Cool the Earth
* The organizer of this contest is Eco Business Creation Association and the manager of the web site is NTT Resonant Inc.
- Winners of the "Cool the Earth" Idea Contest
- >> Winners of the "Cool the Earth" Idea Contest
Concept
With the aim of curbing global warming as much as possible and keeping the earth "cool", we are calling for ideas from around the world for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Applicants will have the opportunity to exchange views or to network over the Internet in order to enhance the feasibility of ideas. Based on the innovative ideas we receive, prototype projects will be conducted in Japan to establish models for reducing emissions. The results of these projects will be reported to the global community in the hope that this will promote further innovation towards reducing CO2 emissions.
Current Situation and Background
The first five-year commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol started on January 1st, 2008, and Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has promoted the Japanese vision "Low-carbon Society, Japan" to move toward a low-carbon society. At the last G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, global warming was the main focus. In particular, now is the time for Japan, which chaired the conference which gave birth to the Kyoto Protocol, to take the initiative in gathering ideas from all over the world and promote effective strategies.
- * For reference about environmental initiatives in Japan, visit:
-
>> Latest Articles on Information Center
>> Introduction to Japan
Schedule
Idea Submission Period:
窶ｻThank you. Entry to our contest has ended.
- Winners of the "Cool the Earth" Idea Contest
- >> Winners of the "Cool the Earth" Idea Contest
- The award ceremony of the "Cool the Earth" Idea Contest
- >> The award ceremony of the "Cool the Earth" Idea Contest
Eligible Applicants
Corporations, non-governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, volunteer groups, and individuals from around the world. (Ideas may be submitted either in English or Japanese.)
Entry Divisions
Business Division (domestic / overseas)
We are calling for ideas for new business models which contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. We are looking for ideas that can be applied to going forward, not ideas that are aimed at expanding the markets of existing businesses. Applicants are not required to have relevant business experience.
Governmental System/Policy Division (domestic / overseas)
We are calling for ideas to establish systems and policies which can be utilized by national or local governments. We welcome ideas for removing barriers that hinder new businesses start-up, or ideas for schemes aimed at encouraging people to change their lifestyles to reduce CO2 emissions. Ideas do not have to be consistent nor comply with current Japanese systems, regulations, etc.
-
Note: Applicants who apply in the domestic division should apply in Japanese.
Applicants who apply in the overseas division should apply in English.
Applicants who reside in Japan may apply in the overseas division.
Prizes for Winners
For each of four entry divisions, one special prize is awarded. A grand prize is then awarded to one of the special prize winners.
Grand Prize:300,000 yen
Special Prizes:50,000yen
Steering Body
Organizer: Eco Business Creation Association (in alphabetical order)
(12 Members: Amita Corporation, Kajima Corporation, Kanagawa Prefectural Government, Kawasaki City Government, Eco Design Institute, Nippon Koei Co., Ltd., Nomura Research Institute, Ltd., NTT Resonant Inc., Orix Co. Ltd., Tokyo Electric Power Company and Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., Tool-Box Inc.)
Additional Support: NTT Resonant Inc., Japan for Sustainability (JFS), Eco Networks Co.
- * The Eco Business Creation Association was established in February 2002 with the aim of developing truly sustainable socio-economic activities while changing the current socio-economic system, which has encouraged mass production and mass disposal, thereby resulting in serious impacts on the environment. Today 12 companies make up the association and cooperate in testing new business models which could not be performed by just one company.
Contact Information:
Shiro Hosojima, Japan for Sustainability (supporter of contest)
E-mail: cooltheearth@japanfs.org
(for inquiries or information in Japanese, contact Kouichi Inagaki, "Cool the Earth" Idea Contest Office, c/o Amita Corporation.
28 Banchi, Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0075 Japan
E-mail: cool-the-earth@amita-net.co.jp)
Judging Method
Judging Process
First Screening: Several ideas will be selected in each division by the Eco Business Creation Association, which is the host of this contest.
Second Screening: Online voting by the public, and selection by expert judges.
Judging Criteria
Submitted ideas will be judged based on the following 3 criteria:
- 1) Viability 20 points
You should be able to demonstrate concrete goals or plans of action to explain how you would like to implement your idea. We will look at whether your idea demonstrates not only a concept but also has concrete and practical suggestions. - 2) Effectiveness (for CO2 emissions reduction) 20 points
You should be able to show that your idea is effective in curbing global warming. We will judge to what extent greenhouse gas reduction is achievable based on an applicant's proposed model and whether supporting evidence is stated rationally. Values for all non-CO2 greenhouse gases should be stated as CO2 equivalent. - 3) Secondary Effects 10 points
We will also judge secondary effects that the businesses or measures may bring in, such as creation of local industry, improved lifestyle quality or social advancement.
- * For reference about conversion, visit the following:
-
>> 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (IPCC)
>> Review of the implementation of commitments and of other provisions of the Convention. UNFCCC guidelines on reporting and review (UNFCCC)
Examiners
Fumikazu Masuda: Professor of Tokyo Zokei University
Ryoichi Yamamoto: Professor at the Institute of Industrial Science,University of Tokyo
Satoko Ekberg: Director, E-Square Inc.