Ministry to Proceed with Carbon Footprint Program

As one way to help people be aware of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is considering launching a carbon footprint program. In June 2008, the Ministry organized The Study Group for Developing and Promoting a Carbon Footprint Program. In July, the Committee to Calculate, Display and Evaluate CO2 Emissions was organized and both groups are now working on developing specific rules. By the end of FY 2008, the Ministry plans to compile a final report and begin an experimental project in FY 2009.

The carbon footprint program is an index which shows customers the CO2 emissions produced throughout a product or service's lifecycle by putting a label to indicate the amount of emissions. The system enables customers to choose products that have less of an impact on the environment and encourages businesses' efforts to make products with smaller environmental footprints.

Prior to the launch of the program, test samples carrying a carbon footprint mark were displayed at the Eco-Products Exhibition in December 2008, as part of the reviewing process. A total of 50 products such as foods, stationary and commodities from about 30 companies were on display, each carrying a uniform mark in the design of a scale, a design which was chosen from designs submitted by the public. Also, the Ministry surveyed visitors about the carbon footprint program and the test samples at the exhibition to provide data for the review.

- The first meeting of the study group for developing and promoting a carbon footprint program
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Posted: 2009/02/14 06:00:15 AM