Japan
Focal Point
Dr. Atsushi Suginaka,
Director, Global Environment Division,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tokyo
Director, Global Environment Division,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tokyo
Information
Side Events at Rio+20
Meetings
Publications
Green economy Practices/Policies/Initiatives in Japan
- CO2 Tax
Japan introduced the CO2 Tax in 2010. - Fuel efficiency standard
In 1999 the Japanese government adopted fuel efficiency standards based on the Top Runner Program pursuant to the Act concerning the Rational Use of Energy (Energy Conservation Act) and has gradually tightened regulations since then. - Groundwater conservation: mineral water from the tap
In cooperation with neighboring municipalities, Kumamoto City has maintained groundwater recharge levels and protected watershed forests. By protecting the natural systems and conserving Kumamoto?s high-quality groundwater, the city can provide its citizens with high quality ?mineral water from the tap. - Japan Paper Association?s Voluntary Action Plan
In 1997, the Japan Paper Association (JPA), an organization representing Japan?s leading pulp and paper manufacturing companies and covering 88 percent of paper and paperboard production, established a Voluntary Action Plan in order to reduce the industry?s environmental footprint. - New Growth Strategy: Blueprint for Revitalizing Japan
This strategy states that ?green innovation? indicates innovation in the fields of environment and energy. - New Sunshine Program
New Sunshine Program aims to develop the innovative technologies that could support the sustainable economical growth while solving energy and environmental issues. - Policy Committee on Innovation and Intellectual Property
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) established the Policy Committee on Innovation and Intellectual Property (PCIIP) in December 2007 to discuss desirable Intellectual Property- policies (IP) for Japan. - Tax mechanisms to conserve privately-owned green areas: Yokohama Greenery Plan
The City of Yokohama is a large city with 3.7 million inhabitants. Its mountain forests and farmland has decreased year by year due to urban development. To preserve precious green areas for its citizens, the city has introduced a new tax system. The city uses the revenues to conserve privately-owned green areas and their biodiversity and encourage citizens, corporations and developers to take part. - Top Runner Program
In 1998, Japan's government initiated its Top Runner program which established energy efficiency standards for 21 products. As a result of the program, rates of energy efficiency required for 21 products have all been met or exceeded.
News
- 26 Oct 2011 - Second Workshop of Japanese National Preparatory Committee for Rio +20 (by: Japan)
- 1 Sep 2011 - First Workshop of Japanese National Preparatory Committee for Rio +20 (by: Japan)
- 12 Aug 2011 - Japanese National Preparatory Committee for Rio +20 (by: Japan)
Background papers/Position papers
