On Wednesday, June 29th, a consultation meeting on Soka University's decarbonization, energy use, and future plans (organized by the Kakegawa Seminar of the Faculty of Economics and supported by the SDGs Promotion Center) entitled "Let's Discuss: Decarbonization of the University" was held on campus. About 50 students, faculty, and staff participated and enthusiastically exchanged opinions.

At the outlet, Vice President Tanaka and the Director of the SDGs Promotion Center stated that as we are now facing various challenges, Soka University needs to demonstrate its ability to create value and share its wisdom toward decarbonization in 2050. He also stated that the matters proposed at today's meeting would be used as a reference as the university develops its strategies for decarbonization.

Associate Professor Kakegawa of the Faculty of Economics then explained recent developments, such as the targets set out in the Paris Agreement and the greenhouse gas reduction targets proposed by the Japanese government, before calling on participants to consider Soka University responsibility and mission, and work together to develop strategies for decarbonization on campus.

Afterward, students introduced examples of universities that are taking advanced initiatives in Japan (Chiba University of Commerce, Hiroshima University, etc.), and then participants were divided into groups to freely exchange opinions on how our university can take action and implement measures toward decarbonization.

Voices of the Participants
・It was fun and meaningful to be able to exchange opinions on the decarbonization of the university beyond our positions as students, faculty members, and staff. I hope it will be held again.
・The participants were able to learn about the latest developments in the field of facilities management, which I felt was an important perspective to consider when thinking about the activities we will take in the future.
・There are many things that we can do to make use of the founding spirit of Soka University, the university’s characteristics, and the rich natural features of the campus. I hope we will continue to consider and apply them in the future.
・I hope that we can make use of the size of the university to increase renewable energy.
・I was exposed to the students' innovative ideas, which broadened my perspective. I felt that if we can continue to increase opportunities for students, faculty and staff to collaborate in the future, it will give us the momentum to promote decarbonization.