The first meeting of the Study Group for Developing and Promoting a Carbon Footprint Program

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) organized and convened this study group on June 17 as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of the study group is to discuss what kind of carbon footprint program Japan should develop with an eye toward future implementation and promotion. Under a carbon footprint program, products will carry a label indicating CO2 emissions generated throughout their lifecycles.

1. The role of the study group
This study group is aimed at discussing basic concepts (e.g., CO2 emissions calculation methods, product labels) regarding the carbon footprint program with an eye toward future implementation and promotion in Japan. Its activities include creating sample products carrying a label indicating the amount of CO2 emissions and using them for consumer surveys.

Based on the results of discussions and surveys, a report describing what kind of carbon footprint program Japan should develop will be compiled by the end of FY 2008.

2. Major topics
(1) Desirable methods of calculating and displaying carbon footprints
(2) Desirable systems to ensure the reliability of the information to be displayed
(3) Identification of potential challenges in promoting the program

3. Future schedule

• Following the first meeting on June 17, the study group will convene at a frequency of once in a few months.
• Trials of calculation and labeling will be conducted with a view to showing samples at Eco-Products 2008 in December.
• Based on the results of the group’s activities, a report describing what kind of carbon footprint program Japan should develop will be compiled by the end of FY 2008.

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