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's 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 SDG declaration in October 2020. At that time, they were facing a difficult period in business due to the expected decrease in visitors caused by the impact of COVID-19.
However, a major factor behind Hakuba Valley setting medium-term goals at such a time was the support they received from POW's petition, which delivered messages from 14,500 skiers (POW JAPAN Hakuba Valley 100% Renewable Energy Support Petition article).
Currently, visitor numbers are gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels, and in the 2023 season, many skiers from overseas visited Hakuba Valley, indicating that the situation is beginning to improve.
However, looking at the natural environment surrounding the ski resort, everyone on site has noticed clear changes, such as the lack of snow even in December, rainfall during the high season at high altitudes, and a decreasing trend in snow during the spring. Something has to change. The deadline for the medium-term goal of shifting to renewable energy, which is set for 2025, is just two years away.
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 initiatives from overseas
(See also the article on STEEP) ⇒ What are the SDGs/sustainability initiatives being undertaken by the world's leading outdoor 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 Network website, which covers information on renewable energy mainly in Nagano Prefecture.https://www.shin-ene.net/
information on solar power generation in snowy regionsThe Solar Life Research Institute.
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 commitment to 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
*Nippon 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 received input for about two hours. They gained an understanding of the current state of climate change, learned about different types of renewable energy and the steps to their implementation, and studied successful examples of proactive efforts within the region.
Finally, a "CO2 emission calculation sheet" was shared. This sheet automatically calculates CO2 emissions when the amount of electricity and fuel (such as gasoline for snow groomers and kerosene for heating equipment) used by the facility is recorded. It can be calculated for each facility and is an ideal starting point for 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)