METI / ECCJ / ACE Training Program MTPEC06 (2007.01)

II-2. Energy Conservation Measures for the Industrial Sector

Intensive Support for Introducing Energy Conservation Facilities

Under the “Supporting project for business operators employing rational use of energy”, investment and installation activities by business operators expected to show superior cost-effectiveness and policy significance are encouraged and intensively supported. Supported activities include:

investing for energy conservation on a large scale, jointly capitalized by multiple business operators for industrial complexes, etc.
installing the industry's first model plant for highly efficient plants
installing highly efficient industrial furnaces, etc.

Example of introduction of energy-saving facilities (High-Performance Industrial Furnace)

Industrial furnaces are used at factories throughout the country for heating, dissolving, sintering, and drying purposes.
High-performance industrial furnaces are industrial furnaces that are confirmed to have an energy-saving effect of more than 30% owing to waste-heat recovery mechanisms etc.

II-3. Energy Conservation Measures for the Commercial/Residential Sector

Improving Equipment Efficiency with the Top Runner Program

The Top Runner Program* was introduced in 1998 for the energy conservation standards for home/office appliances and the fuel economy standard of automotives. The program standards for LCD and plasma televisions and heavyweight vehicles are to be added.

II-3. Energy Conservation Measures for the Commercial/Residential Sector

Energy-Saving Labeling System

The energy-saving labeling system has been introduced to inform consumers of energy efficiency of home appliances and to promote energy-efficient products.

As of April 2005, labeling is applied to the following 13 products: air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, fluorescent lights, TV sets, space heaters, gas cooking appliances, gas water heaters, oil water heaters, electric toilet seats, computers, magnetic disks, and transformers.

II-3. Energy Conservation Measures for the Commercial/Residential Sector

Energy Efficient Product Retailer Assessment System

In order to promote energy efficient products, it is essential to introduce measures for retailers, who are the contact point between manufacturers and consumers.
Recognition should be extended to retailers who actively promote energy-efficient products or provide appropriate energy conservation information.
The energy efficient product retailer assessment system was introduced in FY2003.

Targeted retailers:
All home appliance retailers whose sales coming from home appliances account for 50% or more of total sales

"Outlets that Excel at Promoting Energy-Efficient Products" are selected each year and publicized along with their rankings. Effective FY2004, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award and Minister of Environment Award are awarded to large stores.
Selected retailers are authorized to carry a special logo.

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