Japan: Cabinet Approves Order on Rational Energy Use

​On February 21, 2017, the Cabinet of Japan approved the Cabinet Order for the Partial Revision of the Order for Enforcement of the Act on the Rational Use of Energy. The Order of Enforcement stipulates the addition of showcases to list applicable top-runner equipment that is “particularly necessary to improve the rational use of energy” under Article 78 of the Act on the Rational Use of Energy. The Order also requires manufacturers and other entities of covered top-runner products to manufacture or import 100 or more showcase units in order to qualify. The top-runner program defines target criteria for energy-efficient performance of such equipment. The Energy Efficiency Division, Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Department, and Agency for Natural Resources and Energy are in charge of the Order. Enforcement began on March 1, 2017.