Aiming for decarbonization in the Philippines through the development of projects utilizing the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)
Green Carbon Inc. (CEO: Jun Okita, hereinafter referred to as “Green Carbon”), a company engaged in the development and sale of nature-based carbon credits, is pleased to announce its participation in the “2nd Japan-Philippines Environment Week” (hereinafter referred to as “the event”), hosted by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines. The event was held in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, from Monday, January 13, to Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
At the event, Green Carbon introduced the potential of decarbonization through nature-based carbon credit creation projects utilizing the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) as one of the solutions to address environmental challenges in the Philippines.
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◆Background of Participation in the Event
Green Carbon Inc. has been actively engaged in the creation of nature-based carbon credits, primarily in Southeast Asia. The company undertakes a wide range of initiatives, including forest conservation, rice paddies, mangrove reforestation, reduction of cattle methane emissions, and biochar projects. Green Carbon promotes the development of carbon credit creation projects tailored to the unique characteristics of natural resources in each specific region. More over, in identifying suitable project sites and monitoring activities, the company leverages satellite data.
In the Philippines, Green Carbon is developing projects utilizing various natural resources, such as farmland, forests, and mangrove ecosystems. Among these, the primary focus is on methane reduction projects in rice paddies using AWD (Alternate Wetting and Drying) irrigation technology. The company is currently developing projects across a total of 260,000 hectares of rice paddies in six provinces. Concurrently, it is advancing biochar projects that utilize agricultural residues such as rice straw, as well as mangrove restoration and forest regeneration projects.
As a result of these efforts, Green Carbon was invited by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to participate in this event. During the event, Green Carbon engaged in discussions with a diverse group of stakeholders, including the governments of the Philippines and Japan, local governments, private sector entities, research and academic institutions, international and regional organizations, and NGOs. The discussions focused on exploring potential collaborations to promote the growth of green businesses and build a decarbonized, resilient society.
◆Details of the Presentation
Green Carbon participated in a session focused on air quality management held on Tuesday, January 14. During the session, the company highlighted the potential contributions of carbon credits as a solution to environmental challenges in the Philippines and introduced its ongoing initiatives.
In particular, Green Carbon emphasized the critical role of the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) from an economic perspective. By showcasing how this bilateral crediting system can support decarbonization efforts and drive sustainable development in the region.
| Environmental challenges in the Philippines |
|---|
| The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural disasters caused by climate change due to its geographical characteristics, including intensified typhoons, heavy rainfall, and rising sea levels. In urban areas, rapid population growth has exacerbated environmental issues such as air pollution and waste management challenges. Under these circumstances, transitioning to renewable energy and adopting energy-efficient technologies have become urgent priorities to achieve decarbonization. The growth of environmentally sustainable businesses is highly anticipated in this context. Additionally, the shift toward a circular economy presents significant business opportunities, such as recycling waste materials, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and developing eco-friendly tourism initiatives. These efforts are crucial for building resilience and fostering sustainable economic development in the Philippines. |
| Potential of JCM Utilization |
|---|
| The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the economic feasibility of advancing these initiatives. In Japan, JCM credits have been approved for application to offset corporate emissions under the GX-ETS (Green Transformation Energy Trading System), which is expected to significantly increase their demand in the future. Additionally, discussions are underway to facilitate JCM credit trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, which is anticipated to improve liquidity and further stimulate interest in JCM projects. The Philippines, as one of Japan’s JCM partner countries, has established methodologies for methane reduction in rice paddies to generate JCM credits. Notably, Green Carbon has been involved in the formulation of these methodologies, leveraging its expertise to expand JCM projects in the Philippines. By ensuring the economic viability of these projects, Green Carbon aims to contribute to the country’s decarbonization goals. Furthermore, these efforts will support the development of sustainable agriculture in the Philippines by integrating innovative practices and technologies that align with both environmental and economic priorities. |
◆Overview of the “2nd Japan-Philippines Environment Week”
The event, co-hosted by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Republic of the Philippines, marked its second edition following the inaugural event held from March 2 to 4, 2022. The primary goal of the event was to promote mutual understanding between Japan and the Philippines on environmental and related issues, while identifying opportunities for collaboration to foster the growth of green businesses and build a decarbonized, resilient society.
A variety of programs were organized to contribute to environmental cooperation, business development, and engagement between Japan and the Philippines. As part of the event, Green Carbon delivered a pitch presentation during a session focused on “Air Quality Management,” held on Tuesday, January 14.
| Organizer | Ministry of the Environment, Japan; Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines |
| Co-Organizer | Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines |
| Date | January 13 (Monday) – 15 (Wednesday), 2025 |
| Location | Manila, Philippines |
| Session | Thematic Session ②: “Air Quality Management” |
| Target Audience | Stakeholders interested in Japan-Philippines environmental issues, green business, and building a decarbonized society |
| URL | https://jprsi.go.jp/ew2025ph |
※１：AWD（Alternate Wetting and Drying）
AWD is a technique used in rice paddies where water is alternately applied and allowed to dry naturally based on the water level every few days. Compared to continuous flooding, this method reduces water usage and contributes to the conservation of water resources.
※２：JCM（Joint Crediting Mechanism）
The JCM is a bilateral system led by the Japanese government to disseminate Japan’s advanced decarbonization technologies. It supports partner countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the resulting reductions are applied to the emission reduction targets of both countries. As of February 2024, 29 countries are participating in the JCM as partner nations.
※３：GX-ETS
This is the first Japanese nationwide emissions trading system. It obliges companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and requires them to purchase emission allowances from other companies if their targets are not met. As of FY 2024, 747 companies are participating, with full-scale implementation aimed for FY 2026.
◆Green Carbon, Inc.
Representative ：Jun Okita, CEO
Location ：Isal AKASAKA607, 5-2-33 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Establishment ：December 2019
Business ：Carbon credit creation and sales business, agriculture-related business, environment-related business, other related businesses and ESG consulting business
URL ： https://green-carbon.co.jp/
◆Business Introduction of Green Carbon
Green Carbon operates with the vision of “Saving the Earth with the Power of Life”, by providing comprehensive support for the creation, registration, and sales of carbon credits in domestic and international markets. We are also expanding our business operations in wider industries including the agriculture, research & development, and ESG consulting. Our operations are primarily based in Japan and Southeast Asia, while currently expanding business in Australia and South America. We create naturally derived carbon credits from sources including water paddies, biochar, forest conservation, carbon farming, mangrove plantation, and methane from cattle eructation. Our main focus is on generating carbon credits through methane gas reduction in rice paddies, where we have obtained the first and largest certification for J-Credits in Japan (approximately 6,220 tons), and plan to expand to around 40,000 hectares (approximately 100,000 tons) in the fiscal year 2024. We also offer a service called “Agreen” that integrates credit registration, application, and sales into one platform, simplifying procedures such as application registration and document preparation, thus reducing workload for credit creators.
◆GREEN CARBON JAPAN VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED
Abbreviation ：GREEN CARBON JAPAN VIETNAM CO,. LTD
Representative ：Jun Okita, CEO
Location ：10th Floor, The Nexus Building, 34-3B Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Establishment ：August, 2024
Businesses ：Carbon credit creation and sales businesses, agriculture-related business
◆Social Media for Green Carbon
YouTube ：https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYO4WnGOHDaVB1ikxheZasA
note ：https://note.com/green_carbon/
Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557429326458
X ：https://mobile.x.com/GreenCarbon2019
Linkedin ：https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-carbon-inc/