Environment Ministry's Guide on Eco-Friendly Offices in Winter

The Japanese Ministry of the Environment (MOE), in November 2005, released a guide on "Warm Biz," a government campaign to reduce energy consumption in offices and buildings in winter. Following a remarkable success in the "Cool Biz" campaign in the summer of 2005 to raise office temperatures and use air-conditioners less, the ministry decided to promote Warm Biz, a campaign to set room temperatures at 20 degrees C in winter and create a comfortable office environment

The guide explains in simple terms how to implement Warm Biz, using photos and figures. As hints for lowering office temperatures in winter, it introduces easy-to-do ideas in three areas: (1) business wear, (2) room temperatures and (3) how to dress warmly.

In addition to giving such simple suggestions as wearing eco-friendly clothes and creating better office environments, its recommendations even include basic advice like "Eat breakfast," saying it will help warm our bodies. It emphasizes the importance of changing our lifestyles through Warm Biz.

By lowering office temperatures to 20 degrees C from the typical winter setting of 23 degrees C, energy consumption can be reduced by 20 percent, according to the Energy Conservation Center in Japan. The promotion of Warm Biz in winter together with Cool Biz in summer is expected to further reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Japan.

http://www.env.go.jp/en/press/2005/0428b.html

Posted: 2006/04/13 11:27:57 AM
Japanese version