The decarbonisation management consulting service by Shoko Chukin Bank guides Japanese SMEs through their decarbonisation journey, helping them reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen integration into value chains. The programme is modular, allowing SMEs to select support across seven service lines. It covers key decarbonisation areas such as carbon emissions calculation, Scope 3 assessment, reduction roadmap development, SBTi certification, and the implementation of decarbonisation solutions. The programme also unlocks access to sustainable financing.
Shoko Chukin Bank – decarbonisation management consulting service in Japan
Abstract
The decarbonisation management consulting service, launched by Shoko Chukin Bank (SCB) in 2023, is a holistic programme which guides SMEs through their decarbonisation journey. As Japanese companies face increasing pressures to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and provide data on their emissions, this programme acts as a one-stop shop, helping SMEs advance along different stages of their transition.
SMEs are usually supported over a three-to-six-month timeline. Services cover areas such as emissions calculation, developing emission reduction roadmaps, receiving certifications and implementing solutions. The programme offers flexibility, allowing SMEs to select the support service lines which they deem to be most relevant to their individual business needs.SCB provides support services on a paid basis. In cases of high demand or for larger companies, some support services may be outsourced to external partners. To apply, SMEs can consult and apply directly through their local SCB branch.
.In total, SCB provides support along 7 service lines, which include:
Decarbonisation Management Start Programme: Offering three introductory study sessions on decarbonisation, focused on topics such as the various scopes of GHG emissions, calculating GHG emissions, trends in decarbonisation and the fundamentals of decarbonisation management.
Reduction Plans and Roadmaps: Helping SMEs identify key emission sources and supporting them in designing practical reduction strategies and roadmaps.
SBTi Certification: Guiding SMEs through obtaining the certification of the SME version of the Science Based Targets initative (SBTi), including setting 2030 reduction targets, preparing documentation and supporting the application process.
Scope 3 calculation: Offering training on understanding, calculating, visualising and reporting on Scope 3 emissions, as well as providing clarification on the definitions of each category and hands-on support in carrying out the actual calculations.
Carbon footprint calculation (CFP): Assisting SMEs in the collection of GHG emissions data required for CFP calculation, clarification of definitions, preparation of material flow, and calculation itself.Reduction solutions: Providing business matchmaking services with partners from SCB who are offering decarbonisation technologies and solutions.
Implementation support: Proposing actions for further improvement, taking into account an SME’s current status in decarbonisation management.
The programme also unlocks access to favourable financing through the GX Finance Programme, which was launched by SCB in 2025. This sustainability-linked loan product requires SMEs to set Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs) prior to financing approval. Ambitious SPTs result in potential interest rate reductions. Emission reduction targets for SBTi certification developed under the Decarbonisation Management Consulting Service can serve as viable SPTs to use when applying for the financing programme.
Climate action is gaining growing importance in Japan, as seen in its commitment to the Paris Agreement and its pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. SCB views decarbonisation management support as a valuable method to help its clients enhance corporate value and strengthen integration into value chains. Through its Industrial Strategy Department, SCB aims to promote innovation among SMEs. One of the key areas focuses on delivering solutions that advance SMEs’ capabilities in addressing climate change.
While the programme has been helping SMEs to advance on decarbonisation, it has also faced a number of challenges and lessons learned including:
Lower than expected uptake amongst SMEs: Many SMEs remain hesitant to commence on decarbonisation, as this often involves high upfront capital costs and offers limited short-term benefits relative to the investment made. In response, SCB has been engaging in awareness raising measures, which also highlight the long-term benefits of decarbonisation on profitability. SCB is conducting educational sessions, outreach through business and trade associations, and direct engagement via SCB’s branch representatives.
Higher demand from certain sectors: Although the programme is open to all sectors, demand has been strongest from manufacturing businesses, particularly from those operating in the automotive sector. These sectors often face higher pressures to decarbonise. The awareness-raising initiatives from SCB are aiming broaden participation among a wider range of SMEs.
Complexity in programme design and resourcing: During the initial design stage, structuring tasks across the seven service lines and ensuring sufficient resources posed challenges.
In terms of success factors of the programme, several can be identified:
Enabling growth and finance opportunities: Through supporting SMEs in setting KPIs on decarbonisation and developing GHG emission reduction plans, the programme can help facilitate new business opportunities and supply chain integration. It can further improve access to favourable financing opportunities, such as through SCB’s GX Finance Programme. These factors in turn can strengthen the case for SMEs to invest in decarbonisation.
Flexible approach: The modular design of the programme enables SMEs to participate in the service lines which most meet their business needs. This ensures a targeted and tailored approach.
Strong in-house delivery capacity: The ability to provide all support service lines in-house enables SCB to minimise reliance on external partners, reducing communication gaps that can occur between clients and external providers who do not have an established relationship yet. Through leveraging existing client relationships, SCB ensures seamless and effective communication, which enhances its capacity to support clients in decarbonisation management.
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