Knowledge Practical Approaches for Global Carbon Neutrality

When promoting global carbon neutrality, where should you begin? This section outlines three key initiatives that overseas representatives should implement.

To accurately assess CO₂ emissions at each site, data that has been managed separately must be consolidated in the cloud and centrally administered by headquarters. Establish robust data collection processes at overseas locations and use standardized templates and cloud-based IT tools.

This approach allows headquarters to standardize data even when it comes in different units or formats. Visualizing the data on a central dashboard makes it easier to monitor overall progress.

Overseas representatives must train local staff on the mechanisms of global warming, the significance of carbon neutrality, and the company’s role in these efforts. It is vital to provide technical training related to practical tasks—such as CO₂ measurement, data entry, and reporting procedures—to ensure accurate and consistent operations.

Furthermore, equip local staff with knowledge of both the headquarters’ standards and the local environmental regulations and support systems. This helps bridge gaps between sites and creates an environment where local teams can confidently execute their tasks, ensuring unified awareness and action across all locations.

To successfully deploy carbon neutrality on a global scale, the following three factors need to be addressed:

When pursuing carbon neutrality, it is essential to have reliable partners familiar with local regulations and market trends. Beyond facilitating the coordination between headquarters and overseas branches, these partners should also provide advice and support informed by an understanding of local cultures and business practices. Since each region has its own environmental regulations, market characteristics, and technological standards, utilizing local expertise can significantly streamline the path toward carbon neutrality.

A one-size-fits-all approach does not work because local conditions—such as the age of factory equipment, available renewable energy, local environmental regulations, and technical expertise—can vary greatly. Instead, adapt headquarters’ policies and targets to suit the specific circumstances at each site.

Additionally, it is important to visualize CO₂ emissions and develop data-driven reduction plans. Your strategy should not only focus on reducing CO₂ emissions but also on ensuring that reductions are achieved efficiently while maintaining production capacity.

Moreover, establish systems that enable swift sharing of any updates in local regulations or requirements with headquarters. Efficient information sharing facilitates the development of compliant countermeasures. By continuously running the PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) cycle, incorporating feedback from local teams, and engaging the entire organization, you can tailor effective measures for each site.

Achieving carbon neutrality can involve significant investments, changes to business processes, or even a transformation of the business structure. It is crucial for top management to provide strong leadership and clear policies to drive these changes.

For global success, all sites must work together under a unified direction rather than acting independently. Sharing best practices among sites and holding regular global meetings are important practices to reinforce common objectives.

KDDI aims to reduce total CO₂ emissions (Scope 1 and 2) across the entire KDDI Group to practically zero by the end of fiscal 2030, and to achieve net zero by the end of fiscal 2040. In this context, “net zero” means reducing the overall CO₂ emissions across the entire supply chain (including Scope 3) to near zero.

In November 2013, KDDI launched a solar power generation project to contribute to CO₂ reduction. By constructing solar facilities on part of its own property, KDDI generates electricity that is sold to power companies under the “feed-in tariff system for renewable energy.”

In May 2023, KDDI and au Energy & Life began operating sustainable base stations that achieve virtually zero CO₂ emissions. On sunny days, these base stations autonomously secure their power supply through solar generation, meeting all of their energy needs.

At night, the power supply automatically switches to the carbon-free plan offered by au Energy & Life, ensuring low CO₂ emissions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Successful global deployment of carbon neutrality requires concrete initiatives, such as phased planning (short-term, medium-term, and long-term), data integration, and local staff training. This article has highlighted the importance of flexible, site-specific approaches as well as the need for a clear vision from top management.

For overseas representatives advancing carbon neutrality, it is essential to begin by formulating a phased implementation plan with clear short-term, medium-term, and long-term objectives. Accurate monitoring of CO₂ emissions at all sites paves the way for effective reduction measures.

Next time we will focus on “solutions for visualizing CO₂ emissions” by introducing effective methods for data collection, reporting, and monitoring. Please stay tuned.