City-to-City Collaboration Program

The Ministry of the Environment of Japan is promoting the City-to-City Collaboration for Zero Carbon Society program.

The reports of studies conducted so far under this program are listed in the “List of study reports”.

The PV introducing the City-to-City Collaboration Program is available on YouTube.
Click here for YouTube.

https://youtu.be/sb_TZe5ZuCo

Overview of City-to-City Collaboration for Zero Carbon Society

Under this framework where cities in developing countries collaborate with cities in Japan, support is provided for human resources development and the creation of institutional foundations in cities in developing countries by considering the development of zero-carbon projects in collaboration with private companies and sharing knowledge and know-how on urban management in Japan through intercity collaboration.

Due to the concentration of various infrastructure in cities, the introduction and development of superior zero-carbon technologies, products, and systems in these facilities will not only help with the zero-carbon development of cities, but are also expected to produce various co-benefits, such as improving the environment and energy supply in cities.

Outline of City-to-City Collaboration Program

Outline image of the intercity cooperation program

Image of exit strategies of the City-to-City Collaboration Program
(an example)

Image of exit strategies of the City-to-City Collaboration Program (an example)

When introducing zero-carbon technologies on the ground, it will also be possible to utilize financial schemes under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) promoted by the Government of Japan.

What is the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)?

The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) is a mechanism jointly created and implemented under an agreement between the Government of Japan and a partner country’s government to achieve Japan’s GHG emissions reduction targets by quantitatively evaluating and understanding Japan’s contributions to the reduction/absorption of GHG emissions achieved through the spread of superior zero-carbon technologies (technologies/ products, systems, services, infrastructure, etc.) and the implementation of policies that can lead to a reduction in GHG emissions in developing countries.

Carbon Markets Express

JCM outline figure

JCM financial mechanisms: What is the JCM Model Project?

The JCM Model Project is a program to measure, report, and verify (MRV) the implementation of projects to reduce and absorb GHG emissions, as well as Japan’s contributions to the emission reduction effects with the use of superior zero-carbon technologies in JCM partner countries and developing countries where the JCM is expected to be implemented. If adopted, financial support will be provided for the introduction of equipment and machinery that use superior zero-carbon technologies.

JCM Model Projects

Benefits for participating stakeholders

Benefits for cities overseas	Opportunity to establish a foundation for a zero-carbon society to lead to zero-carbon development at an earlier stage Realisation of co-benefits, such as improvements of the urban environment, and contributions to domestic policies and international agendas Creation of business opportunities by encouraging the participation of local companies Improved and enhanced urban environment to increase the appeal of the city and promote the development of industrial clusters and investment Opportunities to foster civic pride in residents as they learn about the efforts and actions of local governments and companies
Benefits for companies overseas	Use of the JCM to enable the introduction of superior zero-carbon technologies at low costs, and as a result, lower electric power and running costs. Companies will also be able to gain management know-how for the technologies introduced. Improved corporate brand power as a result of being viewed as a company that is proactive on environmental measures Potential to acquire new sales channels
Benefits for cities in Japan	Use of their own knowledge to contribute to environmental improvement and development of the domestic policies and international agendas of partner cities Use of the program as a menu of support to promote the overseas expansion of local companies Chances to help revitalise the local economy with an increase in the amount of sales by local companies and number of visitors from Japan and abroad Opportunities to learn about the efforts and actions of local governments and companies to foster a sense of civic pride in residents
Benefits for companies in Japan	Use of the JCM to facilitate overseas expansion and increase sales of company products Easy conduct of research with a variety of support from local governments and consultants Improved access to information on local policy trends and market trends, etc. Opportunities to consider mid- to long-term sales strategies with an understanding of the company’s position in light of global trends Potential to acquire new sales channels