Top Runner Programme on end-use efficiency in Japan.

 

Japan has maintained mandatory energy efficiency standards for appliances and automobiles since 1980, which were not very successful, however, as they were largely based on negotiations with industry. In 1998, Japan initiated the Top Runner Programme to improve energy efficiency of end-use products, as a cornerstone of its climate change policy. The idea is that the most energy-efficient product on the market during the standard-setting process establishes the “Top Runner standard” which all corresponding product manufacturers will aim to achieve in the next stage. Energy efficiency standards are discussed and determined by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and its advisory committees comprising representatives from academia, industry, consumer groups, local governments and mass media. The scope of the Programme is reviewed every two to three years. It started with 9 products and had been expanded to 21 products by 2009. The targeted products account for more than 70 per cent of residential electricity use. To date, all targets set by the programme have been achieved or overachieved. For example, the energy efficiency of room air conditioners improved by 68 per cent, of refrigerators by 55 per cent, of TV receivers by 26 per cent, of computers by 99 per cent, of fluorescent lights by 78 per cent, of vending machines by 37 per cent and of gasoline passenger cars by 23 per cent, representing enormous technical improvements and attaining one of The highest levels of energy efficiency in the world. Yet, it is not clear whether the Programme can be replicated successfully outside Japan. Specific success factors include a limited number of domestic producers with high technological capacity, which were willing to comply with the standards even without sanctions.