#Japan #Sapporo #LEED O+M #Von Elf

Sapporo Convention Center Achieves LEED O+M Gold Certification

The Sapporo Convention Center, operated by the SORA-SCC joint venture group with the Sapporo city ownership, has made an impressive mark by becoming the first existing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) facility in Japan to earn the LEED® O+M Gold certification. This significant achievement is supported by certification assistance from Von Elf, led by CEO Hiroki Hiramatsu.

Understanding MICE Facilities

MICE facilities are dedicated venues for hosting business events, ranging from corporate meetings to international conferences and exhibitions. The acronym MICE encapsulates four main elements:

• - Meetings: Corporate gatherings and workshops.
• - Incentive Travel: Reward trips for top performers.
• - Conventions: Large government or international meetings.
• - Exhibitions/Events: Various showcases and events.

What is LEED®?

LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), aimed at promoting environmentally responsible building practices. The certification evaluates the environmental performance of building operations and maintenance through its subcategory, LEED O+M.

About LEED O+M Certification

LEED O+M focuses specifically on the operations and maintenance of existing buildings. Unlike new construction ratings (BD+C), LEED O+M utilizes a web-based platform called Arc for scoring facility performance, simplifying the certification process. Arc provides tools for collecting and benchmarking environmental data, making it accessible for existing structures.

Sapporo's Commitment to Sustainability

Since declaring itself an environmental capital in 2008, Sapporo has championed initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact across all city sectors, including the MICE industry. The city has developed guidelines for sustainable MICE events through collaboration with businesses and experts, fostering cooperative event management among all stakeholders.

Key Environmental Achievements of the Sapporo Convention Center

1. Energy Efficiency Improvements: Introduction of high-efficiency HVAC systems and complete transition to LED lighting has significantly reduced energy consumption.
2. Water Conservation: Installation of water-saving toilets and optimized water supply systems maximize resource utilization.
3. Waste Management: Strict recycling practices and waste separation contribute to a circular economy.
4. Indoor Environmental Quality: Maintaining high-quality indoor air environments ensures the health and comfort of visitors.

Facility Overview

• - Name: Sapporo Convention Center
• - Location: 1-1 Higashi Sapporo 6-jo, Shiroishi Ward, Sapporo City
• - Type: MICE Facility (Convention Center)
• - Owner: City of Sapporo
• - Management: SORA-SCC Joint Venture (led by Convention Linkage Inc., with Tohyo Corporation as a member)
• - Site Area: 41,019 m²
• - Total Floor Area: 20,310 m²
• - Structure: Reinforced Concrete with parts of Steel and SRC; one basement and three stories above ground
• - Operational Since: June 1, 2003
• - Website: Sapporo Convention Center

A Step Towards Sustainability

The successful acquisition of the LEED O+M Gold certification underscores Sapporo City's commitment to sustainability. It serves as a model for other cities and facilities considering similar green initiatives. Von Elf's continuous support underscores the collective effort made by all stakeholders—including the city and management group—in prioritizing environmental considerations.

LEED® Certification Deadlines

The deadlines for registering under LEED v4 and v4.1 are set for the end of Q2 2026 (June 30, 2026). After this date, only LEED v5 will be applicable.

For further details, visit Von Elf's Corporate Site.

About Von Elf

Founded in April 2006 and headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Von Elf specializes in providing support for green building certification, lifecycle assessments, energy simulations, commissioning, carbon-neutral strategies, and ESG evaluations. They aim to assist stakeholders across all sectors in implementing sustainable and responsible asset management practices.

Contact Information:
Email: [email protected] (Von Elf Public Relations: Yamamoto)