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"Eco-Pro 2016" Comprehensive Environmental and Energy Exhibition Attracted 170,000 Visitors
The Japan Environmental Management Association and Nikkei Inc. held "Eco-Pro 2016: The Future of Environment and Energy" at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward from December 8th to 10th. Approximately 700 companies and organizations, including businesses, local governments, NPOs, and universities, exhibited at the venue, which was bustling with around 167,000 visitors during the event.
The "Eco-Products Exhibition," which began in 1999 with the aim of promoting environmentally conscious products, has expanded its scope year by year to include services, environmental management, and social contribution. This year, the exhibition adopted two major themes: "Global Warming Countermeasures and Environmental Consideration" and "Clean Energy and Smart Society," and was renamed accordingly.
Here, we introduce the main highlights from the exhibition hall.
■ Exhibition Topics
Japan's First "Nano-Cellulose Exhibition" Held
The new material "cellulose nanofiber" (CNF), which is one-fifth the weight yet five times stronger, is anticipated to contribute to countering global warming as a post-carbon fiber solution. Its potential lies in reducing the weight of automotive parts and home appliances, improving fuel efficiency, and more. The "Nano Cellulose Exhibition" within the venue featured 35 companies and organizations, showcasing everything from research and development to commercialization, manufacturing, and applications.
Clean Energy: Hydrogen, Geothermal, and More
As cutting-edge technologies and products for realizing a hydrogen society, Panasonic exhibited pure hydrogen fuel cells, while Toyota Motor Corporation showcased Japan's first "fuel cell forklift."
Additionally, a special exhibition introduced the hydrogen society, focusing primarily on the mobility sector where hydrogen energy utilization is advancing.
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Products for Responding to Natural Disasters like Earthquakes and Extreme Weather
Amid efforts to build a resilient nation focused on disaster prevention/mitigation and rapid recovery/reconstruction, Onoda Industries and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. introduced seismic isolation experience vehicles and next-generation disaster-resistant housing, while Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. showcased disaster-mitigating urban development.
Numerous experiential programs, stage events, seminars, and symposiums were held
Beyond exhibits, the venue featured many non-exhibition programs like eco-car test drives and seminars/talks on environment, energy, advanced technologies, and eco-lifestyle. The Ministry of the Environment's "COOL CHOICE ~Choose Now for the Future~" booth featured exhibits promoting the selection of "next-generation lifestyles" through energy-saving ideas and cutting-edge technology to reduce CO2 emissions. Particularly popular was the experience corner offering 360-degree VR viewing of Tokyo 100 years into the future under advanced global warming conditions, which drew continuous lines of visitors.
COOL CHOICE Official Website:
https://ondankataisaku.env.go.jp/coolchoice/
■ "REDD+"
REDD+ is a global initiative to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through protecting vast forests in developing countries. In Japan, the "REDD+ Platform: Changing the World from Forests" was established in 2014, initiated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute. It promotes REDD+ projects through collaboration between private companies and government agencies.
On the 10th, the event stage hosted "What’s REDD+?! What is 'REDD+', the Keyword Changing the World from Forests? ~ Learn about 'REDD+', the Ace in the Hole for Preventing Global Warming, with Paku-kun and Makkun!"
Hosted by the Japanese-American comedy duo Pakkun Mackun, the stage featured 2016 Miss Japan Green Goddess Hona Iizuka and the student team "YRN" (pronounced "Yaan"). The four, who traveled to Indonesia this year as REDD+ Official Correspondents, reported on their findings regarding deforestation and REDD+ activities, along with their post-trip PR efforts. They presented field reports on the effectiveness of a project halting deforestation by promoting cocoa cultivation and enhancing product value, along with their interactions with local communities. They shared reflections such as, "Seeing the situation firsthand heightened my environmental awareness," and "I felt proud that Japan's support is making a difference."
REDD+ Official Website:
http://www.reddplus-platform.jp/
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