Tomoyo MatsudaWooden construction has been common in Japan for a long time, including old shrines and temples, and many single-family homes. On the other hand, modern buildings and condominiums utilize iron and concrete for strength to withstand earthquakes and resistance against fires. However, technological advances have created fire-resistant and earthquake-resistant wood. In addition, there is a movement to promote the use of wood toward the realization of a carbon-free society. Therefore, there has been interest in construction of wooden office buildings and condominiums in recent years.
Marui Group announced that it would rebuild Shibuya Marui, which opened in 1971, into Japan’s first full-scale wooden commercial facility. About 60% of the structure will be made of wood. Compared to the case of rebuilding with a conventional steel structure, it is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by about 2,000 tons. The facility will have two basement floors and nine floors above ground.
It will efficiently use natural energy such as natural materials and sunlight, incorporating traditional Japanese building techniques into the design. After the store opens, it will operate the facility sustainably with reduced environmental impact by adopting the highest level of sustainable technology, such as using electricity derived from renewable energy.
Marui Group, which operates 23 commercial facilities mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, is known as a leading company in sustainability management in Japan. With the vision of achieving harmony between the happiness of all stakeholders through inclusion, they are comprehensively promoting measures such as the introduction of renewable energy, with the realization of a carbon-free society and the realization of a circular economy as priority items. This project will be one of the symbols that clearly show Marui’s motivation.
