CO2 reduction in practice
Transport

The example of Japan Railways East shows that efficiency improvements are also possible in the public transport sector. JR East mainly operates electric trains. Compared to railway cars they introduced 10 years ago, the latest series of rolling stock has 30% lower power consumption, primarily as a result of weight savings. The company is achieving similar improvements in its diesel trains. Overall, JR East is aiming to reduce both its energy use per unit transport and CO2 emissions from its power plants by 10% by 2001. Furthermore, the company utilises a solar water heating system, has installed solar electric cells on the roof of Tokyo railway station, is testing a fuel cell power system and investigating the introduction of wind power.