Tokyo to Make CO2 Cuts Mandatory for Major Firms

Despite various countermeasures taken so far, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the business sector has been on a steady rise in Japan's capital metropolis. It has become evident that voluntary efforts by private firms alone can not dramatically curb CO2 emissions. The Tokyo metropolitan government is now considering passing an ordinance that would require large business facilities to cut their emissions. The legislation is likely to target about one thousand factories and offices that emit a total of ten million tonnes of CO2 annually.

The metropolitan government is also considering a new system to give social and economic incentives to businesses that have proactively taken anti-global warming measures and supplementary measures such as CO2 emissions trading. Also on the agenda is the introduction of green taxes with an eye to combating global warming.

In the past hundred years, Tokyo experienced an increase of about 3 degrees Celsius in annual average temperatures. As one of the world's largest cities, with an economy that could rival that of some nations in size, the metropolis consumes huge amounts of energy, and thus, bears a significant role in tackling global warming.

A phenomenon known as the "urban heat island" effect, which is spurred by increasing heat emissions, and decreasing greenery and water surface in the capital, has given the metropolis the problem of heat pollution. The extensive use of air-conditioning triggered by the significant rise in summer temperatures (July - September) in Tokyo's 23 wards has resulted in an increase in CO2 emissions, up about 295,000 tonnes from 20 years ago. Recent worsening of the heat island effect is boosting energy consumption further (leading to further increases in CO2 emissions).

Tokyo has fallen into a vicious cycle with the dual phenomena of urban and global warming, which stimulate even higher energy consumption. On November 15, 2002, the metropolitan government launched the second stage of its "Stop global warming! Tokyo campaign" following the first stage launched in February. The campaign aims at setting basic outlines to resolve the two warming phenomena. The mandatory CO2 cuts for major firms are part of the ongoing efforts.

Three Basic Principles:
1) Establish new systems in society that integrate environmental concerns, in order to prevent the dual (global and urban) warming problems.
2) Initiate Tokyo's own anti-global warming measures in a way that reflects local characteristics. Do not just rely on the central government to take action.
3) Stimulate Tokyo's economy through anti-global warming initiatives

"Six Challenges" to achieve sustainability of the city and the Earth
1) Make CO2 cuts mandatory for major business operations, including their office facilities.
2) Make a high standard of energy efficiency mandatory for new buildings.
3) Create a system to fully inform consumers of information on energy efficiency.
4) Strengthen measures to curb CO2 emissions from road traffic.
5) Promote a shift to renewable energy.
6) Promote measures to tackle the heat island effect as part of urban planning.



Posted: 2002/11/29 06:20:02 AM
Japanese version