Large Tokyo Offices Plan 6% GHG Cut by 2009

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) on May 15, 2006 released the results of its evaluations of green house gas (GHG) reduction plans submitted by 1,026 large-scale businesses in Tokyo. The evaluations were conducted according to criteria outlined TMG's "Plans to Address Global Warming," a program it launched in April 2005. When all reduction plans are in place, total GHG emissions in fiscal 2009 will be reduced by about 720,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, a 6 percent cut from average emission levels for fiscal 2003-2005.

The majority of businesses (1,011 out of the 1,026) plan to implement a set of general measures proposed as basic requirements by the TMG, which are designed to generate returns on investment within three years (Grade A). With the implementation of additional measures to reduce GHG emissions, 27 percent of the businesses are expected to achieve a reduction of 2-5 percent (Grade A+) and another 27 percent 5 percent or more (Grade AA).

More than half of the businesses in the commercial sector, including office buildings, described plans to introduce high-efficiency fan belts for air conditioners, use energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs and appropriately control temperature and humidity inside their buildings in order to reduce emissions. One good example was the establishment of an energy conservation committee by the Otemachi First Square Building to raise tenants' consciousness on energy conservation and to set a standard air conditioning temperature for tenants.

Two financial products developed to encourage environment-friendly action are offered at a preferred rate to businesses evaluated as A, A+ or AA.

http://www2.kankyo.metro.tokyo.jp/kouhou/env/eng_2006/index.html

Posted: 2006/08/11 09:51:59 AM
Japanese version