#Japan #Tokyo #Azabudai Hills #Toranomon Hills #LEED ND

Azabudai Hills and Toranomon Hills Achieve Platinum LEED Certifications

In a remarkable achievement for green architecture in Japan, both Azabudai Hills and Toranomon Hills, managed by Mori Building Co., have been awarded the prestigious Platinum certification under the LEED® ND (Neighborhood Development) and LEED® BD+C (Building Design and Construction) standards. This recognition marks a milestone as they are the first projects in Japan to receive both certifications at the highest level.

The achievement was made possible through the support of Von Elf Co., Ltd., a company specializing in certification acquisition consulting. The certification verifies the environmentally friendly practices and contributions these projects make to their surrounding urban settings. The area had already garnered Platinum certification in the planning stage for LEED ND in 2021, which reflects the commitment to sustainable development from its inception.

Both Azabudai and Toranomon Hills are designed with concepts that prioritize green spaces and sustainable urban living. Azabudai Hills embodies the idea of a “Vertical Garden City”, integrating vast greenery into the urban landscape while promoting community and wellness. This is achieved through the strategic concentration of open spaces within the buildings' architecture, which enhances the well-being of its occupants.

Meanwhile, Toranomon Hills is developed as an “International New Urban Center”, integrating essential facilities for global business operations while respecting local sustainability and harmony with the community. Both projects include green thoroughfares and water resource management, alongside energy efficiency strategies that contribute significantly to their environmental performance, further enhancing their scores in obtaining the LEED certifications.

Adding to this accomplishment, both Azabudai and Toranomon Hills have achieved Platinum certification for WELL Core™, which emphasizes tenant health and wellness. The office and commercial areas of Toranomon Hills Station Tower and Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower have been lauded for several initiatives promoting health, such as active lifestyle encouragement through well-designed pedestrian paths, nutritious food offerings at local cafes, and advanced air filtration systems for improved indoor air quality.

The certifications represent a collaborative effort among various stakeholders in these projects, with recognition given to Mori Building Co. for their unwavering dedication to environmental considerations. The achievements are a testament to Von Elf's role in enhancing sustainability practices during the design, construction, and operational phases.

These outstanding certifications not only underscore the innovative developments in urban architecture but also set an industry precedent for green building initiatives globally. With ongoing initiatives aimed at further environmental certifications, the area continues to advance its commitment to sustainable urban living.

As Von Elf maintains its pursuit for excellence in green practices, the company encourages other ventures to engage in the LEED certification process, especially as the industry approaches the deadline for LEED v4 and v4.1 registrations, slated to end in June 2026.

The commitment to developing not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible urban spaces marks a significant forward step in Japan’s architectural evolution. The benefits of such certifications extend beyond mere accolades, influencing positive changes within the community and encouraging a greener future for urban developments worldwide.