First-Ever Western Japan Event: 26 Companies Share Practical Challenges in Sustainability Initiatives

Espoir Blue Dot Green Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Kohei Yashiba; hereinafter 'the Company') held a case-sharing and networking event for corporate sustainability officers titled 'SCB (Sustainability Conference of Boyadge) in Osaka' in Osaka Prefecture in May 2026.

The event attracted 34 participants from 26 companies, primarily those based in the Western Japan region. It was organized to provide a platform for sharing practical challenges and learning from peer companies in advancing sustainability initiatives, marking the first time the event has been held in Osaka.

## Focus on Engaging Management and Employees in Sustainability

The event featured a talk session with Mr. Shimoita from the Sustainability Promotion Department of Shikoku Kasei Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Marugame, Kagawa; President & CEO: Mitsunori Watanabe; hereinafter 'Shikoku Kasei HD'). He shared insights on engaging management and raising employee awareness—key strategies for advancing sustainability initiatives internally. Following the talk session, a networking event allowed participants to exchange views on their own company's initiatives and challenges.

## Event Highlights

### Part 1: Talk Session

Demonstrating the 'Risks of Inaction' to Gain Management Buy-In

Shikoku Kasei Holdings Co., Ltd. Sustainability Promotion Department Mr. Shimoita

Shikoku Kasei HD is a manufacturer headquartered in Marugame, Kagawa, engaged in chemical and building materials businesses. With domestic and international operations, the company is actively working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing internal sustainability awareness. Since establishing its Sustainability Promotion Department in April 2021, the company has advanced company-wide initiatives with a team of six, including part-time members. A distinctive feature is its use of the ICP system* in investment decisions. Additionally, the company is integrating ESG metrics into executive performance-linked compensation, creating mechanisms that align sustainability with management.

*ICP (Internal Carbon Pricing) System: A mechanism where companies set an internal CO₂ price to incentivize emission reductions and decarbonization investments and measures.

These systems were introduced to drive decarbonization. Mr. Shimoita explained, 'Considering changes in the regulatory environment, we demonstrated to management the risks of not taking action on greenhouse gas emission reductions.' Regulatory frameworks such as the emissions trading system (full implementation in FY2026), CBAM (full implementation in 2026), and fossil fuel levies (scheduled for implementation in FY2028) are evolving. Delayed responses could lead to increased future costs. Mr. Shimoita reflected that carefully explaining these international trends and regulatory changes and their impacts on the company helped secure management buy-in.

To enhance employee engagement, the company emphasizes increasing opportunities for employees to interact with sustainability topics. Currently, the company uses 'PivottA Sustainability,' a sustainability training video platform provided by our company. In addition to supplementary explanations on internal bulletin boards linking video themes to business operations, tabletop pop-ups with QR codes have been placed in break rooms for factory workers, creating natural learning opportunities. As a result, employees have shared feedback such as 'using the videos to prepare for client visits' and 'watching them at home with their children.'

### Part 2: Networking Session

Sharing Practical Challenges Among Sustainability Officers in Western Japan

Following the talk session, a networking event was held to foster connections among participants. Attendees exchanged insights on their company's initiatives and challenges while enjoying light refreshments. With participation primarily from companies based in Western Japan, the event became a valuable forum for sharing practical concerns among organizations with similar regional and business environments. To encourage broader interaction, multiple seat changes were implemented during the session. Additionally, a stamp rally was introduced to facilitate conversations through business card exchanges, creating a natural environment for first-time participants to connect.

On the day, participants were seen consulting each other on their own initiatives and challenges based on the talk session content, creating a meaningful opportunity for sustainability officers in Western Japan to build connections.

## First Osaka Event Responds to Demand for Peer Information Exchange

After the event, participants shared the following feedback:

- Gained many insights from the talk session, boosting motivation for future actions
- Learned that other companies are also navigating challenges, realizing their issues are not unique
- Found the opportunity to exchange information with sustainability officers in Western Japan rare and valuable

Corporate sustainability initiatives vary in progress depending on company size, industry, and organizational structure. However, frontline officers often face common challenges.

In Japan, the implementation of SSBJ (Sustainability Standards Board Japan), a sustainability disclosure framework, is scheduled for 2027. While only a subset of companies will be directly affected, growing supply chain-wide interest has led more companies to question how broadly they should respond.

In response to requests such as 'We want to understand how other companies are actually implementing initiatives' and 'We want to talk with officers facing similar challenges,' our company has provided platforms for honest information exchange among practitioners. While previously centered in Tokyo, increasing requests from companies in Western Japan led to the realization of the first Osaka event.

Moving forward, our company will continue to provide up-to-date information and online and offline networking opportunities for companies tackling sustainability challenges.

▼ Contact

Espoir Blue Dot Green Co., Ltd. Marketing Department Chihoko Kaneko

Tel: 03-6853-9418

Mail: carbonoffset@bluedotgreen.co.jp

HP: https://www.bluedotgreen.co.jp/contact/

▼ Company Overview

Company Name: Espoir Blue Dot Green Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 11F, Sumitomo Fudosan Akihabara Building, 3-12-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Representative: President & CEO Kohei Yashiba

Business: Sustainability Management Consulting

Established: November 2011