BSI Group Japan (British Standards Institution), Starts CAM Corporation as a design-build contractor, Asia's first company to receive PAS 2080-based Carbon Management Certification under PAS 2080 for the first time in Asia

BSI Group Japan K.K. (located in Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama; Masaki Urushihara, President; hereinafter "BSI Japan") has certified Starts CAM Corporation (headquartered in Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Hideyuki Naoi, President; hereinafter "Starts CAM") for carbon management initiatives based on PAS 2080:2023 (*). (headquartered in Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Hideyuki Naoi, President; hereinafter "Starts CAM") for its carbon management initiatives based on PAS 2080:2023*.

Certification of carbon management based on PAS 2080 awarded to Starts CAM

Recently, global warming, climate change, and other global-scale problems are becoming more serious due to the increase in emissions of greenhouse gases such as oxygen dioxide resulting from our economic activities.

For this reason, the international community has been convening the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 1995. At COP26, held in the United Kingdom in 2021, it was clearly stated that efforts should be made to limit the average temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by around 2030.

In response, countries are accelerating their efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions more than ever.

PAS 2080 provides guidance for construction and infrastructure projects to reduce carbon emissions and minimize environmental impacts. As many countries and regions focus on decarbonizing and greening the construction industry, PAS 2080 requires companies and projects to take a leadership role in reducing CO2 emissions generated throughout the lifecycle of the value chain. As a guideline developed with the expectation that construction projects will become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, interest is growing.

BSI Group was involved in the development of PAS 2080 and is developing carbon management certification globally.

This latest initiative by Starts CAM to comply with PAS 2080 is proof of a clear direction for the future vision and development of carbon management to be implemented as a designer and builder, as well as the promotion of specific activities for carbon reduction.

In the future, activities to promote carbon reduction and to achieve net zero carbon emissions will be an unavoidable theme for each organization to combat global warming, and actively promoting carbon management will be even more required in improving corporate value.

- Note - *: PAS 2080:2080:20

PAS 2080:2023PAS 2080:2023 is a guideline for carbon management in construction and infrastructure.

Comments from Starts CAM

- Objective of the initiative

In recent years, the effects of climate change have become increasingly severe in many parts of the world, and since the construction industry accounts for a large portion of Japan's overall GHG emissions when the supply chain is taken into account, it is important to accelerate efforts to address this issue as soon as possible. Specifically, in identifying GHG emissions, setting reduction targets, and implementing reduction initiatives, we plan to establish a management system based on international standards specific to the construction industry to ensure transparency for our stakeholders and penetration among our employees.

- Innovations and difficulties in our efforts

We had some difficulties in interpreting the requirements because we had to consider them as they apply to the Japanese construction industry, and because the requirements are abstract and in English. In addition, we struggled to rethink what we had originally done from the perspective of environmental measures, focusing on CO2, and to apply each of the many requirements of the standards to our normal operations. To address these issues, we created a carbon management manual and guidelines and devised ways to further disseminate them within the company.

- Impressions of receiving certification from BSI, etc. The auditors understood more than we had imagined about the unique customs, work flow, and specialized and up-to-date knowledge of the Japanese construction industry, and were able to carefully confirm each requirement during the audit scene. We were able to obtain certification by systematizing, structuring, and visualizing once again what we had been working on for decarbonization.

Comments from Masaki Urushibara, President, BSI Japan

Starts CAM is working to promote environmentally friendly housing such as ZEB and ZEH. The acquisition of PAS 2080 certification is a leading innovation in the construction industry, which is accelerating its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

We hope that the acquisition of PAS 2080 will be an opportunity for Starts CAM to make further progress in its efforts to become carbon neutral. We are honored to be involved in the ambitious challenge of Starz CAM as a certification body.

About BSI (British Standards Institution) and BSI Group Japan

BSI (British Standards Institution) is an organization that promotes business improvement and standardization. For more than a century since its founding, it has had a positive impact on organizations and society, building trust and improving people's lives. Today, BSI works with more than 77,500 customers in 195 countries, while engaging with a 15,000 strong global community of professionals, trade associations, consumer groups, organizations, and government agencies. BSI has defined its own Purpose as helping clients achieve their Purpose by leveraging its expertise across key industry sectors such as automotive, aerospace, built environment, food, retail, and healthcare. From climate change to building trust in digital transformation, BSI works hand-in-hand with a wide range of organizations to tackle all critical social issues, helping them to accelerate the realization of a better society and a sustainable world, and to grow with confidence.

BSI Group Japan is the Japanese subsidiary of BSI, established in 1999. Its main business is the provision of management system and information security services, certification services for medical devices, product testing and certification services, and training services, as well as a wide range of standards-related services, including support for standards development.

URL: https://www.bsigroup.com/ja-JP/