So, are you Cool Biz?
1 August 2008
Read by 1813 persons
Each summer, the Japanese are invited to practice Cool Biz. An eco-friendly approach that consists of leaving off the tie... to fight against global warming. In France, executives are slowly adopting it.
Flashback. Summer 2005, the Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi starts from the very scientific observation that by removing a manager's tie and jacket, one can lower their body temperature by two degrees. And two degrees less for each person means the possibility of increasing air conditioning by two degrees. It is also the possibility of saving energy, and respecting Japan's commitment, when signing the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, to reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions by 6% by 2012. QED! So, no more air conditioning at 26°C. The temperature of 28°C is now the norm, and the tie-less executive in a shirt is popular! The result is there: in 2006, the Japanese government estimated that nearly 1.14 million tons of CO2 emissions were reduced, an effect of Cool Biz. It's a success and the measure is renewed every summer, from June 1st to September 30th.
The French hemicycle is not Cool Biz
France also seems to be adopting it, but more timidly. It is true that France suffers less from the feeling of heat and humidity than Japan (Wednesday, July 30th, 30°C and 45% humidity in Paris vs 30°C and 60% humidity in Tokyo). However, a few pioneers are trying to imitate their Japanese counterparts. July 2, 2008: a Green MP from the National Assembly questions its president Bernard Accoyer to launch "Cool Biz" in the hemicycle. The proposal, full of ecological intentions, is rejected! Reason: in this temple of national representation, the "dress code" is sacred and consecrated not by the regulations, but by etiquette! In other words, the unfortunate person was sent back to his dressing room.
Pas-de-Calais, pilot department
But attempts to impose this cool-eco style in the office are multiplying. Some succeed. This year, the initiative that has created the most buzz comes from a department seemingly spared from the big summer heat: Pas-de-Calais. The "Ch'ti" president of the general council has made his department the first "pilot department", with its slogan "fewer ties for more ecology". Companies are also getting involved. At Halifax Consulting in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the employees, almost all consultants, even go so far as to proselytize to their clients, demonstrating the cool, eco-friendly, and "icebreaker" effect of the tie-less style in business... A ready-to-wear company has sniffed out a good opportunity. Torpille, that's the name of the brand, already sells its so-called "totally Cool Biz" shirts. Its CEO, Delphine Desmarets, hopes to ride the wave. She has also sharpened her slogan: "Save the planet, take off your tie! Wear a Torpille shirt!"
And you, behind your desk, are you Cool Biz?
Antoine Chazal
Posted on August 1, 2008
newzy.fr
Flashback. Summer 2005, the Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi starts from the very scientific observation that by removing a manager's tie and jacket, one can lower their body temperature by two degrees. And two degrees less for each person means the possibility of increasing air conditioning by two degrees. It is also the possibility of saving energy, and respecting Japan's commitment, when signing the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, to reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions by 6% by 2012. QED! So, no more air conditioning at 26°C. The temperature of 28°C is now the norm, and the tie-less executive in a shirt is popular! The result is there: in 2006, the Japanese government estimated that nearly 1.14 million tons of CO2 emissions were reduced, an effect of Cool Biz. It's a success and the measure is renewed every summer, from June 1st to September 30th.
The French hemicycle is not Cool Biz
France also seems to be adopting it, but more timidly. It is true that France suffers less from the feeling of heat and humidity than Japan (Wednesday, July 30th, 30°C and 45% humidity in Paris vs 30°C and 60% humidity in Tokyo). However, a few pioneers are trying to imitate their Japanese counterparts. July 2, 2008: a Green MP from the National Assembly questions its president Bernard Accoyer to launch "Cool Biz" in the hemicycle. The proposal, full of ecological intentions, is rejected! Reason: in this temple of national representation, the "dress code" is sacred and consecrated not by the regulations, but by etiquette! In other words, the unfortunate person was sent back to his dressing room.
Pas-de-Calais, pilot department
But attempts to impose this cool-eco style in the office are multiplying. Some succeed. This year, the initiative that has created the most buzz comes from a department seemingly spared from the big summer heat: Pas-de-Calais. The "Ch'ti" president of the general council has made his department the first "pilot department", with its slogan "fewer ties for more ecology". Companies are also getting involved. At Halifax Consulting in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the employees, almost all consultants, even go so far as to proselytize to their clients, demonstrating the cool, eco-friendly, and "icebreaker" effect of the tie-less style in business... A ready-to-wear company has sniffed out a good opportunity. Torpille, that's the name of the brand, already sells its so-called "totally Cool Biz" shirts. Its CEO, Delphine Desmarets, hopes to ride the wave. She has also sharpened her slogan: "Save the planet, take off your tie! Wear a Torpille shirt!"
And you, behind your desk, are you Cool Biz?
Antoine Chazal
Posted on August 1, 2008
newzy.fr
