Tsunag Recognition Credits Existing Green Certifications
Overview
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will begin assessing green spaces that have obtained or renewed ABINC Certification or SEGES under the “Advanced Initiatives” criterion for TSUNAG recognition, starting with applications for FY2027. Existing certification records can be used in the review. Businesses that obtain recognition can communicate the contributions of their green spaces and more easily use various support programs.
Key points
- Green spaces with obtained or renewed ABINC Certification or SEGES are assessed under TSUNAG recognition’s “Advanced Initiatives” criterion.
- The new assessment applies to applications for FY2027 onward.
- Recognition enables businesses to communicate the contributions of their green spaces and makes it easier to use various support programs.
Overview
The Excellent Green Space Development Plan Certification System (TSUNAG) is a system under the Urban Green Space Act in which the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism evaluates and recognizes efforts by companies and others to secure high-quality green spaces. Its evaluation perspectives include climate change measures, biodiversity conservation, and improved well-being.
Impact
Businesses can use their records of obtaining or renewing existing green space certifications in the TSUNAG recognition review. Once recognized, they can communicate that the government has assessed the eligible green space as contributing not only to biodiversity conservation but also to climate change measures and improved well-being, and can more easily use various support programs.
Details
The eligible existing certifications are ABINC Certification, operated by the Association for Business Innovation in harmony with Nature and Community (ABINC), which evaluates and certifies corporate activities that consider biodiversity and the management and use of green spaces; and SEGES, operated by the Organization for Landscape and Urban Green Infrastructure, which evaluates and recognizes the conservation, creation, and use of green spaces that contribute to society and the environment. Applicant green spaces with either certification obtained or renewed are assessed as having a certain level of advanced performance assured.
Applications for FY2026 closed at the end of August, and reviews for recognition are underway. Consultations for FY2027 applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and applications are expected to open around summer.