• Fuel efficiency standard In 1999 the Japanese government adopted fuel efficiency standards based on the Top Runner Program pursuant to the Act concerning the Rational Use of Energy (Energy Conservation Act) and has gradually tightened regulations since then.

• Groundwater conservation: mineral water from taps In cooperation with neighboring municipalities, Kumamoto City has maintained groundwater recharge levels and protected watershed forests. By protecting the natural systems and conserving Kumamoto`s high-quality groundwater, the city can provide its citizens with high quality mineral water from taps.

• Tax mechanisms to conserve privately-owned green areas: Yokohama Greenery Plan The City of Yokohama is a large city with 3.7 million inhabitants. Its mountain forests and farmlands have decreased year by year due to urban development. To preserve precious green areas for its citizens, the city has introduced a new tax system. The city uses the revenues to conserve privately-owned green areas and their biodiversity and encourage citizens, corporations and developers to take part in the same.