NEWS

On January 30, 2025, Green Commons, one of the largest wooden educational buildings in Japan, received the Jury’s Encouragement Award at the SDGs Architecture Awards (formerly the Sustainable Architecture Awards), organized by the Institute for Built Environment and Carbon Neutral for SDGs. The SDGs Architecture Awards originated from the Building Energy Conservation Awards, which were established in 1985 and have been presented for over 40 years.

This award is given to buildings that demonstrate outstanding efforts towards achieving the SDGs at every stage, from planning and production to operation and disposal, in a collaborative effort among building owners, designers, builders, and users. Given the global goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions—and the fact that the construction industry accounts for 30% of Japan’s CO₂ emissions—key evaluation criteria included whether carbon-neutral materials and production methods were employed. Additionally, the evaluation process considered the well-being and comfort of those who live and work in the buildings, ensuring a multifaceted assessment.

Green Commons was recognized for its use of locally sourced timber and its role as a potential model for fire-resistant wooden school buildings. The initiative to engage students and local residents with workshops and a traditional jōtōshiki (ridge-raising ceremony) was also highly praised for contributing to the creation of a sustainable community hub.

Evaluation by the Jury

The application of warm, natural wood materials to spaces designed for interaction creates a welcoming environment, with an efficient structural system and appropriate material selection. This building makes a significant contribution to the field by exploring optimal ways to use wood in large-scale, fire-resistant wooden school buildings, setting an example for future projects.

Furthermore, the sourcing of timber from local areas and its integration into not only structural elements but also counters, signage, and lighting fixtures demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail. The workshops and jōtōshiki that involved students turned the construction of the new school building into a major community event, engaging a wide range of stakeholders. Taken together, these efforts will contribute to the development of a sustainable regional hub.

This kind of building creation process provides an excellent opportunity to put the principles of the SDGs into practice. The jury expresses its deepest respect for the efforts of the clients, designers, and builders involved in this project.