Fukuoka City is considering installing air conditioners in the approximately 3,000 classrooms in 176 elementary and junior high schools starting next year. The basis for deliberations are the fact that Fukuoka had the highest average temperature in Japan this summer and concerns over the tiny particulate matter called PM2.5. The City’s plan would result in all 214 of its elementary and junior high schools receiving air conditioners over the next four years (Some schools already have air conditioners for noise control purposes). If approved by City Council, an initial group of 15 schools will have air conditioners installed during summer vacation in FY2014, and the remaining schools will have equipment installed over the next three years from FY2015. The City plans to use a ¥6.2 billion subsidy from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication to cover one-third of the cost. Elsewhere in Kyushu, Kagoshima City is in the midst of installing air conditioners in all of its schools, while Yukuhashi City, Fukuoka Prefecture plans to begin outfitting its schools in or after the next fiscal year. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 12/12
