Estimation of Direct and Indirect Household CO2 Emissions in 49 Japanese Cities with Consideration of Regional Conditions

Abstract

We conducted a detailed estimation of direct and indirect CO2 emissions related to multi-person households in 49 Japanese cities. Direct energy consumption was decomposed into energy use in order to consider the relationship with regional conditions. The results showed that CO2 emissions from direct energy consumption were almost as large as indirect CO2 emissions induced by consuming products and services, suggesting that lifestyle improvements are important for both energy savings and reducing CO2 emissions relating to product and service consumption. In addition, CO2 emissions from direct energy consumption varied widely between cities, making them susceptible to regional conditions. We also calculated CO2 emissions from direct energy consumption and examined the regional conditions for individual forms of energy use. CO2 emissions were higher in cold regions and lower in larger cities. In Japan, large cities are often located in relatively warm areas, so we conducted an analysis to distinguish the effects of climatic conditions from those of urbanization. This analysis allowed us to clarify the effects of regional conditions on factors such as heating/cooling and the ratio of detached houses to apartments.