Japan introduced the “Low Emission Vehicle Initiative” as an action-based programme based on a law passed to promote green purchasing. The initiative required all vehicles used for administrative purposes in all ministries and agencies (c.a. 7000 vehicles) to be replaced with low-emission vehicles by fiscal year 2004. The “Low Emission Vehicle Initiative” was implemented based on the Law on Promoting Green Purchasing, which was enacted in May 2000 to promote green purchasing by the public sector. Under the law, central and local governments and other national entities, which have important purchasing power in the national economy, are expected to take the lead in purchasing environment-friendly goods and services, including energy-efficient products. They are also expected to assist in the effort to encourage the purchase of low-emission vehicles by other citizens.

As part of the programme, low-emission vehicles (fuel-cell vehicles) have been adopted as official cars by various government ministries. In the green purchasing programme, the number of low-emission vehicles (LEVs) being used by ministries and agencies was 1,676 in FY 2003; the total number of government-owned LEVs was 4,407 as of March 31, 2004, and it gradually increased over time. The percentage of LEVs as official cars owned by governmental ministries and agencies now represents approximately 73 per cent of total official cars.

The use of LEVs as required by the green purchasing programme has contributed to the reduction of emissions from mobile sources. More importantly, the government has set a example to its citizens concerning the need for environmental awareness. From the viewpoint of good governance, the examples policy makers set are important, because they have a significant impact on public attitudes.

Case study courtesy of the UNEP Publication, Reducing Emissions from Private Cars: Incentive measures for behavioural change.