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What is PACT?
PACT (The Partnership for Carbon Transparency) is one of the initiatives led by WBCSD (World Business Council for Sustainable Development)*1. It is committed to achieving decarbonization through true transparency and accuracy of carbon emissions in supply chains, i.e., Scope 3 emissions.
Our discussions primarily focus on the calculation of carbon footprints (CFP) and inter-company data exchange in the process of visualizing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to establish accurate, reliable global methodologies and technological foundations.
The "Pathfinder Framework" established by PACT was introduced in the "Carbon Footprint Report" published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in March 2023 (pp. 22-23) as one of the standards that complement international rules such as ISO 14067:2018 and the GHG Protocol Product standard. It is highly likely to become an international de facto standard in the future, and its development is attracting attention.
*1 WBCSDThis organization is comprised of CEOs from over 200 leading global companies. It fosters collaboration among businesses to contribute to the transition to a sustainable society. Headquartered in Switzerland, it currently brings together participating companies from approximately 35 countries, working with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to share cutting-edge approaches and case studies on sustainability challenges.
The necessity of PACT
In calculating greenhouse gas emissions, there are currently many challenges, including the fact that international standards are open to interpretation. As a result, companies are calculating and disclosing emissions based on the requests of each country and their own judgment. Numerous tools exist for calculating emission intensity and emissions used in CFP calculations, and when exchanging emission data between companies for the visualization of Scope 3 emissions, there are challenges regarding the consistency, reliability, and transparency of the data.
Furthermore, in recent years, there has been progress in introducing carbon pricing and the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism.
Against this backdrop, there is a growing emphasis on increasingly precise CFP calculations and accurate data exchange, leading to increased attention on PACT, which sets global standards.
The world that PACT is trying to make real
To address the challenges and needs mentioned above and achieve true decarbonization, PACT has published the Pathfinder Framework, a guidance document for appropriate CFP calculation and data exchange between different solutions, as described above. Furthermore, to realize data collaboration that promotes the use of primary data while aligning with existing international standards outlined in the Pathfinder Framework, PACT is promoting the 'Pathfinder Network,' which involves publishing specific technical specifications and building a network. In addition, PACT is expanding the 'Pathfinder Ecosystem,' which involves collaboration with leading companies and various organizations to expand this data collaboration.
Trends in Japan within the "Pathfinder Framework"
In Japan,Green x Digital ConsortiumWithin the Visualization WG (Working Group) of the Pathfinder Framework, participating companies are conducting demonstration experiments with the aim of developing a "CO2 Visualization Framework" that aligns with the Pathfinder Framework and technical guidelines that align with the Pathfinder Network, and implementing them in society in Japan. Most recently, they have successfully demonstrated the technical aspects of CO2 data linkage between different solutions.
We aim to build a system for CFP calculation and data exchange within Japanese companies, in accordance with the Pathfinder Framework. *2
*2 Reference press release
The Green x Digital Consortium has begun a pilot project involving 35 companies to enable the visualization of CO2 emissions from supply chains through inter-company data exchange.
The Green x Digital Consortium successfully demonstrated the technology for linking CO2 data across different solutions. Fifteen solution providers participated, making progress towards realizing the visualization of CO2 emissions in the supply chain.
Compliant with PACT specifications
booost technologies was the first Japanese startup company to be selected as a "Global Startup Partner" by PACT. *3
*3 Reference press release
Japan selected as the first WBCSD-sponsored PACT Global Startup Partner
Our CO2 emission visualization systembooost GX" has been recognized as a solution that enables carbon footprint (CFP) data exchange based on PACT's international technical specification "Pathfinder Network," and is listed in PACT's online catalog (Pact Catalog It is also listed as a suitable solution in *4
*4 Reference press release
Certified as a solution provider compliant with the "Pathfinder Network," an international technical specification for GHG emissions data.
Furthermore, we are the only company selected as a steering committee member of the Green x Digital Consortium that provides CO2 and other emission visualization tools. As a solution provider, we develop and demonstrate products that comply with PACT specifications.
summary
The PACT specification systematically organizes the various calculation methods and technologies that are currently problematic, enabling reliable data exchange between different vendors and systems, and is expected to become the de facto standard in the future.
The standards and regulations surrounding CO2 emission data will continue to change daily. It is essential to accurately collect the latest developments from various domestic and international organizations, including PACT, and to respond appropriately.
If you are interested in CO2 emission calculation and visualization, as well as sustainability consulting that reflects the latest trends, please feel free to contact us using the information below.