In 2002, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) launched a Green Building Program, requiring that new buildings with 5,000 square meters of total floor area or larger in Tokyo be evaluated on their environmental performance and disclose this information publicly. Additionally, an array of resources are now posted online, including environmentally sensitive guidelines for the construction, performance ratings, and information regarding related programs such as the Certificate Program for Energy Conservation and the Green Labeling Program for Condominiums.

Tokyo is one of the busiest cities in the world regarding construction. Approximately 20,000 square meters are built every year. The Green Building Program was initiated to direct the entire construction industry towards building environmentally friendly infrastructures.

The overall goal of the program is to move towards a greener real estate market where environmentally-sensitive building designs are valued. Promoting environmentally friendly technology by stimulating the expansion of green technology in Tokyo is another important objective of the program.

Finally, the program contributes to the TMG’s goal announced in 2000 to achieve a 25% decrease in Tokyo’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

For additional information, see project files at upper right.