Environmental Conservation

At COP3 held in Kyoto in December 1997, targets were set for the reduction of CO2 emissions. The Japanese
government has embraced Japan’s goal of a 6% average cut in emissions between 2008 and 2012, comparedwith 1990 levels. Natural gas—one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels—is seen in many quarters as one
way to achieve this. Tokyo Gas will work to develop cogeneration and other energy-saving systems toimprove our energy-efficiency rate by 18%, compared with 1990 levels, by the year 2010. All our environmental activities are guided by our General Environmental Policy, which we formulated in September 1992.

The Inherent Advantages of Natural Gas
The environmental advantages of natural gas are clear.

NOxSOxNaturalGas

OilCoalNaturalGas

Oil

Coal

CO2NaturalGas

Oil6080

Coal

Statistics bear this out. In terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the leading cause of the greenhouse effect, naturalgas produces fewer emissions than oil and coal to generate
the same amount of energy (see diagram). Furthermore,

070

100
4070100100

Source: IEA, Natural gas prospects to 2010, 1986.

unlike oil and especially coal, natural gas does not produce
16

any sulfur oxides (SOx), which cause acid rain. Nitrous oxide

natural gas than with oil and coal. This makes natural gas(NOx) emissions, another cause of acid rain, are lower withthe cleanest fossil fuel currently available.

THE "WONDER SHIP"
On November 5, 1998, we opened theEarth & Energy Exploratorium. Located in
Yokohama, the new facility, known locallyas the Wonder Ship due to its shape, is at
the vanguard of our efforts to promote
environmental issues. Visitors are introduced to various technologies, recycling
activities and other environmental initiatives through demonstrations, movies, displays and other means. Technologies that
hold considerable promise for the future
are also featured: solar power generators,
fuel cells and wind power generators.

TOKYO GAS Annual Report 1999

Growth in Numberof NGVs

Energy-Efficiency Targets(%)(No. of vehicles)
4,000

118
110
100

3,000

2,000

A “CNG (com-1,000

pressed natural gas)
Non-Step Bus”
operating in Tokyo.

0Mar. 319596

97

98

99

1990

2000

2010

In Japan
In Tokyo Gas‘ area

ISO Certificationcogeneration systems and gas-fired air conditioning are just aObtaining ISO certification has been positioned as a high man-few of the many technologies that are being widely adopted.

agement priority. In 1998, both the Negishi and Sodegaura

Recently, we have had success with highly efficient Planar Solid

LNG terminals had their ISO 14001 certificates renewed fol-Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs), which emit low levels of NOx andlowing an annual inspection. In 1997, these facilities wereno SOx emissions. These cells may soon be incorporated into

first in Japan’s gas industry to obtain this international certifi-cogeneration systems. Concern over dioxin emissions has also

cation, which attests to the quality of environmental man-been increasing. To help deal with this issue, Tokyo Gas hasagement systems. The next step is ISO 14001 certification fordeveloped natural gas “reburning technology” for municipal

the new Ohgishima LNG Terminal.

solid waste incinerators.

Recycling Initiatives
Recycling and lower volumes of waste are other ways we reduce the environmental impact of our activities. SRIMS (Saving Recycling Innovative Model System) is at the heart of theseefforts. This system facilitates the efficient collection, separation, management and disposal of gas equipment, pipes andThe story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning naturalgas vehicles (NGVs). Environmentally friendly, these cars arelikely to be seen more and more on Japan’s roads. The Japanese
government has set a target of 1 million NGVs by 2010. Finally,
with an eye on the future, we are also seeking new, environmentally friendly forms of energy, such as methane hydrate.

other industrial waste. In a similar vein, we are sharply cutting
the amount of earth removed from pipeline construction sites.

Technologies to Reduce Environmental Impact
Tokyo Gas feels that it has the responsibility to further reduce

Tokyo Gas received the “Minister’sPrize for Activities to Prevent GlobalWarming” from the Environment

the environmental impact of natural gas. That’s why we aredeveloping new ways to increase energy efficiency. Gas

Agency for its efforts to promote
NGVs at an award ceremony held
on December 12, 1998.

Annual Report 1999 TOKYO GAS

17