Net Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs) achieve net-zero or negative annual energy consumption through heat insulation, solar shading, natural energy and high-efficiency equipment as well as the generation of energy such as solar power. Net Zero Energy Houses (ZEHs) are houses that achieve net-zero or negative annual energy consumption through heat insulation, high-efficiency equipment, and solar power generation.
The Fourth Strategic Energy Plan, approved by the Cabinet in April 2014, established goals to achieve ZEBs in newly constructed public buildings by 2020 and ZEBs on average in newly constructed public and private buildings by 2030, as well as ZEHs in standard new houses by 2020 and in average new houses by 2030. To realize these goals, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) published a ZEB Roadmap and ZEH Roadmap in December 2015 and subsequently established follow-up committees to further promote the spread of ZEB/ZEH, including the "ZEB/ZEH-M Committee" in fiscal 2021. The Sixth Strategic Energy Plan, approved by the Cabinet in October 2021, mandated the achievement and enhancement of energy efficiency standards in the commercial and residential sectors in order for new housings and buildings built from 2030 to meet ZEB/ZEH efficiency standards. In June 2022, revisions to the Building Energy Conservation Act were approved by the Cabinet to promote energy-saving measures for homes and buildings toward the realization of carbon neutrality in 2050. The revisions aim to secure ZEH/ZEB levels of energy efficiency in new buildings and houses by 2030, and in average stocks in 2050.
The Japan Climate Leaders’ Partnership (JCLP) handed a proposal to the Vice Minister of Environment of Japan on November 20th. In the proposal, JCLP proposed the following factors to be included in Japan's Green Transformation (GX): raising building standards to that of Zero Energy Homes (ZEH)/Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB), the rapid expansion of renewables such as floating offshore wind power, and the accelerated introduction of electric vehicles in Japan. Representatives of Amazon Japan, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank and AstraZeneca participated in the meeting.
In a proposal to the Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the Japan Climate Leaders’ Partnership (JCLP) called for the following factors to be included in the Green Transformation (GX) initiative: raising building standards to ZEB/ZEH, rapid expansion of renewables, such as floating offshore wind power, and accelerated introduction of Electric Vehicles in Japan.
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