Hundreds of zero-energy apartments to be built in Japan in three years

Half of new detached homes in the country to be carbon-free by 2020.

The concept of zero-energy homes is expanding beyond detached housing and into apartments in Japan, reported the Nikkei Asian Review.

An estimated 1,500 zero-energy apartments will be built by 2021, following through the government’s vision of making zero-energy

Known by various names, including zero net energy buildings and net-zero energy buildings, zero-energy homes consume as much renewable energy as they produce over one year.

In May, the Japanese government adapted the standards for zero- energy detached homes to condominiums and other multifamily dwellings.

Nomura Real Estate Development is reportedly planning two to three such condominium projects in Greater Tokyo. The projects will yield around 100 units.

Meanwhile, Daikyo has a mid-rise condo project equipped with rooftop solar panels in Hyogo Prefecture close to Osaka. The structure will consume 80 percent less net energy than similar buildings that are not zero-energy.

A similar project by Mitsubishi Estate is on the rise in Chiba Prefecture.

Sixteen percent of Japan's carbon emissions were attributed tohouseholds in 2016. The country, a signatory of the 2015 ParisAgreement, issued in 2012 the Low-Carbon Society roadmap that promotes zero-energy homes and buildings as the standard of most new constructions by 2020.

Ref : Property Report