Fluorescent Bulbs Replace Incandescent in World Heritage Site Buildings to Reduce CO2 Emissions

Copyright the Shirakawa village office

In the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, which are listed as World Heritage sites located in the prefectures of Gifu and Toyama, the incandescent light bulbs used in the Gassho-zukuri houses -- classic examples of traditional Japanese architecture -- were replaced with fluorescent bulbs, with the work conducted from October 14 to 21, 2007.

The project was supported by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., which donated over 700 of its efficient fluorescent bulbs, called the Palook Ball Premiere, to replace 537 incandescent bulbs in Shirakawago's 90 houses and 165 in Gokayama's 35 houses. The conversion will help the two villages reduce their energy related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by about 24 tons per year.


The communities in this area, which is surrounded by steep mountains and covered by deep snow in winter, developed a unique lifestyle and architecture, including the Gassho-zukuri houses, to coexist wisely with nature. The Gassho-zukuri villages in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama were listed as World Heritage sites in 1995, honored for their preservation of traditional culture and architecture designed to be in harmony with the surrounding environment. At twilight, when the lights are turned on in the houses with their characteristic triangular roofs, the villages take on a mystical appearance.



Posted: 2008/04/09 05:51:19 PM