Study on the rules for energy conservation in small-lot delivery under the revision of transportation sector of energy conservation law
Natural Resources and Energy Agency, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry launched a review work on the rules to be observed by the business operators, based on the fact that the definition of “Shipper” has expanded according to the Energy Conservation Act that was revised in June. In line with the expansion of internet retail business, They will proceed with the study to establish the regulations concerning to the transactions between suppliers and consumers such as small-lot delivery and redelivery. They intend to conclude it by around November when the revised energy conservation law is enforced.
They established “The Working Group on the Standard of Judgement for shipper ” (WG Chairman: Hiroki Yano, Professor of Ryutsu Keizai University) under the Subcommittee on Energy Conservation in the Investigation Committee on the Integrated Resources and Energy (Advisory Organization of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry) and started discussion on the 17th of August.
Under the Revised Energy Conservation Law, reviewing the definition of the conventional “Shippers” to add internet retailers, etc. to the category of “Shippers”. Based on the transportation method decided by the shipper, the consignee–side business operators of the cargo that can specify the arrival date and time is designated as “Semi-Shipper” and are required to make effort for energy conservation.
The shipper must comply with the “ Standard of Judgement for Shippers” stipulated in the notification. In the WG on August 17, the secretariat confirmed the policy of revising the standards in line with the revision of the Energy Conservation Law. In order to cope with the increase of the small-lot transportation accompanying the expansion of the internet sales market, the new section related to “BtoC (Business to Consumer)” transactions is added to the standard, and also increased the descriptions on reduction of redelivery, which is also a factor in preventing smooth progress of energy saving. In consideration of the fact that there is room for energy conservation by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT (Internet of Things), the contents of concrete efforts are also exemplified.
Source: Monthly Magazine “Energy Conservation”