Itoshima City begins experimenting with citizen mobility decarbonization app

Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, will begin experimenting with decarbonization activities related to mobility through the app CO2CO2.

Pronounced as co-two-co-two, the CO2CO2 app visualizes transportation in terms of carbon emissions, focusing on personal movement and supporting individuals with decarbonization efforts. The app will automatically record emissions and reductions and then reward users with points.

Users are rewarded with one point for every 10g of carbon emissions they reduce through transportation. One example can be through park-and-ride, where drivers park at train stations to take the public train. Reward points can be used to exchange for discount coupons from sustainable stores and services.

The experiment will involve Itoshima City, Kyushu University’s Future Society Design Headquarters Decarbonization Unit, and General Incorporated Association SVI Promotion Consultation, supported by Linkhola, provider of the CO2CO2 app.

In 2021, about 18% of Japan’s carbon emissions came from transportation, and the carbon emission from personal automobiles more than double that of public transportation. It is the city’s hope that Itoshima citizens will naturally adopt a decarbonizing habit and tap on the potential of individual action to reduce carbon emissions.

The app is also set to promote itself nationwide within the year, especially for regions who have made zero carbon declarations. As such, they are looking for sustainable partners to expand available benefits for users, especially outside of Itoshima City.

A Japanese introduction seminar will be held online for those living in or near the vicinity of Itoshima City, too, on 27 January.