Japanese Ministry Promotes Eco-Commuting by Recognizing Best Practice Businesses

Image by JanneM. Some Rights Reserved.

Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) announced on June 12, 2009, the establishment of a program to certify businesses that promote eco-friendly commuting, and would start accepting applications for certification and subsequent registration at locations such as district transport bureaus. As part of this program, the Ministry certifies businesses that contribute to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by voluntarily and actively encouraging eco-commuting using public transportation instead of private vehicles. MLIT aims to promote eco-commuting by publicizing good practices within these initiatives.

Companies, including administrative bodies, across Japan that meet certain requirements are considered qualified for application. Registration is effective for two years and certified businesses are required to report on their efforts once every year, and the registration period may be extended for a further two years. Companies that make remarkable achievements are recommended as nominees for the MLIT Minister's Award. The first applications were evaluated on July 3, 2009, and a total of 30 business establishments, including six administrative agencies such as the municipal office of Chitose City, Hokkaido Prefecture, and 24 business offices such as the head office of Yamaha Motor Co. were certified.

A survey conducted by the Ministry in fiscal 2008 targeted businesses that promote eco-friendly commuting (603 businesses and about 29,000 people) showed that through these efforts, annual CO2 emissions can be cut by 3,689 tons (11.6 percent).

Yamaha Motor Co. Employees Start Eco-Commuting (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/025947.html
About Yamaha Motor's Excellent Eco-Commuting Business Site Certification
http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/news/2009/07/03/eco.html

Posted: 2009/09/08 06:00:15 AM