35
© The Author(s) 2018
H. Komiyama, K. Yamada, New Vision 2050, Science for Sustainable Societies,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-56623-6_3
Chapter 3
Technology to Support Low-Carbon
Society (Using Energy)
3.1 Direction of Improvement in Energy Efficiency
3.1.1 “Daily Living” and “Monozukuri”
In a low-carbon society, we aim to suppress the use of energy that leads to CO 2
emissions. It is not a story about having to endure anything. As shown in Fig. 6,
Japan succeeded in decoupling twice in history. A low carbon society is a concept
that can coexist with economic growth and affluent life styles.
CO 2 emissions can be roughly divided into “daily living” and “manufacturing.”
Everyday life consists of three elements, “Transportation,” “Business,” and “Home.”
Manufacturing is “industry” itself.
Of the various fields, since transportation can be left alone and low-carbonization
will still progress because automobile manufacturers are enthusiastic about improving fuel economy and developing eco-cars. Toyota launched a vision to reduce CO 2
emissions of new cars sold in 2050 by 90%. In addition, as new forms of services
such as car sharing have emerged, a lifestyle without cars that has especially spread
among young people in the city will also be a driving force for low carbonization.
Trends are similar in business and household energy consumption, and household electrical appliances such as lighting, air conditioning, hot water supply,
kitchen each account for one-third. Initiatives to reduce energy consumption include
replacement with high-efficiency products and introducing double-glazing windows with high thermal insulation effect. Although such updating of facilities is
smoothest at the time of rebuilding, the rebuilding of houses is once every
40–50 years, and office buildings are once every several decades. Therefore, in
order to achieve the vision in 2050, it is necessary to rationally promote renovation
of existing buildings. For that purpose, we should establish a system like “paying
electric bills as is” described later. For users, the big initial investment is the biggest
factor of their hesitation about renovation. If organizations and groups such as funds
that promote low carbonization shoulder the initial investment and users can direct
© The Author(s) 2018
H. Komiyama, K. Yamada, New Vision 2050, Science for Sustainable Societies,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-56623-6_3
Chapter 3
Technology to Support Low-Carbon
Society (Using Energy)
3.1 Direction of Improvement in Energy Efficiency
3.1.1 “Daily Living” and “Monozukuri”
In a low-carbon society, we aim to suppress the use of energy that leads to CO 2
emissions. It is not a story about having to endure anything. As shown in Fig. 6,
Japan succeeded in decoupling twice in history. A low carbon society is a concept
that can coexist with economic growth and affluent life styles.
CO 2 emissions can be roughly divided into “daily living” and “manufacturing.”
Everyday life consists of three elements, “Transportation,” “Business,” and “Home.”
Manufacturing is “industry” itself.
Of the various fields, since transportation can be left alone and low-carbonization
will still progress because automobile manufacturers are enthusiastic about improving fuel economy and developing eco-cars. Toyota launched a vision to reduce CO 2
emissions of new cars sold in 2050 by 90%. In addition, as new forms of services
such as car sharing have emerged, a lifestyle without cars that has especially spread
among young people in the city will also be a driving force for low carbonization.
Trends are similar in business and household energy consumption, and household electrical appliances such as lighting, air conditioning, hot water supply,
kitchen each account for one-third. Initiatives to reduce energy consumption include
replacement with high-efficiency products and introducing double-glazing windows with high thermal insulation effect. Although such updating of facilities is
smoothest at the time of rebuilding, the rebuilding of houses is once every
40–50 years, and office buildings are once every several decades. Therefore, in
order to achieve the vision in 2050, it is necessary to rationally promote renovation
of existing buildings. For that purpose, we should establish a system like “paying
electric bills as is” described later. For users, the big initial investment is the biggest
factor of their hesitation about renovation. If organizations and groups such as funds
that promote low carbonization shoulder the initial investment and users can direct