First in Japan for Large-Scale Office Buildings in LEED-NC
Daikin Industries, Ltd., recently received the highest rank of Platinum Certification in the LEED* for New Construction (LEED-NC) rating system for the Technology and Innovation Center (hereinafter referred to as “TIC”). This was the first time in Japan for a large-scale office building to obtain this level.
Developed and managed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is a green building certification system that has expanded globally as an evaluation system for environmentally- responsible buildings and area development. Environmentally-responsible buildings are considered superior from the viewpoint of administrative costs and real estate property values, and the trend toward obtaining LEED certification, which originated in the United States, is accelerating worldwide, including in the Middle East and Asia.
The TIC is a building structure that combines Daikin technologies for achieving a zero energy building (ZEB). Here new energy-saving technologies are constantly being tested and verified with the building serving as a solution model for sustainability. In receiving this certification, the company earned high praise for its efforts for the TIC overall as well as for energy savings centered on Daikin air conditioning technologies, the comfort of the indoor environment, and the planning involved for energy measurement and data collection.
Additionally, Japan’s Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) awarded the TIC its highest level of S rank. With the TIC as the core facility for technology development for the Daikin Group, Daikin will continue verification and testing of the latest technologies for ZEB and create new value that contributes to resolving the various issues affecting society such as the environment and energy.
Key Evaluation Points for LEED Platinum Certification
Energy & Atmosphere and Indoor Environment Quality
- Adoption of highly efficient individual zone AC system
(High sensible heat processing VRV system + Heat pump desiccant humidity control OA unit DESICA) - Active use of natural energy (natural ventilation, natural lighting)
- Use of renewable energy (Solar energy, Geothermal heat)
- Detailed energy measurement and testing plans, third-party commissioning
Innovation
- Implementation of laboratory carbon management and visualization by signage
Water Efficiency
- Use of rain water on a large scale
- Use of water conservation devices including toilets
Regional Priority
- Creation of a forest of native plants on the premises
* Concerning LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design)
LEED is managed by the U.S. Green Building Council and is an environmental evaluation index for international buildings. In addition to New Construction, there are other LEED rating systems including Core & Shell, Existing Building Operation & Maintenance, Schools, and Retail.
In LEED-NC (New Construction), eight categories are evaluated such as Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environment Quality, Innovation, and Regional Priority. Certification levels are divided into Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum according to points scored.
Summary of the Technology and Innovation Center (TIC)
| Owner | Daikin Industries, Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Design/Supervision | Nikken Sekkei Ltd and NTT Facilities, Inc. |
| Construction | Takenaka Corporation |
| Location | 1-1 Nishihitotsuya, Settsu City, Osaka Prefecture |
| Completion | November 2015 |
| Number of floors | 1 floor below ground, 6 floors above ground, Penthouse 2 floors |
| Total floor area | 47,911.86m2 |
| Structure | Steel construction, steel framed reinforced concrete structure |
