15 - Environmental Technology - Summary - October 1995

15 - Environmental Technology - Summary - October 1995

1. "Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method of evaluating the environmental impact of a product from its manufacture to disposal. It has attracted attention especially in the consumer electronics and automobile industries, where recyclability is required to be taken into account from the product design stage. In Europe and the United States, LCA research has been advancing since the 1980s, and in Japan, industry has begun to actively engage in LCA, but there are still issues to be addressed in the standardization and dissemination of the method.

2. "Expanding the Market for Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are attracting attention as a means of compensating for the decline in soil fertility caused by agricultural chemicals and chemical fertilizers. In Japan, the organic fertilizer market is expanding; Mitsui has begun production in China, and domestic fertilizer manufacturers offer a wide variety of organic fertilizers. In addition, composting is now being conducted by local governments and companies, and the recycling effect of composting is expected to be significant.

3. "Environmental Advertising and Corporate Initiatives
Corporate environmental advertising plays a role in raising consumers' environmental awareness. in the 1990s, efforts to address environmental issues were emphasized as part of corporate strategy, and environmental advertising increased. More recently, corporate environmental initiatives and introduction of eco-materials and other products have become mainstream, and are expected to serve as a venue for consumer education.

4. "Joint Project for Environmental Equipment by Small and Medium Enterprises in Shizuoka Prefecture
Five small and medium-sized enterprises in Shizuoka Prefecture have established a cooperative and launched a joint project for environmental equipment. The cooperative provides incinerator ash and sludge recycling systems that use new water treatment technology and special hardening agents to promote new recycling methods for the agricultural, industrial, and construction sectors. The sales target for the first year is 16 million yen, and 60 million yen is expected in the following year.

5. "Establishment of Rooftop Gardening Promotion Network
The "Tree and Environment Network Association" was established in Tokyo to promote rooftop greening. Tree doctors, academics, and corporate executives have joined the association to promote the treatment of old trees and local environmental protection activities. Fifty companies have already joined the association, and the goal is to recruit 300 corporate members in the future to promote local greening activities.

6. "Introduction of Eco Stations
The introduction of eco stations equipped with fuel supply facilities for low-emission vehicles is underway. About 20% of service stations are considering the introduction of such stations, and construction of eco stations is underway on a nationwide scale. However, many service stations are taking a cautious stance due to concerns about profitability, and it is expected to take some time before they are widely used.

7. "LPG Cargo Vehicle Using Three-way Catalyst
Iwate Seikatsu Kyodo announced a plan to replace about half of its truck fleet with low-emission LPG cargo vehicles. These vehicles use a three-way catalyst to significantly reduce NOx and black smoke, and can reduce fuel consumption by 30% compared to diesel vehicles. The introduction of these vehicles is expected to reduce environmental impact and fuel costs.

8. "Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Charging for Commercial Waste
The Bureau of Public Cleaning of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government conducted a survey of Tokyo residents and businesses in order to promote the full-scale charging of commercial garbage. Approximately 60% of respondents were in favor of the fee-based system, and it is hoped that fee-based bags will be sold at convenient locations such as convenience stores. It is hoped that the fee-based system will promote waste reduction and proper waste disposal.

9. "Amendment to the Law on Private Activity for Promotion of Recycling
The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has proposed an amendment to the Private Activity Law to promote recycling by utilizing the capabilities of private businesses. As a result, PET bottle recycling facilities and RDF power generation facilities have been added to the scope of support, and the development of recycling-related facilities is expected to be promoted. In addition, 2.7 billion yen will be allocated in the supplementary budget to promote recycling.

10. "Initiatives to Index the Environmental Impact of Agriculture
Efforts are underway to index the impact of agriculture on the environment. The objective is to analyze the impact of water retention functions of paddy fields and agricultural chemicals on rivers and groundwater, and to predict the environmental impact of structural changes in agriculture. Once completed, this indicator is expected to predict the impact of changes in agriculture on the natural environment and contribute to the realization of sustainable agriculture.