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What made you decide to join the company?
During my career in the real estate development industry, I was concerned about the lack of sustainability in it, as projects often involve new destruction of nature. It was during this time that I came across the concept of green building certification. I decided to dive into this field because I thought it would allow me to utilize my experience while promoting sustainable building and urban development. By working at Woonerf, I felt that I could make the most of my skills and knowledge to help realize a sustainable future.
What is your current job description?
Currently, as a project manager for LEED BD+C certification, I am responsible for communicating with architects, construction companies, and certification bodies, managing project progress, and coordinating certification procedures to ensure a successful certification process. I also take on the challenge of LEED for Cities & Communities, a certification that evaluates entire cities and communities. In addition, we are working on a new certification system called WELL for Residential, leveraging our expertise in the residential sector, and are in the process of promoting it in Japan.
What are some of your most memorable experience at Woonerf so far?
It was a very memorable experience for me that the first residential project I took on as a project manager after joining the company led to LEED certification. The project was planned in the town where I used to live when I was a student, and I was able to take the first step in my new career in a place that I could say was my starting point, which gave me a lot of confidence in my subsequent work.
What did you do in your previous job?
I have worked for construction companies and real estate consulting firms, focusing on design supervision and real estate development planning. In particular, I have worked on a large number of projects involving multi-family housing, and have been involved in a variety of housing developments of different forms.
What have you learned as a student that has helped you in your current job?
At university, I belonged to the Department of Architecture in the Faculty of Engineering, where I learned specialized knowledge about architectural design and urban planning. In particular, my graduation research on the reconstruction of apartment complexes led me to develop an interest in the design and planning of housing complexes, and the theory and knowledge I learned are still useful in my current work.
Are there any distortions you felt when you joined the company?
I thought I understood that consulting for LEED certification work requires knowledge of equipment-related matters and English language skills, but there were times when I realized my lack of skills. Nevertheless, I find the environment where I can take on new challenges and communicate with non-Japanese employees and experts in other fields very interesting and a big attraction for me. I find it very rewarding to work together with diverse members in a flat organization to advance projects toward a common goal.
Please share how you spend your day at work.
I use remote work and office work flexibly. On days when I have no special plans, I concentrate on work at home in the morning and come to the office in the afternoon for meetings and site checks. By avoiding the commuter rush, I can greatly reduce stress and work more efficiently. I also appreciate the fact that the work environment allows me to spend time with my family while still being able to work.
How do you feel about the company and your job?
I believe that the green building industry is a very unique field in which economic efficiency and social responsibility can be achieved simultaneously. I find it very rewarding to be able to utilize my previous experience in the building industry, while at the same time being able to contribute to the environment and society through my work. Working for this company opens up new possibilities in my career.
How you spend your time off
I am leading a beekeeping project at the condominium where I live and devote my weekend time to this activity. I enjoy beekeeping with the residents of the condominium and the local community through hives set up in the common area of the condominium, and I conduct community activities through the harvesting of honey and the operation of a beekeeping school.
