Japan Solar Update: No.100 (June 10 ~ 14, 2024)
The government approved a cabinet decision in April 2024 to expand the scope of the obligation to comply with the energy conservation standards based on the revised the ‘Act on the Improvement of Energy Consumption Performance of Buildings for the Purpose of Creating a Decarbonized Society’, which was promulgated in June 2022 and will take effect on April 1, 2025, requiring all new residential and nonresidential buildings that begin construction after the law takes effect to comply with the ZEH/ZEB level of energy conservation performance.
Outline of the Cabinet Order
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(1) The law shall come into effect on April 1, 2025.
(2) Cabinet Order Concerning the Establishment of Relevant Cabinet Orders Accompanying the Enforcement of the Law for Partial Revision of the Law Concerning the Improvement of Energy Consumption Performance of Buildings for the Purpose of Contributing to the Realization of a Carbon-Free Society
- The scale of buildings that are not required to comply with energy conservation standards shall be the construction of buildings with a floor area of 10 m2 or less (related to the Order for Enforcement of the Law Concerning the Improvement of Energy Consumption Performance of Buildings, etc.).
- In connection with the expansion of the scope of the obligation for buildings to comply with energy conservation standards, in light of the increase in the number of wooden buildings with various specifications, such as those with high heat insulation performance and solar panels, etc., structural provisions related to “pillar thickness and wall volume” required according to building specifications, etc. will be developed (specific details will be delegated to public notices) (related to the Order for Enforcement of the Building Standard Law). (Specific details are to be delegated to a public notice.)
- In addition, necessary revisions will be made to the Building Standards Law Enforcement Ordinance, including the reorganization of administrative duties of building superintendents in prefectures and municipalities (related to the Building Standards Law Enforcement Ordinance, etc.).
Schedule Promulgation: April 19, 2024 Enforcement: April 1, 2025