Environmental Policy

The Action Plan for Greening Government Operations

(CABINET DECISION)
JUNE 13, 1995
GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN

The Basic Environment Plan (established by Cabinet Decision on December 16, 1994) requires all sectors and groups of society to participate voluntarily and actively in the efforts to build a society in which all citizens participate and share a fair burden for environmental conservation in accordance with their socio-economic activities.Because the national government is by far one of the largest economic bodies that employ and consume large amounts of goods and services, it is responsible for significantly reducing the load on the environment through environment-friendly economic activity. Furthermore, by taking the initiative, the national government can lead by example and inspire local governments, corporations, and private citizens to volunteer.

Therefore, in accordance with Section 3, Chapter 3, Part III of the Basic Environment Plan, the Cabinet established an action plan ("Action Plan") to guide the activities common to all governmental organizations ("Ministries and Agencies concerned"). However, if a Government Agency is unable to ensure the implementation of all or part of the Plan, that Government Organization may decide to establish an independent action plan ("Operative Plan") by the end of fiscal 1997 to replace the Action Plan for specified operations in accordance with the mission of the Government Organization.

The Action Plan will be in effect for the period through fiscal 2000 and shall be reviewed, if necessary, before the end of fiscal 1997 based on evaluations of achievements, technological progress, and other factors.

Whereas local governments, government-affiliated organizations, and non-profit organizations are expected to undertake initiatives in line with the rationale of the Action Plan, efforts shall be made to increase awareness of the Action Plan and to provide necessary assistance to those activities.

In addition, because the Ministries and Agencies concerned both individually and collectively, have decided on and initiated various actions that will contribute to environmental conservation, those actions shall be carried out continuously and properly in cooperation with the Action Plan.

(Notes)

Concrete and Detailed Actions to Implement The Action Plan for Greening Government Operations Decided at The Council of Ministries and Agencies Concerned on Promotion of The Basic Environment Plan