New homes built in the Japanese capital after 2025 will be required to install solar panels in an effort to cut carbon emissions.
A New Mandate
Any homes built by large-scale development companies after April 2025 in the Japanese capital city of Tokyo will have to have solar panels, according to a new mandate passed by the city’s local assembly on Thursday. The first of its kind in Japan, this mandate is designed to cut the city’s carbon emissions to meet its climate goals for 2030.
According to Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, only 4% of the city’s eligible buildings currently have solar panels. Though this mandate does not address existing structures, Koike said she hopes it inspires current homeowners to think about investing in forms of renewable energy.
A Global Reach
Currently, Japan is the world’s fifth-largest source for carbon emissions, but it has shown one of the strongest commitments to fighting climate change. Following setbacks caused by the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011, Japan has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. As a part of that project, the country is aiming to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as compared with 2000 levels.
Risako Narikiyo, a member of the governing party in Tokyo, said that the city’s commitment to renewable energy has been deepened by the recent surge in energy prices. “In addition to the existing global climate crises, we face an energy crisis with a prolonged Russia-Ukraine war,” Narikiyo said. “There is no time to waste.”
A Local Solution
Mandate’s like Tokyo’s show the power that individual homeowners have in helping to fight climate change. One house may not seem like much on a global scale, but decreasing emissions has to take place at every scale.
At Summit Solar, we are committed to helping you find the renewable energy solutions that are right for your location and your budget. We have years of experience working with households and company across New England, and we would love to help you too!