Japanese Retailer Launches Unique Carbon Offset Program

LAWSON INC., a leading Japanese convenience store chain, launched its Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Offset Program on April 8, 2008, aiming to facilitate customer contributions to reducing CO2 emissions. Customers can easily participate in the program at Lawson stores by obtaining emissions credits in exchange for purchase points accumulated on member cards, or by purchasing credits directly through in-store multimedia terminals. The company is the nation's first retailer to start such a program.

In the carbon offset scheme, efforts are first made to reduce, to the greatest possible extent, the CO2 emissions that inevitably arise from daily living activities. When further reductions prove difficult, one's own emissions can be offset with reductions gained by investing in greenhouse gas reduction activities elsewhere on the planet, often in developing countries.

On behalf of its customers, Lawson has purchased carbon credits from a wind power generation business in Patagonia, Argentina. In exchange for Lawson points, or on payment through the multimedia terminals, the consumers can offset their own carbon dioxide emissions. Credit owners will receive an original certification with an identification number for each ton of carbon credits.

http://www.lawson.co.jp/company/e/index.html
http://www.lawson.co.jp/company/e/activity/archive.html
- Ministry and Retailers to Cooperate for Environment Conservation (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/1569-e
- Convenience Store Chain Promotes Green Activities (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/1807-e
- Yokohama City and Lawson Convenience Stores Agree to Reduce Packaging Waste (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/2010-e

Posted: 2008/09/28 11:05:17 AM