TOKYO -- More than a third of Japanese homes labeled as "zero-energy" are not truly self-sufficient in power, government statistics show. Japan has promoted such housing as part of its decarbonization drive, but the gradual relaxation of qualifications for subsidies has led to an increase in homes that do not effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Zero-energy homes use solar or other renewable power to generate at least as much energy as they consume and are more heat-efficient than other residences due to good insulation. These homes are expected to play a key role in helping Japan meet its international pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050. Households currently account for 15% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions.
