Province looks to Japan's program to cut back on air conditioning and save electricity
Government offices could save on air conditioning costs if more people took off their ties, said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty after a recent trip to Tokyo.
The Japanese government has been encouraging less formality in the workplace to reduce the demand for air conditioning during Japan's hot, humid summer months.
Called Cool Biz, the Japanese campaign is part of a national program to help meet Kyoto Protocol targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
In Japan, the business culture is very formal and men are reluctant to relinquish their formal suits, however, the program seems to be working. There is no reason it can't become part of the Ontario's energy conservation program, McGuinty said this week in Ottawa.
"No ties in the summer. I intend to formalize this arrangement for government workers beginning next summer as we turn the air conditioning up," the premier told a municipal audience.
A recent poll by Toronto Hydro found that four in 10 workers have had to bundle up to combat frigid temperatures at work this summer because of high air conditioning. That same poll found that the majority of workers would be willing to dress more casually if that meant warmer temperatures at work.
The premier has yet to spell out details about air-conditioning reductions next year or what workplace standards may be affected by the changes he has in mind.
The Japanese program advises workers to choose short sleeved shirts, with starched collars that stand up, and to avoid jackets or ties.
The Japanese government has been encouraging less formality in the workplace to reduce the demand for air conditioning during Japan's hot, humid summer months.
Called Cool Biz, the Japanese campaign is part of a national program to help meet Kyoto Protocol targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
In Japan, the business culture is very formal and men are reluctant to relinquish their formal suits, however, the program seems to be working. There is no reason it can't become part of the Ontario's energy conservation program, McGuinty said this week in Ottawa.
"No ties in the summer. I intend to formalize this arrangement for government workers beginning next summer as we turn the air conditioning up," the premier told a municipal audience.
A recent poll by Toronto Hydro found that four in 10 workers have had to bundle up to combat frigid temperatures at work this summer because of high air conditioning. That same poll found that the majority of workers would be willing to dress more casually if that meant warmer temperatures at work.
The premier has yet to spell out details about air-conditioning reductions next year or what workplace standards may be affected by the changes he has in mind.
The Japanese program advises workers to choose short sleeved shirts, with starched collars that stand up, and to avoid jackets or ties.
