Japan’s carbon-neutral shopping malls: Sustainable destinations and city planning

Why do we still head to malls in the age of online shopping? Because malls are not only for shopping. They are places to meet with friends, grab a bite or coffee, get a haircut or mini spa treatments, squeeze in a workout or a massage and much more. In other words, shopping malls can serve as urban wellness destinations. It is, therefore, unsurprising that carbon-free shopping malls have sprung up to render them more sustainable and ethical.

Pioneers of zero-emission shopping malls

Finland’s Lippulaiva, opened in 2022, is 100% carbon neutral, thanks to 171 geothermal energy wells, 2400 sq/m of solar panels and 3500 sq/m of green roofing that can also provide heating and cooling to residential buildings in the area. The center also has over 100 charging stations for electronic vehicles and bicycles, over 1400 bicycle racks, and indoor bike storage facilities with small repair tools.

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In 2023, two shopping centers became the first in the United Kingdom to achieve net zero carbon status, and a large shopping center in Brussels also received a CO2 neutrality certificate.

Japan’s sustainable shopping malls

Japanese department stores have also made efforts to decarbonize their retail locations. Takashimaya’s new store, Otakanomore SC Flaps, which opened near Tsukuba in 2021, runs 100% on renewable energy.

Aeon, which operates shopping centers nationwide, won a top award in 2024 for its location in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture. The Aeon Mall in Toyokawa has been certified as a net zero energy building. It not only has an on-site facility for biogas generation but also turns food waste on its premises into energy and hot water. Moreover, the mall buys surplus energy from customers with charged electric vehicles to encourage renewable energy circulation.

Lippulaiva and Aeon Toyokawa showcase their community-wide engagement to facilitate a sustainable lifestyle for customers and residents in their localities. They have developed infrastructures and programs that attract environmentally conscious shoppers and serve neighborhoods.

The two-way approach makes these shopping malls a cornerstone of city planning, benefiting all. This ensures the sustainability of these businesses, creating a win-win solution.