The second summit meeting of the Asian Zero Emissions Community (AZEC), which aims to decarbonize Asia, was held in Laos on October 11, and the leaders announced an “Action Plan” that includes initiatives for the next 10 years in which each country will cooperate.READ MORE
On September 3, the government launched a carbon pricing expert working group to discuss the specific design of a CO2 emissions trading system in preparation for its full-scale implementation in FY2026.READ MORE
On July 22, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced the launch of the ‘Energy Conservation and Regional Partnership’ initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide in their efforts toward energy conservation. READ MORE
On July 16, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) outlined its direction for promoting “transition finance.READ MORE
On June 27, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) held a liaison conference on the Revised Building Energy Conservation Law, which will mandate that all new residential and non-residential buildings comply with energy conservation standards starting in FY2025. The Ministry announced plans to expand support systems to ensure smooth implementation. In addition to establishing consultation services for document applications at the prefectural level, briefing sessions for stakeholders will be held nationwide before the law takes effect in April of next year. The government aims to thoroughly publicize the revised law to ensure that the construction process—covering building design, review, and construction—proceeds without delay.
The revised Building Energy Conservation Law was promulgated in June 2022, requiring all new buildings to comply with energy conservation standards starting in FY2025. It also mandates that all new buildings meet ZEH-ZEB levels of energy conservation performance starting in FY2030.
In April next year, the Building Standard Law will be revised alongside the mandatory compliance with energy conservation standards. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will establish support centers for architects in each prefecture by January to provide ongoing assistance with the preparation of building-related design documents and application procedures.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) will review energy conservation standards for new medium-scale non-residential buildings, including offices, factories, and commercial facilities. READ MORE
On May 15, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism convened a joint meeting of the Environment Subcommittee of the Social Infrastructure Development Council and the Environment Subcommittee of the Transportation System Subcommittee READ MORE
On May 15, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) initiated the formulation of the 7th Basic Energy Plan. READ MORE