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HARUMI FLAG Achieves Prestigious Environmental Certifications

The HARUMI FLAG project, an extensive urban redevelopment initiative located in Tokyo's Harumi district, has reached an impressive milestone in environmental sustainability. As of June 2025, the development has received GOLD ratings for two significant environmental performance certifications: LEED-ND (Neighborhood Development) and SITES. These accolades were announced by the eleven designated builders involved in the project, solidifying HARUMI FLAG's reputation as one of Tokyo's largest and most innovative mixed-use developments.

Environmental Certifications and Their Significance

LEED-ND Certification

Received from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) stands as a globally recognized benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of green buildings. The ND (Neighborhood Development) version specifically focuses on the sustainability of neighborhood development projects. HARUMI FLAG, which initially attained a PLATINUM rating at the planning stage, has now secured a GOLD certification for its completed works, showcasing its commitment to sustainable urban living.

The certification standards assess criteria from energy efficiency, water conservation, resource management, to the utilization of renewable energy sources. These areas cumulatively determine the certification level based on a points system that rewards innovative and environmentally responsive design choices.

SITES Certification

Alongside its LEED accolades, HARUMI FLAG has also earned the SITES certification, which emphasizes sustainable landscape and site development. This process, overseen by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), evaluates the sustainability of landscapes from various perspectives, including biodiversity, water conservation, energy efficiency, and overall ecological health. Given the completed construction phase, HARUMI FLAG achieved a GOLD rating, further highlighting its proactive measures in ecological preservation and community enhancement.

Achievements in Environmental Initiatives

The environmental strategies set out in the HARUMI FLAG project reflect commitment to future-friendly design practices:

Biodiversity Initiatives

Details of HARUMI FLAG’s landscaping efforts include plans for biodiversity by planting over 4,500 trees, primarily indigenous species, across more than 50% of the open spaces within each neighborhood block. These strategies not only improve greenery but also provide habitats for small wildlife and include features such as repurposed existing trees transformed into benches and nesting boxes.

Accessibility and Open Spaces

The design takes advantage of the expansive development area, creating a harmonious balance of building mass and accessibility. Two thoroughfares have been integrated, enhancing pedestrian flow and promoting interaction within the community and surrounding areas. This design approach has garnered praise from both LEED-ND and CASBEE, demonstrating the project’s responsible integration into urban life.

Mobility and Cycling Infrastructure

The sidewalks and road networks are designed with pedestrians' comfort in mind, fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment complemented by dedicated bike lanes. The project’s enhancements to mobility infrastructure are aligned with HARUMI FLAG’s sustainability objectives, also reflected in its ratings from LEED-ND and CASBEE.

Hydrogen Energy Utilization

HARUMI FLAG is at the forefront of energy innovation, having partnered with Tokyo's Urban Development Bureau to establish hydrogen energy systems sourced from nearby hydrogen stations. This integration uses pure hydrogen fuel cells for communal energy supply, contributing to a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional energy sources.

Overview of HARUMI FLAG

Originally designated as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Athletes' Village, HARUMI FLAG has transitioned into a vibrant urban community featuring various residential types (5,632 total units) and commercial spaces, all designed around prospective modern lifestyles. The development encourages diverse living arrangements, integrating daycare facilities, senior residences, and shared housing options.

As one of the leading examples of modern urban living, HARUMI FLAG continues to resonate with ideals of sustainability and community integration, becoming a model of what the future of urban development can entail in Tokyo.