Large Tokyo Firms May be Obliged to Set CO2 Reduction Goals

The Tokyo Environmental Council has been discussing effective measures to tackle global warming, and, in accordance with suggestions made by Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara, submitted a report that recommends obliging large firms to set goals for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Large firms would be required to set goals for total CO2 reductions based on Tokyo's own evaluation standards and guidelines, and also to publish their evaluation results. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) would aim to improve its CO2 reduction standards by evaluating efforts made by these firms and giving awards for outstanding achievement.

To ensure fairness, the government would also announce the names of the firms that could provide no justification for showing no improvement in spite of inspections and guidance by the TMG.

The report also includes suggestions for businesses to ensure that they submit environmental plans aimed at promoting eco-friendly designs for new buildings, and also to promote establishment of a labeling system for electric appliances that would provide consumers with energy conservation information.

Tokyo has been suffering from the double punch of global warming and the urban heat island effect. To tackle these issues, the TMG hopes to promptly institutionalize effective measures based on this report, in an effort lead the country and other local municipalities in the same direction.




Posted: 2004/08/04 02:14:32 PM
Japanese version