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. |