## A Environmentally Sustainable Transport Concept

Currently, Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) is pursued as a measure to facilitate the transition to a sustainable transport system. EST refers to environmentally sustainable transport, for which a vision is formulated with a long-term perspective, and transportation and environmental policies are drawn up and implemented to realize the vision. It was first reviewed by the OECD in the mid-1990s and has been adopted actively by European countries.

To put EST into practice, we need to use a multifaceted approach that includes implementing traffic flow measures, upgrading public transportation modes, improving the fuel efficiency of automobiles, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, as well as raising public awareness to facilitate change to transport activities that exert a lower environmental impact. It is necessary for the government, businesses, and the public to form a consensus on a long-term vision, formulate strategies and policy measures to achieve the vision, and implement the strategies and measures in a steady and decisive manner.

## B Example: Measures Undertaken by Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture

Currently, 27 municipalities are receiving assistance for EST model projects undertaken in conjunction with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Tourism, the National Police Agency, and the Ministry of the Environment. Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture is carrying out one of the model projects. The project aims at building a forward-looking city that is friendly to its residents and the environment. It formulated the “Vision for 2025 Toyota City Transportation & Town Development Project” to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by easing traffic congestion, increasing the ridership of public transportation, revitalizing the downtown area, encouraging the use of public transport, promoting ecologically friendly driving, etc.

Using technologies such as Traffic Demand Management (TDM) and Intelligent Transport System (ITS), Toyota City was able to increase average daily ridership of public transport in FY 2005 by approximately 18%, which translates into an emissions reduction of 60,000 tons (carbon dioxide equivalent) in one year.

## (2) Measures to Utilize Nature's Blessings

To advance to a low carbon society, we must control the emission of carbon dioxide from energy use. To help accomplish this, we must adopt measures that utilize renewable energy, including solar, wind and biofuel, as well as efforts to incorporate nature such as by expanding green space, restoring waterfront areas, creating paths to facilitate wind and air circulation, etc.

It is also important to build an infrastructure to facilitate the combined use of these low carbon energies and efforts and to expand their applications according to regional characteristics.

## A Using Green Space to Cope with the Heat Island Phenomenon

The heat island phenomenon is triggered by an increase in man-made surfaces, such as concrete roads, in cities. The high summer temperatures in both day and night (sultry nights) cause heatstroke and other problems. Large and mid-sized cities are securing wind paths for air circulation, green space, and waterfront to alleviate the heat

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# Generating Electricity from Vehicle Vibration and Body Motion

While speakers convert electrical current into sound vibration, an effort aimed at the practical application of technology that converts the kinetic energy of vibration into electricity is being promoted.

If we could convert our unconscious acts, such as walking, or vehicle vibration into electricity, we would be able to generate electricity by converting our day-to-day activities into energy.

While this technology has yet to be applied, some pilot projects, such as generating electricity to light up a bridge on an expressway or generating electricity from the simple act of walking through a station have been conducted.

A bridge on an expressway lighted up using electricity from vehicle vibration

(Photo: courtesy of the Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd.)