Environmental impact assessment for Nissan Advanced Technology Development Center construction project

Applicable laws and regulations: Kanagawa Prefecture Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance
Target business: Research Institute
Task completed: In progress

The Nissan Advanced Technology Center (NATC) was planned by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. with the aim of further enhancing its product lineup equipped with advanced technologies and accelerating and strengthening research and development. The first building was opened for use on May 15, 2007, and research and development of advanced technologies has been carried out to realize a safe and environmentally friendly automobile society.
The facility is located about 5km from the station, and as about 2,000 employees are expected to eventually work there, there were concerns about traffic congestion caused by commuter vehicles. In order to ensure smooth traffic flow on the roads surrounding the facility, a total volume restriction was implemented with a maximum of 1,000 vehicles, and a flextime system and designated commuter routes based on the surrounding road conditions were also introduced. As a result, it was predicted that traffic could be handled at the main intersections around the facility. Furthermore, in order to confirm proper operation, it was proposed and implemented to conduct "voluntary monitoring surveys" of traffic and air quality and to establish a "council made up of the local city, surrounding neighborhood associations, and businesses" so that appropriate countermeasures could be considered promptly if any problems occurred contrary to the predictions.
Taking advantage of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, a system was established to discuss necessary countermeasures with the local community, and this is thought to be a rare example nationwide.