Key Facts
• Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to revise ZEH standards by 2027.
• New criteria mandate battery storage and advanced energy management systems for single-family homes.
• Current residential CO2 emissions account for 15% of Japan’s total.
• Government aims for 20% higher energy efficiency in all homes by 2050.
• ZEH homes reduce energy consumption by over 100% compared to standard homes.
• New standards increase energy consumption reduction from 20% to 35%.
• Insulation performance upgraded from Grade 5 to Grade 6, doubling wall insulation thickness.
• Solar panels remain mandatory, with additional requirements for battery storage.
• New standards to be officially announced in July 2025.
Summary
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry plans to revise the certification standards for energy-efficient homes, known as Net Zero Energy Houses (ZEH), by 2027. The updated criteria will require single-family homes to include battery storage systems and advanced energy management technologies, alongside existing solar panel mandates. These changes aim to reduce residential CO2 emissions, which currently account for 15% of the nation’s total, and align with the government’s goal of achieving 20% higher energy efficiency in all homes by 2050. The new standards will increase energy consumption reduction targets from 20% to 35% and enhance insulation performance from Grade 5 to Grade 6, doubling the thickness of wall insulation. The revised guidelines are expected to be officially announced in July 2025.
