Starbucks Japan switches to renewable energy for carbon-free goals

Early this year, Starbucks stores in Japan began their switch to operate using renewable energy. The first Starbucks store in Japan to operate using renewable energy is the newly opened Starbucks Sayama City Irumagawa Shop located in Saitama Prefecture. As of April 2021, almost 300 stores nationwide have switched to renewable energy. This figure is expected to increase to 350 by the end of October this year. That would make 20 percent of Starbucks stores, across Japan, to be carbon-free.

Conventionally, businesses often deemed sustainability irrelevant because it is not profit-driven. However, recent research has shown that this is not entirely true. Customers care about sustainability and are more likely to buy from brands that practice sustainability. This shift in consumer behavior is driving a change in sustainability in business, transforming it to become a business essential.

Starbucks’ green initiative is part of one of the five strategies – to innovate and develop eco-friendly stores, operations, manufacturing, and delivery, of Starbucks’ commitment to being a resource-positive company.

In January 2020, Starbucks announced its commitment to be resource positive – to give more than it takes from the planet. It refers specifically to the sustainable management of carbon emissions, waste production, and water usage. The foundation of this aspiration is engraved in Starbucks’ mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time, as it creates greater value for society.

On top of that, Starbucks is also committed to achieving three preliminary targets by 2030: a 50 percent reduction in the production of carbon, waste, and usage of water.

One other key element to this initiative is its heavy emphasis placed on the sustainable use of local resources. Renewable energy is purchased from local companies to achieve a circular flow that gives back to the environment and local community, unique to each region.

Starbucks’ chain stores provide a scale that can be leveraged to make a positive impact on the environment and community. Moving forward, they aim to continue actively seeking innovative ways to incorporate sustainability into their business. The rising number of businesses committing to go carbon-free is paving the way for Japan to become a decarbonized society.