Background of the study session
A study group on carbon neutrality for Hakuba Valley Ski Resort was held in Hakuba Goryu on June 9th. The purpose of this gathering was to share information on the mid- to long-term goals set based on the Hakuba Valley SDGs vision, such as examples of progress being made within the area, specific methods for introducing renewable energy, and understanding the current state of energy use
Hakuba Valley Vision and Goals https://sdgs.hakubavalley.com/about/vision/
All ski resorts in the area are working to switch to renewable energy by 2025
-From Hakuba Valley's mid-term goals
Hakuba Valley made this SDGs declaration in October 2020. At the time, the impact of COVID-19 was expected to reduce visitor numbers, and the business was facing a difficult time.
However, the reason Hakuba Valley decided to set its medium-term goals at such a time was largely due to the support of POW, which sent 14,500 signatures of support to the park, delivering messages from skiers ( POW JAPAN Hakuba Valley 100% Renewable Energy Support Signatures Article ).
The number of visitors is currently returning to pre-COVID levels, and in the 2023 season, many skiers from overseas are visiting Hakuba Valley, so the situation is beginning to improve.
However, if you look at the natural environment surrounding the ski resort, everyone on site has noticed clear changes, such as no snow even in December, rainfall during the peak season at high altitudes, and a decrease in snowfall in the spring. Something has to change. With only two years left until 2025, the mid-term goal of shifting to renewable energy, the deadline is fast approaching.
It was at this time that Hakuba Valley took the initiative to hold this study group
Summary of topics covered over the two hours
On the day, staff from each ski resort gathered at Escal Plaza in Hakuba Goryu to begin the study session. Three main topics were covered, and concrete ideas that can be implemented immediately were introduced. We will briefly introduce them here
1) POW JAPAN Theme: Current Status of Climate Change
- Current situation: Climate change, increasing greenhouse gases, and how they work
- Future predictions: Future predictions of snow accumulation and snowfall, trends in snowfall in Hakuba Village, and the impact of future ski days
- The relationship between energy, electricity and climate change: CO2 reduction efforts and efforts at overseas ski resorts
- Examples of overseas initiatives
※Please also read the article in STEEP ⇒ How the world's most cutting-edge outdoor resort is working on SDGs/sustainability? Vail Resort (Vail Resort, USA) https://steep.jp/topics/63602/
*POW JAPAN https://protectourwinters.jp/
2) Shinshu Natural Energy Network Theme: Options for introducing renewable energy
- The International Energy Agency's targets to be achieved by 2050
- Key points for renewable energy in the region
- Hakuba Village's renewable energy potential
- Issues and subsidies related to natural energy, mainly the introduction of solar power generation. About the surplus electricity sales model
- Solar power generation snow countermeasures
*Please also refer to the Shinshu Natural Energy Net website, which mainly covers information on natural energy in Nagano Prefecture. https://www.shin-ene.net/
The Solar Life Research Institute information on examples of solar power generation in snowy regions .
3) Hakuba Valley Ski Resort: A Case Study of Carbon Neutrality in the Happo-one Development Project
- The launch and history of the SDGs Marketing Department
- Current status of carbon dioxide emissions from the Happo-one development
- Renewable energy switchover status
- Future considerations and current efforts
- The results
*STEEP has also highlighted this initiative. "Japan's first ski resort launches SDGs marketing department! ~ Hakuba Happo-One Development's passionate approach to the SDGs" https://steep.jp/interview/51181/
4) Hakuba Valley Ski Resort: A Case Study of Carbon Neutrality in Japan Ski Resort Development
- Background of SDG initiatives and raising awareness among employees
- Understanding power consumption and joint purchasing of electricity
- Considering carbon neutrality
- Next steps
*Japan Ski Resort Development https://www.nippon-ski.jp/csr.php
It is meaningful to know the current situation and share it with others
Approximately 30 ski resort staff members continued to take input for approximately two hours. They gained an understanding of the current state of climate change, learned about the types of renewable energy and steps to its introduction, and learned about previous examples of proactive efforts within the region.
Finally, a "CO2 Emissions Calculation Sheet" was shared. This automatically calculates CO2 emissions by entering the amount of electricity and fuel (gasoline for snow groomers, kerosene for heating appliances, etc.) used by the facility. Calculations can be made for each facility, making it an ideal first step to understanding the current situation.
Following the Climate Change & Regional Economy Symposium held by POW JAPAN in 2019, Hakuba Valley has begun to take clear action to introduce renewable energy throughout the region. Taking into account the current situation and efforts of each ski resort, Hakuba Valley's leadership in coordinating this effort will be crucial to moving the entire region forward. Finally, I would like to conclude with the words of Takanashi, Chairman of the Hakuba Valley Ropeway Operator Promotion Board:
"This was the first time that a study session like this has been held in Hakuba Valley. It is undeniable that each ski resort has its own opinion on the matter. It is important that we all share this first. There is still a lot we don't know about renewable energy initiatives, so it is important to start by learning about them, for example by creating a CO2 emissions calculation sheet. If we know the current figures, we will know how to proceed with countermeasures. In the future, we will be able to compile the emissions from each ski resort and calculate the total CO2 emissions for the entire Hakuba Valley, which will allow us to consider measures from a broader perspective. In that sense, this study session is significant, and we would like to continue it in the future."
■Hakuba Valley SDGs homepage https://sdgs.hakubavalley.com/
Photo/POW JAPAN (Chisato Sasada)