Japanese Local Government Striving for Minimum 7.5% CO2 Emissions Reduction

Muroran City, Hokkaido, in northern Japan announced its Eco-Office Promotion Plan for the second term in February 2007. They are aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 7.5 percent, and the usage of copy paper and tap water by 5 percent, from fiscal 2006 through 2010, following their first-term plan implemented from fiscal 2001 to 2005.

Muroran City drew up the Eco-Office Promotion Plan to reduce environmental burdens and to encourage citizens and businesses to act voluntarily and actively for environmental conservation by taking the initiative in promoting environmentally friendly office and operation. The results of the first term were remarkable; copy paper and auto fuel consumption were reduced by 40.4 percent and 30.3 percent, respectively. However, their consumption of utility gas and kerosene rose by 15.6 percent and 11.8 percent, respectively, while CO2 emissions also rose by 2.6 percent.

The City has established new reduction targets for the second term, setting fiscal 2005 as the base year. They are aiming to achieve their goals by: (1) "energy conservation/ natural resources saving" by reducing consumption of electricity, water, paper or fuel; (2) decreasing waste using the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) and 1L (long use); (3) promoting green procurement; (4) reexamining public works projects at every stage; and (5) raising environmental awareness of office workers by providing training opportunities, monitoring implementation biannually and conducting an annual actual condition survey.


- Two Renewable Energy Model Cities Chosen (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/1229-e

Posted: 2007/07/26 04:11:18 PM
Japanese version