Japan – Establishment of a Social Corporation Program for Smart Building Systems by the University of Tokyo and Nine Private Business Entities

Oct 26, 2023 | Business

The School of Engineering of the University of Tokyo, in collaboration with Kandenko Co., Ltd., Kyudenko Corporation, SHINRYO CORPORATION, Taikisha Ltd., Dai-Dan Co., Ltd., Takasago Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd., Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc., Tonets Corporation, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd., will jointly launch the “Smart Building System Research Initiative” on November 1, 2023. This research initiative aims to expedite the realization of green transformation (GX) by fostering collaborative research on Smart Building Systems, ultimately aiming for building services technology to contribute toward achieving GX, including carbon neutrality. Additionally, by promoting the advancement of academic fields and nurturing talent in smart building systems, we aim to enhance and deepen engineering capabilities in the field of building services.

Annual energy consumption during the operational phase of buildings constitutes approximately 30-40% of total societal energy consumption, with a significant portion of energy usage in commercial buildings attributed to building systems, particularly air conditioning. At the same time, building systems can play a crucial role in energy conservation by optimizing their operation, harnessing renewable energy sources for greater self-sufficiency, and contributing to grid stability through demand response mechanisms. Building systems play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing societal challenge of GX. Moreover, making building systems smarter is necessary for the effective realization of GX.

To achieve GX, continuous monitoring of indoor conditions and equipment status using high-resolution sensors, coupled with comprehensive emulation (digital twin cyber system) synchronized with real-world conditions, is vital. These efforts are essential for offering innovative services and proposing value, such as creating comfortable human-centric environments, reducing CO2 emissions and costs, and influencing behavior change. Traditional building systems, often implemented as isolated products lacking detailed emulation, have hindered holistic studies for value creation. However, through the emulation capabilities developed in this initiative, we can facilitate the creation of diverse services and algorithms and generate training data for AI, thereby accelerating the transition to smarter buildings while also serving as a catalyst for establishing new businesses that drive societal transformation.

Through the initiatives undertaken, we will work towards enhancing the value of smart building systems that cater to diverse needs and explore new markets. Moreover, we are committed to constructing and institutionalizing an innovative academic framework for smart building systems, providing a solid foundation to support the ongoing development and deployment of highly skilled professionals in building and managing smart building systems.

Overview of the initiativeName: Smart Building System Research InitiativeDuration: November 1, 2023~March 31, 2028Representative instructor: Yasunori Akashi (Professor, Department of Architecture, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)

Comments from the Participating Corporations

Kandenko Co., Ltd.
Guided by Kandenko’s founding philosophy, which states that “our own existence signifies the aim for coexistence with customers and local communities,” we have consistently delivered comprehensive engineering services encompassing planning, design, construction, and maintenance. Our expertise extends to projects involving building services, electrical work, information and communication infrastructure, and more. By actively participating in this initiative, we are dedicated to advancing smart building systems, focusing on cutting-edge sensing technologies, etc. for indoor environments and equipment operation.

Kyudenko Corporation
As a comprehensive building services contractor dedicated to providing extensive support for daily life, we are actively pursuing sustainability management with a strong commitment to addressing various societal challenges through our business operations. Through our engagement in this initiative, we will diligently advance and enhance the relevant technologies. Our goal is to implement intelligent building systems that can adapt to evolving societal conditions, ultimately working towards carbon neutrality targets.

SHINRYO CORPORATION
We believe that driving GX through the strategic utilization of digital technology in building services is paramount to achieving a carbon-neutral society. The smart building systems at the core of this initiative are expected to solve social issues by harnessing technology that simultaneously fosters novel value creation and decarbonization. SHINRYO CORPORATION remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing research and development towards the realization of a carbon-neutral society, particularly through industry-academia collaborations within this initiative.

Taikisha Ltd.
We firmly believe that addressing the pressing societal concern of GX necessitates focusing on smart building systems, particularly those with high energy consumption during the operational phase, such as air conditioning. Within the framework of this initiative, Taikisha is committed to actively contributing to the advancement of foundational technologies associated with smart building systems. We aim to facilitate the seamless implementation of these systems, including introducing previously unavailable services and generating new value.

Dai-Dan Co., Ltd.
Smart buildings, encompassing a wide variety of sensing technologies and sophisticated control systems, demand integration technology that facilitates seamless cooperation among different building equipment. Dai-Dan, operating as a comprehensive building services engineering contractor specializing in electrical, air conditioning, and sanitation work, will actively engage in this initiative. Our objective is to advance the intelligence of building systems, thereby making significant contributions to GX within the building services industry.

Takasago Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd.
Currently, commercial buildings are required to be carbon neutral and implement a human-centric environment. Takasago Thermal Engineering’s mission is to provide “Total carbon neutral solutions” across the entire lifecycle of building equipment for the issues above. These solutions include the development of energy control technologies encompassing environmental management, renewable energy creation, and demand response integrated into the design, construction, and operation of building equipment. As an Environment-Creator™ our participation in this initiative is driven by the goal of enhancing the overall value of buildings and actively contributing to the realization of GX, thereby leading to carbon neutrality in the global environment.

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.
Given the global proliferation of renewable energy adoption, the adaptability of power control within buildings becomes crucial to ensure a reliable power supply. Notably, air conditioning system is expected to play an even more significant role in this context. The TEPCO Group, as an energy service provider, has undertaken numerous projects in this domain. Leveraging our extensive expertise, we are committed to actively contributing to the implementation of smart building systems and achieving GX objectives.

Tonets Corporation
Founded in 1937, Tonets is a well-established general engineering contractor specializing in the design, construction, and after-sales maintenance of air conditioning and sanitation systems. In this sector, technological advancement is crucial to achieve a sustainable global environment. We wholeheartedly endorse the importance of this initiative, which seeks to establish a shared framework for smart building systems through collaborative endeavors, as opposed to each entity independently developing its systems, as has been the practice in the past. We eagerly anticipate our role in contributing to the realization of digital twins.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd.
As part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life, particularly in the fields of “cooling and heating,” while concurrently advancing energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts. Within this initiative, our goal is to disseminate our vision for new markets and fundamental technologies across related industries. We are trying to contribute to the development of products that align with GX objectives by elevating the intelligence of building systems, particularly air conditioning, which accounts for most of the annual energy consumption in buildings.

About MHI Group

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.

Establishment of a “Council for utilizing Namikata Terminal as a Hub for introducing Fuel Ammonia”

Apr 14, 2023 | Business

Shikoku Electric Power Company, Taiyo Oil Company, Taiyo Nippon Sanso Company, Mazda Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Nam ikata Term inal Company, and Mitsubishi Corporation Clean Energy have agreed to establish the “Council for utilizing Nam ikata Terminal as a Hub for introducing Fuel Ammonia” (hereinafter referred to as the “Council”). The Council, which Mitsubishi Corporation and Shikoku Electric Power Company serve as joint secretariats, shall study the possibility of turning the Namikata Terminal(1) located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, into a hub for clean energies. Ehime Prefecture, Imabari City, Saijo City, Niihama City, and Shikokuch uo City will also participate in the Council as observers.

(Photo Credit: Namikata Terminal Company)

The Council’s agenda will include scheduling, legal and regulatory issues, efficient use of the terminal, measures to grow demand for fuel ammonia in the area and other issues, based on the assumption that the existing LPG tanks owned by Mitsubishi Corporation at the terminal will be converted to ammonia tanks and that the terminal will become a hub handling approximately 1 million tonnes of ammonia per year by 2030.

Since the Government of japan declared that Japan would realize carbon-neutrality by 2050, there have been growing expectations surrounding the potential of ammonia, which has numerous applications, including as a co- firing fuel at thermal power plants, a source of thermoelectricity in general industry, and a source of hydrogen via ammonia cracking technology at hydrogen stations(2). Our belief is that the Namikata Term inal can play an important role as a supply hub to realize the establishment of an efficient supply chain of ammonia, in promoting the utilization of ammonia in the Shikoku and Chugoku regions.

The Namikata Term inal handles approximately 1 million tons of LPG and other petroleum products brought in from Japan and overseas each year. In addition to its four decades of experience as an energy hub, the term inal is equipped with several large-scale low-temperature LPG tanks (45,000 tons/unit) that can be converted to ammonia tanks, docking berths for large vessels and other facilities that can quickly respond to region’s demand for ammonia.

The Council shall work to unite public and private interests to reestablish the Namikata Term inal as a clean energy hub, create new clean energy industries in the region and help the sustainable development of the local economy.

(1) Some petroleum-related facilities of the terminal are owned by Taiyo Oil Company and the others are owned by Mitsubishi Corporation. The terminal is operated by Namikata Terminal Company.
(2) Technology to extract hydrogen from ammonia.

For more information, visit https://newsroom.mazda.com/en/publicity/release/2023/202304/230414a.pdf.


Topic: Press release summary

Hong Kong – Establishment of Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (with photo)

Dec 27, 2022 | International

Establishment of Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (with photo)

***********************************************************


     The Government announced today (December 27) the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) would be established tomorrow (December 28). The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, appointed Dr Stephen Wong Yuen-shan as the Head, CEPU.

     Mr Lee stated in his Policy Address that in order to improve Hong Kong’s governance, enhancing governance capability and governance efficacy is a priority. The establishment of the CEPU is an important step in enhancing the Government’s capabilities in research and advocacy on long-term and strategic issues.

     Mr Lee said, “Dr Wong has years of extensive experience in public policy research. During his time as head of policy research at a leading think tank, he forged close collaboration and communication with top think tanks in the Mainland. He pays close attention to and is familiar with national development. He has also held leadership positions at multinational financial institutions, and worked in different financial centres around the world. With his visionary mindset in national matters and strong interest in international situations, Dr Wong is the appropriate choice to head the CEPU. I strongly believe he can lead the CEPU, contribute strategic suggestions and assist me and the Government in policymaking.”

     Mr Lee expects the CEPU to make contributions in the following areas:

(1) to advocate for and assist in the formulation of long-term and strategic policies from a forward-thinking perspective;

(2) to keep abreast of national development, including directions, plans and policies, analyse and suggest areas of significance in the integration into national development, and actively participate in and contribute to the pursuit of such areas;

(3) examine international relations and situations, and analyse opportunities and risks, so that the Government can seize opportunities, create a favourable environment for development, and prevent risks at the same time; and

(4) grasp the sentiments of Hong Kong citizens, understand the general direction and focus of their concerns, discover factors that are conducive to social harmony and stability, and assist in decision-making directions and formulation of measures.

     Dr Wong will assume office tomorrow. He will get the other CEPU members on board, and lead the CEPU in taking its work forward.

     Following is the biographical notes on Dr Wong:

Dr Stephen Wong Yuen-shan
———————–

     Dr Stephen Wong Yuen-shan, aged 48, joined Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) in 2015, and is currently OHKF’s Senior Vice President & Executive Director of Public Policy Institute. He is also a member of the Legislative Council, and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Institute for China Business of the School of Professional and Continuing Education of the University of Hong Kong.

     He earned his Bachelor of Arts (Phi Beta Kappa) in Economics from the University of Chicago, his Master of Arts in East Asian Studies (Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies) from Yale University, and his Doctor of the Public Administration from the University of Hong Kong. He worked as an investment banker and was in managerial roles with several global financial institutions, including as Executive Director at UBS (London) and Managing Director at Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

     He has held a number of public service positions, including member of the Board of the Financial Services Development Council, member of the Urban Renewal Authority Board, member of the Town Planning Board and member of the former Task Force on Land Supply.

Hong Kong – Establishment of the Civil Service College marks new milestone for civil service training and development (with photos/video)

Dec 10, 2021 | International

Establishment of the Civil Service College marks new milestone for civil service training and development (with photos/video)

******************************************************************************************


     The Civil Service College of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was established today (December 9), marking a new milestone for training and development for the civil service. 



     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, officiated at the establishment ceremony. Addressing the ceremony, she expressed gratitude to the staunch support from the Central Government and its offices in the HKSAR for the establishment of the Civil Service College. In expressing her expectations for the enhancements in civil service training by the College, Mrs Lam said that she would look to the College to strengthen training on the relationship between the HKSAR and the Central Authorities under the principle of “one country, two systems”, the Constitution, the Basic Law and the Hong Kong National Security Law, so as to reinforce civil servants’ self-awareness of safeguarding national security; assist civil servants to better understand the country and its development; provide colleagues with more training opportunities on positive values and attitude; and cultivate the civil service as a team which is innovative and effective in communication. She said that as Hong Kong is embracing a new era and a new paradigm, she hopes that the civil service can display confidence and sustain professionalism in delivering services, and that civil servants be proactive in taking forward their work and be united in leading Hong Kong to a better future.



     The Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council, Mr Zhang Xiaoming, gave a video speech at the establishment ceremony, expressing the Central Government’s support for the establishment of the Civil Service College and the importance attached to civil service training in the HKSAR. Mr Zhang said that the College should strive to nurture civil servants in their sense of patriotism, affection for the community, global horizons and strategic thinking. The civil service plays a critical role in achieving good administration and governance for Hong Kong, and the Civil Service College carries an important mission on this front. The HKMAO would continue to provide strong support and assistance to Hong Kong in leveraging resources in the Mainland for civil service training. 



     Other officiating guests at the establishment ceremony included Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Mr Chen Dong; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Liu Guangyuan; Deputy Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Mr Li Jiangzhou; the Director of the Political Work Department of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Major General Sun Jushun; the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip; the Chairman of the Civil Service Training Advisory Board, Dr Victor Fung; the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Mrs Rita Lau; and the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung.



     Partner institutions of the HKSAR Government in civil service training also sent congratulatory messages on video for the establishment of the Civil Service College, including the Chinese Academy of Governance, the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Tsinghua University, Peking University, the Civil Service College Singapore, the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Ivey Business School Asia.



     Addressing the ceremony, Dr Fung said that the civil service was very important to effective governance. He was honoured to serve as the Chairman of the Advisory Board, and work together with other members from the community to advise on the civil service training programme, development strategy, and the preparations for establishing the Civil Service College.



     Mr Nip, said that the establishment of the Civil Service College had profound significance to the HKSAR Government in enhancing the effectiveness of governance. He said at the ceremony, “The Civil Service College will further enhance training for civil servants in terms of both quality and quantity, deepen civil servants’ understanding of the country’s development and the HKSAR’s constitutional order, strengthen training in leadership development and innovation and technology application, and broaden their international horizons and global outlook.”



     Mr Nip stressed that, “By establishing the Civil Service College, we look forward to nurturing more talents in governance for the accurate and full implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, promote with full steam Hong Kong’s integration into the national development, and work together to build a better future for Hong Kong.”



     The College’s establishment ceremony took place in the North Point Government Offices. The third to fifth floor of the premises were formerly the premises of the Civil Service Training and Development Institute and, with training facilities having  been renovated and enhanced, will serve as the interim accommodation of the Civil Service College. The construction of the long-term accommodation of the College will be taken forward as part of the Kwun Tong Composite Development Project. The construction works of the project are expected to commence next year and be completed by phases beginning from the end of 2026. The new premises will allow the College to deliver better, more flexible and diversified training services, in a more effective manner. At the establishment ceremony, the Director of Architectural Services, Ms Winnie Ho, also introduced the design of the long-term accommodation of the College.



     The Chief Executive proposed to establish a civil service college in the 2017 Policy Address as a major undertaking of the HKSAR Government in enhancing training for civil servants on various fronts. The Government set up the Civil Service Training Advisory Board in November 2019 to give guidance on training programmes for the civil service and its long-term development strategy, and to prepare for the development of the college.



     Meanwhile, the Civil Service Bureau is conducting a recruitment exercise for the Head of the College, with a view to appointing a suitable candidate to the post in the first half of 2022. Pending the appointment of a suitable candidate to the post, the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service will double down as the Head of the College.

Japan – Establishment of Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution (Q-STAR)

Sep 1, 2021 | Business

The Founders’ Association of the Council for New Industry Creation through Quantum Technology was formed on May 31, 2021 to advance preparations for establishing an industry council to promote initiatives in quantum technologies. Today, the 24 companies of the association, at their general meeting, formally established the council under a new name, the Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution: Q-STAR.

The quantum age is now approaching and expectations are growing worldwide for the realization of safe, secure lifestyles and a better society. Japan aims to position itself as a quantum technology innovation-oriented nation, and to create new industries through services that leverage its strengths in materials, devices, measuring technologies, computers and communications, simulations and other technologies. Q-STAR will contribute to this with global leadership in the promotion of activities that advance science and technology in this new era, and by promoting Japanese industry and strengthening international competitiveness.

Q-STAR will invite the participation of diverse industries that support its objectives and initiatives, and will collaborate with industry, academia, and government in promoting initiatives that apply new technologies, and establishing related technology platforms. Q-STAR’s concerns include reassessments of basic principles and laws related to quantum technology, carrying out surveys and making recommendations on its applicability and on necessary industrial structures, systems, rules, etc. Q-STAR will also aim to establish a globally-recognized platform that will promote collaboration with other organizations around the world working in quantum technology.
Outline of Q-STAR:

Name: Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution
Established: September 1, 2021
Form of Establishment: Voluntary association

Steering Committee Members:
– Satoshi Tsunakawa, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO, Toshiba Corporation (Chair)
– Takeshi Uchiyamada, Representative Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Toyota Motor Corporation
– Nobuhiro Endo, Chairman of the Board, NEC Corporation (Vice-Chair)
– Hiromichi Shinohara, Chairman of the Board, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (Vice-Chair)
– Toshiaki Higashihara, Director, Representative Executive Officer, Executive Chairman & CEO, Hitachi, Ltd. (Vice-Chair)
– Takahito Tokita, Representative Director, CEO and CDXO, Fujitsu Limited (Vice-Chair)
Masayuki Waga, President & CEO, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Vice-Chair)

Members of Q-STAR: 24 companies (random order):
– ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC)
– SBS Holdings, Inc.
– Canon Inc.
– JSR Corporation
– Sumitomo Corporation
– SOMPO Holdings, Inc.
– Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Ltd.
– Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
– Daiwa Securities Group Inc.
– Chodai Co., Ltd.
– Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.
– Toshiba Corporation
– Toppan Inc.
– Toyota Motor Corporation
– NEC Corporation
– Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
– Hitachi, Ltd.
– Fujitsu Limited
– Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
– Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Ltd.
– Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.
– Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
– Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
– Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Main activities of Q-STAR:
1. Investigate and research trends in quantum technology
Investigate and research general trends in quantum technology, and share information among top management within industry
2. Investigate, research, and propose industrial applications of quantum technology
Investigate and research applicability in multiple fields
3. Investigate and examine quantum-related technologies
Investigate, examine and share information on materials and devices required for quantum technology
4. Investigate, plan, and make proposal for required human resources
Investigate, plan, make proposals and exchange opinions on how to develop the human resources needed to make full use of quantum technology
5. Investigate and examine systems and rules
Investigate and examine necessary information on intellectual property and standardization, ethics and trust required for the implementation of quantum technology
6. Collaborate with quantum-related organizations in Japan and overseas
Cooperate with other organizations, both domestic and overseas, working in quantum-related areas, in order to promote Q-STAR’s objectives
7. Others
Raise public awareness, make policy recommendations, etc.

Activities of the Subcommittees:

Q-STAR will identify areas to investigate in information and communication technology (quantum computing, quantum cryptography, etc.), basic technologies (materials, devices, etc.), important application areas (quantum materials, quantum biology/ medicine, quantum biotechnology, quantum sensors, quantum AI, etc.), human resources, systems and rules, etc., and establish further subcommittees as necessary.

– Subcommittee on Quantum Wave and Quantum Probability Theory Applications
Tasked with exploring the creation of new industries using quantum amplitude estimation and optimization. The objective is to create industries with the potential to become mainstays in various areas while also spanning multiple industries, including the financial sector, which has a close affinity with these technologies.

– Subcommittee on Quantum Superposition Applications
Tasked with taking a broad view of the systems, services, and businesses created by the application of quantum superposition, the most important capability of quantum computers. It will also examine changes in existing industries and industry structures that will result. By collaborating with users and vendors to draw a new image of society, the aim is to create new industries that will become future pillars and mainstays of industry, and that span multiple industries.

– Subcommittee on Optimization and Combinatorial Problems
Tasked with using quantum-inspired computing technology (Ising Machine) that almost instantaneously selects the optimum solution from among an enormous number of combinations to solve diverse problems facing industry in areas including real-time prediction, efficiency, and optimization.

– Subcommittee on Quantum Cryptography and Quantum Communications
Tasked with examining business use of quantum cryptography communication, a technology already available, and aim to open up a future pioneered by communications that guarantee information-theoretically security.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 126,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$34 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.

For the media
Q-STAR press contact:
Toshiba Corporation
Corporate Communications Division, Media Relations Office
Phone: +81-3-3457-2100

Note: Please contact individual member companies directly with inquiries related to their specific activities.