Cool Biz

Japan has a program of energy efficiency called Cool Biz/Warm biz. They mandated that government offices raise thermostats in the summer and lower them in the winter, like many organizations, but then they added a component of changing dress code to compensate and market the idea. This was particularly important in the Japanese culture of complete business suits.

So with the Prime Minister leading by example, they promoted what is standard buisiness casual in the west, billing it as Cool Biz. Clothing stores began marketing to it with signs declaring that they could outfit you, etc. This started in 2004 and has demonstrated savings in energy.

My question is concerning the marketing aspects of the dress code change. Many organizations have made changes in energy and cooling policies, but to my knowledge, no one in the west has used the PR and norming potential of changing a dress code from the top down to benefit the environment. It seems a cheap option and would likely be well received...who doesn't want to be more comfortable at work, especially if it benefits the environment. I've tried to highlight this in my organization and at the state level here in Florida, but no one who could implement such a program seems to see the potential for it.

Does anyone know of places other than Japan where this dress code change has been employed?

j mcgee
Chief Environmental Scientist
Hillsborough County Specialized Services
United States
www.hillsborough.wateratlas.org