Hojo roadside station that Hokuei-cho is taking the lead in construction, will obtain SGEC project certification in September 2024 and is scheduled to open next April 2025. The construction will use 100% SGEC-certified cedar lumber (8.2202 cubic meters), and it is attracting attention as the first building in Tottori Prefecture to utilize forest-certified lumber. This project aims to promote the use of sustainable forest resources, contributing to both environmental protection and economic revitalization in the region. Through Hokuei Town's initiative, it is expected to help promote the use of certified forest materials as part of building a sustainable society.

"TanChO", developed by Japan Kenzai Co., Ltd., is a system that displays the carbon storage of environmentally friendly wood products, including certified forest materials, on documents such as delivery note. With this system, the carbon storage of SGEC and PEFC certified materials can be easily checked at a glance, making it easier for consumers and businesses to be mindful of their environmental impact and feel their contribution towards carbon neutrality. This is an innovative initiative that contributes to environmental conservation and the creation of a sustainable society.

On September 8, 2024, a workshop at Itabashi Recycling Plaza focused on learning about sustainable forest management through making knives from SGEC-certified wood. Participants worked with 100-year-old cypress, learning the importance of forest conservation alongside residents of Itabashi Ward. The event, co-hosted with Mr. Tomonobu Wakabayashi, representative of Nishikawa Rafters LLC, who holds SGEC certification, also received coverage from cable TV channel J：COM drawing even more attention. This initiative aimed at raising environmental awareness in the community was a great success.

At Tourism EXPO Japan 2024 (held at Tokyo Big Sight from September 26 to 29, 2024), the Tobu Top Tours Co., Ltd. booth attracted significant attention. With the theme 'SDGs Hospitality: Bringing Japan's SDGs to the World,' SDGs-related products from across Japan were selected for the ethically conscious and environmentally aware overseas market.
Among these, wood fiber products sourced from SGEC-certified forests in Neba Village, Nagano Prefecture, were chosen and highly valued by Tobu Top Tours Co., Ltd. as sustainable tourism products. This exhibit highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism to visitors and drew considerable interest.

The EUDR DDS Webinar held on September 30, 2024, attracted around 200 participants, with numerous questions coming not only from EU market stakeholders but also from Japan's timber and forestry sectors. SGEC/PEFC Japan Secretary General, Mr. Kajiya, commented, 'We are grateful for the strong turnout. The questions and reactions from participants reaffirmed the high level of interest in EUDR.' The webinar featured an active Q&A session, highlighting the strong interest in EUDR. Moving forward, SGEC/PEFC Japan will continue to share the latest updates through the official website.

Do you have questions about the forest certification? SGEC/PEFC Japan is available to offer a seminar-training for either certified or non-certified companies, organizations, and local governments. Please feel free to contact us.