Precisely Calculated Carbon Footprint of System Engineering Service Contracts and Obtained Third-Party Guarantee
NTT Data Group and Recruit jointly conducted precise GHG emission calculations for SES contracts. By adopting an activity-based bottom-up approach, emissions became about 95% smaller than traditional cost-based methods.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 22:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 13:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 25, 2026 at 00:48 (11h 16m after Collected)
* This news release is jointly distributed by NTT DATA Group Corporation, NTT DATA Corporation, and Recruit Co., Ltd. Please note that it may be distributed multiple times.
NTT DATA Group Corporation, NTT DATA Corporation (hereinafter referred to as NTT DATA Group), and Recruit Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Recruit) have precisely calculated the Carbon Footprint (CFP) concerning System Engineering Service (SES) contracts (Note 1) based on actual business processes and obtained a third-party guarantee.
Traditionally, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in SES contracts were generally calculated using a simplified method based on 'transaction amount x emission factor.' However, in this initiative, emissions are calculated using a bottom-up approach based on actual business content and operational conditions. This enables the visualization of emissions closely reflecting reality, leading to the examination and execution of specific and effective measures for reduction.
This initiative is an advanced case in the IT industry of precisely calculating the CFP of SES contracts, and as a result, a guarantee was obtained from a third-party assurance organization.
[Background]
As companies progress in decarbonization efforts, grasping and reducing GHG emissions across the entire supply chain is becoming increasingly important. On the other hand, while there is growing global interest in calculating emissions for IT-related services, a de facto standard method has not yet been established, and a simplified calculation based on 'transaction amount x emission factor' remains common. However, this cost-based calculation method has the issue that the reduction efforts of both the delegator and the delegatee—such as selecting environmentally friendly products and efficient resource utilization—are not adequately reflected.
In response to these issues, NTT DATA Group has been working on developing emission calculation rules domestically and internationally, aiming to break away from cost-based calculations. As part of this, they formulated and published the 'Product-Specific Carbon Footprint Calculation Rules for Software' at the Japan Environment Club, an NPO, which this initiative references.
Recruit, which had adopted the 'total emission allocation method' (Note 2), was seeking a calculation method reflecting reality for further sophistication. This time, as a joint verification applying the method proposed by NTT DATA Group to Recruit's actual projects, the effectiveness of the precise calculation method was confirmed.
[Overview of this Initiative]
■ First in Japan (Note 3): Precise Calculation of CFP in SES Contracts
Utilizing primary information identified from operational records per project by both delegator and delegatee. GHG emissions are calculated via a bottom-up approach based on activity data per actual business process (power consumption of development equipment in development work, air conditioning, lighting, communication, etc.). Achieved a detailed understanding of emissions, which was difficult with conventional methods.
■ Sophistication of Existing Methods (Development of Total Emission Allocation Method)
Applying a calculation model reflecting actual operation based on the 'Product-Specific Carbon Footprint Calculation Rules for Software'. By considering actual emissions through a bottom-up approach, it is sophisticated enough to reflect reduction efforts on a project basis, which could not be captured by the 'total emission allocation method'.
■ Ensuring Reliability through Third-Party Guarantee
Obtained a third-party guarantee for the carbon footprint calculation results of the targeted contracts this time, ensuring transparency and reliability. A calculation report is also published simultaneously.
[Effects of this Initiative]
■ Precision of Emission Calculation
Compared to cost-based calculation, the emission value became approximately 95% smaller, making it possible to grasp figures closer to reality.
■ Realization of a Mechanism to Reflect Reduction Efforts
Compared to traditional cost-based calculations, it is designed so that the initiatives of both delegator and delegatee are reflected in emissions. This improves awareness of reduction efforts including the delegatee and contributes to the creation of more effective reduction measures.
Roles of the Three Companies
NTT DATA Group Corporation
Definition of targeted processes, construction of calculation scenarios, execution of calculation, acquisition of third-party guarantee.
NTT DATA Corporation
Identification, data collection, and provision of primary information and activity data serving as calculation grounds in the verification field (targeted projects); confirmation of calculation boundaries.
Recruit Co., Ltd.
Provision of the verification field (targeted projects); identification, data collection, and provision of primary information and activity data serving as calculation grounds; confirmation of calculation boundaries.
[Future Outlook]
Based on the knowledge gained from this initiative, the three companies will promote the sophistication and standardization of emission calculations in IT-related services, contributing to the decarbonization of the IT industry. Specifically, by deploying this initiative originating from Japan domestically and globally, we will strive for the decarbonization of the IT sector worldwide.
Furthermore, considering the importance of both delegators and delegatees taking proactive roles by combining precise information provision with the delegatee's advanced calculation expertise, we will...
NTT DATA Group Corporation, NTT DATA Corporation (hereinafter referred to as NTT DATA Group), and Recruit Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Recruit) have precisely calculated the Carbon Footprint (CFP) concerning System Engineering Service (SES) contracts (Note 1) based on actual business processes and obtained a third-party guarantee.
Traditionally, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in SES contracts were generally calculated using a simplified method based on 'transaction amount x emission factor.' However, in this initiative, emissions are calculated using a bottom-up approach based on actual business content and operational conditions. This enables the visualization of emissions closely reflecting reality, leading to the examination and execution of specific and effective measures for reduction.
This initiative is an advanced case in the IT industry of precisely calculating the CFP of SES contracts, and as a result, a guarantee was obtained from a third-party assurance organization.
[Background]
As companies progress in decarbonization efforts, grasping and reducing GHG emissions across the entire supply chain is becoming increasingly important. On the other hand, while there is growing global interest in calculating emissions for IT-related services, a de facto standard method has not yet been established, and a simplified calculation based on 'transaction amount x emission factor' remains common. However, this cost-based calculation method has the issue that the reduction efforts of both the delegator and the delegatee—such as selecting environmentally friendly products and efficient resource utilization—are not adequately reflected.
In response to these issues, NTT DATA Group has been working on developing emission calculation rules domestically and internationally, aiming to break away from cost-based calculations. As part of this, they formulated and published the 'Product-Specific Carbon Footprint Calculation Rules for Software' at the Japan Environment Club, an NPO, which this initiative references.
Recruit, which had adopted the 'total emission allocation method' (Note 2), was seeking a calculation method reflecting reality for further sophistication. This time, as a joint verification applying the method proposed by NTT DATA Group to Recruit's actual projects, the effectiveness of the precise calculation method was confirmed.
[Overview of this Initiative]
■ First in Japan (Note 3): Precise Calculation of CFP in SES Contracts
Utilizing primary information identified from operational records per project by both delegator and delegatee. GHG emissions are calculated via a bottom-up approach based on activity data per actual business process (power consumption of development equipment in development work, air conditioning, lighting, communication, etc.). Achieved a detailed understanding of emissions, which was difficult with conventional methods.
■ Sophistication of Existing Methods (Development of Total Emission Allocation Method)
Applying a calculation model reflecting actual operation based on the 'Product-Specific Carbon Footprint Calculation Rules for Software'. By considering actual emissions through a bottom-up approach, it is sophisticated enough to reflect reduction efforts on a project basis, which could not be captured by the 'total emission allocation method'.
■ Ensuring Reliability through Third-Party Guarantee
Obtained a third-party guarantee for the carbon footprint calculation results of the targeted contracts this time, ensuring transparency and reliability. A calculation report is also published simultaneously.
[Effects of this Initiative]
■ Precision of Emission Calculation
Compared to cost-based calculation, the emission value became approximately 95% smaller, making it possible to grasp figures closer to reality.
■ Realization of a Mechanism to Reflect Reduction Efforts
Compared to traditional cost-based calculations, it is designed so that the initiatives of both delegator and delegatee are reflected in emissions. This improves awareness of reduction efforts including the delegatee and contributes to the creation of more effective reduction measures.
Roles of the Three Companies
NTT DATA Group Corporation
Definition of targeted processes, construction of calculation scenarios, execution of calculation, acquisition of third-party guarantee.
NTT DATA Corporation
Identification, data collection, and provision of primary information and activity data serving as calculation grounds in the verification field (targeted projects); confirmation of calculation boundaries.
Recruit Co., Ltd.
Provision of the verification field (targeted projects); identification, data collection, and provision of primary information and activity data serving as calculation grounds; confirmation of calculation boundaries.
[Future Outlook]
Based on the knowledge gained from this initiative, the three companies will promote the sophistication and standardization of emission calculations in IT-related services, contributing to the decarbonization of the IT industry. Specifically, by deploying this initiative originating from Japan domestically and globally, we will strive for the decarbonization of the IT sector worldwide.
Furthermore, considering the importance of both delegators and delegatees taking proactive roles by combining precise information provision with the delegatee's advanced calculation expertise, we will...