## (1) Advancing recycling in construction

Based on the “Construction Material Recycling Act (Construction Recycling Law),” we are working to enforce proper measures through a simultaneous patrol throughout Japan.

In addition, we are conducting investigations and surveys needed for overcoming various challenges, such as the thorough dismantling and separation of plaster boards waste, as pointed out by the “Compilation on the Assessment and Investigation on the State of Enforcement of the Construction Recycling Scheme,” and are working to advance recycling in construction. The challenges encountered for recycling in construction include: certain materials having a low recycling rate, attempts to curb the amount or enhance the “quality” of recycling being insufficient, and unlawful dumping related to construction remains common. In response, we are planning on raising awareness among the concerned

personnel, strengthening cooperation, and the consolidated expansion of other environmental measures. We are promoting the “Construction Recycling Advancement Plan of 2008,” which contains the basic outlook for cultivating the construction recycling market based on creative activities of private enterprises.

## (2) Reducing raw sewage and promoting recycling

We are promoting the recycling of raw sewage (recycling rate of 78% in 2010), use of bio-gas produced by incinerating sewage for generating electricity and for fuel in cars that utilize natural gas, utilizing energy such as the solid fuel processing of raw sewage, and advancing recovery and utilization of phosphorus from sewage. Furthermore, we are proceeding with the Breakthrough by Dynamic Approach in Sewage High Technology Project (B-DASH Project) for developing innovative technology and systems for the effective use of sewage based resources.

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## Utilization of Energy from Plant Based Waste Material in Cities

Upon the occurrence of the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 11, 2011, power outages occurred on a wide scale throughout the Tohoku and Kanto regions. Approximately 8.4 million households under the jurisdiction of the Tokyo Electric Power and Tohoku Electric Power Companies suffered power outages. Although over 80% was recovered 6 days after the occurrence of the earthquake, refugee life and rescue activities were affected during the outage.

In many cases around disaster sites, gymnasiums and plazas at city parks were utilized as living quarters and relief operation sites for victims who lost their homes due to the tsunami. In Fukushima, around 200 parks were utilized as evacuation sites or temporary relief housing 1 month after the earthquake. In light of these situations, we see the need to support smooth evacuation and relief operations by establishing systems in city parks with the ability to supply a consistent amount of energy during natural disasters.

To this end, we have directed focus to using energy produced from plant based waste materials derived from public parks in urban areas. By supplying energy to disaster prevention parks, we aim to create a low carbon, recycling society that is resistant to disaster while accommodating environmental issues and problems with the decreasing population. It is estimated that the amount of plant based waste materials produced by pruning and other maintenance of urban public parks throughout Japan reach around 2 million tons a year.