Can Tokyo Function Without Nuclear Power?

August 10th, 2011 by Charis Michelsen

Tokyo City proper has again decided to incorporate recent energy-saving and renewable-energy technology, calling it’s latest report “Tokyo Specifications for Reduced and Renewable Energy.”

Tokyo’s lofty goal is to put the least demand on the environment of any city in the world. Extensive facility improvement is already under way; initial plans include the previously drafted “Tokyo Specifications for Reduced Energy 2007,” which had less than stellar results. The energy reduction achieved by the new building system plan will be regularly evaluated.

The current set of Tokyo Specifications has been crafted to drastically reduce energy demand. The amendments to the 2007 specifications are a direct response to the Tohoku earthquake this spring and the resulting energy crisis. The emergency measures to conserve energy implemented in May of this year have been included and augmented as part of the specifications.

There are two main points of revision: introduction and/or expansion of high-efficiency energy-saving equipment, and introduction and/or expansion of technology incorporating renewable energy. Among the specifics noted are installation of such things as LED lights and more efficient air conditioners. A new “highly rated level 3” has also been mentioned with regard to solar and wind power. However, nothing specific has been made clear — which makes the next statement that much odder.

The preliminary calculations are apparently very promising. The Tokyo governmental office building, comprising approximately 3,000 square meters, is expected to reduce its energy needs and CO2 emissions by thirty percent in comparison with current use. Other city office buildings are expected to be able to cut energy use by approximately 60%.

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, the central business district of Tokyo was one of very few places near the earthquake that did not experience the scheduled rolling blackouts affecting the rest of the region. A reduction in energy use at the heart of this busy city would set a good example for the rest of us — if they can pull it off.

Source: Kankyo Business









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