Building Energy Efficiency Act

Country / jurisdiction: Japan · Year: 2016 · Status: In force · Level: National · Type: Voluntary

Act on the Improvement of Energy Consumption Performance of Buildings (Building Energy Efficiency Act) was newly established in July 8, 2015. This Act provides for 1) regulatory measures for mandatory compliance with energy efficiency standards for large-scale non-residential buildings, and 2) incentive measures such as a labeling system displaying compliance with energy efficiency standards and exception of floor-area ratio regulation for certified building. The incentive measures are implemented from April 1, 2016, and the regulatory measures are implemented in April 2017.

When construction clients attempt to undertake new construction/extensions/renovations on buildings at or over a certain size, they must acquire certification of conformity with energy efficiency standards or notify the administrative agency with jurisdiction depending on the use and size, etc. of the building. After the implementation of the regulatory measures, large-scale non-residential building (more than 2000m2) that is not compliant with energy efficiency standards become ineligible for certification of Building Standards Law.

The standards apply in the Building Energy Efficiency Act are three-fold: energy consumption performance standards (energy efficiency standards), certification standards, and residential construction client standards. There are 2 verification methods of these standards: a detailed calculation method and an abbreviated calculation method.

Official source: http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001134876.pdf