Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
Overview
• The best practices introduced herein have been selected and outlined for the purpose of sharing industrial efforts practiced as climate change measures under the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment.
• Sixteen practices are introduced based on submissions made by each industrial organization for follow‐ups to the Voluntary Action Plan.
• An effective way forward would be to request the cooperation of all industries in making additions to the current list of practices and disclosing information, including outreach strategies, with a view to promote similar practices in other industries.
Contents
1. Intra‐industry sharing and deployment of best practices
1‐1 Introducing corporate efforts via email, website, newsletter, etc.: (practiced in many industries)
1‐2 Compiling booklet on industry‐specific best practices: (Japan Information Technology Services Industry Association)
1‐3 Creating information‐sharing opportunities to promote further efforts and involve non‐participating companies: (Japan Auto Parts Industries Association)
1‐4 Hosting seminars and symposiums to encourage further efforts by member companies (Japan Auto Parts Industries Association)
1‐5 Hosting environmental workshops to introduce practices and for peer to peer deployment among major companies: (The Japan Electric Wire and Cable Makers‘ Association)
1‐6 Promoting information‐sharing at the working level by introducing advanced efforts and hosting site visits: (Japan Department Stores Association)
2. Efforts towards standardization
2‐1 Seeking efficient and standardized data compilation by formulating and using a manual for GHG calculations: (4 Electrical & Electronics Association)
2‐2 Establishing benchmark indices to enable peer comparison of performance among member companies: (Japan Department Stores Association)
3. Efforts in technological development
3‐1 Promoting technological development across the industry: (The Japan Iron and Steel Federation)
4. Contribution to overseas emission reductions
4‐1 Contributing to overseas emission reductions through international cooperation: (The Japan Iron and Steel Federation)
4‐2 Active involvement in overseas efforts (afforestation, etc.): (Japan Paper Association)
4‐3 Pursuing the diffusion of best available products and production technologies by promoting international standardization: (4 Electrical and Electronics Association)
5. Contribution to emission reductions through products
5‐1 Contributing to social GHG emission reductions through products and services: (4 Electrical and Electronics Associations)
6. Other practices
6‐1 Campaigning to promote efforts (Japan Chain Stores Association, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. ) 6‐2 Engaging third party organizations and experts in the formulation and verification of plans in pursuit of qualitative improvements: (Real Estate Companies Association of Japan, JR East, Japan Medical Association) 6‐3 Taking creative approaches in the household and transport sectors: various industries
Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
1. Intra‐industry sharing and deployment of best practices
(1‐1) Introducing corporate efforts via email, website, newsletter, etc. (practiced in many industries)
Outline of practices
(Expected) effects of practices
[For member companies]
(Japan Chemical Industry Association)
Deliberation in a special committee followed by communication of results to all member companies, presentation on website, hosting of seminars, provision of information via email, distribution of pamphlets, sharing of information on grants available for energy‐saving projects ,based on deliberations in a special committee. (Japan Chemical Industry Association)
 Introducing best practices by industrial organizations, which are most familiar with corporate status, promises to increase acknowledgement of climate change issues as individual corporate challenges and thus encourage engagement in formerly unaddressed practices.
.(4 Electrical & Electronics Associations)
Announcement of follow‐up results on website and hosting of workshops to report on business activities
(Japan Foreign Trade Council, Inc.)
Introduction of practices in organizational newsletter, which has effectively served as media to promote environmental conservation efforts. [For non‐member companies]
(Japan Chemical Industry Association and others)
Presentation on website, distribution of pamphlets introducing practices
(4 Electrical & Electronics Associations)
Co‐hosting of a “energy‐saving / power‐saving seminar” with the Japan Commerce of Commerce and Industry to introduce advanced energy‐
saving practices of member companies and introduction of energy‐
saving practices via website and at exhibitions. (Source) additions made to material on Japan Chemical Industry Association website
Reference and links
Responses from industrial organizations to questionnaire survey conducted by METI in FY2013
METI, Report of the Committee for the Comprehensive Review of the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment (Reference material)
2
Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
1. Intra‐industry sharing and deployment of best practices
(1‐2) Compiling booklet on industry‐specific best practices (Japan Information Technology Services Industry Association)
4. Monitoring PC use during night hours using log analysis Outline of practices
The IT services industry acknowledges the need to pursue higher efficiency levels in the data center sector by introducing energy‐saving equipment and carefully managing air conditioning systems, as well in the office sector, which is mainly focused on software development.
The Environment Committee of the Japan Information Technology Services Association compiled the «Energy‐saving Practices in the IT Services Industry Office Sector » in order to promote further energy saving practice among companies, with cooperation from the 64 companies which participate in the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment.
Practices are presented on the website and are accessible by not only member companies but by other relevant companies. (Expected) effects of practices
 Enable companies to consider measures tailored to their individual circumstances based on energy‐saving (especially in power consumption) practices adopted at data centers.
 By introducing data center‐oriented practices, in particular, compile basic information to draw upon when considering industry‐specific measures.
 By listing Government support programs and policy information along with practices, induce acknowledgement of the need to take advantage of public support and to promote policy response
Purpose of practice
In order to reduce wasteful electricity use, employees are asked to remember to turn off their PCs when leaving the office to go home. Nevertheless, PCs are often kept turned on through the night, and thus a survey is required to investigate whether they are kept on for operational reasons or whether someone simply forgot to turn them off.
A study of log analysis results of the in‐house management system covering a period of several months will reveal which departments are chronically negligent and should be surveyed. Managers become more conscious of the status of his/her department through interviewing staff and checking attendance.
Outline
of practice

Perform log analyses employing the classified information leakage prevention system to identify users whose log‐in time and log‐out time are on different dates (= PC has not been turned off for 24 hours). 
Compile a list of identified users to send to managers for further surveys to determine whether the PC had been left on for operational reasons or by negligence. 
If PCs had been left on out of negligence, managers are asked to make sure that PCs are turned off when not in use. As some departments constantly perform tasks at late hours / through the night, Advice higher effects can be expected if tendencies are derived from past performance for
implementation records and focused surveys are conducted Energy‐saving / CO2 emission reduction effect
(annual reductions)
Number of PC’s left on (24 hours) in April 2007:
=>326 cases (total), of which 191 cases were due to negligence (survey results) ‐60W (power consumed by a laptop) * 24h *191 cases = 275kWh
‐275kWh * 12months = 3,300 kWh (assuming continuation for one year)
待機電力削減の各国目標
1)
Power consumption reduction 3,300 kWh/year
2)
CO2 emissions reduction 1.403kg‐Co2/year (emission factor: 0.425, (TEPCO, 2007 performance)
[Keys to implementation]
While the abovementioned example employed an in‐house network monitoring system in in energy‐
saving measures, other systems centered upon energy‐saving can conduct meticulously monitoring. Systems embedding illuminance and temperature sensors have also been suggested.
Reference and links
Japan Information Technology Services Association, Energy‐saving Practices in the IT Services Industry Office Sector (July 2009) http://www.jisa.or.jp/Portals/0/resource/report/shoene0907.pdf
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Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
1. Intra‐industry sharing and deployment of best practices
(1‐3) Creating information‐sharing opportunities to promote further efforts and involve non‐participating companies
(Japan Auto Parts Industries Association)
Efforts made by the Climate Change Prevention Subcommittee
温暖化防止分科会での取組（日本自動車部品工業会）
(Japan Auto Parts Industries Association)
Outline of practices
The Japan Auto Parts Industries Association revised its Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment in order to promote energy‐saving practices among member companies. The revised plan has been documented and made available on the association’s website so as to provide the required information to ensure implementation.
Furthermore, a questionnaire survey was conducted on over 100 energy‐saving measures, including “daily management,” “operation and management of equipment,” “improvements in manufacturing processes and methods,” “introduction of energy‐saving equipment,” and “conversion of heat source and fuels, etc., heat recovery.” Results of the survey are annually presented on the website to promote information‐sharing among companies.
Annual collection of member company practices (120 practices for current fiscal year)
=>Selection of practices requiring low cost and promising horizontal development by
Climate Change Prevention Subcommittee
=>Regular revision of list of good practices to meet the needs of member companies
Key energy-saving measures adopted by member companies
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Proposals for improvements to visible daily management (energy analysis of equipment, etc.)
Improvements to control items and methods for equipment (environmental analysis based on
ISO14001)]
Consolidation of manufacturing processes (incl. between plants), rationalization of processes,
including higher manufacturing efficiency
Conversion to low-emission heat sources and fuels
Operational improvements, including decentralization and low-pressurization, optimization and
intermittent operation of air compressors, etc.
Expansion from hydraulic control to electronic control
Wider application of inverter technologies
Visualization of energy use, knowledge of energy consumption status through datafication and
disclosure of results, outreach, etc.
(Expected) effects of practices
 Mutual enlightenment on energy‐saving technologies and peer‐
to‐peer deployment of energy efficiency practices through intercorporate information exchange on energy use.
Reference and links
Automobiles, Auto Parts and Auto Body WG “Global Warming Countermeasures implemented by the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association” document distributed at meeting of Automobiles, Auto Parts and Auto Body WG, Global Environment Subcommittee, Environment Committee, Industrial Structure Council (FY2012), Reference 5‐3
http://www.meti.go.jp/committee/summary/0004647/pdf/2012_05_03.pdf
4
Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
1. Intra‐industry sharing and deployment of best practices
(1‐4) Hosting seminars and symposiums to encourage further efforts by member companies (Japan Auto Parts Industries Association)
Energy-saving practices
Major energy-saving practices
Collection of member company practices (100 practices in FY2013) for their peer‐to‐peer deployment by the Climate Change Prevention Subcommittee and outreach by compiling a list of good practices that promise to be useful to member companies (revised twice annually)
Hosting of seminars to give members an opportunity to learn about advanced energy‐saving practices by leading companies. Other efforts include visits to energy‐saving facilities of other industries and hosting seminars on energy efficiency.
Manufacturing process
HN1
Category
Improvements in Installation of energy- Improvements in processes
management
saving equipment
Outline of practices
 Promoted energy‐saving practices have been implemented in an average of over 60% of responding companies (based on results of a questionnaire survey conducted by the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association)
Development of injection molding
material using kenaf
Best practices
New
-Development of injection molding material exhibiting adequate
fluidity and mechanical properties
(press molding=>injection molding: reduction of electricity use)
-Optimal supply control based on information on consumption
volumes, site and time (compressed air, A/C, etc.)
Installation of pulsed air blow
-Use of air-saving bulb in chip removal
system (Intermittent pulsed air blow) -Intermittent blowing under all-air control system
○
Energy Just-in-Time (JIT) systems
Installation of LED lighting
Visualization of company-wide
electricity consumption
Green plant building
Installation of solar power
○
(1)
○
-Replacement of mercury lamps (high ceilings, outdoors)
-Replacement of fluorescent lamps (inspection, work area,
hallways)
-Visualization of hourly electricity consumption by plant (to be
accessible to employees)
-Establishment of method to predict maximum electricity use based
on past performance and temperature records
-Promotion of employee-grown green curtains
-Sharing efforts made in each workplace
-Installation of super condenser (air supply cooling system)
-Air supply cooling using wet filter
-Installation of solar panels on roof (for self-consumption and sales
of weekend surplus power)
Introduction
Peer to
of practices
peer
○
Reduction of heat loss by insulation -Application of ceramic insulating coating (roof of compressor room)
-Installation of lid on aluminum melting furnace
Power control for A/C outdoor unit
Buildings
(Expected) effects of practices
Energy-saving method
○
(2)
○
○
○
○
(1) Installation of pulsed air blow system
Reduce air consumption at plant by embedding air saving bulb into air
blow circuit to switch from continuous blowing to intermittent blowing
Before
After
Air-saving bulb
Reference and links
“Global Warming Countermeasures implemented by the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association” (report compiled by the Automobiles, Auto Parts and Auto Body WG, Industrial Structure Council) Flow
Continuous blowing
Flow
*Intermittent blowing
Time
Continuously consumes plant air (140L/min) for
chip removal during automatic operation
[Electricity consumed] 1.54 MWh/year
Time
Halves plant air use 70L/min) by repeatedly turning
on and off by intermittent blowing
[Electricity consumed] 0.77 MWh/year (50% reduction)
[Effect]
0.77 MWh/year,0.23t-CO2/year
[Investment]
25,000yen/installation
*applicable in all air blow equipment
5
スライド 5
HN1
前のページでは、「今年度120件」
Hiroko Nakamura, 2014/06/18
Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
1. Intra‐industry sharing and deployment of best practices
(1‐5) Hosting environmental workshops to introduce practices and for peer to peer deployment among major companies:
(The Japan Electric Wire and Cable Makers’ Association)
Outline of practices
Determination and review of course of action regarding overall environmental activities at Environmental Expert Committee meetings held five times annually.
Energy-saving practices (technology and equipment)
Power savings by upgrading water purification pumps
Before upgrades
Sought energy savings by upgrading to inverter-controlled water purification pumps.
Before: 5.5kw 1 permanent unit operating 24 hours, 365 days
Introduction of energy‐saving practices reported by participating companies on website (open to the public) and presentation at an annual environmental workshop, in order to promote peer to peer deployment of energy‐saving efforts.
After: 5.5kw 2 permanent units operating alternately;
EBARA fresher model pumps (inverter-control)
Investment: 2 million yen
After upgrades
(Expected) effects of practices
 Increased investment in the installation of highly energy‐efficient equipment in energy‐intensive thermal processes, upgrades to inverter‐controlled motors, pumps and compressors, installation of LED lighting, and visualization of energy consumption, to represent 80% of total investment. Effect of upgrades
Operations controlled by using two pumps for alternate operation (switching between
operation/suspension)and pressure tanks
Rotational speed of motor controlled in accordance with the volume of water used
Energy saving effects: 13,300 kwh/year
200 thousand yen
6t-CO2
Reference and links
“Global Warming Countermeasures implemented by the electric wire and cable manufacturing industry”(document distributed at meeting of Chemicals and Nonferrous Metal WG, Global Environment Subcommittee, Environment Committee, Industrial Structure Council) http://www.meti.go.jp/committee/summary/0004646/pdf/2013_08_01.pdf
JCMA website
http://www.jcma2.jp/kankyou/s1.html
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Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
1. Intra‐industry sharing and deployment of best practices
(1‐6) Promoting information‐sharing at the working level by introducing advanced efforts and hosting site visits:
(Japan Department Stores Association) Outline of practices
Organization of the Japan Department Stores Association
Holding Environment Committee (and Environmental Working Group) meetings and regional environmental committee meetings as needed in order to promote the implementation of the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment for Department Stores and reporting outcomes to executive committee as well as member stores. Hokkaido Association
Tohoku Association
Kanto Association
Chubu Association
http://www.meti.go.jp/committee/sankoushin/sangyougijutsu/chikyu_kankyo/ryutsu_service
_wg/pdf/001_07_01.pdf
Kinki Association
“Global Warming Countermeasures implemented by the department store industry”(document distributed at meeting of Distribution and ServiceWG, Global Environment Subcommittee, Environment Committee, Industrial Structure Council) Chugoku/Shikoku
Reference and links
Business and Policy
Division
Kyushu Association
 Industrial organization‐led verification of ESCO projects and proving their validity promise to encourage member stores to proactively install energy‐saving equipment. General Affairs and
Planning Division
Policy
Division
 Progress in the installation of LED lights through ESCO programs: 30 stores of 16 companies have currently installed or are installing LED lighting.
Secretariat
Business
Division
(Expected) effects of practices
Chair/Vice-chair meeting / Board of Directors / Board of Trustees
Planning
Division
Encouraging mainly local department stores to take advantage of ESCO projects, which enable the installation of LED lighting without having to shoulder the costs, and introducing stores with LED lighting to raise awareness among member stores.
General Meeting
General Affairs
Division
Functioning of regional subcommittees on environmental issues as forums for discussion on recently implemented environmental measures, including energy‐
saving efforts. Japan Department Stores Association
Meeting of Secretariat and regional secretariats
Working Committees in fiscal 2013
1. Business activies and
strucutural reforms
(1) Sales Promotion Committee
(2) Foreign Tourists Attraction
Committee
(3) Tomo-no-kai Committee
(4) e-business Committee
(5) Business Model Committee
(6) Cost Structure Reforms
Committee
(7) Systemization Promotion
Committee
(8) Human Resources Committee
2. Policy proposals and
addressing regulations
(1) Tax System Committee
(2) Fair trade Committee
(3) Food Safety Committee
(4) Disaster Prevention and Risk
Management Committee
(5) Town-building Committee
3. Pursuit of business value
(1) Environment Committee
(2) Public Relations Committee
4. Regional associations
(1) Executive Meeting
(2) Business Operations Liaison
Committee
(9) Card Business Committee
(Source) based on material on Japan Department Stores Association website
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Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
2. Efforts towards standardization
(2‐1) Seeking efficient and standardized data compilation by formulating and using a manual for GHG calculations: (4 Electrical & Electronics Associations)
Outline of practices
The Working Group on Formulating the Manual on GHG Emissions Accounting Methodology, under the liaison group of Japanese electrical and electronics industries for global warming prevention (secretariat: JEMA) formulated a manual tailored to the needs of the electrical and electronics industry, based on the GHG Emissions Accounting and Reporting Manual, to prepare member companies for the GHG Emissions Accounting, Reporting, and Disclosure System to be launched based on the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Measures. (on right)
In light of preventing global warming, the Japan Electrical Manufacturers’ Association (JEMA) conducts estimates of the CO2 emission intensity of the electricity generation sector in each country which are compiled along with other basic data required for member companies to calculate the GHGs emitted from overseas production activities at directly operated production bases or by group companies and reductions enabled by JI/CDM projects. The data is updated as needed.
(Expected) effects of practices
 Sharing a manual on GHG emissions accounting among member companies enables the efficient and continuous collection of consistent data.
 Standardization of emissions accounting methodology is useful in supporting domestic and overseas efforts by companies with overseas production bases.
 Provision of information on emission intensities in other countries, which is difficult or costly for individual companies to access, effectively supports member companies’ consideration and implementation of efforts.
Reference and links
JEMA, GHG Emissions Accounting and Reporting Manual for the Electrical and Electronics Industry, ver 1 (November 2006)
https://www.jema-net.or.jp/Japanese/env/ghg.html
JEMA, Report on estimates of overseas CO2 emission intensity in
the power generation sector, ver.3 (revised in June 2006)
https://www.jema-net.or.jp/Japanese/env/co2.html
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Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
2. Efforts towards standardization
(2‐2) Establishing benchmark indices to enable peer comparison of performance among member companies:
(Japan Department Stores Association) Outline of practices
Energy consumption in department stores is varied depending on whether parking space and warehouse operations are housed in the store building, store location (urban/rural, station building/shopping center, etc.), number of customers, array of merchandise, such as food products. Challenges include the different attitudes towards energy‐saving efforts observed among stores operating in self‐owned buildings and those operating as tenants.
Provision of information to member stores as while they are still rough guidelines, the indicators enable store operators to learn where their store stands in terms of energy efficiency levels. Energy consumption intensity [kWh/m2*h)
The department store industry introduced “benchmark (top‐runner) indices” in fiscal 2006 to motivate stores to strive for higher efficiency levels.
Max.
Average.
Min.
≦20,000m2.
20,000-40,000m2. 40,000-60,000m2. 60,000-80,000m2. ≧80,000m2.
Figure 6 Energy consumption intensity by department store scale (results of July 2013 survey)
(Expected) effects of practices
 Member stores will become able to acknowledge where they stand among other stores in terms of energy efficiency levels through peer comparisons based on store scale.
 The compiled data promise to serve as a useful source of information in gaining understanding of the energy consumption status in each store, designing energy saving plans and other phases of the PDCA cycle and to lead to corporate efforts to promote further energy conservation.
Reference and links
“Global Warming Countermeasures implemented by the department store industry”(document distributed at meeting of Distribution and ServiceWG, Global Environment Subcommittee, Environment Committee, Industrial Structure Council) http://www.meti.go.jp/committee/sankoushin/sangyougijutsu/chikyu_kankyo/ry
utsu_service_wg/pdf/001_07_01.pdf
9
Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
3. Efforts in technological development
(3‐1) Promoting technological development across the industry: The Japan Iron and Steel Federation Outline of practices
Outline of COURSE 50
The iron and steel industry launched COURSE50 (CO2 Ultimate Reduction in Steelmaking process by innovative technology for Cool Earth 50 in 2008), aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 30% by controlling CO2 emissions and CO2 capture and storage.
Whereas conventional reduction of iron ore using CO gas generates CO2, hydrogen reduction only generates H2O (water), enabling large reductions of CO2 from being generated.
Development of technologies to capture and store CO2 from blast HN2
furnace gas and proactive use of unharnessed heat within the steel plant which had been deemed technologically and economically impossible to use for such processes. (Expected) effects of practices
 Develop next‐generation steel‐manufacturing technologies that reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 30% by reducing CO2 emission and capturing and storing CO2.  Establish technologies by 2030 for practical use and diffusion by 2050. Reference and links
The Japan Iron and Steel Federation website
http://www.jisf.or.jp/course50/outline/
METI, “Global Warming Countermeasures in the Iron and Steel Industry” (material distributed at a meeting of the Iron and Steel WG, Global Environment Subcommittee, Environment Committee, Industrial Structure Council (Dec. 24, 2012), Reference 4‐1)
http://www.meti.go.jp/committee/summary/0004513/pdf/2012_04_01.pdf
10
スライド 10
HN2
日本語が少しわかりにくいです。
Hiroko Nakamura, 2014/07/11
Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
4. Contribution to overseas emission reductions
(4-1) Contributing to overseas emission reductions through international cooperation:
(The Japan Iron and Steel Federation)
Outline of practices
Since 2005, the Japanese Iron and Steel Industry has held the annual Japan‐China Steel Industries Conference on Exchange of Advanced Technologies on Environmental Preservation and Energy‐Saving Steel plant energy conservation diagnosis survey sites
Mongolian People’s Republic
Beijing
The Asia‐Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP) was launched in 2006, engaging Japan, Australia, China, India, Korea, the U.S. and Canada in the sharing of energy‐efficiency technologies and conducting energy‐
conservation diagnosis surveys in steel manufacturing plants in China and India. In 2012, the APP’s activities were succeeded by the Global Superior Energy Performance Partnership (GSEP), under which Japan participates in the Steel WG. Taiyuan
People’s Republic of China
China / APP /3 steel plants
Jinan
Jiangyin
1) Taiyuan: JFE
2) Jinan: Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel
3) Jiangyin: Sumitomo Metal
Time of site visit: December 2007
No. of visitors: 3-4 people/site
In 2007‐2009, energy conservation diagnosis surveys were conducted at 3 Chinese steel plants and 3 Indian steel plants, collectively reported to potentially reduce a total of approximately 6 million t‐CO2.
(Expected) effects of practices
 The diffusion of coke dry quenching (CDQ) and blast furnace top pressure recovery turbine generation (TRT) technologies in major facilities in China, South Korea, India, Russia, Ukraine and Brazil to date collectively reduce a total of approximately 47 million t/y of CO2.
 Potential global CO2 emission reductions of approximately 400 million Reference and links
tons, if state‐of‐the‐art energy efficiency technologies widely applied in Japan are transferred to and diffused around the world. The Japan Iron and Steel Federation website
http://www.jisf.or.jp/business/ondanka/eco/solution.html
 Contribution of approximately 70 million tons of CO2 emission reductions in 2020, considering the current diffusion rate and potential Results of the Fiscal 2012 Follow‐up to the Voluntary Action Plan on the introduction of major energy‐saving equipment in the world’s iron and Environment (Section on Global Warming Measures): Individual Industries https://www.keidanren.or.jp/policy/2012/084_kobetsu.pdf
steel sector
11
Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
4. Contribution to overseas emission reductions
(4‐2) Active involvement in overseas efforts (afforestation, etc.): Japan Paper Association
Overseas afforestation efforts by the paper industry
Outline of practices
Target area 733,000 ha (as of end of 2012)
The Japan Paper Association (JPA) strengthened its afforestation area target in 2004 and 2007. It currently aims to “expand its afforestation sets the target of expanding forest plantation area owned or managed by its member companies at home and abroad by 700 thousand hectares from the fiscal 1990 level by fiscal 2012, as afforestation is important in view of absorbing and fixing CO2 and promoting the recycling of carbon, as well as ensuring a stable supply of raw materials for pulp and paper.”
Afforestation projects by paper manufacturing companies began in the 1970s and became a popular practice in the 1990s. Currently, there are 36 ongoing projects in 9 countries, namely, Brazil, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, Vietnam, South America, China, Laos and Indonesia.
(Expected) effects of practices
Laos 80,000 ha
(Oji Paper)
China 31,500 ha (Oji Paper)
Vietnam 22,900 ha
(Chuetsu Pulp & Paper)
Indonesia 42,000 ha
(Oji Paper)
South America 15,000 ha
(Nippon Paper Industries,
Hokuetsu Kishu Paper)
Australia 156,100 ha
(Oji Paper, Nippon Paper
Industries, Mitsubishi Paper
Mills, Daio Paper)
New Zealand 50,000 ha
(Oji Paper, Chuetsu Pulp & Paper,
Hokuetsu Kishu Paper, Marusumi
Paper)
 Planted forests in a total area of 691 thousand ha in total to date, thus achieving 99% of the target level.
 Increased overseas afforestation by 415 thousand ha (approximately sixfold of the total area of the 23 wards of Tokyo) from the 1990 level
as of the end of fiscal 2011
 Afforestation is important in view of absorbing and fixing CO2 and promoting the recycling of carbon, as well as ensuring a stable supply of raw materials for pulp and paper. Overseas afforestation, in particular, promises to result in community‐oriented social contributions, including the creation of local employment and improvements in social infrastructure.
Brazil 270,00ha
(Nippon Paper
Industries,
Japan Brazil
Pulp and Paper
Resources
Development)
Chile 65,000 ha
(Nippon Paper Industries,
Mitsubishi Paper Mills, Daio
Paper)
Reference and links
Japan Paper Association website
http://www.jpa.gr.jp/env/proc/planting/index.html
Results of the Fiscal 2012 Follow‐up to the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment (Section on Global Warming Measures): Individual Industries https://www.keidanren.or.jp/policy/2012/084_kobetsu.pdf
12
Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
4. Contribution to overseas emission reductions
(4‐3) Pursuing the diffusion of best available products and production technologies by promoting international standardization:
(4 Electrical and Electronics Associations)
Outline of practices
In March 2011, an international vote was taken on two proposals from Japan on quantification methodologies for greenhouse gas emission reductions for electrical and electronic products and systems in order to formally approve the development of two standards (see box to the left) and launch IEC‐TC 111/WG4.
Japanese proposal on quantification methodologies for GHG emissions
from electrical and electronic products
 Quantification methodologies for life cycle GHG emissions from electrical and electronic products
-Guidance on quantification of electrical and electronic products using ISO14067 (carbon footprint) as
a common framework
 Quantification methodologies for GHG
emission reductions from electrical and
electronic product baseline
Development of reasonable and
transparent calculation methodologies
(*Consideration of rules applicable to
electrical and electronics industry in IEC)
Approach for calculation of reductions from baseline
CO2 emissions
The 4 Electrical and Electronics Associations have made efforts to develop reasonable and transparent quantification methodologies applicable to the electrical and electronics industry, against the backdrop of developments in the standardization of rules regarding the quantification, reporting and verification of GHG emissions, such as ISO TC207 SC7. Increase
Reductions
Baseline Efficiency improvements,
introduction of alternative
products, etc
(Expected) effects of practices
 Japan took the initiative in issuing TR 62725 (quantification methodologies for GHG emissions) of the two technical reports (TR 62725/62726) proposed by Japan in WG4 (quantification methodologies for GHG emissions).
 Electrical and electronics businesses (companies) can make international appeals of the contribution to emission reductions attributable to their brand names and technologies, in accordance with transparent and fair methodologies.
Reference and links
Results of the Fiscal 2012 Follow‐up to the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment (Section on Global Warming Measures): Individual Industries https://www.keidanren.or.jp/policy/2012/084_kobetsu.pdf
JEITA Environmental Committee, Report of the Environmental Committee and Environmental Promotion Committee for Fiscal 2012
http://home.jeita.or.jp/eps/eps001.html
13
Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
5. Contribution to emission reductions through products
(5‐1) Contributing to social GHG emission reductions through products and services: 4 Electrical and Electronics Associations
Outline of practices
Based on the strong initiative of industrial organizations associations to achieve the target, some product models that embraced difficulties in achieving the target were discontinued.
In interviews with concerned parties, some industries responded that “the ambitious target of 1W across all products could be established only because it was a voluntary approach.”
(Source)Wakabayashi, Voluntary business activities to mitigate climate change: Case
studies in Japan, Energy Policy, 2013, vol. 63, pages 1086-1090」。
Upper limit for standby power (W)
Europe: Voluntary Agreements
In 2001, Japan’s electrical and electronics industry announced a “voluntary declaration,” pledging an internationally stringent cross‐product target to “reduce the standby power of all products to levels under 1W,” which was achieved in 2003 in all products.
audio appliances, etc)
US: Energy Star (voluntary labeling)
analog TV
Japan:
voluntary
declaration
(2001)
digital TV
Australia, Korea:
regulations
(year)
Reduction targets for standby power by country
Reference and links
(Expected) effects of practices
 Contributed to improved energy efficiency in domestic home appliances The Energy Conservation Center, Japan, Fiscal 2008 Report on Study on Standby Power
http://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/policy/saveenergy/save03/h20_taikizisyouhi.pdf
 Required little time to establish program and thus allowed the industry to respond promptly
 Industry‐wide efforts enabled effective and efficient selection of products based on a cross‐sectoral approach (instead of a product‐specific approach)
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Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
6. Other practices
(6-1) Campaigning to promote efforts:
(Japan Chain Stores Association, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. ) Outline of practices
10 Tips on Eco-Driving
1. Soft acceleration “e‐Start”
In June 2008, the Japan Chain Store Association launched an ongoing “Save the air conditioning” campaign, as cooling, heating and other air conditioning equipment in member stores have room for adjustment and improving settings would effectively reduce energy consumption. In an effort to achieve the target of “an average of 30% of customers declining plastic shopping bags” by all member companies by the end of fiscal 2010, the association also designed and distributed reusable shopping bags to encourage customers to decline plastic shopping bags.
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. joins the government and other organizations in encouraging drivers to follow the “10 Tips on Eco‐Driving” for the promotion and diffusion of eco‐driving. Member companies encourage eco‐friendly commuting, promote “no‐
idling” practices, make “eco‐drive” stickers, promote conversion to more eco‐friendly means of commuting, and encourage “eco‐walk” commuting.
Start driving the vehicle by stepping on the accelerator gently (up to 20km/h in first 5 sec). Soft acceleration in daily driving will improve fuel economy by 10%. Starting your engine slowly and gently also leads to safe driving. 2. Keep a safe distance and a constant speed
Try to keep at a constant speed when driving. Short distance between cars may lead to unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, aggravating fuel economy by 2% in the city and by 6% in the suburbs. Keep pace with traffic conditions to minimize speed fluctuation.
3. Release the accelerator quickly when decelerating
When you see a red signal or know that you are stopping, release the accelerator quickly. This will enable engine braking, thus improving fuel economy by 2%. Engine brake when decelerating or going downhill. 4. Use the A/C properly
The A/C cools and dehumidifies your vehicle. If you need only the heater, switch the A/C off. When you need the A/C, be careful not to overcool the car interior. For example, when the preset temperature is 25℃, the same as the ambient temperature, fuel economy is aggravated by 12%. 5. Stop wasteful idling
(Expected) effects of practices
Stop the engine when waiting for someone or when loading or unloading (1). Idling for 10 minutes (with the A/C turned off) consumes 130cc of fuel. Current models generally do not require warm‐ups (2). Set off as soon as the engine is started.
6. Avoid traffic congestion and leave home with time to spare
Check traffic information for traffic jams and control and the route to your destination on the map or car navigation tools. Leave home with sufficient time. Check traffic information as you drive to avoid congestion, thus saving fuel and time. For example, getting lost for 10 minutes on a one hour drive will cost you 17% more of fuel consumption. 7. Tire maintenance begins with air pressure checks
Make it a habit to check your tires, which if short of the standard value by 50kpa (0.5kg/cm2), fuel economy decreases by 2% in the city or by 4% in the suburbs. Fuel economy can also be improved by regularly changing engine oil, oil filters, and air cleaner elements.
8. Unload unnecessary items
Unload articles that do not need to be carried. The fuel economy of a vehicle is largely affected by the weight of load. For example, driving with 100kg loaded will aggravate fuel economy by 3%. The fuel economy of a vehicle is also sensitive to air resistance. Unmount
rooftop ski carriers when not in use.
9.Refrain from obstructive parking
Parking near intersections and other places blocking traffic cause congestion. Obstructive parking will not only aggravate the fuel economy of other vehicles but will also lead to accidents. Average driving speed is improved on roads free of obstructive parking, thus preventing decreased fuel economy.
10. Know your fuel economy
Make it a habit to check your vehicle’s fuel economy level. Knowledge of daily levels will keep you in tune with the effects of your eco‐driving efforts. Pre‐
installed fuel economy meters, eco‐drive navigation system, online fuel economy management are useful tools.
 Improve A/C settings in stores through association‐led campaigns regarding air conditioning and foster understanding among customers using posters. In the campaign to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags, the ratio of customers declining shopping bags reached 31.01%. Although the target was achieved, the campaign will be continued.
JAMA website, Promotion and diffusion of Eco‐drive (energy efficient driving)
 As the fuel‐efficiency of an automobile depends on the driver’s driving practices, eco‐driving practices promise higher fuel efficiency and accompanying reductions in CO2 emissions.
Results of the Fiscal 2012 Follow‐up to the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment (Section on Global Warming Measures): Individual Industries https://www.keidanren.or.jp/policy/2012/084_kobetsu.pdf
Reference and links
http://www.jama.or.jp/eco/earth/earth_04.html
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Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
6. Other practices
(6‐2) Engaging third party organizations and experts in the formulation and verification of plans in pursuit of qualitative improvements:
(Real Estate Companies Association of Japan, JR East, Japan Medical Association) Outline of practices
The Real Estate Companies Association of Japan hosted the Real Estate Companies Association of Japan Workshop on Global Environmental Measures chaired by an academic expert under which a WG discussed the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment. Based no discussions, the Environmental Action Plan for the Real Estate Industry was formulated in 2013. (on right)
JR East receives certification for its environmental performance indices, including CO2 emissions and energy consumption from an audit corporation. The Japan Medical Association published a reports by its Project Committee for the Formulation of the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment for Private Hospitals established under its Environmental Health Committee with the participation of academic experts from non‐medical fields.
(Expected) effects of practices
 Ensure credibility and fairness of targets and data by involving third party organizations and experts in the formulation and verification of action plans.
Reference and links
Real Estate Companies Association of Japan, Action Plan of the Real Estate Industry (above)
http://www.fdk.or.jp/f_suggestion/pdf/kankyou_jikkou_honbun.pdf
 Improve objectivity and achieve better accountability by involving third parties.
JR East, Fiscal 2013 CSR Report (September 2013)
 Share academic knowledge and industry‐specific challenges through the joint efforts of industry and experts and academics.
Japan Medical Association, Report of the Project Committee for the Formulation of the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment for Private Hospitals (March 2008)
http://www.jreast.co.jp/eco/pdf/pdf_2013/all.pdf
http://dl.med.or.jp/dl‐med/teireikaiken/20080326_2.pdf
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Best practices under the Voluntary Action Plan
6. Other practices
(6‐3) Taking creative approaches in the household and transport sectors: various industries
Outline of practices
Many industries including the Petroleum Association of Japan and the Japan Chemical Industry Association have set reduction targets for offices including self‐owned main office buildings. Energy saving efforts include setting reduction targets for electricity use in offices, main offices and branches, intensive temperature control, turning off unnecessary lighting, renewal to energy saving equipment (LED lighting, energy‐efficient A/C, energy‐efficient PCs).
The eight major companies of the electrical and electronics industry have set voluntary action targets using the implementation rate of energy‐
saving items in self‐manageable buildings such as main office buildings as indicators and conducts annual follow‐ups on the implementation status.
The cement industry has joined hands with shipping businesses to which it consigns logistics, to improve efficiency through modal shifts to surface transport and the employment of ships and trucks with more capacity
(Expected) effects of practices
 In the 8 companies with main office operations located apart from refineries, energy consumption was reduced by 19.4% from 2010 levels in main office buildings.
 In office buildings of member companies of the Japan Chemical Industry Association with targets for office buildings, purchased electricity use per unit floor area was reduced by approximately 13% from 2005 levels.  In the cement industry, CO2 emissions per transport unit (ton‐km) in fiscal 2011 were reduced by approximately 6.9% for tankers and by approximately 7.6% for bulk trucks.
Energy‐saving measures in the electrical and electronics industry
Reference: The Energy Conservation Center, Japan "Tuning up Commercial Buildings for High Performance in Energy Savings"
Equipment, etc.
Items
Mitigation of indoor temperature conditions
Suspension of dehumidification functions during cooling
Reduction
of burden
Effiecient
operation
of heat
source
Reduction of outside air in accordance with number of people in room
Air conditioning
Control of volume of outside air taken in upon activation
loads (buildings
Prevention of mixing loss
and equipment)
Suspension of all heat exchangers (manual control)
Heat source
equipment
Inverter-controlled flow adjustment of pumps and fans
Use of inverter-controlled stabilizers for lighting equipment
Adjustment of air ratio in combustion equipment
Optimal operation to control number of activated units
(Change of preset values / readjustment of rotation among different models and capacities)
Frequent adjustments performed manually
turbo, gas
Change of preset temperature at outlet of hot and cold water
equipment absorbtion, DHC, (at times of large load / partial load)
etc.
Pumps
Power
savings
Change of preset values for cooling water temperature control
Change of hot and cold water volume (creating largest temperature difference possible)
Efficient operation with controlled number of units
Change of cooling water volume
Change of air volume
Change of air temperature of VAV unit
Use of energy-saving belts
Shorter start-up time
A/C
fans
A/C units
Shorter or suspended after hours operation
Intermittent operation or suspension according to number of people
Night purge ventilation
Optimization of air distribution
Suspension of air ventiliation where possible
Reference and links
Results of the Fiscal 2012 Follow‐up to the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment (Section on Global Warming Measures): Individual Industries https://www.keidanren.or.jp/policy/2012/084_kobetsu.pdf
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