MLIT expands support for energy-efficient buildings / Revised law to take effect

MLIT expands support for energy-efficient buildings / Revised law to take effect

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.