Japan Environmental Technologies

Japan is undergoing a shift in its construction industry, focusing on reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with construction processes and concrete production as part of shifting pollution control initiatives led by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT). This policy shift presents an opportunity for U.S. companies with the appropriate technology operating in or exporting to Japan’s construction and infrastructure sectors. U.S. companies that can offer certified low-emission machinery, fuel-efficient technology, or advanced low-carbon concrete solutions may find increased demand and first-mover advantages. 

Effective Fiscal Year 2030, all of Japan’s public civil engineering projects will require companies to use construction equipment operating under a specific level of CO₂ emissions and verified as having achieved fuel efficiency standards. MLIT’s public works projects will also actively adopt standards for low-carbon concrete.

MLIT will enforce the requirement through updated government procurement bidding and evaluation criteria, making environmental performance a key determinant in contract awards. In the construction stage the decarbonization of construction machinery and concrete has been positioned as Japan’s leading measures for the time being. 

Contractors in Japan will be required to calculate and report to MLIT their emissions during material procurement and construction phases. Low-carbon concrete technologies, such as slag cement and carbon-cured products, are expected to gain market traction.  

U.S. companies offering technologies for emission reduction in all phases of construction – materials, buildings, and operating systems – can work with the U.S. Commercial Service Japan to explore project opportunities. For more information, please contact the U.S. Commercial Service at Office.Tokyo@trade.gov.