Signs of summer have started to creep up on us in Japan and with last years temperatures breaking record highs, the sweaty season isn’t always so welcome. In a bid to combat the heat this year, residents in Tokyo are being encouraged to plant their own Green Curtain with local councils starting to give out free kits and seeds.
Since the nuclear incident in March many households are worried about the electricity blackouts that may be imposed over summer. Therefore, as we have blogged before, many groups and companies are stepping up efforts to conserve energy to avoid cuts in electricity in the months ahead. One area of Tokyo decided to give out full green curtain kits to 1000 residents, consisting of 2 goya seeds (a japanese bitter gourd), a 90cmx 180cm net and a guidebook. Other local governments have teamed up with NPO’s to give workshops educating the public on how simple it is to grow their own green curtain and also how effective the plants are at tackling increasing temperatures. The movement seems to be catching on and many schools and public buildings have taken on the project.
Any visitor to Tokyo will note how little greenery there is in the city and despite an initiative developed in 2005 called the Tokyo Green Building Program there is a huge amount of wasted space atop buildings. The urban heat island effect contributes greatly to Tokyo’s oppressive heat and humidity each summer, according to a study by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government when the temperature of concrete rose to 55ºc the temperature on green areas was as low as 30ºc. More buildings adopting a green curtain or green roof similar to the Fukuoka Across Building, pictured below, would also have a great impact on the scenery around town, turning Tokyo into a greener concrete jungle, as well as providing relaxing areas for busy office workers to relax in between meetings.
With Germany recently announcing it is to cease operation of all nuclear power plants by 2022, not only Japan but the world is starting to look for alternative ways to save energy and explore renewable sources. Handled correctly Japan stands to be able to take a leading role now in how it deals with its energy demands, and the role sustainable business and technology can drive the economy.
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