Vissel Kobe will fully implement the "Circularity Assessment" from this year.It may be an unfamiliar phrase, but it's a very important initiative that connects sports watching with environmental conservation.Enjoy while being kind to the Earth.Let's make that the standard from now on.

Under the slogan”Powered by Sports. Playing for All. A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER”, Rakuten Group is tackling environmental measures through two guiding principles: “Sports for Everyone” and “A Greener Future”.All people who enjoy sports are aiming for a future where they can enjoy watching in a rich environment, enjoy it in their own way, and recognize diversity.

As part of this, Vissel Kobe will introduce a ‘Circularity Assessment’ system for home games starting from 2024.For sustainable game operation, we are working on solving essential problems.

“Circularity Assessment” refers to the process of making all aspects such as the source of materials, the amount of waste collected, and the recycling destination visible and public.Evaluation criteria can be considered in terms of the resources procured, referred to as “inflows”, and the resources discharged, referred to as “outflows”.

“Inflow” refers to the resources necessary for managing a game.This refers to resources such as water, electricity, gas, food, and goods.The “circular inflow rate” increases when resources are procured through reuse and recycling, or when resources are made using renewable methods.

“Outflow” refers to the resources that have been used up.This includes items such as finished drink bottles and combustible trash, which spectators are required to sort themselves.By everyone sorting correctly, the “circular outflow rate” increases.

The results of the three home games of Vissel Kobe, which were conducted experimentally last year, are as follows: the inflow rate was 61%, the outflow rate was 73%, and the overall circulation rate was 66%.The aim is to increase this cycle rate.

The measurement of garbage is carried out using an application called “pool”.

Investigating and quantifying all resources and waste is not something that can be done easily.I spoke with Mr. Omura from RECOTECH, who is in charge of the project.What are the feelings or motives behind your actions?

“The most significant reason to conduct a Circularity Assessment is to quantify the overall environmental impact of running a game and to identify areas that can be improved.”I believe that understanding the situation through Circularity Assessment and establishing the core becomes important for effectively carrying out other actions.”

Mr. Omura from RECOTECH, who kindly spoke about the initiatives at Noevir Stadium Kobe.

“Furthermore, the staff who encourage sorting at the waste collection “ECO STATION by Rakuten” are from the local community.They are cooperating as volunteers and taking the initiative to move things forward.This is made possible precisely because Vissel Kobe is a team that is beloved by the local community.　We want to do whatever we can to respond to such feelings towards the team.”

Regarding the “recycling rate of 66%” implemented last year, Mr. Omura says that it is not easy to say definitively whether it is good or bad.

“There are few examples worldwide, and this is still the benchmark.Moving forward, it will be necessary to make comparisons over several years in Vissel Kobe’s matches.If more people agree with our efforts, we may be able to increase sponsors and enhance the value of Vissel Kobe, and possibly incorporate it into other sports events. From here on, the game will be about how much we can improve what we’re building.”

This initiative has just begun.While it’s still an unfamiliar activity, a society where it becomes the norm should come through the small mindfulness of each and every fan.

We, as supporters, can improve the outflow rate by sorting waste.Let’s become one team and cooperate from what we can do now.

TEXT: Shiori Saeki (IN FOCUS)
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)