Carbon credit deal boosts Memuro toward net zero emissions

The town of Memuro in Hokkaido has entered a three-way partnership to achieve its zero-carbon goals by creating carbon credits from its extensive forest resources. The agreement brings together the municipal government, the Tokachi Regional Forestry Cooperative, and carbon credit specialist Stellar Green Corp.

The partnership aims to accelerate the town’s decarbonisation efforts by formally quantifying and monetising the carbon sequestration capabilities of its forests, which cover 42% of the town’s total area. The collaboration will focus on generating and selling carbon credits under Japan’s J-Credit Scheme, promoting sustainable primary industries, and utilising local resources to boost regional revitalisation.

Memuro first established its “New Energy Vision” in 2009 and has since implemented renewable energy sources such as solar power and biomass in public facilities. These efforts culminated in the “Memuro Town Zero Carbon City Declaration” in 2024, which set a clear path for achieving carbon neutrality through the maximum use of regional assets, including its forests. This partnership further affirms the town’s commitment.

Akira Teshima, the Mayor of Memuro, expressed his optimism about the project. “Memuro is a town rich in nature, with the Hidaka Mountains, designated as a national park, and a rural landscape that has developed thanks to the blessings of nature,” he stated. “I am delighted that we can start a new project that utilises our forest resources. With this as an opportunity, we will advance further initiatives towards the realisation of a sustainable local community.”

The agreement will directly involve approximately 1,100 hectares of town-owned forest and 700 hectares owned by the cooperative.

Shigeo Hirose, Representative Director and President of the Tokachi Regional Forestry Cooperative, commented on the cooperative’s role: “We are pleased to be able to add value to our forest resources and work towards improving the sustainable environment,” he said. Akinori Nakamura, President and CEO/CCO of Stellar Green, also remarked: “By creating carbon credits, we will continue to protect the rich nature as an asset and strive to contribute to the sustainable town development of Memuro and Hokkaido.”