February 20, 2003 - Ecology News Summary

February 20, 2003 - News Summary

Environmental Business Report February 20, 2003 Issue 103

Environmental Business Market Creation Study Group
The Environmental Business Support Forum has been relaunched as the "Environmental Business Market Creation Study Group." The goal is to create new businesses to achieve a sustainable society. The study group will focus on developing environmentally friendly products and services, developing distribution channels, and conducting market research. The primary targets are executives and senior employees of environmental ventures, providing support for them to build sustainable business models. This initiative is expected to promote and grow environmentally friendly businesses.

Recycling of Used Computers
In 2002, an amendment to the recycling law mandated the collection of business-use computers by manufacturers. Furthermore, from October 2003, household computers will also be included. Business-use computers are replaced every 4-6 years, while household computers have a longer retention period, necessitating the construction of systems for collection and recycling. This aims to increase the recycling rate of discarded computers and promote the effective use of resources.

Dredging and Environmental Improvement
A dredging method using pumps to remove contaminated bottom soil is introduced. This method promises short-term environmental improvement but has challenges such as the spread of turbid water and the cost of sludge treatment. New technologies have been developed to prevent water ingress and to suction high-concentration mud. These advancements aim to minimize environmental impact while effectively dredging, thereby improving the water quality of rivers and lakes.

Trends in the Truck Industry
The number of registered ordinary trucks in January 2003 increased by 27% compared to the same month the previous year. The main factor is the replacement with low-emission vehicles, with particularly significant increases in Tokyo and Saitama. This trend is influenced by the introduction of diesel regulations, promoting a shift to environmentally friendly vehicles. The overall spread of low-emission vehicles in the truck industry is expected to contribute to future environmental improvements.

Effectiveness of CO2 Ocean Sequestration
The Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) has confirmed the effectiveness of CO2 ocean sequestration technology. This technology involves releasing liquid CO2 into the ocean while moving a ship, utilizing the ocean's CO2 absorption capacity. Experimental results confirmed that the increase in ocean CO2 concentration remains at about 0.4 ppm, indicating its effectiveness as a measure against global warming. Future efforts will focus on further evaluation of the technology and the formation of international agreements.

Deregulation and Environmental Business
Initiatives in special structural reform zones are providing new business opportunities for environmental businesses. Utilizing deregulation measures from various ministries makes it easier to develop environmentally friendly businesses, enhancing corporate competitiveness. This is expected to promote new entries and market expansion in environmental-related businesses, accelerating efforts toward a sustainable society.

Water Purification Technology
Concerns about unpleasant odors and carcinogenic substances in tap water have increased demand for mineral water and water purifiers. Since the 1980s, the household mineral water market has expanded, and currently, about 500 brands are distributed domestically. The proliferation of household water purifiers and mineral water reflects growing interest in safe and delicious drinking water, with further market growth anticipated.

Tao Corporation's Computer Recycling
Tao Corporation has established an independent network system and is highly regarded as a business model for computer recycling. Depending on the user's disposal method, reusable products are sold through partner retailers or auction sites, while non-reusable products are treated as industrial waste. This system improves the recycling rate of computers and promotes the effective use of resources.

Introduction of Electric Buses
A plan to circulate electric buses for free in the area around Tokyo Station has been announced. The small electric buses, manufactured in New Zealand, have low nitrogen oxide emissions. The buses will operate on a 5km route around Otemachi, Marunouchi, and Yurakucho, with two buses starting service this spring. This initiative aims to improve the urban environment.