ERM Japan Ltd. (ERM) has announced the formation of a joint venture with Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited (SMTB), aimed at advancing climate change solutions in Japan. The strategic collaboration, ERM SuMi TRUST Consulting Ltd., combines ERM's sustainability and low carbon transition consulting expertise with SMTB’s robust financial infrastructure, and is designed to support Japanese companies in their efforts to address climate-related challenges and align their operations with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Key elements of the joint venture:

Purpose and Scope: Central to the joint venture's mission is the provision of specialized consulting services to help companies in Japan transition to a low carbon economy. This encompasses a wide range of services from greenhouse gas (GHG) emission assessments and decarbonization strategies to climate risk analysis and the integration of these elements into corporate strategies and governance. Additionally, it includes advisory on carbon markets and support for climate-related disclosures, all designed to ensure compliance with international standards and support the global ambition of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Structure: The governance structure of ERM SuMi TRUST Consulting Ltd. will include a board of directors and a statutory auditor, ensuring balanced and effective management.

Operational launch: ERM SuMi TRUST Consulting Ltd. will commence operations on 1 April 2024, offering innovative solutions and services that will support Japan’s transition to a low carbon economy.

Tom Reichert, Group CEO at ERM, commented on the joint venture, stating, " This collaboration is a testament to both ERM’s and SMTB’s commitment to driving progress towards a low carbon future. The joint venture is not just about combining resources; it's about aligning our shared values and strengths to tackle climate change at scale. We believe that through this partnership, we can provide innovative sustainability solutions that will not only benefit Japan but also have a positive impact on the global stage."

Tatsuya Noma, President & CEO of ERM Japan Ltd., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "This joint venture represents a significant milestone in our mission to foster sustainable business practices towards a net zero future. ERM’s global insights, combined with SMTB’s financial expertise, create a powerful alliance to drive meaningful progress on climate change. Our collaboration is poised to spearhead the transition to a net zero economy, underlining our commitment to not only address the pressing challenges of today but also to pave the way for a sustainable, low carbon future for generations to come."

Services provided:

ERM SuMi TRUST Consulting Ltd. will provide comprehensive consulting services covering all aspects of climate change, including the assessment and measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, support for the development of decarbonization strategies, analysis of climate change risks, and the integration of these elements into customers' business strategies and governance. The joint venture will also offer advisory functions related to the carbon credit market and support for climate-related information disclosure. The services provided by this joint venture comply with global standards and aim to contribute to the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement.

About ERM:

Sustainability is our business. 

As the largest global specialist sustainability consultancy, ERM partners with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. 

ERM’s diverse team of 8,000+ world-class experts in over 150 offices in 40 countries and territories help clients drive sustainability at pace and scale through combining strategic transformation and technical delivery capabilities. ERM calls this its “boots to boardroom” approach - a comprehensive service model that helps organizations to accelerate the integration of sustainability into their strategy and operations. https://www.erm.com/