Asahi Breweries' Forest Certified for Absorbing CO2 Emissions

Asahi Breweries, Ltd., one of Japan's major beer breweries, acquired forest certification from a third-party organization for its "Asahi Forest", which is broadly located in Shobara City and Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, for the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed by the forest. This is the first case of its kind in Japan. CO2 annually absorbed by the forest is calculated to be 12,200 metric tons.

With an aim to preserve the environment, Asahi Breweries has been implementing forestation at the "Asahi Forest" site since 1941. The total area of the forest has grown to 2,165 hectares, which is equal to the size of 463 Tokyo Domes, or the size of Chiyoda and Chuo wards in Tokyo. Recognized as a precious forest resource to be preserved, it was designated as a forest reserve for cultivation of water resources and a prefectural natural park.

Amita Corp., known for its rich experience in the field of forestation, conducted the investigation for this certification. For the investigation of absorbed CO2, the company used a method based on international guidelines, the same method as adopted by the Kyoto Protocol. Asahi Breweries' own investigation also indicated 12,000 metric tons, which is about the same as Amita's result.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, Japan has to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by six percent from the 1990 levels, and of this six percent, 3.8 percent is targeted to be reduced by the absorbing function of forests. Asahi Breweries intends to keep its commitment to this initiative through activities such
as appropriate forest management.

- Asahi Breweries official website
http://www.asahibeer.co.jp/english/index.html

Posted: 2008/11/15 13:11:03 PM