Japan
Japan?s statement of TWG on 5/2
1) obstacles, constraints, 2)Lessons learned and best practice, 3)next step
2) Energy efficiency incentives, vis-à-vis disincentives, Improved transmission of
electricity, End use efficiency in commercial and residential sectors
===
Thank you Mr. Chairman,
Let me join the previous speakers to congratulate the panelists f or their insightful
presentations.
During the course of its economic growth, Japan experienced severe air pollution due to
rapid industrialization which made us work on R&D f or clean technologies. Also,
because we deeply rely on imported fossil fuels, oil crisis of the 70s forced us and
actually helped us to achieve very high energy efficiency. I?d like to share good practices
with regard to energy efficiency from our experiences. We found that energy efficiency is
a key for striking a balance b/w environment and economy.
Firstly, I?d like to touch upon our practice to provide energy efficiency incentives, which
is so-called Top Runner Program. The TRP was established in 1998, as energy
conservation standards for home and office appliances such as computers and fuel
efficiency standards for automobiles. This program sets energy efficiency standards to
be achieved in a few years, as the level of the most energy efficient products in the
market. In addition, it requires labeling with energy efficiency information of the
products. What is unique about the program is summarized as following 3 points. 1st
point is it has stimulated competition and innovation in the market, 2nd point is it has
diffused existing excellent technologies, and 3rd point is it has enhanced industrial
competitiveness. The key we found here is usage of market mechanism led by
appropriate policies. The program like ours could achieve win -win solution and virtuous
cycle.
Secondly, I?d like to comment on our international cooperation . I would not repeat our
contributions in detail given time constraints, but just briefly, it is our pleasure to
inform you that we have provided grant aid for several developing countries including
Solomon islands, Tuvale, Kiribatu for improving their power generation systems as well
as efficiency of electricity transmission .
Thirdly, let me briefly explain our activities to improve end-use efficiency in commercial
and residential sectors. We believe education and awareness raising are crucial here.
To this end, Japan advocates the 3R Initiative, which aims to establish a sound
material-cycle society through efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle wastes. Promotion of
the 3Rs results in a shift towards sustainable production and consumption patterns and
contributes to reductions in both natural resource consumption and other adverse
environmental impacts.
In addition , Japan has been promoting awareness -raising activities which include
large-scale national campaign to promote dressing appropriately for the season s. This
campaign advocates not to wear ties and jackets for business occasions in summer time,
in order to use air conditioner less frequently; thereby reducing carbon dioxide
emissions and air-pollutants ? emissions through energy consumption reduction .
While energy is one of the key elements for our industrial activities and economic
development, the kinds of energy and their means of use also have a close relationship
with air pollution and climate change. Taking this fact into account, it is necessary to
tackle these issues appropriately in order to facilitate sustainable development.
Japan would like to keep contributing to these important issues sharing our lessons
learned and good practices.
Thank you.
1) obstacles, constraints, 2)Lessons learned and best practice, 3)next step
2) Energy efficiency incentives, vis-à-vis disincentives, Improved transmission of
electricity, End use efficiency in commercial and residential sectors
===
Thank you Mr. Chairman,
Let me join the previous speakers to congratulate the panelists f or their insightful
presentations.
During the course of its economic growth, Japan experienced severe air pollution due to
rapid industrialization which made us work on R&D f or clean technologies. Also,
because we deeply rely on imported fossil fuels, oil crisis of the 70s forced us and
actually helped us to achieve very high energy efficiency. I?d like to share good practices
with regard to energy efficiency from our experiences. We found that energy efficiency is
a key for striking a balance b/w environment and economy.
Firstly, I?d like to touch upon our practice to provide energy efficiency incentives, which
is so-called Top Runner Program. The TRP was established in 1998, as energy
conservation standards for home and office appliances such as computers and fuel
efficiency standards for automobiles. This program sets energy efficiency standards to
be achieved in a few years, as the level of the most energy efficient products in the
market. In addition, it requires labeling with energy efficiency information of the
products. What is unique about the program is summarized as following 3 points. 1st
point is it has stimulated competition and innovation in the market, 2nd point is it has
diffused existing excellent technologies, and 3rd point is it has enhanced industrial
competitiveness. The key we found here is usage of market mechanism led by
appropriate policies. The program like ours could achieve win -win solution and virtuous
cycle.
Secondly, I?d like to comment on our international cooperation . I would not repeat our
contributions in detail given time constraints, but just briefly, it is our pleasure to
inform you that we have provided grant aid for several developing countries including
Solomon islands, Tuvale, Kiribatu for improving their power generation systems as well
as efficiency of electricity transmission .
Thirdly, let me briefly explain our activities to improve end-use efficiency in commercial
and residential sectors. We believe education and awareness raising are crucial here.
To this end, Japan advocates the 3R Initiative, which aims to establish a sound
material-cycle society through efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle wastes. Promotion of
the 3Rs results in a shift towards sustainable production and consumption patterns and
contributes to reductions in both natural resource consumption and other adverse
environmental impacts.
In addition , Japan has been promoting awareness -raising activities which include
large-scale national campaign to promote dressing appropriately for the season s. This
campaign advocates not to wear ties and jackets for business occasions in summer time,
in order to use air conditioner less frequently; thereby reducing carbon dioxide
emissions and air-pollutants ? emissions through energy consumption reduction .
While energy is one of the key elements for our industrial activities and economic
development, the kinds of energy and their means of use also have a close relationship
with air pollution and climate change. Taking this fact into account, it is necessary to
tackle these issues appropriately in order to facilitate sustainable development.
Japan would like to keep contributing to these important issues sharing our lessons
learned and good practices.
Thank you.
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