Green Reconstruction

A. Executive Summary

The underlying principles of build back better include (1) maintaining and enhancing quality of life for those affected by the disaster, (2) enhancing local economic viability, (3) promoting equity, (4) maintaining environmental quality, (5) reducing vulnerability by increasing disaster resilience, and (6) incorporating a participatory process with respect to rebuilding efforts. Prime Minister Naoto Kan, before his resignation, urged Japan to embrace the European ecotown model with communities that strive to be both carbons neutral and affordable—as the country looked to rebuild. In the United Kingdom, ecotowns are being explored as new developments that reflect the “four Cs”—climate, connectivity, community, and character. “Climate” speaks to the focus on climate-proofing communities (i.e., ensuring that they can cope with and adapt to the impacts of climate change) and minimizing their carbon footprint. “Connectivity” is about using technology and public transportation to enable access to employment opportunities. The “community” aspect focuses on the need to promote a balanced social mix, ensuring inclusion of the most vulnerable, such as the elderly and single parents. Finally, “character” advocates rigorous new design standards and creating a unique sense of place. Good examples of European ecotowns or eco-cities include Amersfoort in the Netherlands, Freiburg in Germany, and Zaragoza in Spain. These cities seek to reduce waste, conserve energy, make use of natural spaces, and enhance walk ability while discouraging car use.

Table of Contents

A. Executive Summary1

B. Post Disaster Re-construction2

C. Post-disaster reconstruction: Long-term solutions4

1. Power Sector in Japan4

1. Emerging technologies: fuel cells8

2. Transport Sector10

3. Infrastructure11

4. Efficiency14

5. Finance and Incentives16

Disaster preparedness18

B. Post Disaster Re-construction

Last March, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami left nearly 20,000 dead or missing and destroyed 125,000 buildings in the Tohoku region of Japan. The two disasters also caused three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to melt down, which released dangerous levels of radiation into surrounding areas and led to national power shortages. Tokyo's iconic neon signs were switched off as rolling blackouts spread across the country. Faced with the greatest reconstruction task since World War II, Japan is asking difficult questions about the future of its energy supply and just what sort of society should emerge from the ruins. So far, rebuilding efforts have focused on construction of temporary housing, restoration of crippled infrastructure, and clearing the estimated 25 million tons of debris created by the destructive force of the tsunami. Officials say it could take ten years to completely rebuild the affected areas. In the coming months, even years, there is a catchphrase familiar in disaster recovery that we can expect to hear a lot of in Japan: “build back better.” This concept has gained prominence since the recovery process following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and, more recently, with the earthquake in Haiti (Goldemberg, 2009).

Japan's own interpretation of the ecotown was first established in Kitakyushu in 1997 with support from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment. By 2005, 23 urban areas had been designated ecotowns (including Kamaishi Town in Iwate Prefecture, ...