ecological commuting. Furthermore, information analysis and validation results of past activities for the “Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Model Project” were provided nationwide to regions working to realize EST.

## (5) Enhancing energy efficiency of railways, ships and aviation

## ① Initiatives contributing to further enhance environmental capabilities in the railway sector

Although the railway has little environmental strain in comparison to other modes of transport, in order to further reduce environmental strain, we are promoting the technological development of battery powered trains and the implementation of energy efficient railway cars.

## ② Initiatives for improving energy efficiency and low-carbonization in shipping

Efforts for conserving energy are being promoted in domestic shipping through the “Composite Measures for Green Shipment,” such as the dissemination of super eco ships $ ^{Note 1} $ and by supporting the implementation of technologies and facilities that contribute to energy conservation and low carbonization. In international shipping, with the “Maritime Environment Initiative,” the MLIT has supported development relevant to improvement of energy efficiency and $ CO_{2} $ reducing technologies with a view in reducing the $ CO_{2} $ emissions from shipping by 30%. In parallel, the MLIT has played a pivotal role to formulate international regulations and standards of the energy efficiency measure including EEDI(Energy Efficiency Design Index) and MBM (Market-Based Measures) to address $ CO_{2} $ emissions from international shipping. In addition, from 2012 onwards, the MLIT initiated the coordination project which aims at smooth and earlier introduction of LNG fuel ships in the shipping market.

## ③ Initiatives to reduce $ CO_{2} $ emissions in aviation

We are advancing the implementation of area navigation (RNAV), which enables shortening flight time and distance and the UPR $ ^{Note 2} $ method, which allows the flight to have the most efficient altitude desired by the pilot, as well as enhancing aerial traffic systems by implementing the Continuous Descent Operation (CDO) which sustains minimal engine output by continuously descending without leveling out at any point during descent. We also promote the use of ground power units (GPU) for airplanes and ecological cars such as GSE $ ^{Note 3} $ vehicles as part of Eco Airport(eco friendly airport) activities. Furthermore, we are strengthening international initiatives, such as participating in the “Asia and Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE)” where air traffic control authorities and airline companies cooperate to attain efficiency in flying.

## (6) Promoting initiatives by private businesses

Based on the “Energy Saving Law,” certain logistics businesses and consigners are obligated to submit periodic reports, aimed to further curb the amount of energy used in the logistics sectors and advance efforts in energy conservation. Furthermore, in order to promote the business operation with little environmental strain (green business operation), we are striving to disseminate the “Green Business Operation Certification Scheme” which recognizes logistics businesses with vehicles, shipping, warehouses and ports for environmental initiatives based on the Green Business Operation Manual.