To support investors in and owners of "green building" real estate property that evinces environmental and social awareness, the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) introduced GB certification in April 2011.

DBJ developed a simple and practical scoring model designed to meet the practical needs of the owners and other stakeholders of the buildings. This easily understandable model can function as a dialogue facilitator for both the owners and the other stakeholders.

Through collaboration since February 2014, DBJ and Japan Real Estate Institute (JREI) have been supporting building owners’ activities by focusing on appropriate evaluations for "green buildings. "

Purpose & Principles

DBJ defines green buildings as real estate properties evincing high environmental and social awareness-more specifically, those demonstrating high consideration not only on economic and "profitability" matters but also on harmony with the surrounding environment.

DBJ includes this certification in packaging its diverse series of financial instruments to support your financial needs for new development and refurbishment.

Our mid-term focus is on taking initiatives that help promote awareness of green buildings and increase their numbers. One such initiative is to develop and nurture a real estate finance market in which green buildings are properly evaluated.

Case Studies

The number of certifications has continued to increase since the April 2011 start of DBJ Green Building certification (over 250 properties certified as of the end of October 2015). A list can be found here.

Residential Version Addition

The Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) announced on January 27, 2015, that it had launched "Residence Version" of its DBJ Green Building Certification program, specifically for multi-unit apartment buildings. This new program is in addition to the existing certification programs granted to owners of office buildings, logistics facilities, and commercial facilities. The first residential certifications were granted to two apartment buildings owned by Sekisui House SI Residential Investment Cooperation for their outstanding consideration of the environment and society.

The residence certification aims at making comprehensive evaluations in terms of each building's sustainability. Evaluation items concerning the environmental performance characteristics of housing are added to the list. Also included are the degree of convenience and comfort for residents, security in times of disaster, and the level of communication among the owner and residents.

Future plans for the DBJ Green Building Certification program are to continue supporting activities of sustainability improvement pursued by real estate businesses that develop and own apartment buildings.

Sources:

DBJ – http://igb.jp/en/about.html
Japan for Sustainability – http://www.japanfs.org/en/news/archives/news_id035276.html