Kyoto City to Revise Global Warming Countermeasure Ordinance

Having enacted Japan's first local Global Warming Countermeasure Ordinance in December 2004, Kyoto City established a committee for promoting the curb global warming and has been reviewing three mandatory provisions in the current ordinance since August 2009.

The first provision is the requirement for businesses that emit a large amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to prepare and submit an emissions reduction plan. As a supplementary measure, the committee is considering allowing businesses to lower total GHGs emissions by applying renewable energy credits and to recognize contributions made towards creating a low-carbon society.

The second is the requirement to prepare and submit a GHG reduction plan prior to constructing buildings above a certain size. To encourage owners' voluntary efforts, the committee is considering requiring an assessment based on the city's green building evaluation system. The third issue under review is the energy conservation labeling system for air conditioners, refrigerators and televisions. The committee is considering including more appliances.

Selected as an environmental model city by the government in January 2009, Kyoto set its mid-term goal to reduce GHGs by 40 percent compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and a long-term goal by 60 percent by 2050. To achieve the targets, the city needs to review the current ordinance and formulate new plans. Following a public comment period,the ordinance and the plans are to be revised during fiscal 2010.

Kyoto City Enacts Japan's 1st Local Global Warming Countermeasure Ordinance (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/025906.html

Posted: 2010/02/17 06:00:15 AM

TAG Global warming , Local government