Building a global-scale business to address critical challenges—what emerges from this pursuit is Takuya Ogushi’s sincere and unshakable dream.

From a young age, I was deeply interested in the environment—especially the issue of global warming.

I founded Smart Energy with the intention of working on the planet’s pressing issues over the long term. Environmental problems cannot be tackled solely through individual effort or volunteerism; they require organized, business-driven approaches. That’s because, in society, it’s often unclear who should pay for “doing good” for the environment. Doing the right thing doesn’t automatically translate into profit.

Global warming is not a problem that will be resolved in 10 or 20 years. It demands an overwhelming span of time and effort. At Smart Energy, we believe it’s essential not just to pursue our own profits, but to think on a global industrial scale and move in step toward a decarbonized society.

People benefit from society and gain various experiences through it. The question is how we return that value. Rather than thinking solely about ourselves, expanding our focus to include our communities and our nation helps us become more conscious of the problems happening around us every day.

I don’t think I will ever stray from the path of decarbonization. However, both Smart Energy and I will likely undergo minor transformations as society itself changes with time. We’re already seeing the shift—not just energy-saving efforts, but people adopting electric vehicles and feeling a sense of shame about using fossil fuels. These are signs of a maturing society.

That’s why, from here on, we must use the power of business to build concrete industries. It wouldn’t be surprising if today’s renewable energy companies look drastically different ten years from now. Evolving in response to what society demands is only natural. As a company, the first step is to stay grounded and keep taking steady action.

I will continue down this path, believing that even the smallest ambition can contribute to realizing a decarbonized society.

Decarbonization in Japan:
In October 2020, then-Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared Japan’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Japan had long been criticized globally for its passive stance on climate change. Achieving a stable and swift transition to a decarbonized society has now become a major social challenge.

Profile

Takuya Ogushi　Smart Energy Co.,Ltd.

Since childhood, I have been interested in environmental issues and decided to work with a focus on preventing global warming. In 2007, I founded Smart Energy Co., Ltd. with the concept of “Decarbonization through the power of business.” I have served as Secretary-General of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Domestic J-Credit System Launch Committee and as Chair of the Emissions Trading Subcommittee of the Certified Public Accountants Association, contributing to the establishment of the CO2 credit system. I am exploring ways to solve climate change issues through business, leveraging knowledge in technology, finance, and IT.