[Two Consecutive Years] Recruitment Open: AAKEL Supports CO2 Visualization for SMEs in Kanagawa Prefecture

AAKEL Inc. (Headquarters: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture; Representative: Ryoji Miyawaki; hereinafter 'AAKEL'), a company dedicated to realizing a decarbonized society through digital innovation, has been commissioned by Kanagawa Prefecture to implement its 'SME CO2 Emission Management System Introduction Support Project.' This marks the second consecutive year, following the 2025 fiscal year, that AAKEL has been selected for this project.

Through this project, AAKEL will provide support for the visualization and reduction of CO2 emissions for 70 SMEs in Kanagawa Prefecture (the 'Kanagawa CO2 Visualization Trial 2026'). Recruitment for participating companies is currently underway.

■ About the SME CO2 Emission Management System Introduction Support Project
Kanagawa Prefecture aims to achieve a decarbonized society by 2050, with a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to fiscal year 2013 levels by 2030.

This project aims to support SMEs in the prefecture in understanding their CO2 emissions and implementing reduction initiatives ('Kanagawa CO2 Visualization Trial 2026'), thereby facilitating the transition to decarbonized business management. Additionally, the initiative aims to disseminate the cases and challenges addressed through this effort, encouraging more companies to take the first steps toward decarbonization.

AAKEL has been selected as Kanagawa Prefecture's partner for this project for two consecutive years. By leveraging the expertise gained through last year's support and understanding the practical realities of SMEs in the prefecture, AAKEL aims to provide practical support for decarbonized management and contribute to the sustainable growth of the region.

■ Kanagawa CO2 Visualization Trial 2026
Consultants from 'CarbOne,' AAKEL's comprehensive decarbonization management support service, will provide free hands-on assistance from the first step—'visualization' of CO2 emissions—to the development of reduction plans.

Over the past five years, AAKEL has provided hands-on support for decarbonized management to 192 SMEs. Based on this extensive experience and know-how, consultants, who are qualified Energy Managers, will provide flexible, concrete, and actionable decarbonization plans tailored to each company's situation while conducting on-site assessments.

For companies struggling with a lack of budget or personnel, or those who do not know where to start, please take this opportunity to consult with us.

◆ Support Details
- Visualization of CO2 emissions: We use the 'AAKEL eCarbon' tool for calculations. Prior to calculation, we provide detailed explanations of the concepts, required data, and tool usage. The results can be used to apply for Kanagawa Prefecture's 'Kanagawa Decarbonization Challenge SME Certification System.'
- Proposals for emission reduction measures: Based on data entered into eCarbon, we check energy usage and propose optimal reduction measures. We also provide information on Kanagawa Prefecture's subsidy programs for implementing these measures.
- Development of emission reduction roadmap (for interested companies only): We create an execution roadmap for reaching reduction targets, considering cost-effectiveness, enabling independent decarbonized management even after the project concludes. Upon request, we also provide support for subsidy applications and acquiring decarbonization-related certifications such as SBT or CDP.

◆ Participation Requirements
- Must be an 'SME' or 'small business operator.'
- Must have a business location in Kanagawa Prefecture.
- Must be using a CO2 emission visualization service (excluding free tools) for the first time.

◆ Recruitment Period
- Ongoing until Friday, January 29, 2027 (Ends when capacity is reached).

◆ How to Apply
- Applications can be submitted via the official website.

■ AAKEL's Comprehensive Decarbonization Support Service 'CarbOne'
In April 2026, AAKEL launched 'CarbOne,' a brand for comprehensive decarbonization support. CarbOne is a collective term for services that provide one-stop support for the entire decarbonization process, from identifying the current situation to calculating emissions, implementing reduction measures, and disclosing information. This project is part of CarbOne's initiative to support the decarbonization of SMEs in Kanagawa Prefecture.

◆ Concept
CarbOne systematizes the decarbonization process into five steps: 'Know, Measure, Plan, Reduce, Inform,' providing staged and consistent support so that companies can start small depending on their situation.