Regulations

Energy Efficiency Building Codes

Japan has set voluntary building standards for both residential and commercial buildings. These standards are being strengthened repeatedly to achieve the stated goals by 2030.

Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental Efficiency (CASBEE)

CASBEE, a green building rating system, evaluates environmental performance of buildings beyond site level. CASBEE has been made mandatory by around 24 local governments in Japan.
http://www.ibec.or.jp/CASBEE/english/

Top Runner Program

Weighted average energy efficiency of products sold in the target year must comply with the standards. Different standards are formed for each product, varying by the technology used and also by the potential to improve efficiency of the technology by the target year. As of 2009, 21 end use products are under the scope of this program.
www.climatepolicy.jp/thesis/pdf/09035dp.pdf
http://www.eccj.or.jp/top_runner/

Economic Instruments

Japan has launched series of loans, grants and tax incentives program to give impetus to energy efficiency in buildings.

Low Carbon Cities Promotion Act

Tax breaks are offered for “low carbon buildings”, essentially buildings exceeding minimum energy performance standards or with features that increase
http://www.iea.org/policiesandmeasures/pams/japan/name-132526-en.php

Eco-point Housing Program

Points are provided to home owners for energy efficient measures in new or renovated buildings which can be later exchanged for purchasing energy efficient appliances or products.

Zero‐Energy Housing Grant Program

Selected zero energy residential projects are provided grants equivalent to approximately half of the subsidy that they are otherwise eligible for. Both new and renovation projects are considered for grants.

Flat 35 loan by Japan Housing Finance Agency

Loans on low interest rates are provided to houses with energy efficient measures.
www.jbaudit.go.jp/english/exchange/pdf/e15d04.pdf
http://jhf.go.jp/english/index.html

Subsidy Programme for Residential PV systems
http://www.iea.org/policiesandmeasures/pams/japan/name-21048-en.php

National Target

ZEB Study Group (Agency for Natural  Resources and Energy)
Mid-and-long Term Roadmap (Ministry of the Environment)
G20 Energy Efficiency Policies and Measures – Japan
http://g20-energy-efficiency.enerdata.net/policies/buildings-japan.html
http://www.iea.org/policiesandmeasures/pams/japan/

Regulations

Regulation and Standard for Housing and Building (Energy Conservation Act) – 1999
http://www.asiaeec-col.eccj.or.jp/law/ken1_e.html

Energy Conservation Law
http://aceee.org/files/proceedings/2010/data/papers/2154.pdf
http://www.asiaeec-col.eccj.or.jp/top_runner/index.html

Top Runner Program (Since 2013):
(http://www.climatepolicy.jp/thesis/pdf/09035dp.pdf)

Comprehensive review of Japanese Energy Policy  ( 2014)
http://www.meti.go.jp/english/index.html

Environment and Energy Friendly Building Mark
http://www.iea.org/policiesandmeasures/pams/japan/name-21110-en.php

Economic Incentives

Premium Loans for Energy Efficient Retrofit/Construction for Housings (2003)
http://www.iea.org/policiesandmeasures/pams/japan/

Financial measures for houses (subsidy, tax, preferential loan) (since 2002 )
http://www.iea.org/policiesandmeasures/pams/japan/

 Outreach

Promoting Sustainable Lifestyle and Houses: “Lo-House” Promotion (2006)
http://www.iea.org/policiesandmeasures/pams/japan/name-24369-en.php

Energy Efficiency Labelling system (sine 2000)
http://www.asiaeec-col.eccj.or.jp/contents03.html
http://www.asiaeec-col.eccj.or.jp/databook/2007e/pdf/09.pdf

Guidebook on Energy Conservation in Buildings
http://www.asiaeec-col.eccj.or.jp/databook/2011/
http://www.asiaeec-col.eccj.or.jp/brochure/pdf/guidebook_for_buildings_2010-2011.pdf

Other Initiatives
Rating System : CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency)
http://www.ibec.or.jp/CASBEE/english/