METI and MLIT: Energy efficiency standards for medium-scale facilities to be raised to the same level as those for large-scale facilities
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. This review follows a joint expert meeting held by the two ministries on June 3. The government has proposed raising the energy efficiency standards for these buildings to the same level as those for large buildings by fiscal 2026. The government aims to gradually enhance the energy-saving performance of buildings, with a target for all new buildings to meet ZEH/ZEB standards by 2030 or later.
Medium-scale non-residential buildings with a total floor area of 300 m² or more but less than 2,000 m² are currently required to meet the same energy-saving performance standards as small-scale buildings. The “Energy Efficiency Index (BEI),” which serves as the benchmark for primary energy consumption, is set at 1.0 or lower, and compliance with this energy efficiency standard is mandatory. The government plans to raise the BEI to levels comparable to those of large buildings. To achieve BEI levels between 0.75 and 0.85 for various types of buildings, such as factories, offices, and hospitals, further energy-saving measures will be encouraged in air conditioning, hot water supply, lighting, and other systems. After public comment, the new regulations are expected to be promulgated in the fall of this year, with implementation scheduled for fiscal year 2026.