Eco-Point System for Housing to Support Eco-Housing Building and Remodeling

Image by yoshimov. Some Rights Reserved.

In December 2009, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) announced the establishment of an eco-point system for housing to encourage the construction and renovation of eco-friendly houses by offering reward points.

The system was stipulated in "the Emergency Economic Countermeasures for Future growth and Security" approved by the Japanese cabinet on December 8, 2008. Eco-points will be issued for the remodeling or construction of eco-houses. The point system targets construction or remodeling projects that begin before December 31, 2010.

In order to obtain the eco-points, the eco-remodeling projects need to meet specific requirements, such as insulation retrofits for windows, outer walls and floors, or barrier-free renovations through installation of handrails and hallway extensions. Eco-points are also issued for new construction projects, such as insulation retrofits for windows and outer walls that meet energy-saving standards, and installation of high-efficiency boiler and photovoltaic facilities.

Commodities planned to be exchanged for eco-points include energy-saving, eco-friendly gift vouchers and public transportation passes, and donations to environmental organizations. The system is being jointly implemented by MLIT, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE).

MLIT Finalizes Housing Energy Conservation Label Guidelines (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/029305.html
Eco-point system for housing
http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/data/20091215_01.html

Posted: 2010/04/24 06:00:15 AM