A new turning point towards an environmentally conscious society

However, there are many regulations and issues regarding the location of the power source. Countries such as the UK and Germany are focusing on offshore wind power generation, but in Japan's waters, where there are many rich fishing grounds, there are issues related to fishing rights. In addition, since many suitable sites on land are located in mountainous areas or along the coast, forest development and road construction are necessary, but there are also issues such as bird strikes and noise if there are houses nearby. Small-scale power generation using rivers must of course clear legal regulations such as the River Act and consider the protection of the natural environment. Excellent natural environments are also excellent scenic spots, and various issues pile up depending on the power source, including the preservation of such scenery. However, choosing natural energy as one of the main energy sources is something that must be tackled for the sustainability of this country and the earth, and it can be said to be the right choice. Although it is essential to reach a consensus among the entire nation on many issues, it seems that small-scale power generation in particular is worth considering in terms of the possibility of local production and consumption of energy and risk diversification.

Although a complete agreement was not reached at COP16 (the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) held in Cancun, Mexico last year, it was a conference that made it clear that the whole world is committed to working toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is the responsibility of those of us living today to leave this beautiful global environment for the next generation. Further efforts to reduce CO2 emissions are consistent with the "demand structure reform" that the country is working on. Currently, "power saving" efforts are being made nationwide, and efforts to reduce electricity by 15% to 30% are continuing in ordinary households and companies. If this concept can be established as "efficient use of energy" rather than "endurance" rather than "temporary power saving," it is expected to result in a very large reduction in CO2 emissions. It is said that electricity rates will increase with the passage of the "Renewable Energy Special Measures Bill," and that the burden will be borne equally by all citizens, but if efficient energy use becomes established, the burden on households will likely approach the same level as before the earthquake.

In this situation where society is undergoing major changes regarding energy issues, it will become increasingly important for us, as Architectural Design, to propose efficient energy use. It is essential to propose not only energy-saving and environmentally conscious designs, but also how to use them. For example, companies are now beginning to adopt "LED task lighting" as a measure to "save electricity" in offices. Combined with reducing the illuminance of ceiling lights, which are ambient lighting, the effect is very large. However, it goes without saying that the proposal must also balance this with the comfort of the office work environment. In addition, proposals for optimal operation methods for equipment that will be in operation, whether in new construction or renovation, will also have a great effect. We are now at a turning point toward creating environmentally friendly architecture and cities. There are many things that we need to tackle, big or small, in various frameworks, for the future decades or centuries from now.