Japan’s experience of energy saving and business model for low-carbon economy

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the questions concerning stimulation of the innovation and the diffusion of energy saving or low-carbon. To do so, this paper explains using two cases of Japan – energy saving innovation after the Oil Shock and the eco points system. For the case after the oil shock, we explain the energy saving trend after the Oil Shock and the factors statistically. Then we put forward the business model for the low-carbon economy. Furthermore, we analyze the case of the eco points system from 2009–2011 in Japan and explain the significance of the business model for diffusion of the low-carbon products.

Keywords:

• energy saving innovation
• eco-point system
• business model
• low-carbon economy
• Japan

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by Grant-in-Aid for Asian CORE Program “Manufacturing and Environmental Management in East Asia” of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).