Environment
We will spread the use of renewable energy and promote Global Warming Countermeasures.
JCCU and Co-ops Nationwide Raise Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
In September 2024, under the nationwide "Co-op 2030 Environmental and Sustainability Policy," JCCU set new goals: cutting CO2 emissions by more than 50% by 2030 compared to FY2013 levels, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To reach these targets, co-ops across Japan are expanding renewable energy use and introducing electric delivery trucks.
Renewable Energy Target
Consumer co-ops nationwide have been developing renewable power sources such as solar and wind. Together with 12 other consumer co-ops, JCCU has set a target of generating about 400 million kWh of renewable energy annually (equivalent to 200,000 kW of output) by 2030. As of January 24, 2023, 51% of the annual target has been achieved (59% in terms of installed capacity).
Co-op Sapporo's Solar Power Initiative
Co-op Sapporo is developing up to 200 off-site solar power plants across Hokkaido to supply renewable energy to its stores. As of September 2024, 33 plants are in operation, meeting more than 14% of store electricity demand. Built on unused land such as abandoned farmland, these facilities minimize environmental impact. Once all sites are completed, the initiative is expected to cut CO2 emissions by about 5,900 tons annually, while enhancing regional energy self-sufficiency and ensuring a stable power supply.
Co-op Kobe's solar sharing
In 2013, Co-op Kobe launched an initiative to generate electricity from renewable sources. In 2017, it introduced "CO-OP DENKI," a service which supplies electricity derived from renewable energy and other low-impact sources. In January 2020, Co-op Kobe began solar sharing* at its farms, aiming to balance agriculture with power generation. The solar sharing area covers about 1,300 m2, and the electricity generated is supplied to "CO-OP DENKI."
*Solar sharing: The installation of solar panels on farmland, allowing sunlight to be shared simultaneously for agriculture and power generation.
Seikatsu Club's Solar Sharing
As part of Seikatsu Club Chiba's local SDGs initiatives, a farm-based solar power facility called "Fasoran" began operating on April 1, 2022, in Chiba Prefecture. The farm is jointly managed with the social welfare corporation Kaze no Mura ("Village of Wind"). The electricity generated is supplied to member households as "Seikatsu Club Denki." The facility also functions as a site for employment support and community engagement, contributing to both energy self-sufficiency and inclusive agriculture.
Tree-Planting Fund from Product Sales
Since 2002, the Taro Fisheries Cooperative, producer of "CO·OP Masaki Wakame," has been planting konara oak saplings to help preserve the marine environment. In 2018, JCCU, together with Iwate Co-op, Co-op Tohoku Sunnet Federation, and Co-op Kobe, established a tree-planting fund to support this initiative. A portion of sales from the "CO·OP Masaki Wakame" product is donated to the fund. In April 2024, a ¥220,000 donation raised through product sales was presented to the Cooperative, followed by the planting of 1,000 saplings in nearby mountains.