Energy Conservation Center, Japan / Energy Saving Program

Under the Energy Conservation Law, labeling of product name, model, energy consumption efficiency and power/fuel consumption of each designated product is mandatory. But that labeling does not require energy consumption performance of a product to be labeled in terms of a relative comparison with that of other products.

In order to provide consumers with information on energy consumption efficiency that is easier to understand, the voluntary Energy Saving Labeling Program was launched on August 21, 2000. That can lead consumers to compare energy efficiencies so that they can select products with more higher energy efficiency when making a purchase.

As of August 2004, we have 13 target products for the voluntary labeling program. Originally 5 products that are air conditioners, florescent lights, TVs, refrigerators, and freezers were designated in August 2000, and 5 more products including space heaters, gas cooking appliances, gas burning heaters, oil burning water heaters and electric toilet seats were additionally designated in June 2003, and then 3 more products including computers, magnetic disk units and transformers were additionally designated in May 2004.

Voluntary Energy Saving Labeling Program
for Efficiency Improvement of Home Appliances

What is energy labeling?
Officially gazetted on August 21, 2000. Voluntary program based on JIS. Generally shown in product catalogues and on actual product, etc.
13 Target Products as of August 2004
5 Products designated in August 2000: (Air conditioners, fluorescent lights, TVs, refrigerators, freezers)
5 Products designated in June 2003: (Space heaters, gas cooking appliances, gas burning water heaters, oil burning water heaters, electric toilet seats)
3 Products designated in May 2004: (Computers, Magnetic disk units, Transformers)
Information shown on the label
Symbol mark, Top Runner target fiscal year, Achievement rate relative to Top Runner target, Energy consumption efficiency

An energy conservation label typically consists of the energy conservation logo in combination with information on target year, achievement rate of energy efficiency standards, and energy consumption efficiency.

The energy conservation logo is colored in orange for a product which doesn't achieve the target standards of energy efficiency, and while colored in green for a product achieves over 100% of the target standards.

The "achievement rate of energy efficiency standards" is given as a percentage indicating how far the product's energy efficiency is improved from the target value. The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) designates and promulgates the criteria to serve as judgment guidelines for each product.