Energy / Climate Change

October 27, 2012

 

Japanese Co-op's Throw Support into Reducing CO2 Emissions and Installing Solar Power

Keywords: Climate Change Non-manufacturing industry 

The Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union (JCCU) announced on June 29, 2012, the launch of their "Co-op Sun Sun Club" project to support its member households in reducing their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and introducing solar power generation units. This is the first initiative of its kind in the distribution and retail industries in Japan.

Renewable energy-based electricity has environmental values in addition to the value of the power itself, which makes a contribution to environmental conservation by cutting CO2 emissions. The club purchases environmental values of electricity equal to the self-consumption of solar electricity from its members in accordance with a domestic credit system. The environmental values are then credited to the reductions of CO2 emissions from the Co-op's delivery services and store businesses.

The club first began accepting applications from the members of three co-ops -- Co-op Kanagawa, Co-op Shizuoka, and Co-op Yamanashi -- that already own solar power generation systems. The purchases of the value take effect retroactively as of fiscal year 2008. With the participation of 100 households, about 50 to 60 tons in credits are expected annually. After the initial implementation at the three co-ops, the JCCU plans to expand the call for participation to all members through co-ops across the country.

Japanese  

 

このページの先頭へ