Improved water supply and heating
Taking advantage of the comprehensive infrastructural facilities that were being planned for the Games, the water system was rapidly refurbished, and supply was increased by 24.8 per cent.
The city’s water supply system was expanded to meet growing demand. Pipelines were widely laid into areas such as the Olympic Village and around the Olympic competition venues to meet the needs of existing residents and respond to the influx of visitors for the Games.
New central heating systems were installed in the most heavily populated areas of the city. This helped prevent air pollution caused by smoke and fumes discharged from homes, office buildings, factories and other sources. The systems were completed in 1971.
Hoku Netsu used piped warm water to heat the business district located within a 1.55-kilometre radius of the city centre, where air pollution was a serious issue.
After the Games, the heating company continued to innovate, switching from coal to gas in its generation of power, and then to the more environmentally friendly natural gas and wood biomass.
Hokkaido District Heating Co., Ltd. operates the area heating system in the residential areas of Atsubetsu and Makomanai. This system was originally developed for the Olympic Village, and expanded after the Games.
The system successfully improved air quality and reduced primary energy consumption. Sulphur dioxide levels decreased by about 33 per cent following the system’s installation, sulphurous acid gas emissions were reduced by 29 per cent and soot levels also dropped.