Switching from Excel to "Zeroboard" saves over 20% of time. What is the secret behind Haseko Corporation's streamlining of CO2 emission amount calculation work for 25 group companies?
Switching from Excel to "Zeroboard" saves over 20% of time. What is the secret behind Haseko Corporation's streamlining of CO2 emission amount calculation work for 25 group companies?
For companies that have just started calculating CO2 emission amount, improving the efficiency of data entry and calculation work is a major Issue. Furthermore, when managing data in Excel, there are problems with frequent input errors and the burden on staff to maintain Emission intensity increases. As a solution to these problems, an increasing number of companies are considering reducing the workload by switching from Excel to a GHG emission amount calculation tool, and Zeroboard has received many inquiries. In this article, we spoke to Haseko Company about the reasons for introducing Zeroboard, its effects, and future initiatives.
Issue and background to introduction
Calculating data using Excel was time-consuming and led to input errors.
With limited human resources, we felt the limitations of managing our own Emission intensity.
Each staff member was also responsible for data entry work in multiple roles, and there were regular personnel changes, so it was necessary to create a system that would allow anyone to enter data quickly.
Reasons for choosing Zeroboard
I found the user interface to be excellent and easy to use.
There was a high degree of freedom in Settings the Emission intensity , so we were able to match it to our own operations.
The support system was extensive, including the Create of manuals and templates and the holding of in-house information sessions.
There was hope for the knowledge and expertise of Zeroboard, which provides products and calculation support for the construction industry.
Introduction effects and expected effects in the future
Thanks to the generous support, I was able to switch from Excel to Zeroboard in just a month and a half.
We were able to complete data entry for 25 location in just two months.
The secretariat's compilation/collection work time was reduced by approximately 20%
Thanks to the automatic update function for Emission intensity, we were able to improve accuracy and operational efficiency at the same time.
Preparations for migrating Excel data to "Zeroboard" were completed within a month and a half of signing the contract.
--Please tell us the background to the introduction of Zeroboard and the Issue.
Masui: We calculate the GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emission amount of each group Company , including consolidated subsidiaries, and the person in charge of inputting the data at each company handles this in addition to their current duties. We started calculating the emissions in 2020 and obtained certification from the Science Based Targets (SBT) initiative in 2022.
Previously, calculations were performed using Excel formats, which Issue a lot of effort to input and tally data. It took time to compile files for 25 companies, including the parent company and group Company, and to update various Emission intensity and check the input Contents.
In order to sustainably address climate change as a key Issue for the Company , we felt it was necessary to improve processes in a way that would reduce manpower, and so we began considering introducing a system.
-Please tell us why you chose "Zeroboard" and what was the deciding factor.
Masui: The main deciding factor in introducing "Zeroboard " was the ease of use of the tool. For example, there is a high degree of freedom in Settings the Intensity . As we have our own unique Emission intensity, we placed importance on the variability of the tool. There were three other deciding factors. 1) The approval flow can be Settings to allow multiple people to check, 2) Zeroboard will focus on providing calculation support to the construction industry, and 3) the quick response of everyone at Zeroboard, including sales and customer success, was also a point that was highly praised.
After going through trials with multiple companies, we chose Zeroboard. Zeroboard has a long track record of implementation and is reliable, and we always see it at exhibitions, so we felt at ease. In the end, all members of the room involved in the tool selection unanimously decided on Zero Board because it was easy to use and had the best Action.
Successfully reduced the time required to collect and compile data from 25 location by 20%
--Please tell us about the effects you have seen since introducing Zeroboard.
Masui: By introducing "Zeroboard," we have been able to reduce the time it takes for the secretariat to compile data by at least 20% compared to last year. We no longer have to open and check Excel files for 25 companies, and we can easily check data on the Dashboard, which has improved efficiency. We can now easily compile the figures provided by each group company, making it easier to grasp the overall figures.
The calculations have become simpler, since the person in charge of data entry at each location simply inputs the amount of activity into a pre-set template. In addition, when an external third-party verification was conducted last year, it was pointed out that there were cases where input numbers were not reflected due to errors in Excel formulas, but with the introduction of "Zeroboard", such input errors have been eliminated.
Zeroboard's user interface is easy to understand and intuitive to Action. There is no impression of slow screen transitions or lag when inputting, and the ease of Action means that I have almost no complaints. When I communicated requests for interface improvements, such as "please make it not scroll so that I can see the Contents of the item I'm inputting," they responded immediately, so I've never found it inconvenient to use. I also think that the fact that it doesn't have too many functions contributes to its ease of use.
Another benefit is that we no longer need to manage our own Emission intensity. Emission intensity changes every year, so it is difficult to collect and update the data on our own. By using the automatic update function for Emission intensity data, we have been able to reduce the amount of work while improving accuracy.
I believe that the input of Energy usage and waste data can be automated if we can further integrate with other systems, so I am looking forward to further updates.
Keigo Masui, Chief of the Housing Planning Promotion Office, Technology Promotion Division
Zeroboard supports the Create of manuals and templates and the introduction briefing sessions
-Was the transition from Excel to Zeroboard smooth?
Masui: The staff at each location were inputting data while also working on-site, so there were some difficulties with the change in work that came with the switch. However, the introduction and calculations went smoothly thanks to the support from Zeroboard, who Create an input manual and held explanatory meetings for the staff.
First, I handed over the Excel input manual that I had been using to the Zeroboard staff and explained the flow that I had been using. The data entry work is done by a second person and is periodically replaced by other staff due to personnel transfers, so I simply asked them to make the manual easy for anyone to use. I am very satisfied with the manual that was created as I expected.
They also cooperated with us in holding an internal briefing session to switch to "Zeroboard."A Zeroboard representative explained the session using the manual. The session was recorded and can be viewed at any time.
Of course, the manual and information sessions alone are not enough; once people actually start using the system, they have questions. As there are around 200 accounts across 25 companies, we also handled data entry by phone during the data entry period from April to June. We are also working on improving the Q&A section to facilitate smoother support for data entry staff.
--How is Zeroboard's sales and customer success handled?
Masui: Their response was quick and courteous. When we received the template set at the time of implementation, they responded quickly and I felt they had a very high level of understanding of our situation. They kindly suggested, "If you're using this type of Excel, then this template would be good for you."
As our Company are close to each other, we had many opportunities to meet and talk face to face, so there were no communication issues. In particular, they visited us regularly during the pre-implementation stage, which helped us to think together about ways to minimize the hassle for the data entry staff, leading to a smooth implementation. We were on a tight schedule with only one and a half months to prepare for the data entry, so we asked for a lot of help, but we are grateful for their careful attention to detail.
Considering CO2 reduction throughout the supply chain and calculations for overseas location
-Finally, please tell us about your future plans.
Masui: As a group, we aim to become carbon neutral by 2050, and we are tackling climate change issues from two perspectives. The first is to focus on technological development related to low-carbon construction and carbon-free housing, and to make the necessary investments. The second is to actively introduce external technologies and products that contribute to renewable Energy and decarbonization. As countermeasures, we are actively working to promote the use of materials with low greenhouse gas emissions, promote technological development to expand demand for energy-efficient buildings, switch to renewable Energy at each location , electrify heavy machinery used at construction sites, and utilize alternative fuels.
The first battery-powered, fully electric rough terrain crane to be used at an apartment construction site in Japan (Image provided by Haseko Corporation)
--Is there anything in which Zeroboard could be useful?
Masui: The construction industry has a high greenhouse gas emission amount, and we are working towards carbon neutrality with a sense of urgency. Scope 3 emission amount account for approximately 90% of the total, with the majority of Scope 3 emission amount coming from "use of sold products," which falls under Category 11. We are creating calculation formulas based on various pieces of evidence, and we hope that inputting this information will become easier.
We also want to work together to reduce CO2 emission amount throughout the supply chain, which is a future Issue . By further moving forward to obtain primary data from our business partners, we believe we can not only reduce our own Scope 3 emission amount, but also lead to reductions across the entire construction industry.
We would also like to ask for your cooperation in the future with regard to overseas location. Currently, they are not included in the GHG calculation, but with an eye on expanding our overseas business, we need to consider calculations for overseas location as well. I have heard that "Zeroboard" is also used overseas, so I hope to see it being used overseas as well.
*The support Contents will vary depending on the plan and options you choose.
At Zeroboard, we offer a variety of options to suit your needs, including holding study sessions and providing data entry services.
Initiatives to promote wooden construction and wood-based construction in condominiums (Image provided by Haseko Corporation)
