient corresponding to the ratio of emissions related to the supplier obtained using the primary data is an abnormal value, and the first emission calculation means calculates the allocated emission amount using the primary data in which the supplier emission coefficient has been determined not to be an abnormal value, as described in Note 1. (Note 5) The primary data determination means determines that the primary data will not be used to calculate the allocated emission amount if the supplier emission coefficient is an abnormal value, as described in Note 4. (Note 6) The primary data determination means determines whether the emission category shown in the primary data is a predetermined category, and the first emission calculation means calculates the allocated emission amount using the primary data in which the emission category has been determined to be a predetermined category, as described in Note 1.(Note 7) The primary data determination means determines that the primary data will not be used to calculate the allocated emissions if the emission classification shown in the primary data is not one of the predetermined classifications. (Note 8) The information processing device according to Note 1, further comprising: secondary data acquisition means for acquiring secondary data relating to the greenhouse gas emissions of a trading partner; and second emission calculation means for calculating the allocated emissions relating to the trading partner using the secondary data, wherein the output means outputs the allocated emissions calculated using the secondary data. (Note 9) The information processing device according to Note 8, wherein the output means outputs the allocated emissions calculated using the primary data instead of the allocated emissions calculated using the secondary data when the allocated emissions have been calculated using the primary data. (Note 10) The information processing device according to Note 9, wherein the output means outputs the allocated emissions calculated using the primary data instead of the allocated emissions calculated using the secondary data when the attributes relating to the secondary data and the attributes relating to the primary data match. (Note 11) The information processing device according to Note 10, wherein the output means outputs the allocated emissions calculated using the secondary data when the attributes relating to the secondary data and the attributes relating to the primary data do not match. (Note 12) The information processing device according to Note 1, further comprising: correction request processing means for processing a request to the trading partner relating to the primary data to correct the primary data when it is determined that the primary data is not used for calculating the allocated emissions. (Note 13) The information processing device according to Note 1, wherein the attribute indicates whether the value in the primary data is a single value relating to the trading partner itself or a linked value relating to the entire group including the trading partner.(Note 14) An information processing method comprising: obtaining primary data on the greenhouse gas emissions of a trading partner; determining, based at least on the attributes of the primary data, whether or not to use the primary data to calculate the allocated emissions to be distributed to reporting companies that report greenhouse gas emissions related to the trading partner; calculating the allocated emissions related to the trading partner using the primary data based on the determination result regarding the primary data; and outputting the calculated allocated emissions. (Note 15) A program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: obtaining primary data on the greenhouse gas emissions of a trading partner; determining, based at least on the attributes of the primary data, whether or not to use the primary data to calculate the allocated emissions to be distributed to reporting companies that report greenhouse gas emissions related to the trading partner; calculating the allocated emissions related to the trading partner using the primary data based on the determination result regarding the primary data; and outputting the calculated allocated emissions.

[0122] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configuration and function) described in Appendices 2 to 13 that are subordinate to Appendice 1 may also be subordinate to Appendices 14 and 15 in the same manner as those described in Appendices 2 to 13. Some or all of the elements described in any appendice may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means, systems, and methods for recording software.

[0123] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-044768, filed on 19 March 2025, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein.

[0124] 1 Information Processing Device 2 Primary Data Acquisition Unit 4 Primary Data Determination Unit 6 First Emission Calculation Unit 8 Output Unit 20 Information Processing System 30 Terminal Device 100 Information Processing Device 110 Primary Data Processing Unit 112 Primary Data Acquisition Unit 114 Primary Data Determination Unit 116 First Emission Calculation Unit 120 Secondary Data Processing Unit 122 Secondary Data Acquisition Unit 126 Second Emission Calculation Unit 130 Data Management Unit 140 Correction Request Processing Unit 150 Allocated Emission Output Unit

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: primary data acquisition means for acquiring primary data on the greenhouse gas emissions of a trading partner; primary data determination means for determining whether or not to use the primary data for calculating allocated emissions to be distributed to reporting companies for greenhouse gas emissions related to the trading partner, based on at least the attributes of the primary data; first emission calculation means for calculating the allocated emissions related to the trading partner using the primary data based on the determination result regarding the primary data; and output means for outputting the calculated allocated emissions.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the primary data determination means determines whether the attributes are unified in the primary data, and the first emission calculation means calculates the allocated emission using the primary data for which the attributes have been determined to be unified.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the primary data determination means determines that the primary data will not be used for calculating the allocated emissions if the attributes in the primary data are not uniform.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the primary data determination means determines whether the supplier emission coefficient corresponding to the ratio of emissions related to the supplier obtained using the primary data is an abnormal value, and the first emission calculation means calculates the allocated emission amount using the primary data in which the supplier emission coefficient has been determined not to be an abnormal value.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the primary data determination means determines that the primary data will not be used for calculating the allocated emissions if the supplier emission coefficient is an abnormal value.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the primary data determination means determines whether the emission category shown in the primary data is a predetermined category, and the first emission calculation means calculates the allocated emission using the primary data for which it has been determined that the emission category is a predetermined category.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the primary data determination means determines that the primary data will not be used for calculating the allocated emissions if the emission category shown in the primary data is not a predetermined category.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: secondary data acquisition means for acquiring secondary data on the greenhouse gas emissions of a trading partner; and second emission calculation means for calculating the allocated emissions related to the trading partner using the secondary data, wherein the output means outputs the allocated emissions calculated using the secondary data.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output means outputs the allocated emission amount calculated using the primary data, instead of the allocated emission amount calculated using the secondary data, when the allocated emission amount is calculated using the primary data.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the output means outputs the allocated emission amount calculated using the primary data instead of the allocated emission amount calculated using the secondary data when the attributes relating to the secondary data and the attributes relating to the primary data match.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the output means outputs the allocated emission amount calculated using the secondary data when the attributes relating to the secondary data do not match.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a correction request processing means for performing a process to request a correction of the primary data from a trading partner relating to the primary data when it is determined that the primary data will not be used for calculating the allocated emissions.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute indicates whether the value in the primary data is a single value relating to the business partner itself or a linked value relating to the entire group including the business partner.

14. An information processing method comprising: obtaining primary data on the greenhouse gas emissions of a trading partner; determining, based at least on the attributes of the primary data, whether or not to use the primary data to calculate the allocated emissions to be distributed to reporting companies for greenhouse gas emissions related to the trading partner; calculating the allocated emissions related to the trading partner using the primary data based on the determination result regarding the primary data; and outputting the calculated allocated emissions.

15. The information processing method according to claim 14, comprising determining whether the attributes are unified in the primary data, and calculating the allocated emissions using the primary data for which it has been determined that the attributes are unified.

16. The information processing method according to claim 15, wherein if the attributes in the primary data are not uniform, it is determined that the primary data will not be used for calculating the allocated emissions.

17. The information processing method according to claim 14, comprising determining whether the supplier emission coefficient corresponding to the ratio of emissions related to the supplier obtained using the primary data is an abnormal value, and calculating the allocated emissions using the primary data for which the supplier emission coefficient has been determined not to be an abnormal value.

18. The information processing method according to claim 17, wherein, if the supplier emission coefficient is an abnormal value, it is determined that the primary data will not be used for calculating the allocated emissions.

19. The information processing method according to claim 14, comprising determining whether the emission classification shown in the primary data is a predetermined classification, and calculating the allocated emission using the primary data for which it has been determined that the emission classification is a predetermined classification.

20. A program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquire primary data on the greenhouse gas emissions of a trading partner; determine whether to use the primary data to calculate the allocated emissions to be distributed to reporting companies for greenhouse gas emissions related to the trading partner, based on at least the attributes of the primary data; calculate the allocated emissions related to the trading partner using the primary data based on the determination result regarding the primary data; and output the calculated allocated emissions.

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