every month (Figure 4-3-5). In addition, the ratio of units bearing the Uniform Energy-Saving Level 4 or higher of the total shipments of air-conditioners, refrigerators, and TVs increased after the system began, and the average ratio in the period of April -December 2010 was approximately 96% for air-conditioners, 98% for refrigerators, and 99% for TVs, which thus shows that most private individuals purchased energy-saving home appliances.

The eco-points system for home appliances had a positive impact on the economy. According to the estimates by private-sector research companies, the size of Japan’s domestic retail market for home appliances in 2010 was approximately JPY 9.5 trillion, growing by approximately

Figure 4-3-5 Number of Applications for Eco-Points for Home appliances Received (applications by individuals / per month)

Figure 4-3-6 Eco-Point System for Housing

1 trillion yen from the previous year, due to factors such as the eco-point system for home appliances and the extreme summer heat. Despite a decline in domestic demand, the eco-point system for home appliances also provided a meaningful economic boost in this time of recession.

Thus the eco-point system achieved success in both the greening of the home appliances (e.g. TVs) market and the stimulation of domestic demand, by delivering positive impacts on environmental consumer activities.

The eco-point system for housing is similar to the one for home appliances. The objectives of the eco-point system for housing are to promote global warming countermeasures and revitalize the economy. Under this system, users can receive points for the construction of an “eco-house” or for doing a renovation with energy-saving features, and can exchange those points for various products or for additional renovations (Figure 4-3-6).

As a result of the introduction of this system, energy-saving eco-houses are increasingly widespread. Since the system started, the total number of renovations and new construction combined increased from approximately 3,000 in March 2010 to approximately 75,000 in March 2011. As time passes, more and more people are recognizing and utilizing of the advantages of the eco-point system for housing (Figure 4-3-7). Since the eco-point system for housing started, shipment of double pane windows and special glass for renovation, which are eligible for eco-points, has increased by two to three.

## Eco-points for housing

## ☐ Products subject to points

Joint project by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of the Environment

• Buildings for which construction was started between December 8 2009 and July 31, 2011

Eco-reforms

Reform construction for windows, reforms of outer walls, ceilings, roofs, or floors

• Reforms for which construction began between January 1, 2010 and July 31, 2011

*When barrier-free reforms are conducted along with such reforms, points are added.

## Portion expanded since January 2011

When installed along with new construction of an eco-residence or construction for eco-reforms, 20,000 points will be issued for each residential system.

## Number of points issued

300,000 points per newly constructed eco-residence (320,000 points when the residence is equipped with a solar system)

2,000-100,000 points for each construction item for eco-reforms (limited to 300,000 points per residence)

## ☐ Deadlines for applications for points, etc

## Deadlines for applying for issuing of points

New construction of eco- housing: Stand-alone houses: until June 30, 2012

Apartment and condominium buildings $ ^{*} $ : until December 31, 2012

Eco- reforms: until March 31, 2012

* For apartment and condominium buildings 11 stories or higher, until December 31, 2013

## Deadline for application for exchange

for points: March 31, 2014

(Irrespective of whether they are

for new construction of eco-

housing or for eco- reforms)

## ☑Things subject to exchange for points

• Energy saying products or environment conscious products • Regional products • Products / Pre-paid cards • Environmental contributions

• Additional construction done by the party newly building an eco-residence or making eco-reforms (immediate exchange)

Source: Ministry of the Environment