Project News

The 3rd Training in Japan, which had been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was held from September 1st to 16th with the participation of 15 Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials, including the director of the Environment Bureau.

With the cooperation of Yokohama City, the Ministry of the Environment, private companies, etc., various lectures and site visits were conducted on the five sectors of the climate change master plan.

In particular, in the midst of the Covid-19 situation, we were able to introduce various advanced initiatives and visiting facilities thanks to the active support of private companies.

[High-level discussions]

At the courtesy call to the Vice Mayor of Yokohama City, Vice Mayor Jo and Vice Mayor Hirahara expressed their gratitude for their long-term cooperation, their expectations that future projects will be formed through city-to-city collaboration projects, and their hope that BMA's stay in Yokohama will be a meaningful one. It was said that we wanted to cooperate as city to become thing.

Mr. Wirat, Director of the BMA's Environmental Affairs Bureau, expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of the city of Yokohama, and mentioned the problem of garbage collection methods and the problem of food waste, which accounts for about 50% of the garbage, as a proposition from the current governor.

He said that he would like to follow the example of Yokohama and adopt a separation method that is easy for citizens to do.

Afterwards, a director-general-level discussion was held on climate change policy.

Director General of the Environment Bureau, Mr Wirat and Deputy Director General Ms. Woranuch greet the Deputy Mayor of Jo

Presenting a commemorative gift to Deputy Mayor Jo and Deputy Mayor Hirahara from Director General Mr. Wirat of the Environment Bureau

[Energy sector]

The city of Yokohama made a presentation on the current situation of Yokohama and the details of its efforts, such as an attempt to decarbonize by 2050 and aim for 100% renewable energy by 2050.

In addition, information was shared about Yokohama City's efforts, aiming at reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 by utilizing a data collection and analysis method for each building under the city.

The information on Yokohama Smart City Project was shared, which was conducting various demonstrating projects on basic technology for energy management, and finally, various methods were established through the accumulation of the knowledge.

At the Yokohama City Hall, an explanation was given on the advanced energy-saving measures for the new city hall walls, including air-conditioning equipment, electrical equipment, as well as emergency preparations.

The City of Yokohama and Toshiba Elevator as business operator, explained examples of ESCO project of Yokohama city.

During the visit to Taisei Corporation's research facility, we observed initiatives that utilize film-type solar cells, natural lighting systems, air-conditioning systems, fuel cells, etc., in order to realize zero-emission buildings (ZEB).

At Tokyo Gas we observed a demonstration facility that recovers CO2 and produces synthetic methane.

Taisei Corporation's Zero Emission Building (ZEB)

Tokyo Gas demonstration facility for recovering CO2 and producing synthetic methane

Chief Advisor Mr. Kuromizu

[Transportation sector]

As for urban transportation, site visits were organized to the bay bikes (shared bicycles), subways, and ropeways. The delegation also visited the Metropolitan Police Department Traffic Control Center and observed methods for collecting and disseminating information on traffic congestion using various devices on highways and arterial roads.

At Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., an explanation was given on the usage of EVs.

EV-related site visit at Nissan Motors

Bay Bike (shared bicycle)

Metropolitan Police Department Traffic Control Center

[Waste and waste water sector]

The delegation visited Tokyo Bay ASCON's recycling plant for reuse of asphalt, an incineration facility that generates electricity from waste incineration heat, a sewage treatment facility, and a sludge center. We also observed the system of garbage collection and the network management of garbage collection points by the residents' association.

Visit to Tokyo Bay Ascon

Director of the Environment Bureau Mr.Wirat at the garbage collection site

Tour at the Sewage treatment plant

[Urban green sector]

The delegate walked from JICA Yokohama Center, Nihon Odori Street, Americayama Park, Minato no Mieru Oka Park, French Yama Park, etc., which are the center of Yokohama, and received an explanation on the greening of the city, urban planning projects, and urban development projects from Yokohama city officers.

At Satoyama Garden and Zoorasia, received explanations on the utilization of urban Satoyama, awareness-raising activities for citizens, and green space management methods in cooperation with private organizations.

Explaining the origins of the city of Yokohama on Nihon Odori

Group photo at Minato no Mieruoka Park

Visit to Satoyama Garden

[Adaptation sector]

Countermeasures against flooding due to torrential rain by assumed rainfall amount using sewage facilities were explained by Yokohama City officer. The delegation also visited the Tsurumi River Multi-Purpose Retarding Basin, and received an explanation that comprehensive flood countermeasures are being taken not only for the Retarding Basin, but also for sewerage facilities, outflow control facilities, and the preservation of surrounding green and agricultural land.

Visit to the Tsurumi River Multi-Purpose Retarding Basin

State of the retarding basin during the 2014 typhoon

Explanation of flood countermeasures while looking at satellite photos of the river basin

[Climate change overall policy/Private partnership]

From the Ministry of the Environment Japan, the country's aim to reduce GHG emissions by 46% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050 was presented. It is also introduced the framework of support from the central government to local governments, the ministry's effort to bring solutions through city-to-city cooperation between overseas cities and Japanese cities, and efforts to promote environmental investment by promoting ESG investment.

There was also an explanation of the Y-PORT project by Yokohama city, which is to tackle climate change issues in Asian cities through collaboration between Yokohama City and private companies in Yokohama city.

Explanation of Y-PORT project at the Y-PORT Center

Lecture on national policies from the Ministry of the Environment Japan

Ms. Supawan from BMA delegate asking a question