APPLIANCE STANDARDS IN JAPAN

Japan's first appliance energy efficiency standards were set in 1979 u nder the Energy Conservation Law and covered refrigerators and househo ld air conditioners. In 1994 a number of appliances were added to the list of specified equipment. After explaining the process by which sta ndards are established, we review the new standards for fluorescent li ghts, televisions, heat pump air conditioners, and copiers. The new st andards are expected to exert a major influence on appliance efficienc ies in Japan, reversing a decade-long trend of designers ignoring ener gy efficiency. Manufacturers will shift their product mix away from in efficient models. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.