Japan makes compliance with energy efficiency standards mandatory for all new housing and non-housing buildings in April 2025
Source material is a Japanese government announcement (in Japanese); this page is a summary.
From 1 April 2025 Japan requires, as a rule, all new housing and non-housing buildings to meet energy efficiency standards (buildings with a floor area of 10 m² or less are excluded).
Key facts
| Start date | 1 April 2025 (Reiwa 7) |
|---|---|
| Who and what it covers | As a rule, all new housing and non-housing buildings |
| Exclusion | Buildings with a floor area of 10 m² or less |
| Legal basis | Amended Building Energy Efficiency Act (Act No. 69 of Reiwa 4, promulgated in June 2022) |
| Responsible ministry | Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (国土交通省) |
Last checked:
From 1 April 2025 (Reiwa 7), Japan requires, as a rule, all new housing and non-housing buildings to meet energy efficiency standards. The basis is the amended Building Energy Efficiency Act promulgated in June 2022 (Act No. 69 of Reiwa 4), which was to come into force on a date set by cabinet order within 3 years of promulgation; that date was set as 1 April 2025. Buildings with a floor area of 10 m² or less were excluded by cabinet order as a size for which compliance with energy efficiency standards is not required.
Background — why this change
The requirement was introduced by the 'Act Partially Amending the Act on the Improvement of Energy Consumption Performance of Buildings and Related Acts for Contributing to the Realization of a Decarbonized Society' (the amending Act), as part of a fundamental strengthening of measures to further improve the energy efficiency performance of buildings.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
Summaries reflect national-level programs. Municipal (city/ward/town) programs may differ — confirm with the official desk before applying.
FAQ
Does this cover every new building?
As a rule it covers all new housing and non-housing buildings. Buildings with a floor area of 10 m² or less are excluded from the energy efficiency standards requirement by cabinet order.
When did it come into force?
It came into force on 1 April 2025 (Reiwa 7).
What is the legal basis?
The amended Building Energy Efficiency Act promulgated in June 2022 (Act No. 69 of Reiwa 4), which was to come into force on a date set by cabinet order within 3 years of promulgation.