Volume 55

Achieving Decarbonization and Employee Well-Being in Urban Business Districts: The Nihonbashi Initiative Hideo Takahashi, Masami Toyokawa, Yoshiyuki Kimura, Yoshiki Yamagata

Abstract

In recent years, Japanese companies and municipalities have increasingly recognized the importance of urban decarbonization. Urban areas, with their concentration of businesses, must consider not only decarbonization but also the well-being of the people working there. It is particularly important for business leaders to balance decarbonization efforts with employee well-being.
This project aims to create scenarios that achieve both decarbonization and well-being in Nihonbashi, a central business district in Tokyo.
The main focus is on long-term forecasting and management of energy demand using integrated simulation technology with an urban digital twin and developing scenarios that contribute to improving the overall well-being of employees.
Project activities include predicting and visualizing hourly energy demand for buildings within the area and assessing the effects of various decarbonization options. One decarbonization option involves implementing a system to transmit locally generated renewable energy to Nihonbashi and validating it with predictive models. By collaborating with building owners to advance energy management, the project has identified the potential to achieve approximately 10% energy savings.
In addition, the project will also work to improve employee well-being by implementing a chatbot program that will educate employees about their company’s decarbonization activities and encourage behavior change to increase their sense of contribution.
The project aims to enhance sustainable urban development and comfort in the office area and is an important step in a larger decarbonization initiative that will be implemented in partnership with building owners in the Nihonbashi area.
Ultimately, the project aims to improve energy efficiency and overall community well-being and serve as a model for future urban sustainability.

Keywords Urban decarbonization, Well-being, Urban digital twin, AEMS, electricity consignment