Kyoto University has received overall ratings of "S" -- the highest possible -- in the "greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction planning and reporting" programs of both Kyoto City and Kyoto Prefecture. The respective programs, targeted at large-scale emitters, are being undertaken pursuant to municipal and prefectural ordinances aimed at helping to mitigate global warming. The ratings applied to the programs' first phases, which ran from FY2011 through FY2013.
On 27 January, an awards ceremony for the prefectural program was held at Kyoto-fu Kokan, with Kyoto University among 18 recipients of the highest GHG performance rating selected for special commendation. Professor Emeritus Koichiro Oshima, Vice-President for University Reform, accepted the award from Governor Keiji Yamada.
The ceremony for the municipal program took place earlier, on 19 December 2014, at Kyoto City Hall, with representatives of the 22 S-rated organizations in attendance. As in the municipal event, the University was represented by Vice-President Oshima, who accepted a certificate of merit and a commemorative gift from Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa.
Kyoto University's S ratings in the two programs can be credited to several effective emission-reduction measures that were operating during the applicable period, including the "environmental levy system", which promotes facility renovations to improve energy efficiency, and "cool biz" and "warm biz" seasonal energy-saving campaigns.
In order to meet the high reduction targets set for the current phase (FY2014-2016) of the GHG programs, Kyoto University remains committed to ensuring effective implementation of its environmental levy system and other sustainability measures.
Kyoto Governor Yamada (left) presenting the prefectural award to KU Vice-President Ohshima
Kyoto Mayor Kadokawa (left) with KU Vice-President Ohshima
