Circulating Tokyo food waste into fresh Megunegi leeks

Nittetsu Kowa Real Estate Co., Ltd. has launched a partnership with waste collection specialist Toshikankyo Engineering, organic waste processor Bio Energy, and agricultural firm Kitamoto Agri for a resource circulation initiative at its Akasaka Intercity AIR complex in Minato Ward, Tokyo.

The property developer collects food waste generated by tenant eateries within the multi-storey complex Akasaka Intercity AIR. The food waste then undergoes methane fermentation at a dedicated processing facility. This biological treatment process generates biogas for renewable energy production, while the residual organic sludge is converted into nutrient-rich agricultural compost. Kitamoto Agri then uses the recycled compost to cultivate Megunegi leeks on farm plots located in Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture.

The harvested produce completes the cycle by returning directly to the source. The Megunegi leeks feature in dish offerings at tenant events held within Akasaka Intercity AIR, such as seasonal food stalls, and serve as ingredients in Nittetsu Kowa Real Estate’s corporate employee canteen. The project name “Megunegi” derives from the Japanese word “meguru,” which means “circulation,” combined with “megumi,” expressing the natural blessings shared between urban communities and rural food producers.

Commercial real estate developments in metropolitan areas generate substantial volumes of food waste that traditionally end up in incineration plants. Diverting commercial organic waste from municipal incinerators allows the partners to mitigate methane releases and carbon emissions associated with waste disposal.

Nittetsu Kowa Real Estate intends to expand this closed-loop model across its commercial property portfolio, eventually enhancing the environmental performance of its managed estate.