Research on Eco-Towns in Japan - UNEP

4. Case study2: Kitakyushu Eco-Town
environment-related technologies of the companies in the Eco-Town. Besides, various
study groups have been set up, such as the study group to create projects to utilize biomass
as materials, to commercialize the auction of used automobiles and
heavy-construction-equipments, to rebuild semiconductor manufacturing equipments and
automobiles.
(3) Eco-Town Center
The Eco-Town Center in the Kitakyushu Eco-Town is the only public facility among the
facilities there, and is the venue to interact with the citizens. The objective of this center is for
citizens visiting the center can have a better understanding of the Eco-Town. The Eco-Town
requires companies and research institutions there to disclose their facilities and
information.
The center provides opportunities for visitors to learn about the Eco-Town, and
environment-related companies in the city. The number of visitors not only from within the
city but abroad as well to the center has recently increased. The number of local
elementary and junior high school students has especially increased. The center is operated
by Kitakyushu City and companies in the Eco-Town in cooperation- the center belongs to the
Kitakyushu City, but the companies provide the operating funds.
(4) Kitakyushu Eco Complex Concept
The Kitakyushu Eco Complex Concept has begun to expand the area of the Eco-Town and
shift optimization of resources and energy from “within a factory” to “within a community.” A
committee has been set up to discuss how partnerships should be established to materialize
the concept. The committee consists of 17 large corporations, Kitakyushu City and
academics.
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