Sustainability Activities (ESG)
Climate Change Strategies
Basic Policy and Approach
Climate Change Strategies
- Basic Policy and Approach
- Goals and Achievement Status
- Energy Management Initiatives
- Promoting Renewable Energy
- Working Together with Tenants
- Promoting Energy-Saving Measures
- Publishing the Report on Measures Against Global Warming
- Governance system and framework for public policy Engagement in Climate Alignement
Basic Policy and Approach
The damage to human life and property caused by extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy rain, and drought is becoming more serious each year.
The real estate industry is known to emit a particularly large proportion of greenhouse gases as a percentage of all industries. The Mitsubishi Estate Group, which owns a large number of properties in and outside Japan, recognizes it has a great responsibility, and considers it essential to address climate change in order to achieve the Mission of Mitsubishi Estate Group, which is to contribute to society through urban development.
It is against this backdrop that, in order to identify the impact of climate change on business activities and take appropriate actions, the Group endorsed the TCFD Recommendations in February 2020 and implemented analysis and information disclosure*1 in line with the TCFD information disclosure framework (governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets around climate-related risks and opportunities). Based on the results of this analysis, the Group will further strengthen its governance and business strategies related to climate change in order to appropriately manage and respond to climate-related transition risks (including regulatory, technological, market, and reputation risks) and physical risks (acute and chronic risks).
Moreover, collaboration with a broad range of external stakeholders is essential for the Group as it implements initiatives aimed at realizing a carbon-free society. To this end, in April 2020, Mitsubishi Estate joined the Japan Climate Leaders' Partnership (JCLP)*2, a coalition of companies acting against the climate crisis, and working to collaborate with other companies to enact policy proposals to the government with the aim of decarbonization.
The Mitsubishi Estate Group will respond steadily to climate change by deepening the initiatives it takes through its business activities in line with this basic policy and approach.
Goals and Achievement Status
Goals and Achievement Status
Goals
Under the basic policy and approach described above, the Mitsubishi Estate Group has formulated medium-to-long term reduction targets for the Group's overall greenhouse gas emissions (reductions in GHG emissions [Scope 1 + 2 + 3] of 35% by fiscal 2030 and 87% by fiscal 2050 compared with fiscal 2017. In April 2019, these targets were approved as being based on scientific evidence by the Science Based Targets (SBT) initiative. In March 2022, the Group revised its targets in line with the Net-Zero Standard published by the SBTi in October 2021 based on its 1.5°C scenarios (Targets approved by the SBT initiative in June 2022).
In January 2020, Mitsubishi Estate made a commitment to switching to renewable energy for 100% of the electricity it uses and joined RE100, a global collaborative initiative aimed at switching to electricity derived from renewable energy for 100% of the electricity used in business. In March 2022, Mitsubishi Estate revised its GHG reduction targets in line with the SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard and, in conjunction with these revisions, also renewed the Group’s renewable energy rate target to achieve 100% group-wide by fiscal 2025.
GHG Emissions Reduction Targets (revision in March 2022)
(Targets approved by the SBT initiative in June 2022)
- Reduce Scope 1 + 2 by 70% or more and Scope 3 by 50% or more by fiscal 2030 compared to fiscal 2019 emissions
- Achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 (reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 by 90% or more. Neutralize residual emissions*)
- Emissions that remain unabated within the value chain in the target year are termed “residual emissions.” The SBTi standard requires neutralizing any residual emissions using forest absorption and carbon removal technologies outside the value chain to counterbalance the impact of these unabated emissions and to achieve net-zero emissions.
Renewable Energy Rate Target (revision in March 2022)
Joined RE100
- Achieve 100% group-wide by fiscal 2025
Achievement Status
In order to achieve the targets above, the Group is implementing measures such as the use of high-efficiency equipment in the operation of office buildings, which is the Group's core business. In addition, given that factors such as external temperature and building operating conditions impact energy usage, we work with tenants to conserve energy and reduce GHG emissions.
As part of its efforts to reduce Scope 2 emissions, the Group is working to introduce electricity sourced from renewable energy (renewable power) in the properties it owns. The Group also actively takes steps in the properties it develops to obtain certifications, including those for ZEB and ZEH, with the aim of achieving advanced environmental performance and energy efficiency. Furthermore, for building and construction materials, which are the main source of Scope 3 emissions, the Group is enhancing collaboration throughout the supply chain to drive reductions in its development and construction work.
GHG Emissions, Including CO2, and Ratio of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources
See the following for data on GHG emissions and the ratio of renewable power.
Energy Management Initiatives> Introducing "Super Tube" to Enhance District Heating-Cooling and Cogeneration Systems
Energy Management Initiatives
Introducing "Super Tube" to Enhance District Heating-Cooling and Cogeneration Systems
Since Marunouchi Heat Supply began operating in 1976, it has developed a district heating-cooling network in the Otemachi, Marunouchi, Yurakucho area and supported energy management for the entire area. The steam and cold water generated by its plants are supplied to buildings through underground tunnels and used for air conditioning. Most of the buildings the Group owns in this area benefit from this system.
At the end of December 2020, Marunouchi Heat Supply and Mitsubishi Estate completed the "Super Tube," a 250-meter long culvert running north to south along Marunouchi Naka-Dori Avenue, and began supplying energy via this tunnel the following January. The Super Tube, which is 30 meters underground, is highly earthquake-resistant and the heat supply pipes inside it form an arterial network that will underpin the stable supply of energy in the Otemachi, Marunouchi, Yurakucho area. The supply of heat generated by the high-efficiency equipment at the Marunouchi Nijubashi Building plant through the Super Tube will reduce CO2 emissions and increase energy efficiency in the Yurakucho district.
With the construction of the Super Tube, the steam network linking the Marunouchi 1-chome, Marunouchi 2-chome, and the Yurakucho districts is now complete, and the mutual backup function between plants in an emergency has also been strengthened. Moreover, the effective use of unused heat is being promoted through the supply of exhaust heat generated by the cogeneration system to multiple buildings in the area through the steam network.
Formulation of Smart Energy Urban Development Action 2050
Formulation of Smart Energy Urban Development Action 2050
In March 2021, Mitsubishi Estate and Marunouchi Heat Supply formulated Smart Energy Urban Development Action 2050, concentrating on the Otemachi, Marunouchi, Yurakucho area. The two companies will work on symbiotic and comprehensive energy policies that fully capitalize their management resources with the aim of next-generation urban development to maximize both environmental value and socioeconomic activity.
Central to Smart Energy Urban Development Action 2050 is the realization of an urban microgrid that will contribute to energy resilience, climate change countermeasures, and decarbonization in this area. The urban microgrid is a concept that integrates the use of self-owned power sources and renewable energy, which will be proactively brought in from outside. It also makes it possible to improve the efficiency of heat and power supply while making building energy consumption more efficient and smarter by maximizing the use of the district heating-cooling system. The creation of an urban microgrid contributes to climate change countermeasures and decarbonization during normal times, while also ensuring energy resilience to support business continuity in the area in the event of a major earthquake and other emergencies, thereby maximizing socioeconomic activity of this central business district.
In order to realize the urban microgrid, Energy and Urban Development Action 2050 sets out three management strategies. These consist of (1) Supply management strategy: improving overall efficiency through integrated heat and power supply system and decarbonization of electricity and heat; (2) Supply and demand management strategy: improving energy management efficiency through smarter energy consumption in new and existing buildings; and (3) Linkage and business management strategy: participating in renewable energy projects and contributing to regional revitalization, collaborating with diverse energy businesses on verification. Measures will be implemented in these three directions.
Outline of the Strategies
Outline of the Strategies
(1) Supply Management Strategy
| Decarbonization of electricity (proactive introduction of renewable energy) | We will proactively introduce renewable energy in order to drive decarbonization of electricity. |
|---|---|
| Decarbonization of heat and construction of optimum energy portfolio | Together with optimizing the combined heat and power portfolio, we will promote decarbonization of heat, which will contribute to the overall portfolio. |
| Business continuity based on integrated heat and power and self-owned power sources; enhanced efficiency through area supply control | In addition to building a system that can supply each building with heat and electricity in an integrated manner, we will establish an autonomous emergency system through the ownership and operation of self-sustainng power sources and further improve efficiency in normal times through area supply control. |
| Area supply management and load levelling control using demand response*1, heat and power storage, and VPP*2, etc. | We will build systems that will manage heat and power supply within the area effectively, including coordinated supply among buildings and time band leveling, utililizing demand response, power and heat storage, VPP and other methods. |
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- Demand response: refers to changing power demand patterns by controlling energy usage volume on the energy consumer side
- Virtual Power Plant (VPP): A cloud-based distributed power plant that uses information technology to aggregate the capacities of different distributed energy resources and function as if it were a physical power plant
(2) Supply and Demand Management Strategy
| An approach with long-term building stock in mind | We will manage from the perspective of the future building portfolio with an eye on the long-term rebuilding schedule in the area. |
|---|---|
| Making newly developed buildings emissions-free | For buildings developed in the future, we will study measures that contribute to maximizing energy conservation performance and make buildings emissions-free. |
| Improvement of energy consumption efficiency in existing buildings | We will make effectively timed investments that contribute to greater energy conservation and smarter building design and operation with an eye on the repair life cycle of existing buildings. |
| Upgrading of management through "BENI," an independently developed next-generation cloud-based BEMS platform | We are developing our own next-generation cloud-based building and energy management system (BEMS) that will contibute to improving the operational efficiency of the diverse parties involved in building operation, as well as visualizing and providing an overall picture for energy conservation activities. |
| Demand-side load management using demand response and power and heat storage, etc. | We will engage in energy demand-side load management using demand response, power and heat storage, and other methods to encourage more efficient energy use. |
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(3) Linkage and Business Management Strategy
| Participation in renewable energy business and contribution to regional revitalization | In addition to participating in renewable energy projects across Japan, we will contribute to regional revitalization and local community development that helps to promote industry and create jobs in varied regions. |
|---|---|
| Development of cocreation with energy businesses | We will develop relationships for cocreation that go beyond business transactions as an energy consumer with businesses in energy-related fields, including power generation, transmission and distribution, electricity retail, gas supply, and aggregator business. |
| Promotion of collaborative verification and R&D in the Marunouchi area | We will provide our assets in the area as demonstration fields for the implementation and verification of new technologies, thereby contributing to their establishment. |
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Promoting Renewable Energy>Promoting Use of Renewable Power in Buildings
Promoting Renewable Energy
Promoting Use of Renewable Power in Buildings
Mitsubishi Estate acquired its first ZEB Ready (office category) certification for a high-rise tenant office building, tentatively called the Uchi-Kanda 1-chome Project, which is scheduled for completion at the end of November 2025. The energy conservation measures employed in this project are tested at the Group’s headquarters to ensure they are energy efficient and facilitate a comfortable environment. Starting with this property, the Group aims to achieve high environmental performance in line with ZEB requirements for all new buildings to be developed.Furthermore, in February 2023 Mitsubishi Estate Residence started construction on (tentative name) the Osaka Abeno Showa-cho 3-chome Project,* the first rental apartment building in the Kansai region to meet ZEH standards. In addition to meeting ZEH-M Oriented standards, the apartment building will use solar panels to generate electricity used in communal areas. These initiatives are part of Mitsubishi Estate Residence’s goal to meet or exceed the ZEH-M Oriented Standard in new condominiums and new rental apartments under its CO2 emissions reduction strategies (formulated in January 2022). The entire Group will work together to reduce the environmental impact of its buildings and to provide new value.
- This project falls under a basic agreement and general planning ubcontracting agreement between ENEOS Corporation and Mitsubishi Estate Residence. The scheme designates ENEOS as the primary owner, while Mitsubishi Estate Residence is responsible for the project’s design and other specifications as the general planner.
See the following for the list of buildings that have introduced renewable energy.
Promoting Use of Renewable Power in Logistics Facilities
Promoting Use of Renewable Power in Logistics Facilities
Logicross Zama Komatsubara
Mitsubishi Estate has adopted a general policy for the Logicross series of obtaining Building-Housing Energy-Efficiency Labelling System (BELS)* certification for all logistics facilities since the November 2020 development of Logicross Ebina. ompleted in November 2022, Logicross Osaka Katano obtained a five-star rating, the highest under the BELS certification system. In addition, Logicross Zama Komatsubara, completed in March 2022, obtained Zero Energy Building (ZEB) certification, a first for Mitsubishi Estate, by utilizing an in-house consumption scheme using electricity generated at the facility through solar panels.
- Power Purchase Agreement = a third-party ownership model for self-consumption solar power generation facilities
Promoting Use of Renewable Energy at Premium Outlets®
Promoting Use of Renewable Energy at Premium Outlets®
Premium Outlets® nationwide operated by Mitsubishi Estate • Simon began using 100% renewable energy for electricity (“renewable power”) used in communal areas such as the dining areas of food courts and toilets in June 2022. The renewable power used is sourced by purchasing green energy certificates*. Ami Premium Outlets and Shisui Premium Outlets will also use power generated by carport-type solar power generators installed in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
Fukaya-Hanazono Premium Outlets, which opened in October 2022, is the first Premium Outlets to operate on renewable power for all the electricity used in the facility, including tenant exclusive-use areas. The approximately 8,000MWh of electricity for the entire facility (estimated annual usage), including common-use and tenant exclusive-use areas, is covered by solar panels and green energy certificates. In addition, the facility features the active adoption of a design that promotes natural light and ventilation, which enhances the environment for visitors in addition to reducing energy consumption.* A system in which green power is treated as power with the “environmental added value” of reducing CO2 emissions with this value certified by a third party and traded in the form of certificates.
- A system in which green power is treated as power with the “environmental added value” of reducing CO2 emissions with this value certified by a third party and traded in the form of certificates.
Carport-type solar power generator for captive consumption
(Aimi Premium Outlets)
Carport-type solar power generator for captive consumption
(Shisui Premium Outlets)
Installed solar panels
(Fukaya-Hanazono Premium Outlets)
Using Renewable Power in Condominiums
Mitsubishi Estate Residence has been promoting the use of renewable power in condominiums to achieve a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 compared with 2019, the target set in January 2022.
Expanding Installation of Solar Panels on Condominiums
Mitsubishi Estate Residence has been working to utilize renewable energy by installing the soleco energy-creation system that combines high-voltage collective power systems with solar power systems in newly built condominiums with more than 40 residential units as a general rule since 2010. As of March 31, 2023, soleco had been installed in 235 condominium buildings. Mitsubishi Estate Residence will proceed with installation of solar panels on newly built condominiums for sale with less than 40 residential units where soleco has not been installed, while also introducing “soleco+*” for newly built condominiums for lease. In addition, approximately 250 t in CO2 emissions reductions from electricity generated at 84 of the properties where soleco is already installed were qualified for J-Credits, which offset all of the electricity used in fiscal 2020 at the Mitsubishi Estate Residence head office and some of the communal areas in the same building.
Since fiscal 2021, all the electricity used at Otemachi Financial City Grand Cube, which the head office occupies, has been switched to electricity sourced from renewable energy. Therefore, Mitsubishi Estate Residence is now using the J-Credits from soleco to offset electricity used in condominium sales centers*2.
- An electricity supply system that combines solar panels and non-fossil fuel energy certificates
Switching All Electricity in Condominiums to Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Sources (Carbon Offsetting Using Electricity with Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Certificates)
In addition to expanding the installation of solar panels, Mitsubishi Estate Residence will switch to electricity with non-fossil fuel energy certificates for the electricity that the customers purchase at The Parkhouse brand of condominiums Mitsubishi Estate Residence will switch to electricity with non-fossil fuel energy certificates for the high-voltage collective power purchased at The Parkhouse brand of condominiums and enable customers to contract for electricity with non-fossil fuel energy certificates at the time of delivery for The Parkhabio brand of condominiums for lease. By doing this, the company will realize the supply of electricity with non-fossil fuel energy certificates that does not emit CO2 in all newly built condominiums for sale and lease by 2030. Approximately 60%* of the energy that customers use at home is electricity, so switching to electricity free of fossil fuels can reduce CO2 emissions in the daily lives of customers.
- Based on research by Mitsubishi Estate Residence
Energy Management Initiatives>Promoting the Use of Carbon Neutral City Gas
Promoting Energy-Saving Measures
Promoting the Use of Carbon Neutral City Gas
Underground heat supply piping
Marunouchi Heat Supply Co., Ltd. began using carbon neutral city gas in March 2020 at the Marunouchi Building and the Otemachi Park Building, the first-ever use of carbon neutral gas by office buildings in Japan. The carbon neutral city gas derives from carbon neutral LNG purchased by Tokyo Gas from Shell Group with Shell Group's carbon credits used to offset the CO2 emissions generated in all processes from exploration to use as fuel.
The carbon neutral city gas is being used in the hybrid power generation system installed in the Marunouchi Building in March 2019 and the gas co-generation system in the district heating and cooling plant in the Otemachi Park Building. As a result, significant reductions in CO2 emissions have been achieved.
Furthermore, beginning November 2021, Marunouchi Heat Supply switched the city gas it employs at all district heating and cooling plants it operates to carbon neutral city gas. This means that now approximately 3.4 million m3 of carbon neutral city gas is supplied annually, achieving the country’s highest reduction of CO2 emissions at 97,000 t*1 per year, equivalent to the amount of city gas used in nearly 90,000 average households. In switching over fully to carbon neutral city gas, the company’s global and environmentally minded initiatives and a strong heat network has resulted in a local heat supply business contributing to better resilience and achieving a sustainable society.
Also, with the goal of popularizing carbon neutral LNG and improving its utility value, Tokyo Gas, which procures and supplies carbon neutral LNG, along with four organizations that purchase the gas, established the Carbon Neutral LNG Buyers' Alliance in March 2021 (with 44 member companies as of end of August 2022).
- The CO2 emission factor used in calculations is the value that offsets the greenhouse effect gas occurring from the process covering natural gas extraction to burning.
Promoting ZEB and ZEH in New Buildings and Rental Apartments to Reduce Environmental Impact
Uchi-Kanda 1-chome Project
Mitsubishi Estate acquired its first ZEB Ready (office category) certification for a high-rise tenant office building, tentatively called the Uchi-Kanda 1-chome Project, which is scheduled for completion at the end of November 2025. The energy conservation measures employed in this project are tested at the Group’s headquarters to ensure they are energy efficient and facilitate a comfortable environment. Starting with this property, the Group aims to achieve high environmental performance in line with ZEB requirements for all new buildings to be developed. Furthermore, in February 2023 Mitsubishi Estate Residence started construction on (tentative name) the Osaka Abeno Showa-cho 3-chome Project,* the first rental apartment building in the Kansai region to meet ZEH standards. In addition to meeting ZEH-M Oriented standards, the apartment building will use solar panels to generate electricity used in communal areas. These initiatives are part of Mitsubishi Estate Residence’s goal to meet or exceed the ZEH-M Oriented Standard in new condominiums and new rental apartments under its CO2 emissions reduction strategies (formulated in January 2022). The entire Group will work together to reduce the environmental impact of its buildings and to provide new value.
- This project falls under a basic agreement and general planning subcontracting agreement between ENEOS Corporation and Mitsubishi Estate Residence. The scheme designates ENEOS as the primary owner, while Mitsubishi Estate Residence is responsible for the project’s design and other specifications as the general planner.
Taking Measures for a Net Zero Energy Building (ZEB) at Miyako Shimojishima Airport Terminal in Okinawa
Taking Measures for a Net Zero Energy Building (ZEB) at Miyako Shimojishima Airport Terminal in Okinawa
Opened in March 2019, the Miyako Shimojishima Airport terminal is Japan's first-ever airport terminal that has earned a Net Zero Energy Building (ZEB) rating. The Group has incorporated a range of sustainable, energy-saving measures. It was designed based on a plan that will make primary energy consumption around 68% less than a comparable structure built to the national standard, and for which the project was accredited with the ZEB Ready rating by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. It has also earned the highest ranking of the Building-housing Energy-efficiency Labeling System (BELS), and is the first airport terminal in Japan to actively adopt CLT* as a structural material for its roof.
Combining Energy Saving and Energy Creation to Enable Sustainable Living The First ZEH-M Ready Feature for The Parkhouse Brand
Reducing CO2 Emissions during Condominium Construction
As part of its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions during construction, Mitsubishi Estate Residence will gradually transition to using concrete mixed with blast furnace cement, which emits fewer CO2 emissions, as a general rule for on-site piling in all new condominiums for sale or rent that it develops. The company has already introduced such concrete at 14 properties (as of Jun 2023), including Atsugi First Avenue, Chuo Nihonbashi Hisamatsucho, and The Parkhabio Bunkyo Edogawabashi.
In order to further accelerate reductions in CO2 emissions, Mitsubishi Estate Residence has used environmentally-friendly H-BA concrete (concrete with lower CO2 emissions than ordinary concrete)* in the above-ground areas of the building for The Parkhouse Hibarigaoka, scheduled to go on sale in January 2024.
- An environmentally-friendly concrete with reduced CO2 emissions during concrete manufacturing achieved by mixing ordinary Portland cement with blast furnace cement type B.
Including CO2 Emissions in Condominium Household Account Books to Raise Environmental Awareness
Since 2013, Condominium Household Account Books have been distributed to those considering buying a unit in The Parkhouse, a condominium sold by Mitsubishi Estate Residence, with the objective of communicating the environmental performance of the brand and stimulating energy-saving behavior. This account book presents approximation of utilities and other running costs to be incurred after moving into the condominium and communicates energy conservation performance in an easy-to-understand monetary value, thereby helping potential customers make more informed purchasing decisions.
Since October 2021, with the cooperation of MEC eco LIFE, Mitsubishi Estate Residence has been disclosing the CO2 emissions of each unit, which is expected to encourage residents to reduce emissions in their daily lives. Mitsubishi Estate Residence has also launched an initiative in its renovation (purchase and resale) business to provide customers with Energy Conservation Performance Reports, which disclose information on energy performance following the style of the Condominium Household Account Books.In recognition of its Condominium Household Account Books, Mitsubishi Estate Residence was selected in 2020 as a participating company in the “CO2 reduction action (zero emissions) movement—a sustainable society created by consumers and businesses,” an initiative of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Following the end of the three-year collaboration project, Mitsubishi Estate Residence will continue with a cooperation agreement for three years from 2023.Mitsubishi Estate Residence will continue to introduce the ZEH-M standard, renewable energy, and take other initiatives to achieve a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 compared with 2019, the target set in January 2022.
Condominium Household Account Book (Japanese Only)
Combining Aerotech with Solar Power Generation to Meet Net Zero-Energy House (ZEH) Standards
Combining Aerotech with Solar Power Generation to Meet Net Zero-Energy House (ZEH) Standards
Aerotech is a central air conditioning system that Mitsubishi Estate Home offers in its custom-built homes. It provides heating, cooling, and ventilation for the entire home using a single compact indoor unit. The Aerotech system delivers the industry's top-class heating and cooling efficiency that helps lower power consumption while allowing residents to control room temperatures across the entire residence, including the bath and toilet. It also contributes to preventing heatstroke and heat shock by minimizing temperature differences across the home. Since its debut in 1995, the system has been installed in more than 90% of the company's custom-built detached homes, and is in use in more than 10,000 houses. Building on a track record of 28 years since its release, the company is continuing to evolve as an entire-home air conditioning system pioneer.
Starting October 2019, Mitsubishi Estate Home, in collaboration with a service provider, began offering Zuttomo Solar for Aerotech, a service that provides free installation of solar power generation equipment for customers who purchase a detached custom-built home. By combining solar power generation with features such as Aerotech and the Home Energy Management System (HEMS), CO2 emissions can be reduced by nearly 361 kg per year compared with homes heated and cooled using individual heat pump air conditioners. Furthermore, the annual power capacity delivered by the solar power generation system (approximately 2,600 kWh equivalent*1) significantly exceeds annual heating and cooling energy expenditures (approximately 2,100 kWh equivalent*1).
Mitsubishi Estate Home established the CO2 Emissions Reduction Strategy and aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 60% (compared with fiscal 2019) by fiscal 2030 and to achieve net zero by fiscal 2050. Utilizing its Aerotech and Zuttomo Solar for Aerotech services, the company will continue promoting the Net Zero Energy House (ZEH) and the Nearly-ZEH*2 initiatives (target ZEH percentage by fiscal 2030: 85%) by upgrading the insulation performance of properties, using highly efficient equipment, and making innovations in design techniques. This will provide customers with an energy efficient, comfortable home environment while contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
- Figures are simulations by Mitsubishi Estate Home assuming an approximately 150 square meters model plan (as of July 2023).
- Advanced housing that looks ahead to ZEH. It features a highly insulated exterior shell and highly efficient, energy saving equipment with annual primary energy consumption close to zero through use of renewable energy, etc.
Initiatives proposed by the Architectural Design and Engineering Group; Environmental Architecture of Sharing Wellness and Happiness / Net Zero Energy Building (ZEB)
Initiatives proposed by the Architectural Design and Engineering Group; Environmental Architecture of Sharing Wellness and Happiness / Net Zero Energy Building (ZEB)
Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei has defined "Environmental architecture" as architecture that allows residents and users to share wellness and happiness to offer high added value architectural design. it aims to be environmentally conscious, provide comfort, promote wellness, and deliver personal design for higher productivity. This new concept delivers the design of comprehensive environmental where interactions among people create new and diverse values.
ZEB Initiatives—Achieving both Net Zero Energy Building and Comfort
In addition to improving "energy efficiency" toward ZEB, we are introducing a variety of environmentally friendly technologies in large-scale buildings with the aim of creating a highly comfortable working environment that provides diverse work styles and worker preferences. These technologies have been introduced through the development of new systems, the experimental stage, and the demonstration stage in small and medium-sized buildings, and we are working on the design of tenant office buildings with next-generation energy efficiency and comfort based on simulations and actual measurements.
CO2 Emissions Reduction Initiatives by Japan Real Estate Investment Corporation
In anticipation of the early achievement of the CO2 emissions reduction target it unveiled in 2019, Japan Real Estate Investment Corporation (JRE) is seeking to reduce its CO2 emissions by 80% by FY2030 compared with FY2019 and to achieve virtually zero emissions by FY2050 as new targets raising the rate of its CO2 emissions reductions. The new targets have been certified by the Science Based Targets (SBT) initiative.*1 In conjunction with its application to the SBT initiative, JRE has made several changes to align with global standards, such as switching to a total emissions reduction target from its previous per-unit target, revising the base year from FY2013 to FY2019, and managing emissions reduction targets for Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3.*2 In addition, JRE joined RE100, an international initiative encouraging companies to source 100% of the electricity they use in their business activities from renewable energy. Moreover, JRE will work to realize a decarbonized society by sourcing 90% of the electricity it uses at buildings under its ownership from renewable energy by FY2030 and 100% by FY2050.
- An international initiative aiming to limit the average global temperature rise resulting from climate change to below 2 ºC above pre-industrial levels
- Scope breakdown: Scope 1: Emissions caused directly by combustion of fuel (gas, fuel oil); Scope 2: Emissions caused indirectly by combustion derived from the use of electricity and local heating and cooling; and Scope 3: Emissions caused indirectly by combustion resulting from the use of fuel and electricity in relation to tenant areas, etc.
Acquisition of ZEB Certification
JRE Higashi-Gotanda 1-Chome Building
JRE aims to own 5-10 ZEBs by 2030 (including ZEB Ready and ZEB Oriented buildings). In collaboration with Mitsubishi Jisho Design Inc., we have started to verify the future possibility to make the existing properties to ZEBs through renovations. In 2021,we acquired ZEB Ready Certification for JRE Higashi-Gotanda 1Chome Building and for Daido Seimei Niigata Building in 2022,our second such certification. These are the acquisitions of ZEB Ready Certification by application at the design stage based on the assumption of renovation work in an existing building. JRE will continue to promote its ZEB initiatives in order to achieve its KPIs.
Publishing the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Security Ordinance Report on Measures against Global Warming
Publishing the Report on Measures Against Global Warming
Publishing the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Security Ordinance Report on Measures against Global Warming
Please click below to view Mitsubishi Estate's Report on Measures against Global Warming.
Publication of Minato-ku Global Warming Countermeasures Report in Accordance with the Minato-ku Global Warming Countermeasures Reporting Program
See the following for Mitsubishi Estate’s Minato-ku Global Warming Countermeasures Report.
Governance system and framework for public policy Engagement in Climate Alignement
We have management system in place for lobbying activities and trade association memberships and have a governance framework for public policy engagement with clear accountabilities up to executive level as all public policy engagements are processed according to the internal approval process up to executives. Our company has clear approval criteria for each case and executives judge according to the criteria.
In terms of reviewing and monitoring process to assess whether public policy engagements and lobbying are aligned with Paris Agreement, we examine the performance and activities of trade associations and direct lobbying activities and determining whether they are in line with the Paris Agreement based on the content of their activity reports.
If we find misalignments between climate change policy positions of trade associations and our own climate position, we would make public statements distancing the company from the misalignment, and/or would leave the trade association.
Examples of Energy Efficiency Programs
| Type of Energy Efficiency Program implemented | Description of Program |
|---|---|
| Retrofitting lighting | If the lights could be turned off when there is no one in the toilet stalls, energy use could be greatly reduced. For this reason, we replaced all of the current light fixtures in our buildings’ toilet stalls, which cannot turn off individually, with LED light fixtures equipped with sensors for detecting users. |
| Smart grid/building technology | In order to make building management efficient, we have integrated our buildings’ energy consumption information with the management system. This system can compile data across all buildings by energy type, application, time period, and so on. This allows for efficient management analysis that goes beyond individual buildings. |
| Window replacements | Coating low-insulation glass window surfaces with a special film improves their heat insulation capability as well as their ability to prevent solar radiation from entering. This can help reduce energy spent on air conditioning and improve interior spaces near windows. |
Organizing Global Warning Prevention Council Meetings
Working Together with Tenants
Organizing Global Warning Prevention Council Meetings
Mitsubishi Estate has been organizing yearly Global Warming Prevention Council meetings since 2008, collaborating with the tenants in its buildings. The Council meetings are convened for an explanation of CO2 emission reduction and energy-saving initiatives, based on the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Security Ordinance and the Energy Saving Act, and to provide updates on their progress. Mitsubishi Estate will continue this initiative to provide tenants with information on energy-saving activities underway in the building, their concrete reduction targets, and energy-saving methods that can thereby promote energy-saving activities together with its tenants.
Publication of the Sustainability Guide
Publication of the Sustainability Guide
Since fiscal 2019, Mitsubishi Estate and Japan Real Estate Asset Management have jointly published the Sustainability Guide, which is distributed to office tenants with support from Mitsubishi Jisho Property Management.
In order to realize the sustainable urban development and contribution to the SDGs set out by the Mitsubishi Estate Group, it is necessary to collaborate with all stakeholders involved in urban development and build cooperative relationships. The guide will primarily be utilized as a communication tool for promoting collaboration with office tenants to help facilitate a sustainable world.
- Main Topics
- Sustainability Guide Vol.1 (published 2019) : New office spaces and workstyle reform
- Sustainability Guide Vol.2 (published 2021) : What an office should be like in the "new normal" era・Recycling waste
Green Lease Program Benefits Both Owners and Tenants
Green Lease Program Benefits Both Owners and Tenants
Japan Real Estate Asset Management (JRE-AM), which provides asset management services for Japan Real Estate Investment (JRE), has been actively promoting renovations of equipment in building stock aimed at reducing environmental impact. Its aim is to build a portfolio that is highly rated by tenants and investors that prioritize environmental performance of buildings.
In general, building owners are reluctant to introduce environmental equipment renovations because they do not necessarily produce economic benefits commensurate with the investment. In these circumstances, JRE-AM has introduced a Green Lease Program under which a portion of the reduction in energy usage fees received by tenants is returned to building owners for a certain period. Taking advantage of the program, the company has been progressively converting lighting in tenant use areas to LED. This also has the advantage of dramatically reducing electricity fees for tenants, creating a "win-win" benefit for both tenants and building owners.
By expanding the Green Lease Program, JRE-AM will continue to provide value-added, environmentally-friendly real estate that contributes to CO2 reduction.
Establishing New Green Lease Clause
Establishing New Green Lease Clause
In order to promote energy conservation in collaboration with tenants, Mitsubishi Estate has established a new green lease clause in its lease agreement template.
See the following for the percentages of agreements based on the green lease clause.
