February 2012Institute for Global Environmental StrategiesInstitute for Global Environmental Strategies

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IGES welcomes aff i l iate members from corporations, NGOs, the public and students. The purpose of the IGES affiliate membership is to publicise IGES strategic research activities and ask the members to support IGES activities.

Registered affiliate members receive priority announcements and registrations for symposiums and seminars hosted by IGES, as well as IGES publications including the Newsletter, Annual Report, White Paper, Policy Briefs and other activity reports. IGES puts up the logo marks of membership foundations, corporations and NGOs on the IGES website to show their support.

IGES welcomes all new members and hopes they will take an active role in IGES research activities.

IGES Affiliate Membership

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Mail News: E-alert

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Our mail news service, E-alert , is sent out to subscribers, reporting the activities of IGES projects and environmental news.

For subscription: http://www.iges.or.jp/en/news/mail/

Asia’s rapid motorisation not only risks a climate crisis but threatens to undermine development itself. This multi-author volume draws upon the research of IGES experts and international collaborators to demonstrate that integrating

co-benefits into transport strategies can mitigate the risks of a climate crisis by making development more sustainable in Asia.

Low Carbon Transport in Asia: Strategies for Optimizing Co-benefits(published by Earthscan)

For further details, please visit : http://www.earthscan.co.uk/?TabId=101710&v=511367

This series features monthly interviews conducted by IGES under the theme of “sustainable Asia”, bringing views and observations of leading environmental experts from this increasingly dynamic region. “Monthly Asian Focus: Observations on Sustainability” is published on the IGES website.

For details, follow the link below:http://www.iges.or.jp/en/news/topic/asianfocus.html

IGES is part of a network of research institutes in Shonan Village, Hayama, where its headquarters are located. Each y e a r, a s e m i n a r “ S h o n a n Vi l l a g e Academia” is jointly organised with the Kanagawa International Foundation, aimed at the general public.

This year, the event was held on 28 January 2012 at IGES headquarters, where IGES President Mr. Hideyuki Mori gave a lecture on “Refugees and the Environment – from experiences in Africa”. Based on his experiences working as the Senior Environmental Coordinator at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr. Mori presented a clear explanation of refugee camp operations in Africa, outlining the historical background and impact on the environment. This was also an opportunity for all those who attended to consider the issues faced by Africa today and the future concern of environmental refugees.

Shonan Village Academia “Refugees and the Environment”

Interview Series

N ew P u b l i c a t i o n s

IGES Earthquake Research Initiative— Post-Earthquake Recovery Recommendations

possibil i ty, supply cost and environmental influence. Our analysis shows that under identical CO2 emissions level, the renewable energy promotion scenario is better off in the long-term than the fossil fuel dependent scenario in terms of energy system cost including variable cost. Based on this kind of analysis, we intend to provide the basis for recommendations on future energy policy and strategy in Japan and the rest of Asia.

buildings. In addition, the institute has examined the actual energy saving potential and low-carbon energy scenario of Kanagawa, as well as the effects of replacing electrical appliances with highly efficient versions. Based on the findings of such research, IGES will recommend cost-effective strategies for energy saving in local government and on a wider scale.

IGES initiated a research project in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011 and the accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant. The aim of the project, which involves the entire institute, is to offer recommendations for post-quake recovery. The key research themes are: A Strategic Energy Policy Decision for Japan and Asia; Resilient Society; and Energy Management and Medium- to Long-term Low Carbon Strategy. IGES took advantage of opportunities to publicise research outcomes at the International Forum for Sustainable Asia and the Pacific (ISAP2011) held in Yokohama, Japan in July 2011, and in preparatory processes for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD: Rio+20). Looking towards Rio+20, IGES also targeted the international policymaking process, submitting the IGES Proposal incorporating the findings of its research on post-quake recovery to the United Nations in November. In March 2012, one year after the earthquake, IGES will compile the results of the research, publicising the outcomes by means of an open seminar and a written report, to offer relevant scenarios for a low-carbon and climate resilient recovery.

During the recovery process, it is essential to build sustainable societies that are resilient to natural disasters. Using the outcomes of research conducted so far in collaboration with Asian research institutes on climate change and adaptation to natural disasters, IGES is investigating how to

Japan is currently faced with an energy-related problem: a shortfall in electricity supply. In this context, IGES has been investigating practical measures by regional authorities and local communities for energy saving. Examples of such measures examined thus far include: initiatives to introduce photovoltaic power generation in public offices, private-sector companies and households;

The accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant has triggered ongoing debate about Japan’s energy policy. IGES is therefore investigating new energy options in a project entitled “Economic Impact Evaluation of the Nuclear Power Phase-out and Renewable Energy Promotion Scenarios.” The study is evaluating the effects of phasing out nuclear power by 2050 and introducing renewable energy based on the aspects including technological

actively include local communities in the recovery. The research will intend to draw up a framework for effective recovery that can offer guidance not only for Japan but also for other Asian countries where natural disasters are a frequent occurrence.

the “Power-sav ing Cha l lenge” conduc ted throughout Kanagawa Prefecture in June 2011; and “Smart City” projects undertaken in partnership with the private sector to reduce carbon levels in cities. IGES also addressed the issue of how to manage energy use more effectively by using its Hayama headquarters to verify the energy and non-energy benefits of thermal diagnostics for office

Dr. Akira Miyawaki, Director of the IGES-Japanese Center for International Studies in Ecology has addressed the issue of recovery following the Great East Japan Earthquake by publishing a book in Japanese. It draws on local vegetation surveys and Japanese expertise in preserving groves of trees surrounding village shrines to propose a practical means of using post-quake rubble as a resource.

Tree Planting for Recovery and Disaster Prevention

Key Research Themes

A Strategic Energy Policy Decision for Japan and Asia

Resilient Society

Energy Management and Medium- to Long-term Low Carbon Strategy

Discussion Paper is available at : http://www.iges.or.jp/en/ad/pdf/activity20110727_discussionPaper.pdf

In November and December 2011 issues, we interviewed Prof. Dr. Miranda Schreurs, one of the members of the Ethics Commission on a Safe Energy Supply which was formed by Chancellor Angela Merkel in Germany two weeks after the Fukushima nuclear accident. Focusing on the theme of future energy, she referred to the discussion on the energy supply in Germany and suggested what Japan should learn from the nuclear accident.

In January 2012 issue, we heard from U Tin Than, who works as Myanmar Conservation Liaison with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Myanmar is the focus of attention from the international community in light of the country’s recent political changes, and U Tin gave details of how biodiversity has been affected by intensified economic development. He also outlined the challenges facing environmental conservation.

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Timely Report of the Results of COP17 Shortly after COP17, on 21 December 2011,

IGES organised a Global Environment Seminar in Yokohama, Japan on “Breaking Reports on Results of COP17 and Future Prospects”. With the venue at full capacity, researchers who had participated at COP17 gave the first reports of discussions and outcomes. They also gave IGES’ own views on the future progress of climate change policies.

ecosystem conservation. The results of this research were presented at a symposium held in Tokyo, Japan on 18 January 2012, entitled “Economics of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services.” The symposium featured a lively discussion on concrete themes such as how to incorporate economic value into market mechanisms in the future.

The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Durban, South Africa between 28 November and 11 December 2011, and on 1 December, IGES convened a side event in cooperation with the Institute of Energy, Environment and Economy, Tsinghua University, on “Low Carbon Development in Asian Countries.”

On 26-27 December 2011, IGES co-organised the “Korea-Japan Policy Dialogue on the Carbon Market” with the Korea Environment Corporation, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea (main organisers: Ministries of the Environment of Japan and Republic of Korea, IGES, and Korea Environment Corporation).

Experts and policymakers from Japan and the Republic of Korea reported on the current status of climate change policies in their respective countries. There were also presentations on the latest trends regarding domestic emission trading schemes and off-set schemes in both countries. Participants then held a

IGES is making progress in conducting joint economic analysis with experts from universities and research institutes on the main themes for green growth policies such as resource circulation and sustainable use of ecosystem services.

The event was attended by approximately 100 participants from government, civil society and the private sector. As well as sharing recent research findings on domestic policies and activities aimed at developing the carbon market in China and Japan, there was a dynamic exchange of opinions on the possibility of cooperation between the two nations towards the development of a low-carbon Asia.

candid discussion, giving their views on the way forward on effective institutional design. IGES gave a report on Japan Verified Emission Reduction (J-VER) scheme, giving details of the institutional design and operation of this Japanese scheme, which is currently implemented as an offsetting credit scheme to certify emissions reductions or removals, and issue credit.

Looking at building up a future carbon market in the Asian region, IGES will continue to promote information-sharing among experts and policymakers in Japan and the Republic of Korea on institutional design for carbon markets.

Analysis of Resource Circulation Policies in Asia

As Asia begins to formulate policies on waste disposal and recycling considering resource circulation, IGES has been conducting research on policies for resource circulation and resource use reduction in Asia, carrying out policy analysis from an economic point of view. At an event held in Tokyo, Japan on 13 January 2012, on the theme of “Sustainable Resource Use: Issues and Policies with Special Reference to Asia”, research results so far were presented and there was an exchange of opinions on moves towards the promotion of sustainable resource use in Asia.

Debate on Economic Value of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services

IGES is conducting research on economic value of biodiversity and ecosystems services which are the key to the smooth progression of decision-making on

COP17: Side Event on Low Carbon Development in Asian Countries

Korea-Japan Policy Dialogue on the Carbon Market

Latest Results on Green Growth Policies

IGES side event at COP17

On 14 December 2011, IGES and the Ministry of the Environment, Japan co-organised a Global Environment Seminar in Tokyo, Japan on the theme of “Sustainable Resource Management – Report of the Latest Research Study on Metal Resources Recycling by the UNEP Resource Panel”.

The United Nations Environment Programme International Resource Panel (UNEP Resource Panel) was set up in 2007 and is made up of the world’s leading experts on Sustainable Resource Management. The panel conducts discussions bringing scientific knowledge to the sustainable use of natural resources. This seminar introduced the current activities of the UNEP Resource Panel. There were reports on government activities for the sustainable use of

resources, and at the same time presentations on research from both a natural science approach, as well as a social science aspect.

Researchers from two IGES research groups, Sustainable Consumption and Production, and Economy and Environment, gave presentations and introduced a data report “Resource Efficiency: Economics and Outlook for Asia and the Pacific (REEO*)”. IGES was jointly involved in the production of this report, which was the first report with such resource related data in Asia. They also announced the latest research results on the economic assessment of resource use reduction policies and the policy application of monitoring indicators, such as Resource Productivity, for sustainable resource management.

Announcing a New Research Trend on Sustainable Resource Management

* Mainly developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia under the initiative of UNEP, with the participation of IGES, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in India.

Researchers’ Viewpoint

This article reviews the Eco-home Diagnosis1 scheme developed by IGES, from a practical research perspective. Endorsement of Eco-home Diagnosis as Public Policy

Although private households account for only around 20% of all CO2 emissions in Japan, the volume of household emissions is increasing significantly, and is therefore something that policymakers cannot afford to ignore.

After running a pilot scheme in fiscal 2008, IGES proposed Eco-home Diagnosis to Hyogo Prefecture, the Japan Center for Climate Change Actions (JCCCA) and the Ministry of the Environment, and they incorporated the scheme into their policymaking almost unchanged. Their willingness to approve the scheme was partly because the proposals offered a very effective means of encouraging changes in behaviour to reduce CO2 emissions, but also because we were able to meet with the policymakers themselves and make the proposals face-to-face. If analysed, the key elements contributing to the decisions to endorse the scheme were probably:

(1) new policies to reduce household CO2 emissions were needed;

(2) the proposals were very detailed, enabling them to be put into practice quickly, with easily assessable results;

(3) we were able to respond fully to the policymakers’ questions.

In other words, we were able to provide the key decision-makers with what they needed, in the right way, at the right time.

We are currently making proposals to key decision-makers in the Republic of Korea (they need to formulate CO2 reduction policies across all sectors in line with the Green Growth legislation). Contribution to Electricity Conservation

As a result of the nuclear power plant accidents, Japanese households have been required to conserve electricity during the summer of 2011 and the winter of 2011/2012. When we talk about “conserving electricity,” however, Japanese people always seem to think of austerity and discomfort . Yet Eco-home Diagnosis can recommend specific and effective ways for each individual household to achieve the key aim of reducing energy consumption without having to resort to such sacrifices. That is the reason why it has been adopted as a means of providing diagnosis-based recommendations in the Kanto region and elsewhere.

Even more stringent electricity conservation measures are likely to be required in the summer of 2012, so Eco-home Diagnosis may well become increasingly important.Implementation Issues

Although IGES’ Eco-home Diagnosis proposal was approved for implementation as public policy, there is a risk that those implementing the

scheme (mainly regional centres for climate change action) might just go through the motions, without really understanding the philosophy and thinking behind it. If the scheme is not to become devoid of essence, the issue is how to communicate the philosophy and thinking fostered by IGES to those administering it. That is why we are offering support in the form of training to impart know-how and pass on skills.Outlook

It is likely that energy-related policy will change drastically as a result of the earthquake and its aftermath, and people are now very aware of the need to conserve electricity and reduce energy consumption. This is, therefore, an ideal time to forge a new way of life for the Japanese people. We could use minimal energy and emit less CO2, living an ecologically sound lifestyle that also ensures us good health and peace of mind. We could then suggest this “Japanese model” to others, including the developing nations that are the focus of IGES’ activities.

I read a newspaper article the other day in which Hiroshi Komiyama2 maintained that it is essential for any leader to have a mission, to have passion, and to take action. I think this is also true of a researcher. As a researcher at IGES, I intend to nurture these three attributes in myself, a s I c o n t i n u e t o w o r k f o r s u s t a i n a b l e development in Asia.

Eco-home Diagnosis: Contributing to Electricity Conservation Following Endorsement as Public Policy

Hiroo Iino Senior Policy ResearcherIGES Kansai Research Centre

1 A scheme offering households individual consultations to recommend the CO2 reduction methods best suited to each household. In September 2010, the Hyogo Prefectural authority instituted Eco-home Diagnosis, rolling it out prefecture-wide, and during fiscal 2011 the Ministry of the Environment has also been implementing the scheme.

2 Hiroshi Komiyama is a former president of the U n iv e r s i t y o f To ky o a n d Ch a i r ma n o f Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. He holds a doctorate in engineering, specialising in c h e m i c a l s y s t e m e n g i n e e r i n g , g l o b a l environment engineering and structuring knowledge. His current research interests include technologies to combat global warming.

Symposium "Economics of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services"Symposium "Sustainable Resource Use"