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Table 3 Policy overview and environmental recognition

From: Positive inertia and proactive influencing towards sustainability: systems analysis of a frontrunner city

1967–1987

Mayor: Tani Gohei

Goal: Pollution abatement

Established Environmental Bureau (1971)

‘The City of Kitakyushu Pollution Control Ordinance’ (More stringent than national laws)

Agreements to prevent pollution, began enforcing measures against major companies, individualised target-setting

1987–2007

Mayor: Kouichi Sueyoshi

Goal: Resource circulating society, zero waste emissions, new environmental industry

“Eco Town Plan”

Development (1990s) of Kitakyushu Eco Town Plan approved by National government 1997.

Creation of an Eco-Industrial Complex (29 plants), Hibiki Recycling Area and Practical Research Area (15 facilities). Eco Town reduces 380,000 t of CO2 per year (FY2010) (OECD 2013)

“Grand Design” on World Capital of Sustainable Development (2004)

1990 United Nations Environment Programme Global 500 Award

1992 Earth Summit UN Local Government Honours

1995 Asian Environmental Award

2002 Johannesburg Declaration recognised the Kitakyushu Initiative (Knowledge-sharing network of cities)

2007–2008 Japan’s Top Eco-City Contest first place

2007 – present

Mayor: Kitahashi Kenji

Goal: Low Carbon society

50% emissions reduction by 2030 on 2005 levels and 150% Asian region-wide

“Green Frontier Plan”

Established the Asian Center for Low Carbon Society, which is a grouping of local government, research institute and public body, the Kitakyushu International Techno-Cooperative Association, aimed at expanding environmental business through city-to-city cooperation.

2008 Approved as an Eco-Model City (Japan)

2011 Approved as a Future City (Japan)

2013 “Green Asia” Comprehensive Special Zone 20% of company earnings involved in relevant projects deducted from tax.