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TOKYO: Efforts to cut carbon emissions are underway in many parts of Japan, ranging from households to the business sector.
By 2020, Japan wants to cut CO2 emissions by 25 per cent from its 1990 level. To set an example, local authorities are especially pressured to do more.
The Chiyoda City Office shares an ultra modern-looking highrise with several government departments. Completed in 2007, the ground floor combines an urban flavour with images of Japanese traditional paper or washi.
But there is more to this building. Since August, the halogen lights have been changed to LED or light-emitting diodes to reduce electricity consumption by one-seventh.
Light sensors are also used in various parts of the building to save energy. Another eco-friendly effort that is not readily visible to visitors is in the basement where rainwater and waste water from the kitchen are recycled.
Yuji Sawatari from the Policy Management Department, Chiyoda City, said: "The water is stored and from here it goes through the purification tank." The filtered water is then sent up to be used in the toilets.
And on the roof of the building, there are solar panels.
"Solar-powered panels, rooftop greenery are some of our main installations... Compared to conventional buildings without such facilities, we were told that this building can cut emissions by 35 per cent," said Mr Sawatari, who also makes a personal effort to conserve energy by shopping with an eco-bag and unplugging his PC when he leaves his workstation for the day.
- CNA/so
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