Summary
The Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy is a Climate Action Plan that aims to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Published in December 2019, the strategy summarises Tokyo’s vision for realising this goal, as well as tangible measures and roadmaps.
What is it?
The Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy comprehensively develops mitigation measures to reduce CO2 emissions and adaptation measures to avoid and reduce impacts from climate change. It also incorporates sustainable resource management into policies that contribute to reducing emissions even outside the city, and it aims to strengthen efforts in all fields. Taking Tokyo’s characteristics into account, the plan highlights six key sectors with 14 policies that are crucial to Tokyo achieving net zero emissions. The six key sectors include: energy, urban infrastructure for buildings, urban infrastructure for transport, resource/industrial sector, climate change adaptation and engagement & inclusion.
Out of the 14 policies formulated, promoting Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), strengthening adaptation measures and reducing plastic waste have been identified as the highest priorities. Tokyo has further developed individual plans and strategies with detailed initiatives for these three high priority policies.
How does it work?
To realise these policy visions for 2050, the city has defined 17 major targets to be achieved by 2030, which include 47 items and 82 actions. The policies and key targets are:
Sector 1: Energy Sector
Policy 1: Make Renewable Energy a Major Energy Source
Key targets for 2030:
- TMG facilities (Governor’s bureaus/departments) will have 100% of their power generated by renewable energy
- Installation of 1.3 GW solar power generation equipment
- Increase percentage of renewable power usage to 30%
- Reduce energy consumption by 38% compared to 2000
Vision for 2050:
- Achieve a use of 100% of decarbonised energy by supplying fully decarbonised electricity that has been generated by renewable energy. This also includes standardising local production and consumption of renewable energy and energy sharing
Policy 2: Expand the Use of Hydrogen Energy
Key targets for 2030:
- Adopt 1 million residential fuel cells
- Adopt 30 MW of commercial and industrial fuel cells
- Introduce at least 300 zero-emission buses
- Increase market share of ZEVs to 50% of new passenger car sales
- Develop 150 hydrogen stations
Vision for 2050:
- Position CO2-free hydrogen generated from renewable energy as a crucial pillar for realising a decarbonised society. This will be accomplished by fully utilising CO2-free hydrogen in all fields
Sector 2: Urban Infrastructure Sector (Buildings）
Policy 3: Expansion of Zero Emission Buildings
Key targets for 2030:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to 2000
- Reduce energy consumption by 38% compared to 2000
- Increase renewable power usage to 30%
Vision for 2050:
- Have all buildings in Tokyo be zero-emission buildings that account for adaptation measures such as disaster prevention and heat countermeasures
Sector 3: Urban Infrastructure Sector (Transport）
Policy 4: Promote the Spread of Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs)*
Key targets for 2030:
- Increase market share of ZEVs to 50% of new passenger car sales
- Introduce at least 300 zero-emission buses
- Limit new small route buses for sale to ZEVs in principle
- Develop ZEV infrastructure (1,000 fast chargers and 150 hydrogen stations)
Vision for 2050:
- All cars driven in Tokyo are Zero-Emission Vehicles
- Realise zero emissions from well-to-wheel by expanding the use of renewable energy
Sector 4: Resource/Industrial Sector
Policy 5: 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
Key targets for 2030:
- Increase municipal solid waste recycling rate to 37%
Vision for 2050:
- Establish the sustainable use of resources
Policy 6: Plastics*
Key targets for 2030:
- National target: Collectively reduce 25% of single-use plastics etc.
- Tokyo target: Reduce incineration of plastic waste from households and large office buildings by 40% compared to FY 2017
Vision for 2050:
- Accomplish net-zero CO2 emissions from plastic use by using renewable energy for plastic production and recycling, and by switching to biomass
Policy 7: Food Waste
Key targets for 2030:
- Reduce food waste by 50% compared to FY 2000
Vision for 2050:
- Achieve zero food waste through reduction and food recycling
Policy 8: Fluorocarbons
Key targets for 2030:
- Reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) emissions by 35% compared to FY 2014
Vision for 2050:
- Realise zero fluorocarbon emissions by expanding the use of non-fluorocarbon equipment and strictly controlling equipment to prevent leakage of fluorocarbons during use and disposal.
Sector 5: Climate Change Adaptation Sector
Policy 9: Strengthen Adaptation Measures*
Key targets for 2030:
- Take into account climate change impacts in the future for efforts made in all fields through the activities of TMG, Tokyo residents and businesses
Vision for 2050:
- Minimise risk from climate change, protect the lives and property of Tokyo residents, and establish a city that continues to attract people and businesses
Sector 6: Understanding and Cooperation -Engagement and Inclusion
Policy 10: Cooperate With Various Actors in Movements and Reform of Social Systems
Actions:
- Form alliances with advanced businesses, NGOs and local governments (eg. RE100 Action Meeting)
- Conduct outreach to individual residents (Team Mottainai)
- Collaborate with businesses and organisations that take the lead in decarbonisation
- Develop broad-based initiatives between local governments
Policy 11: Strengthen Cooperation With Local Municipalities
Actions:
- Promote sharing of knowledge and cooperation in initiatives
- Provide support for efforts towards decarbonisation by municipalities
Policy 12: TMG’s Initiatives For Its Own Sustainability
Actions:
- Enhance promotion systems in TMG to promote a variety of zero-emission actions
- Utilise public procurement to promote decarbonisation
- Actively utilise advanced technologies that contribute to zero emissions at TMG facilities
Policy 13: Strengthen Cooperation with Cities and Non-State Actors around the World
Actions:
- Strengthen global networks to facilitate sharing of advanced policies/knowledge and bolster inter-city cooperation
- Support decarbonisation efforts in Asian cities
Policy 14: Promote Sustainable Finance
Actions:
- Promote ESG investment through the formation of the Tokyo ESG Fund that invests in renewable energy projects in Japan, and the Tokyo Financial Award for businesses that promote ESG investment.
- Revitalise the green bond market through the issuing of the Tokyo Green Bond.
*High priority sectors
For high priority sectors, Tokyo has formulated individual plans and strategies with detailed initiatives.
Next steps
This strategy is the starting point for decarbonising Tokyo by helping to clarify its vision, specific efforts, and a roadmap to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. With an eye on anticipated major reforms, Tokyo has to aggressively and continuously contribute to decarbonisation as one of the world’s largest cities. Setting these visions as a baseline, Tokyo plans to continue to account for scientific knowledge, progress of initiatives and trends in technological development and listening to the voices of Tokyo’s residents and businesses. This is all to ensure that the upgrading of the goals and initiatives will be examined from many angles and the strategy will be updated in a timely manner to be in line with any possible changes in the city and social structure.
- Benefits
- Environmental
- Health
- Social
- Since
- December 2019