Zero Carbon City

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Initiatives in Households

To achieve the goal of becoming a Zero Carbon City, the “Eco-Toku for Homes” initiative presents easy-to-understand information on various support programs that assist households in achieving zero-carbon emissions. This initiative helps citizens take action against global warming and, support measures that include subsidies for energy-efficient homes, that meet Sendai City’s unique insulation standards, subsidies for switching from oil-based equipment, and campaigns encouraging the purchase of energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, to promote local energy production and consumption in residences, the City supports the introduction of solar power systems that require no initial costs, group purchases of solar power generation systems alongside accompanying storage batteries, and the installation of V2H (vehicle-to-home) charging and discharging systems, through subsidies and other methods.

Inquiries

Decarbonization Policy Section,
Environmental Bureau
kan007140@city.sendai.jp

Promotion of Sendai E-Action

Drawing on the experiences from the Great East Japan Earthquake, in which fuel supplies were severed and power supplies were interrupted for an extended period of time, Sendai City launched “Sendai E-Action” in FY2013 as a collaborative public awareness initiative involving citizens, businesses, and the municipal government. The initiative promotes the practice of the 3Es (energy saving, energy generation, and energy storage). To encourage the establishment of decarbonized lifestyles and business practices, the City is engaged in variety of initiatives, including participating in events, operating online awareness tools and sharing information through Instagram.

Inquiries

Decarbonization Policy Section,
Environmental Bureau
kan007140@city.sendai.jp

Community Development with Self-sustaining Energy

Disaster-Resilient Solar Power Generation Systems

During the Great East Japan Earthquake, the supply of electricity, gas, gasoline, and other resources was disrupted, causing numerous challenges in the initial response, including the operation of evacuation centers. Based on these experiences, the City of Sendai is installing systems that combine solar power generation with storage batteries at approximately 200 locations, including elementary and junior high schools designated as evacuation centers. These systems aim to secure independent power sources during disasters while also reducing CO2 emissions during normal times. In the event of a power outage, solar power can be used during the day, and electricity stored in the batteries can be used at night, allowing continued operation of information and communication equipment such as emergency broadcast radios and televisions, as well as lighting.

Efforts Toward Centralized Management Through Remote Monitoring and Control

In cooperation with the private sector partners, universities, and other institutions, the City is advancing efforts to introduce energy management systems capable of remote monitoring and control of these disaster-resilient solar power generation systems.

Inquiries

Decarbonization Management and Promotion Section,
Environmental Bureau
kan007150@city.sendai.jp

Action Program for Greenhouse Gases Reduction

Based on the “Ordinance relating to Sendai City Global Warming Countermeasures, etc. Promotion Plan”, businesses and the city have cooperated to implement the “Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Program” since FY2020 in order to achieve the phased reduction of greenhouse gases.
Regarding the “Greenhouse Gases Reduction Action Program” for reducing emissions from business activities, which account for approximately 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in urban area, subsidies are provided for introducing energy saving/renewable energy equipment and next generation vehicles with the goal to promote the wide participation of small and medium businesses, etc.
Also, city employees and external experts visit business establishments to facilitate the creation of greenhouse gas reduction plans and give detailed advice and assistance according to the type of business by providing individualized consultation.

Links: DRR Practice⑭ Zero Carbon City

Inquiries

Decarbonization Management and Promotion Section,
Environmental Bureau
kan007150@city.sendai.jp

Leading Decarbonization Areas

To achieve the national target of “carbon neutrality by 2050,” Sendai City is working hand in hand with citizens and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On November 7, 2023, the City’s proposal was selected under the Ministry of the Environment’s fourth round of applications for the “Leading Decarbonization Areas” initiative. In partnership with a joint proposal with the private sector, local organizations, and Tohoku University, the City is working together to promote the development of a decarbonized urban environment.

Note: “Leading Decarbonization Areas” refers to regions selected by the Ministry of the Environment (at least 100 by FY 2025) that aim to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions from electricity use in the residential and commercial sectors by FY 2030, while also working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in other areas such as transportation. Municipalities selected under this initiative are eligible to receive the “Regional Decarbonization Transition and Renewable Energy Promotion Grant.”