Architectural Institute of Japan Updates LCA Guidelines to Promote Green Buildings and Sustainability
The Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ) has revised its Building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) guidelines for the first time in 11 years, publishing the updated version this March. This marks the third revision since the guidelines were first introduced in 1998. The update was driven by the construction industry’s increasing responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, spurred by the growing trend of green buildings and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment.
The Development Bank of Japan Inc. reports that green buildings can command 4.7% higher rents than non-green buildings. Major Japanese developers, such as Mitsubishi Estate and Mitsui Fudosan, are actively pursuing green building projects. For instance, Mitsubishi Estate recently announced plans for a 20-story hybrid building in Marunouchi, Tokyo. This structure, set to be one of the tallest wood-steel hybrid buildings in Japan, will stand at 100 meters tall. Each floor will feature 52 posts, 40 of which will be constructed from built-up wood and placed in perimeter zones to highlight the building’s eco-friendly design. The project is slated for completion in 2028.
While the housing market in Japan is expected to decline, the green building market is projected to grow, reflecting a shift towards sustainable development in the construction industry.
Image credit: Marunouchi Tokio Marine Building © Renzo Piano Building Workshop