Kansai, a region in Japan, has many big cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Sakai. Global Environment Forum-KANSAI(GEF-K), comprising business corporations, local governments, academics and citizens,　has opened the best practices site of Kansai’s Sustainable City Development, “Portal site for Sustainable City Development in Kansai, Japan”． It illustrates these cities’ environmental policies and their related business sector’s projects in “Waste Management” and “Energy in the city”．

In “Waste Management” pages, Integrated Waste Management, a widely recognized concept, is explained. 3R policy and effective use of disposal site, which could attract developing countries policy makers is also featured with interesting examples of Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Sakai city.

In “Energy in the city” pages, usage of Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency issues and Smart cities topics are taken up with many Kansai located businesses’ projects and technologies.

Both wastes and Energy related policies and initiatives have roots in “Shimatsu” spirit which resembles “MOTTAINAI,” and other Kansai’s cultural heritage. You can find more in　”Kansai’s Cultural Background” pages.

This site’s intended audience is mainly the Asian cities policy makers and their related business people,who wish to change the local citizens’ lifestyles, facilitate the green growth, attain the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

（Article provided by Kenjiro HIRAYAMA, GEF-K hirayama@global-kansai.or.jp）