From Ocean-Derived Environmental Value to Urban Impact:Toward a New Circular Model through Blue Carbon Credits
Driven Technologies Inc. has acquired blue carbon credits generated in coastal areas of Kanagawa Prefecture.
By linking the CO₂ absorption value created through seaweed bed restoration to urban business activities, the company is working to establish a “carbon circulation model connecting the ocean and cities.”
Environmental Value Created through Seaweed Bed Restoration
In recent years, seaweed and seagrass beds have gained attention as “blue carbon” ecosystems that absorb and store CO₂.
However, along the coast of Kanagawa Prefecture, these habitats have been declining due to rising sea temperatures, nutrient depletion, and increased grazing by marine organisms—a phenomenon known as “isoyake” (marine deforestation).
Against this backdrop, there is a growing need not only to restore seaweed beds but also to quantify their CO₂ absorption and utilize it as measurable environmental value.
Credit Certification Enabled by Technological Innovation
In Kanagawa Prefecture, advanced monitoring technology combining autonomous underwater drones and AI has been developed to assess seaweed bed conditions.
Using this methodology, CO₂ absorption has been certified for the first time in Japan as J-Blue Credits.
These technological advancements are making it increasingly feasible to visualize the environmental value of marine ecosystems and integrate it into broader economic and social systems.
Credits Generated from the Seas of Enoshima and Jogashima
The blue carbon credits acquired correspond to the following certified CO₂ absorption volumes:
- Jogashima coastal area: 11.1 t-CO₂
- Enoshima coastal area: 8.6 t-CO₂
- Total: 19.7 t-CO₂
These credits represent environmental value generated through local marine conservation and restoration efforts.
Connecting to Urban Activities
The acquired credits will be allocated to offset CO₂ emissions associated with Driven Technologies’ business operations.
In particular, for the new office scheduled to open in June 2026 in Sakuragicho, Yokohama, the company aims to effectively cover 100% of operational CO₂ emissions through these credits.
This initiative represents a new approach to linking ocean-derived environmental value with urban activities.
A Carbon Circulation Model Originating from Manufacturing
The IJTT Group has been advancing demonstration projects for seaweed bed restoration by utilizing byproducts generated in its casting processes.
This initiative is part of a circular value creation model that connects industrial byproduct utilization to ecosystem restoration, and further integrates CO₂ absorption and credit generation back into business activities.
Toward a New Cycle of Value Connecting Ocean and City
Looking ahead, Driven Technologies will further promote the crediting of environmental value generated through its own demonstration projects.
The company aims to establish a “blue carbon circulation model” in which value is created and circulated within local communities.
Beyond reducing emissions, this approach seeks to balance the regeneration of natural capital with economic activity.
Driven Technologies will continue to pursue new forms of value creation that connect the ocean, cities, and industry.
For more details on this matter,
please refer to this press release.