Since our founding, we have pursued urban and community development that treats public transportation and urban development as two halves of a whole with local communities, in order to create ideal living environments. We have always placed importance on "harmony between people, towns, and the environment" in our urban development, and we are committed to working together with local communities and society to realize the SDGs. Together with everyone, we will promote sustainable community development that is in harmony with the environment.
In March 2022, the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries formulated the "Environmental Vision 2030," which aims to create a community where everyone can contribute to a sustainable society and the revitalization of the local environment.
We have set targets for initiatives toward a decarbonized and recycling-based society, and will continue to actively work toward these goals.
On September 2, the Tokyu Group centenary, we implemented an initiative to supply electricity to the main offices and commercial facilities of the Tokyu Corporation Group and general households subscribing to Tokyu Denki with CO2-free electricity derived from 100% renewable energy sources for one day only.
Related press release (Only avairable in Japanese)
In addition, on September 27, 2022, we launched a joint initiative with Osaka Gas and GPSS Holdings to develop solar power plants and utilize renewable energy power through the Corporate PPA*.
＊A method of supplying and procuring electricity in which power producers, retail electricity suppliers, and consumers enter into long-term, fixed-price power purchase contracts on the premise that electricity will be supplied from remote power plants to demanding locations through the power transmission and distribution system.
Related press release (Only avairable in Japanese)
In addition, we would like to introduce some of the initiatives that we and our Group companies have implemented to date to achieve the targets articulated in our "Environmental Vision 2030".
To contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society, we are further promoting energy conservation and the use of renewable energy in all of our businesses.
From April 1, 2022, all Tokyu lines have operated on 100% renewable energy-derived electricity with virtually zero CO₂ emissions. This is the first initiative in Japan in which the entire railway line is operated on 100% electricity derived from renewable energy sources.
The Setagaya Line has been operating on 100% renewable electricity since March 25, 2019 (Electricity Anniversary Day), and now the operation has been expanded to include electricity used on the Toyoko Line and seven other railway lines. This will result in virtually zero CO₂ emissions for the seven railway lines thanks to the renewable energy power menu* of TEPCO Energy Partners and Tokyu Power Supply, which will continue to operate the Setagaya Line.
＊Menu utilizing non-fossil certificates with tracking functions corresponding to RE100
2020 Series with improved environmental performance
Departure Ceremony at the Start of the Setagaya Line Service
Related press release (Only avairable in Japanese)
Tokyu Railways's Environmental initiative (Only available in Japanese)
Based on the concept of "people- and environment-friendly carriages," Tokyu Railways has been introducing the 5000 Series, 6000 Series, and 7000 Series trains, which are barrier-free and offer improved convenience and comfort inside the carriages. In March 2018, we introduced the new, even more advanced Series 2020 and Series 6020 trains to the Den-en-toshi and Oimachi Lines, respectively; in November 2019, we introduced Series 3020 trains to the Meguro Line.
The new carriages (Series 2020, 6020, and 3020) use low-noise main electric motors and drive units, reducing noise along the line and outside the trains by approximately 10 dB compared to the old trains (Series 8500). In addition, the use of a highly efficient main electric motor driven by a controller using next-generation semiconductor devices and the use of LED lights for all interior, front, and tail lamps have reduced power consumption by approximately 50% compared to the previous model. The comfort has been further improved through the use of a "nanoe*” air purifier and high-back seats.
＊nanoe is a trademark of the Panasonic Corporation.
Oimachi Line
Meguro Line
Tokyu Corporation Environmental Initiatives(Only available in Japanese)
To harness the natural energy of sunlight, Motosumiyoshi Station on the Toyoko and Meguro Lines has installed a photovoltaic system on the roof of the platform and above the concourse. With a rated output of 140 kW, the system generated approximately 89,000 kWh in FY2021, or about 10.3% of the electricity used at Motosumiyoshi Station. Other projects include rainwater reuse and greening of the space in front of the ticket gate.
In addition to Motosumiyoshi Station, a solar power generation system with a rated output of 10 kW has been installed at Kaminoge Station on the Oimachi Line.
Motosumiyoshi Station (solar power generation)
Kaminoge Station (solar power generation)
Becamex Tokyu Co., Ltd., which is expanding its business in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is working to develop a sustainable city that is friendly to people and the environment in Binh Duong New City in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, utilizing the community development know-how of Tokyu Tama Den-en-toshi area.
The "SORA gardens" area at the entrance to the new city includes the development concept of gardens with hanging gardens and wall greening, as well as a lush greenway for residents to relax. In the "MIDORI PARK" detached housing area, seasonal flowers and water features are maintained along with a high-quality living environment. In the "Hikari" commercial area, which focuses on food and beverages, the Company has not only introduced solar power generation, but has also begun recycling-based society initiatives such as composting and aquaponics.
Becamex Tokyu Bus, a wholly owned subsidiary of Becamex Tokyu Co., Ltd., is working to promote a "modal shift" from motorcycles and cars to public transportation in Vietnam, which has serious traffic congestion and air pollution problems, by utilizing its bus operation know-how accumulated in Japan to develop a bus network that is easily accessible. To reduce the environmental impact, the Company is operating route buses fueled by natural gas (CNG gas). Compared to conventional diesel vehicles, natural gas vehicles significantly reduce the environmental impact.
Route buses fueled by natural gas
"SORA gardens" condominium projects
"MIDORI PARK" a detached housing area
"Hikari" a commercial facility
Aiming to realize a recycling-based society, we are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the effective use of resources at all stages of our operations.
Shibuya Scramble Square, a large-scale complex that opened in November 2019, employs a water resource-friendly initiative to reduce water use for the purpose of effectively utilizing water resources and reducing the load on sewage facilities.
Store kitchen wastewater and miscellaneous wastewater are purified with activated carbon after being decomposed by microorganisms and other substances by water recycling facilities installed on the sixth basement floor of the building. The purified water is reused as toilet flushing water, thereby making effective use of water resources and reducing the burden on sewage facilities.
Other measures include the installation of solar panels on the rooftop, wall greening on the south side of the building to reduce CO₂ emissions, and enabling the mutual use of heat sources (cold and hot) with surrounding facilities, aiming to optimize energy not only in the building itself, but also for the entire area surrounding Shibuya Station.
Shibuya Scramble Square View
(Courtesy of Shibuya Scramble Square)
Water recycling facilities
(Courtesy of Shibuya Scramble Square)
Tokyu Store has been able to reduce water consumption by installing new water-saving equipment in the kitchen, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions. The pulsating flow type water-saving valve, which continuously strikes and eliminates dirt by varying the amount of water that is released as a blister from the mixing of water and air, has high cleaning power to pulverize even the most stubborn dirt. The water pressure and volume can be adjusted to save water without compromising the cleaning power, and it offers the advantage of being maintenance-free and continuous.
First, a 49-day installation trial was conducted at one restaurant in 2017 to confirm the water-saving effects, and then in May 2018, the system was installed in each kitchen of the seafood and delicatessen departments at 84 business locations. As a result, we have reduced water consumption by 97,065 m3 per year and saved 33 t-CO₂. This is equivalent to the annual absorption of CO2 by approximately 2,300 cedar trees in artificial forests.
Water saving valve
For stations located underground, power consumption by ventilation and air conditioning systems accounts for about 80% of the total power consumption of the station. Therefore, efforts related to ventilation and air conditioning have a significant impact on the overall energy consumption of the station. So, Shibuya Station, a large station with five underground floors, has adopted a large-scale natural ventilation system that works in unison with Shibuya Hikarie, a commercial facility directly connected to the station, to achieve significant energy savings. Other features include a “radiant cooling system,” in which cooling tubes are installed under the floor and ceiling of the platform to circulate cool water.
The natural ventilation system, which does not rely on electricity, and the radiant cooling system, among other factors, resulted in an annual reduction of approximately 1.94 million kWh of electricity in FY 2021 when compared with a building of comparable size with a normal cooling system, and a reduction of approximately 1,078 tons of CO₂ emissions.
Shibuya Hikarie is also implementing “night purge” ventilation, which reduces the energy consumption of air conditioning by bringing in cold external air at night, as well as the greening of the rooftop and exterior.
Natural ventilation system at Shibuya Station
Environmental Considerations at Shibuya Hikarie
The former Series 7000, which was the first "all stainless steel car" on Japanese railways in 1962, was retired from the Tokyu Line in 2000, and was transferred to Konan Railway (Aomori Prefecture), Hokuriku Railway (Ishikawa Prefecture), and Mizuma Railway (Osaka Prefecture), where it is still in service. Compared to recycling by dismantling rolling stock, this method has fewer environmental impacts and allows the railway companies to renew their rolling stock at a lower cost to the transferee companies.
The Series 7700, which was created in 1987 by converting the former Series 7000, was also retired from the Tokyu Line in November 2018 and was transferred to Yoro Railway (Gifu and Mie prefectures). After being modified for Yoro Railway by changing the exterior design and installing cross seats in some of the middle cars of the three-car train, the train will begin commercial operation in April 2019 after completing trial runs and will continue running on the Yoro Railway for the next 30 years approximately.
Series 7700 running on the Tokyu Line
Series 7700 running on the Yoro Railway
Photographed by Teruyoshi Nakano
The Kawasaki King Skyfront Tokyu REI Hotel, which opened in June 2018, is the world's first hydrogen-powered hotel. The hotel uses hydrogen derived from used plastic to generate its electricity and hot water. However, its use of hydrogen energy does not stop there; the lobby is used for the hydroponic cultivation of lettuce using hydrogen-powered electricity, and the harvested lettuce is then served at the buffet. Additionally, the company has achieved a 100% recycling rate by delivering its food waste to power generation facilities as the raw material for biomass power generation. Moreover, we have established a recycling system in which the electricity generated by these activities is bought back by the hotel through a power sales company. Finally, by introducing the “Zero Emi Plan®,”* a 100% renewable energy plan for other electric power, we have realized a CO₂-free hotel run on 30% hydrogen energy and 70% renewable energy. This has resulted in a reduction in CO₂ emissions of about 419 tons per year (equivalent to about 47,600 cedar trees), contributing to the realization of a decarbonized and recycling-oriented society.
＊An environmentally oriented electricity supply plan adopting FIT electricity as a power source and using non-fossil certificates and J-Credits to achieve 100% real renewable energy.
Lettuce grown at the hotel
A pure hydrogen fuel cell system
Kawasaki King Skyfront Tokyu REI Hotel
Tokyu Hotels Sustainability Policy(Only available in Japanese)
In Futako Tamagawa Rise, a complex of commercial facilities, offices, hotels, and residential blocks, we are developing a safe and secure community that is people- and environmentally friendly for the future of our children and the Earth.
We are working to reduce energy usage and CO₂ emissions by adopting energy-saving equipment and renewable energy use in buildings, roads, and other infrastructure throughout the area. The area has a good transportation network and is served by the Den-en-toshi Line, Oimachi Line, and various buses, and is being developed as a high-density, compact, multi-functional city with a concentration of commercial, office, public facilities, and residential buildings.
A sustainable city that has eliminated
any waste of energy and resources
Received the 25th Global Environment Award
Futako Tamagawa Rise Environmental Initiatives(only available in Japanese)
In order to realize a decarbonized and recycling-oriented society, we are forming partnerships and communities to solve problems not on a "point" basis, but on a "plane" basis through collaboration.
We and the Tokyu Railways, in cooperation with Machida City, completed the integrated redevelopment of the station, commercial facilities, and urban park to create Minami-machida Grandberry Park, which opened in 2019. This is a seamless town with a series of open spaces that take advantage of the fusion of liveliness and greenery based on the concept of “the whole town becoming a park.”
By adopting permeable pavements and bioswales throughout the area, we have set up a system where some of the rainwater is returned to the ground, and we are managing rainwater using green infrastructure.*1
In recognition of these efforts, we have received Gold certification*2 under the international environmental certification system LEED ND (Urban Development Division). This was the first time in Japan that a station was included in the certified zone.
Additionally, by planting flowering and fruiting trees around the exterior of the commercial facility in Grandberry Park, we aim to attract birds and insects and to lead to fusion of nature and life.
＊1 The development of social infrastructure and land management by utilizing the natural environment.
＊2 The LEED® rating system, managed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is an evaluation and certification program that contributes to the design, construction, and maintenance of high-performance green buildings. LEED® and its logo are registered trademarks of the USGBC and permission is required for their use.
Park Plaza leading to the park
Bioswale (Rain Path)
Ikegami Station on the Ikegami Line has long been familiar to users for its historic wooden station building. However, to remove the level crossing that exists within the station, to ensure safety, and to eliminate the division of the town by the railroad tracks, the station building was improved and a station building with a commercial facility, "Etomo Ikegami," was developed. To inherit and develop the "memory" of the old station building and the gate town, this construction project focused on the use of wood to create a warm and inviting space. In addition to using a large amount of Tama timber and securing a carbon storage capacity of 14 t-CO₂ for the entire facility, the "Minna no Ekimoku Project" was implemented to reuse the old "Ekimoku" timber from the former station building.
The project included the distribution of "Ekimoku Bench Kits" to the neighborhood. By having all parties involved share our philosophy and working together with the community to carry out the project, wooden benches reminiscent of the old station building were scattered throughout the town, and a sense of community unity was also fostered.
Ikegami Station - The flow line to the concourse is wrapped in trees
Bench made with the "Ekimoku Bench Kit"
Tokyu Railway Environmental Initiatives (Only available in Japanese)
Tokyu Railway "Minna no Ekimoku Project" (Only available in Japanese)
Tokyu Power Supply has an office in Yoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, and is working for the local production and local consumption of renewable energy in cooperation with the local Setagaya Ward and Tokyu Group facilities and companies that operate in the ward as well as our Company. Specifically, renewable energy power generated at the Setagaya Miura Solar Power Plant, owned by the ward, is supplied to Tokyu Bus stops, a familiar transportation infrastructure; Futako Tamagawa Rise (Futako Tamagawa), one of Tokyo's most prominent complexes; and Goto Museum of Art (Kaminoge), a center of culture and art.
Not only will this reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 245 tons per year, but it is also a public-private partnership that will help people realize the arrival of an eco-friendly society and the use of renewable energy in their daily lives in pursuit of a decarbonized society.
Furthermore, Tokyu Power Supply, Tokyu Bus, and the Goto Art Museum are also participating in the Setagaya Version of RE100, a program established by Setagaya Ward to expand the use of renewable energy through the concerted efforts of ward residents, businesses, and the ward.
＊50 locations in Setagaya Ward are covered.
再生可能エネルギーの有効活用循環モデル図
Futako Tamagawa Rise has a "Roof Garden" on the rooftop of the facility, which is home to a wide variety of living creatures and plants that create a biological network connecting the waterside of the Tama River, the Kokubunji Cliff Line, and the greenery of the Todoroki Valley, maintaining and preserving the ecosystem of the area. This rooftop greening facility, which covers an area of approximately 6,000 m2, serves not only as a "place for relaxation" for local residents and facility users, but also as a "place for learning" through a variety of events.
The vegetable garden experience event, in which children can sow and harvest vegetables, provides an opportunity for children to learn about the growing process of the vegetables around them and contributes to "food education.” Events to collect and investigate living creatures in the "Killifish pond" biotope and events to observe the endangered plant "the Aster kantoensis" include observation surveys, sketches, and crafts, as well as lectures by experts on the creatures and plants living in the Tama River, providing time to learn more about the local environment.
Vegetable garden experience
for parents and children
Biotope “killifish pond”
Futako Tamagawa Rise, Roof Garden（Only Available in Japanese）