Appliance standards in Japan

Japanʹs first appliance energy efficiency standards were set in 1979 under the Energy Conservation Law and covered refrigerators and household air conditioners. In 1994 a number of appliances were added to the list of specified equipment. After explaining the process by which standards are established, we review the new standards for fluorescent lights, televisions, heat pump air conditioners, and copiers. The new standards are expected to exert a major influence on appliance efficiencies in Japan, reversing a decade-long trend of designers ignoring energy efficiency. Manufacturers will shift their product mix away from inefficient models.