OU signs cooperation agreement with Osaka Prefecture and Daikin Industries, Ltd., to promote ZEB in Osaka Prefecture

On November 10, 2023, Osaka University (Department in charge: Campus Sustainability Office) signed a cooperation agreement with Osaka Prefecture and Daikin Industries, Ltd., to promote Net Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB) within the prefecture with the goal of promoting decarbonization in the prefecture and contributing to the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Using their resources and know-how, the parties to this agreement will strive to transform public facilities and office buildings in Osaka Prefecture into ZEB, contributing to the transition into a decarbonized society.

Japan aims to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 46% in fiscal year 2030 from its 2013 levels, setting a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Meanwhile, Osaka Prefecture has set a goal to reduce its GHG emissions by 40% in 2030 from its fiscal year 2013 level by 2030 in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. In July 2023, the prefecture set up a policy to make all new prefectural buildings built in the future ZEB Ready, taking the initiative in promoting ZEB.

Osaka University is among the first to promote ZEB, as seen in Building 4 of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (certified as ZEB Ready) and the Minoh Campus opened in 2021 (certified as ZEB Oriented).

Daikin Industries, Ltd. will contribute to achieving ZEB for Osaka prefectural buildings by using their experience as a ZEB planner and accumulated know-how on air conditioning design to select the optimal cooling capacity and energy-saving system suitable for ZEB.

Based on the experience and know-how of these parties, which have taken a progressive approach for ZEB, this agreement will promote decarbonization in Osaka Prefecture through the following three approaches:

Immediate approaches under this agreement

1. ZEB Promotion

• Discussing methods to achieve ZEB for new prefectural buildings (including reconstruction)
• Energy management of prefectural buildings
• Holding ZEB workshops for relevant offices in Osaka Prefecture and supporting private companies

2. Demand Response

• Exchanging information to promote balancing of energy supply and demand

3. Other projects conducive to the purpose of this agreement