Tokyo to mandate CO2 emissions cuts among large business entities

Tokyo, June 26 Kyodo - The Tokyo metropolitan assembly enacted Wednesday an amendment to an ordinance to oblige large office buildings, shops, hotels, universities and factories to
reduce carbon dioxide emissions, marking the first such regulation in Japan.

The revised ordinance aims to reduce emissions at some 1,300 establishments
that consume energy equivalent to 1,500 kiloliters of crude oil per year by 15
to 20 percent by fiscal 2020 from the average levels of the past three years.

In fiscal 2005, Tokyo -- comprising 23 central wards and 39 cities, towns and
villages -- accounted for around 4.5 percent of Japan's CO2 emissions.
Businesses and industries were responsible for more than 40 percent of the
emissions in Tokyo.

''I want Tokyo to take the lead in efforts against global warming in Japan,''
said Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara.

The Tokyo government aims to have the regulation take effect in fiscal 2010.
Each establishment will be required to present a five-year plan that includes
energy conservation measures and an emissions cut target, subject to annual reviews.

The amendment also introduces an emissions trading system, under which entities
can purchase emissions quotas from others to meet their obligation to meet CO2 cuts.

The introduction of an emissions trading system in Tokyo, where many Japanese
businesses are headquartered, is expected to have an influence on global
warming prevention efforts by the central government as well as other local municipalities. ==Kyodo