Toyota City launches SDGs Certification System for local businesses

Toyota City has collaborated with the Toyota Shinkin Bank and the Toyota Chamber of Commerce and Industry to launch the “Toyota City SDGs Certification System” in April 2023. The goal of this system is to promote the efforts of city businesses to achieve the SDGs.

The certification system examines the degree of contribution and achievement of the SDGs by business operators who have applied. The evaluation process uses approximately 80 indicators across four fields: environment, society, governance, and community contribution. Business operators who meet certain standards will receive certification and be granted incentives such as permission to use the certification logo and higher subsidy rates for certain subsidies from the city. This will help to strengthen their management power through participation in this system.

The certification period is approximately two years, and the evaluation process includes a document review and an expert meeting consisting of five members, including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and university professors. Toyota City will issue a certificate to the certified business operators.

There are three types of certification: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, in descending order of evaluation. Incentives differ depending on the type of certification. Examples of incentives include permission to use the certification logo free of charge, an increase in the subsidy rate and upper limit of some subsidies, and participation in human resource development seminars. In addition, certified businesses may receive fee reductions and opportunities to participate in career education projects for high school students and company information sessions.

More about SDGs in Japan