City-Level Decoupling-Case Studies

the process is supplied to enterprises in the Eco-Town area. With this process, Kitakyushu is able to raise material productivity, recycling and reuse rates, and in turn lower final waste volumes. Kitakyushu city’s strategy of comprehensive development and support resulted in many innovations in the recycling industry. For example, Kitakyushu was the first city in Japan to start the reuse of florescent tubes, and its recycling rate for automobiles is an impressive 99% (exceeding the 95% recycling rate targeted by the Japanese government for achievement by 2015). According to a survey done in 2006, during its first 6 years the construction and operation of Kitakyushu Eco-Town is estimated to have generated 109.3 billion Yen (approximately US$1.2 billion 125 ) in direct and indirect investments, and created 6,470 jobs. 126 • Accumulation of technologies and human resources: The utilization of existing industrial infrastructure and technological capabilities accumulated throughout Kitakyushu’s history as a manufacturing center acted in its favor. The technologies, human resources and culture developed whilst combating heavy pollution in the area also played an important role. • Timely national policy and subsidies: New national policies helped to promote new industries like recycling, and timely subsidies encouraged civil enterprises to take on the risks of entering new fields. • Communication: Kitakyushu was very careful to communicate information about the Eco- Town to the public throughout its development. In principle, all facilities were open to public, helping to create the understanding necessary to build support for new waste treatment plants. • Clustering: The clustering of similar businesses allowed them to benefit from shared efforts to communicate and negotiate on behalf of their industry. • Motivation: Having experienced firsthand the hardships associated with extreme pollution, there was a strong appreciation for the need to improve the environment which helped to align interest groups toward these goals. Having managed to achieve many of its initial Eco-Town Project Plan goals long before 2005, Kitakyushu City started drawing up its Phase 2 Plan in 2002. Phase 2 includes new strategies to promote not only recycling, but also various environmental projects such as energy and resource conservation that promote a more sustainable local society. For example, the city has built a ‘Next Generation Energy Park' within the Hibiki landfill site to promote the use of solar photovoltaics panels, wind power and coal gasification. Kitakyushu City has also been working on the Green Corridor Project, aiming at a harmonization of nature within this industrial city through the involvement of non-profit organisations and citizens in the creation of green spaces in the city and educational programs amongst other initiatives. In 2011, the city was selected for inclusion in Japan’s 'Future City' Initiative, recognizing the Green Corridor Project as an example of environmental excellence. Kitakyushu’s success can be attributed to a combination of the following factors:

54