No. 154 - Environmental Technology - Summary - May 2007

No. 154 - Environmental Technology - Summary - May 2007

1. expansion of use of domestic timber - May 2007
The use of domestic timber is expanding, and softwood plywood production has reached a record high. In the background, tighter logging regulations in Malaysia and Indonesia and the depreciation of the yen have made the use of domestic timber more economically advantageous. In addition, improved techniques for using thinned wood have contributed to forest improvement, resulting in a significant increase in the market share of domestically produced plywood.

2. PET Bottle Recycling Technology - May 2007
Teijin Fibers is developing a new recycling business in partnership with Sumitomo Corporation and Tomra Japan, utilizing PET bottle recovery technology. This is expected to secure a procurement route for recycled bottles and reduce environmental impact. As the recycling system continues to improve, it is also expected to have an impact on future legal reforms.

3. rising sea surface temperatures and their impact on fisheries - May 2007
The Japan Meteorological Agency announced that sea surface temperatures around Japan have increased by 0.7 to 1.6 degrees Celsius over the past 100 years. The rise is particularly noticeable during the winter months, affecting fisheries and food production. In Wakayama Prefecture, the catch of masaba mackerel has decreased and that of sesame mackerel has increased. In Aomori Prefecture, the growing range of kelp has narrowed, hurting the fishing industry.

4. reduction of CO2 emissions through the use of natural energy - May 2007
mixi launched an initiative to use natural energy to power all servers, successfully reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 800 tons per year. In the future, user-participatory eco-projects are being considered, and further contributions to environmental activities are expected.

5. transformation of sustainable public works projects - May 2007
A shift is underway from conventional public works projects to projects that focus on environmental conservation and nature restoration. Environmental rebuilding public works projects, such as wetland conservation and dam removal, are creating local base industries and increasing economic benefits. In particular, the prevention of global warming and the realization of a recycling-oriented society have become the mainstays of new public works projects.

6. development of biomass business - May 2007
Businesses that use food waste and other biomass as feed and energy are expanding in each region. This is expected to create new industries and promote the efficient use of biomass. The introduction of wind and solar energy is also underway on a regional basis.

7. forest CO2 absorption certification system - May 2007
Wakayama Prefecture has introduced a system to certify CO2 absorption by afforestation. The system is aimed at companies and organizations participating in the Corporate Forest Program to promote afforestation activities and certify the amount of CO2 absorbed over a 100-year period. It is hoped that this system will further stimulate environmental conservation activities in the region.

8. promotion of nature restoration projects and ecological infrastructure - May 2007
In Japan, nature restoration projects are underway that aim to restore the natural environment destroyed by economic growth. These projects, which include the restoration of wetlands and riparian forests, are attracting attention as new public works projects that combine the conservation of the local natural environment with economic benefits.

9. Climate Change Caused Changes in Lake Biwa - May 2007
In Lake Biwa, a phenomenon in which surface and deep water do not mix due to a warm winter was observed for the first time. As a result, oxygen levels have not recovered in early spring, and there are concerns about the impact on the ecosystem. The results of future surveys will be closely watched.

10. progress in automobile recycling - may 2007
After the Automobile Recycling Law came into effect, the number of scrapped vehicles recycled through regular channels increased 17% from the previous year. Although the amount of recycling fees deposited decreased, progress is being made in reducing environmental impact and improving recycling efficiency.