Carbon Neutrality
Note: External Assurance on Environmental Performance
KPMG AZSA Sustainability Co., Ltd. has been engaged in providing external assurance on a set of selected environmental performance indicators (see pages 83–89) so that the reliability of the data is ensured. The particular indicators that have been assured are marked with a star (☆) for clarity.
CO2 Emission Reduction Targets and a Roadmap
In 2020, the JR East Group formulated a long-term environmental
goal, Zero Carbon Challenge 2050, aiming to achieve carbon
neutrality by FY2051.3. Furthermore, in June 2025, we set
new intermediate targets of a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions
compared with FY2014.3 by FY2036.3, and a 73% reduction by FY2041.3.
CO2 emissions for FY2025.3 totaled 2.18 million tons. We
implemented measures such as the installation of LED lighting
and higher efficiency air-conditioning equipment, as well as the
introduction of off-site corporate PPA, resulting in a 4% reduction
compared with the previous fiscal year. In addition,as part of
renewable energy development we began operations of the
Kawauchi Kitaroyama Wind Power Plant (generating approx. 93,400
MWh annually) in Fukushima Prefecture in February 2025.
While we committed to setting Science-Based Targets (SBT) in
August 2023 and reviewed specific reduction targets, detailed
studies revealed that there is an extremely wide range of suppliers
involved in our Group’s business, and so we have decided to
postpone our application until June 2025.
In addition to ensuring that we reduce carbon emissions in half by
FY2031.3 and achieve newly set reduction targets, the entire Group
is working together to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by FY2051.3
through the Zero Carbon Challenge 2050.
JR East Group Reduction Targets
Roadmap
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Overall CO2 Emissions and Energy Consumption of the JR East Group
CO2 emissions
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Boundary of Data
In principle, the scope of data collection for energy consumption and CO2 emissions is JR East alone and its domestic consolidated subsidiaries.
Calculation Method
CO2 emissions are calculated in accordance with the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures (Global Warming Countermeasures Act), and CO2 emissions resulting from electricity supplied from external sources, including electricity used for rail transportation, are calculated using the base emission factors (adjusted for non-fossil power sources) of each power company.
Energy Consumption
- *1Electricity: Both electricity generated in JR East’s power plants for internal use and electricity purchased from electric companies are included. For details regarding electricity generation and consumption, please refer to the JR East Energy Flow Map below.
- *2Fuels: Natural gas and other fuels used for generating electricity in JR East’s thermal power plants are not included.
- *3CO2 emissions attributable to electricity purchased from external suppliers are calculated based on base emission factors (adjusted for non-fossil power sources) .
JR East Energy Flow Map☆
This shows the flow of energy at the Company from input to consumption. Power supplied by our own power plants and electric companies is used for train operation as well as lighting and air-conditioning at stations and offices. Diesel fuel and kerosene, etc., are also used for diesel train operation as well as air-conditioning at stations and offices.
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Boundary of Data
Although in principle the scope for energy consumption and CO2 emissions volumes is only JR East, it includes energy consumption for the applicable operations of the companies to which we entrust station operations. On the other hand, the energy consumption of shops on station premises which are operated by JR East Group companies is not included in the boundary. We match the boundary for the energy consumption for the entire JR East business with that of transportation, plants, and others defined by the Act on Rationalization of Energy Use and Shift to Non-fossil Energy (the Energy Saving Act).
Calculation Method
Energy consumption was calculated by the method defined by the Energy Saving Act. Also, CO2 emissions attributable to electricity purchased from external suppliers are calculated based on adjusted emission factors. Moreover, the calorific value conversion coefficient for electricity is 3.6 MJ/kWh.
Emissions for the Overall JR East Group Supply Chain
Compared with the Zero Carbon Challenge 2050, the GHG Protocol Standard will further increase the amount of CO2 reductions required, by including the electricity supplied by other companies and emissions by other companies related to the business activities of the JR East Group (Scope 3). In addition, the JR East Group has a high proportion of Scope 1 emissions due to the fact that it owns thermal power plants. Because the Company owns numerous railway assets, including its own energy network, Category 2 emissions account for the largest proportion of its Scope 3 emissions.
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| Item | FY2023.3 | FY2024.3 | FY2025.3 | Calculation Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 emissions | 152 |
161 |
161☆ |
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions directly emitted from the combustion of all fuels used by the Group, including the operation of diesel railcars and self-operated thermal power plants. GHG emissions from energy sources are included. |
| Scope 2 emissions | 127 |
119 |
113☆ |
GHG emissions indirectly emitted by the use of electricity, heat, etc. purchased from power companies and other suppliers. |
| Scope 3 emissions | 316 |
316 |
290 |
GHG emissions from other companies related to business activities. Totals for individual categories may not match due to rounding. |
| Category 1 Purchased products and services | 72 |
59 |
43 |
Calculated by multiplying the purchase price of products and services purchased from outside the Group by the emissions intensity (*2). |
| Category 2 Capital goods | 94 |
114 |
95 |
Calculated by multiplying the amount of capital investment from transactions outside the Group by the emissions intensity (*2). |
| Category 3 Fuel and energy-related activities not included in Scope 1 and 2 | 53 |
55 |
54 |
Calculated by multiplying the amounts of purchased fuel, electricity, and heat used by the emissions intensity (*2) per amount of energy used. |
| Category 4 Transportation and delivery (upstream) | 9 |
7 |
4 |
For upstream logistics, calculations are made by multiplying the purchase value of products and services by the emission intensity (*3). For downstream logistics borne by the Company, calculations are made by multiplying the logistics cost by the emission intensity (*4). |
| Category 5 Waste generated from business | 26 |
17 |
20 |
Calculated by multiplying the amount of waste treated, the amount recycled, and the amount of waste disposal treatment by the emission intensity (*5). For wastewater, calculated by multiplying the volume of wastewater and the value of wastewater treatment by the emission intensity (*6). |
| Category 6 Business trips | 1 |
1 |
1 |
Calculated by multiplying the number of employees who regularly take business trips by the emissions intensity (*2). |
| Category 7 Employee commuting | 3 |
3 |
3 |
Calculated by multiplying the number of employee business days by the emissions intensity (*2). |
| Category 8 Leased assets (upstream) | <1 |
<1 |
<1 |
Calculated by multiplying the energy usage of the leased assets by the emissions coeffcient (*7). |
| Category 9 Transportation and delivery (downstream) | <1 |
<1 |
<1 |
Calculated by applying the product distribution (transportation and sales) scenario in the Carbon Footprint Calculation and Labeling Pilot Project Wide-Range PCR (non-energy-using products) and multiplying the product shipment volume by the emissions intensity (*2). |
| Category 10 Processing of sold products | 1 |
1 |
1 |
Calculated by multiplying the sales amount of intermediate products sold by the emissions intensity at the processing stage calculated from our company’s data. |
| Category 11 Use of sold products | 43 |
47 |
52 |
Calculated by multiplying the sales volume of products sold and the energy consumption during use based on standard usage scenarios, etc., by the emissions intensity. |
| Category 12 Disposal of sold products | 4 |
3 |
3 |
Calculated by multiplying the amount of waste processed, recycled amount, and waste disposal cost at the time of disposal of products sold by the emissions intensity (*5). |
| Category 13 Leased assets (downstream) | 11 |
9 |
10 |
Calculated by multiplying the energy consumption or total oor area of leased assets rented outside the Group by the emissions intensity (*8). |
| Category 14 Franchise | <1 |
<1 |
<1 |
Calculated by multiplying the total floor area of franchised stores by the emissions intensity (*9). |
| Category 15 Investment | 1 |
2 |
1 |
Calculated by multiplying the emissions of invested companies and projects (*10) by the ownership ratio. Investments other than purely for investment purposes and investments within the Group are excluded. |
- *1GHG emissions quantification is subject to uncertainty when measuring activity data, determining emission factors, and considering scientific uncertainty inherent in the Global Warming Potentials.
- *2The emissions intensity used is from the Ministry of the Environment’s Database on Emissions Intensities for Calculating Greenhouse Gas Emissions, etc. through a Supply Chain (Ver. 3.5).
- *3Emissions per unit of sales by sector multiplied by the logistics cost ratio, calculated from CDP data and each company’s sustainability report.
- *4Emissions intensity for each supplier’s transportation business type calculated from CDP data and each company’s sustainability report.
- *5The waste disposal amount was calculated using the basic unit data from the National Institute for Environmental Studies’ Environmental Load Basic Unit Considering Global Supply Chain Based on Input-Output Tables. The recycled amount was calculated using the basic unit data from the Emissions Basic Unit DB. The waste disposal amount was calculated using the basic unit calculated from the emission factor data in the Ministry of the Environment’s List of Calculation Methods and Emission Factors in the Calculation, Reporting, and Publication System (hereinafter referred to as Emission Factors in the SHK System).
- *6Wastewater volume was calculated based on the emission factor data of Emission factor in SHK system. Wastewater treatment cost was calculated based on the emission factor of Environmental Load Basic Unit Considering Global Supply Chain Based on Input- Output Tables.
- *7For energy other than electricity, the emission factor data from the Emission Factors in the SHK System is used. For electricity, the adjusted emission factor for each contract menu of the retail electricity supplier is used.
- *8For energy other than electricity, the emission factor data from the Emission Factors in the SHK System is used. For electricity, the adjusted emission factor for each contract menu of the retail electricity supplier is used. For total floor area, the unit data from the Emissions Unit DB is used, and the unit applied to the complex building is the representative value of the unit for the use with the largest usage ratio.
- *9For total floor area, the unit data from the Emissions Unit DB is used, and the unit applied to the complex building is the representative value of the unit for the use with the largest usage ratio.
- *10If the GHG emissions of the investee are known, that figure is used. Alternatively, the emissions of the investee are estimated using company information, data from the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy’s Energy Consumption Statistics Survey, and emission factor data from the Emissions Factors in the SHK System.
Reduction and Substitution of Ozone-Depleting Substances
We endeavor to reduce the use of substances specified as controlled in compliance with the Act on the Protection of the Ozone Layer Through the Control of Specified Substances and Other Measures, and to adopt substitutes that have less impact on the environment. Under the Act on Rational Use and Appropriate Management of Fluorocarbons, the JR East Group reported a leakage amount of 5 thousand t-CO2e☆ for FY2025.3.
Sulfur Hexafluoride Emissions Reduction
Under the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures, JR East Group reported SF6 gas emissions of 2 thousand t-CO2e☆ for FY2025.3.
CO2 Emissions per Transportation Volume (Passenger Transportation) (Fiscal 2023)
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Electricity Generated by JR East’s Power Plants
JR East operates a thermal power plant in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, with a total output of 809,000 kW, fueled by city gas and natural gas. We will continue to promote higher efficiency in our power generation facilities and consider the use of hydrogen power generation and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)* technology in order to reduce CO2 emissions. Our hydroelectric power plants (in Tokamachi City and Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture) have a total output of 448,000 kW and support our rail transportation as a clean energy source that does not emit CO2. We also aim to coexist with the local community and harmonize with the river environment through the development of fishways and the release of salmon fry. The generation efficiency of JR East’s thermal power plant for FY2025.3 was 43.1%☆. The CO2 emisson factor was 0.426 kg-CO2/kWh☆. In June 2025, we received the renewal permit for water use at the Shinanogawa Power Station. We will continue to comply with laws and regulations, rigorously manage the volume of water discharge and intake, and steadily work to coexist with the local community while harmonizing our water use with the river environment.
- *CCUS: Technology to separate and capture CO2 emitted from thermal power plants and factories, and store or make effective use of it.
Japan’s First Zero Energy Building Certification for a Station Building
As part of our energy-saving efforts at stations, in December 2024, we received Zero Energy Building (ZEB) Ready* certification for Muraoka New Station (tentative name) being constructed on the Tokaido Line between Ofuna and Fujisawa Stations. This marks the first time a station building in Japan has received ZEB category certification. This building realizes energy-saving measures by incorporating LED lighting and floor insulation as well as natural ventilation and lighting to reduce the air-conditioning load. We also received ZEB Ready certification in January 2025 for the renovation project of Yamamae Station on the Ryomo Line. Going forward, we will contribute to building lowimpact environments at stations that serve as the gateway to a region.
- *ZEB Ready refers to a building that uses high-performance insulation and energy-saving equipment to reduce energy consumption by 50% or more compared with a conventional building.
Utilizing Hydrogen Derived from Renewable Energy
To ensure that TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY creates fulfilling lives over the next century, we introduced pure hydrogen fuel cells that use hydrogen derived from renewable energy as part of our focus on hydrogen as a Green Transformation energy source. We are also using hydrogen to supply energy to small-scale mobility and as an emergency power source, thereby advancing demonstrations of environmentally friendly energy use.
Development of Hydrogen Hybrid Train
In March 2022, we began demonstration testing of HYBARI, a hydrogen hybrid train that uses hydrogen as fuel. Tests were conducted on the Tsurumi Line and Nambu Line to verify technical issues. We will continue development toward future operations of this technology.
CO2 Emissions Reduction Effect of Railway Construction Projects
Our construction department promotes a wide range of projects, including station improvements, town development, new station and line construction, and elevation projects in collaboration with local communities. Through these initiatives, it is essential to not only improve convenience but also contribute to creating a sustainable environment. Compared with privately owned cars, railways generate about one-sixth the CO2 emissions per transport volume, and the modal shift is expected to deliver positive environmental effects. By shifting travelers from cars and buses to the railway, the Haneda Airport Access Line (tentative name), currently under construction, is expected to cut CO2emissions by 6,000 t-CO2 annually.*1 This reduction is equivalent to the amount of CO2 absorbed by cedar trees planted on approximately 680 hectares, about the size of 145 Tokyo Domes.*2 Converting this CO2 reduction using an internal carbon price of ¥5,000 per t-CO2 yields an expected reduction effect equivalent to approximately ¥30.0 million. In other construction projects, we are working to use low-carbon materials that minimize the environmental impact of construction. For example, in steel frame construction, we examined using electric furnace steel*3 with low CO2 emissions during manufacturing from the design stage, achieving a CO2 reduction of several hundred tons compared with using blast furnace steel. In addition, we are advancing environmentally conscious approaches by using wood in interior construction, which has the effect of storing carbon. Going forward, we will use construction projects to promote initiatives for realization of a sustainable society.
- *1CO2 emissions from cars and buses were calculated in-house using the National Road and Street Traffic Situation Survey and carbon dioxide emission factors from the Technical note of National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management (No. 671).
- *2At a 40-year-old cedar plantation, 1 ha (1,000 trees) was assumed to absorb approximately 8.8 t of CO2 annually. (Source: Forestry Agency website, “How Much Carbon Dioxide Do Forests Absorb?”)
- *3Environmentally friendly steel with low CO2 emissions produced primarily from scrap in an electric furnace
Estimated CO2 emissions reduction effect
- *1At a 40-year-old cedar plantation, 1 ha (1,000 trees) is assumed to absorb approximately 8.8 t of CO2 annually.
- *2Calculated using an internal carbon price of ¥5,000 per t-CO2